The S-Rank Paparazzi Reincarnates as an Idol - Chapter 61

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 61
“What if we removed a few of the high-difficulty dance moves from the main performance?”
“…What?”
An unexpected suggestion drew an involuntary sigh of relief from me.
Fortunately, he wasn’t gunning for the center position.
While my teammates exchanged glances, Kang Chan continued to voice his ideas.
“Instead, we could use props and stage equipment to create a more spectacular performance.”
“How?”
The Eldest Trainee, who had been struggling most with the choreography, suddenly brightened.
“Our team still has remaining budget, right? What if we use that money to purchase a throne and crown, then have them appear during the main performance with special effects?”
‘That’s actually not bad.’
The throne and crown were props that perfectly matched our symbolism.
They would become the medium through which we could convey our message far more powerfully.
“I looked into it and found some magnificent thrones and crowns that fit both our budget and concept. Would you like to see the photos?”
‘He even researched the products in advance—he’s really prepared.’
As my teammates, who had been listening intently, saw the photos Kang Chan offered, their eyes began to sparkle with life.
The throne, draped in crimson velvet, bore intricate deep golden patterns carved into its center.
The armrests extended in dynamic curves like a lion’s mane, with small jewels densely studded along the edges.
The high-quality crown featured black gems and crimson rubies alternating across a five-pronged metal frame.
Ornate yet commanding in its weight, it was the kind of centerpiece that harmonized perfectly with our song.
“…Wow! The props are stunning!”
“If we make the change as Kang Chan suggested, we can definitely reduce the high-difficulty performance while still creating a spectacular stage.”
“And it matches the costumes and concept perfectly.”
Because it was a considerate suggestion that accommodated teammates with relatively weaker dancing abilities, their expressions noticeably brightened.
‘I thought he only knew dance, but he actually has a good eye for this.’
“With props and stage equipment like this, the main performance can be spectacular even without high dance difficulty, and the center will stand out even more.”
Kang Chan glanced at Yoo Ho-seung with an impassive expression.
‘He doesn’t show it, but he’s clearly put a lot of thought and consideration into this.’
Though Kang Chan spoke simply, I could sense the depth of contemplation behind his words.
Seeing my teammates briefly hesitate at the reality that less than a week remained until the competition, I quickly spoke up.
“I’m in favor. If Ho-seung sits on the throne and wears the crown, we can definitely capture the audience’s attention.”
As I cast the first vote of support, my teammates, who had been gauging the mood, began adding their votes one by one.
“I agree too.”
“Me as well. Honestly, the main performance section was so difficult that it was weighing on us, but if we change it, we’ll be able to execute it much more smoothly.”
The teammate, whose face had grown quite haggard from the grueling practice, now showed a spark of vitality in their eyes.
“Then since everyone’s in agreement, let’s proceed with the revised choreography.”
“Yes.”
“We don’t have much time left until the competition, so let’s all give it our best!”
“Let’s go!”
The team’s morale, unlike before, now burned with fierce determination.
The atmosphere had definitely improved.
Hours of passionate dance practice unfolded with my eager teammates, their enthusiasm infectious and boundless.
Only when several of us were sprawled on the floor, gasping for breath, did we finally get a brief rest.
I couldn’t help but think: dancing never got easier, no matter how many times I did it.
My skills had improved considerably since before, yet the hunger for perfection remained as sharp as ever.
As frustration washed over me, I found myself reaching for a 500mL water bottle, gulping down its contents.
“Cha Si-woo.”
At the sound of that low, measured voice, I lifted my head and our eyes met—Kang Chan’s.
“Yes?”
Despite sharing the same dormitory and practicing together every day, we remained awkward enough that even as peers, we still spoke to each other formally.
“You’re struggling with the section after the verse, aren’t you?”
Had he been watching me the whole time?
“Yes.”
“I’ll give you one-on-one coaching. Will you come over here?”
In Kang Chan’s expressionless eyes, I thought I detected a faint intensity burning beneath the surface.
“Yes!”
I nodded solemnly and approached him, only to regret the decision moments later.
This was the most grueling dance session I’d ever experienced.
The faster I tried to keep up with Kang Chan’s movements, the more labored my breathing became.
Even as I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand, my body was already moving toward the next sequence.
My heart pounded wildly, my lungs gasping for air, yet my feet and arms never faltered—they chased the rhythm relentlessly.
My chest heaved with exertion and my throat burned from the desperate need for oxygen, yet strangely, my spirit felt refreshed.
Learning properly from someone made all the difference—my progress accelerated far beyond what I could achieve alone.
It was a surprisingly good feeling.
***
Finally, tomorrow is the competition.
My heart raced at the realization that this was a crucial stage directly tied to rankings.
I was immersed in preparing for the competition in the Practice Room, where ragged breathing echoed through the air.
Bang—!
The Practice Room door swung open violently with a heavy thud.
Every eye in the Practice Room snapped toward the entrance.
The music from the speakers cut off abruptly, and silence descended over the air thick with sweat and heat.
What was this?
Bright light from the Corridor spilled through the gap, and a silhouette appeared.
“Royal Team! Move to the Auditorium right now.”
It was the Production Staff.
“What?”
The cameras captured our bewildered expressions perfectly as we stood drenched in sweat.
“Move quickly.”
At the Production Staff’s firm command, I hurried out of the Practice Room.
“What are they trying to do?”
Yoo Ho-seung naturally approached and walked beside me.
“Hmm.”
As I racked my brain, one thing came to mind.
“Ah! Today’s the day episode 9 airs. They probably want to film us all watching it together.”
That was it.
Every day before a competition was a Friday when Star picking5 aired on TX Net.
“Right. I just checked the time, and the broadcast should start soon.”
As Yoo Ho-seung and I chatted, we arrived at the Auditorium before I knew it.
When we got there, quite a few trainees had already gathered.
Once the PD in Charge confirmed that all trainees had assembled in front of the Auditorium, he quickly raised the microphone.
“Everyone, it’s the day before the competition—how’s your stage preparation going?”
“Yes.”
“Yeah~”
The exhausted trainees gave their best reactions while looking at the camera’s red light.
The sight was quite something—trainees soaked in sweat mixed with those who had rushed out of the shower.
“Everyone, we have a surprise announcement.”
The sudden announcement caused quite a stir around us.
“Right after episode 9 airs today, the National Directors will hold their third round of voting!”
That was it.
Rankings would be determined once more through voting, and eliminations would follow.
Life sparked in the trainees’ faces, and their eyes gleamed sharply.
The determination to win was written across every face.
My drowsiness vanished instantly.
Despite the grueling schedule with only five hours of sleep each night, my mind suddenly felt alert and alive.
“It looks like time’s up. Would everyone please come into the Auditorium?”
“Yes!”
Following the Production Team’s guidance, I stepped into the Auditorium.
The darkened Auditorium was illuminated only by an enormous Screen.
The TX Net Channel was displayed on the Screen.
“It’s dark, so everyone move carefully.”
‘It’s darker than I expected. Why aren’t they turning on the lights? This is dangerous.’
“Trainees, watch the person in front of you carefully so you don’t trip.”
Finally, all the trainees had entered the Auditorium.
“Turn on the lights!”
At the Staff Member’s shout, intense lighting suddenly blazed on.
Bang!
‘I got eye-blinded here too.’
“Ugh!”
“You scared me!”
“What?!”
With cameras positioned all around, a live chat window appeared on the right side of the Screen.
“Trainees! Today we’ll be broadcasting live as you watch episode 9 of the main broadcast.”
“…!”
“I’m sorry…?”
‘Like this?’
For reference, I was in a state of sleep deprivation with dark circles extending down to my cheekbones.
In short, my appearance was a disaster.
“What do I do…!”
“I’m not even wearing makeup!”
The other trainees seemed equally flustered, and the atmosphere in the Auditorium instantly became chaotic.
As if enjoying this atmosphere, the chat window appearing on the right side of the Screen began scrolling rapidly.
hahaha
[Looks like the kids are panicking?]
[So that’s how they normally look]
[Cute]
[Ho-seung, let’s debut!]
“Did they not know the kids were actually doing it live? The reactions are hilarious lol”
“Is this really a live broadcast?”
“You mean the fans are seeing us like this…?”
Enjoying the reactions of several trainees whose morale had collapsed, the PD in Charge picked up the microphone.
“Yes. Your genuine reactions right now are being broadcast live to everyone. So before we start the main broadcast in earnest, would you please take your seats?”
The real-time viewer count displayed in the corner on the right had already exceeded 500,000.
Satisfied with the continuously increasing numbers, the PD in Charge’s lips curved higher and higher.
“Everyone, please sit in your seats according to your name tags.”
It seems they’re seating us by team this time to prevent team spoilers.
“The broadcast starts soon, so please move quickly.”
Following the Staff Member who urged me along while checking the time, I finally managed to confirm the name tag attached to my chair.
“Hey, Si-woo. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
At the familiar voice, I turned my head to the right to find Rua grinning brightly as he took the seat beside me.
“Don’t tell me this seat…”
“Looks like it’s the right one, doesn’t it?”
When I turned my head to the left, I could see Kim Sun-yu seated next to Yoo Ho-seung.
“That’s right.”
The seating arrangement had been organized so that the higher-ranked trainees sat in the front row where the camera captured them best.
‘Same as always.’
Still, this kind of gimmick always works well in competitions.
“Trainees, episode 9 of the broadcast begins in one minute, so we’d appreciate your genuine reactions!”
In other words, we were supposed to react well on cue.
As soon as all the trainees were seated, the TX Affiliate Companies advertisement ended.
The chat window scrolling rapidly was already impossible to follow with my eyes.
‘Already episode 9—time really does fly.’
On the day I first received the Quest, I’d wondered: could I actually survive an idol audition?
But I’d done my best to survive, and the result of that effort was now being broadcast.
On the massive screen, my unfamiliar appearance with makeup was displayed.
“Pfft!”
“Hahahaha!”
Laughter erupted from all around as Rua started jabbing my forearm beside me.
‘I’ve felt this before—this guy hits surprisingly hard.’
Dodging Rua’s strikes and turning my gaze back to the screen, a close-up of me looking bewildered after pulling a Heart Ping bread from the claw machine was being broadcast.
‘Why are they zooming in on that moment of all things?’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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