Before You

Final Performances

It was time. The performances that would lead to elimination were here. The remaining contestants had been split into 2 groups of 5.

Chan, Minho, Hyunjin, Jeongin, and 1 other contestant in 1 group. Felix, Jisung, Seungmin, Changbin, and the last remaining contenstant in another.

"Ok everyone listen up, it has been decided that the 2 lowest scoring contenstants of this round will be going home. Make sure that you show your best today and impress." He started sounding like a tv presenter, and it annoyed the group of 8 friends who were quickly split up.

"Group 1, please grab your nametags and follow me. Group 2, I would suggest you all focus on finalizing details of your performance and keep warm." The coach waved the first group over to follow him.

The friend group did a final group hug before the members of group 1 separated to follow the coach.

"Good luck guys! You're gonna do great!" Felix yelled after them. He may not know all Korean well, but of course he learned good sportsmanship phrases. The members of group 1 all looked at eachother and smiled in adoration of the Australian's sweet nature.

Hyunjin, Chan, Minho, and Jeongin entered into a large room with black walls and a black floor. 2 spotlights were side by side illuminating the middle of the large stage like area. There was a long table across the front of the room with 5 people sitting waiting. The coach directed the group to the area lit up by the spotlight and took the 6th seat at the table in front of them.

The tension in the room was thick and the boys could feel the 6 men staring them down in silence. Finally one of the men in the center of the table spoke up.

"Welcome. This is the time that you will have to show us the skills you have been working on. We have a document with the credits you all put into this number. As you know, today you will be graded on your dance, musicality, production, rap, singing, and overal stage presence. As you are also aware, 2 of you will be eliminated at the end of the day today. If there is anything you have been holding back on showing us, now is the time to present it. Goodluck." The intimidating man nodded at the group  to let them know to get into position and signaled for the music to start.

You could almost hear all the hearts beating in the room. Suddenly the music started and everyone started to move. Chan and Hyunjin immediately got their performance modes on, and loved every second of it. Hyunjin knew that he wasn't perfect and that there were always things to improve, but in this moment all he could do was get lost in the thrill of the show.

He almost forgot that he only did this to encourage Minho to do it, but man did he love performing. He didn't even think of the possibility of going home, he just gave it his all. Chan put everything he had into proving that he could sing and rap during the piece.  He focused on his strengths. Jeongin belted during his solo singing line, and Minho put everything into his dance. Before they knew it the piece ended and they bowed to the group of men in front of them.

They stood there in silence while the men deliberated for a minute. They started going down the line to give the boys their comments.

"Chan. I liked your energy on stage and how you seemed to lead the performance, however, your stability could use some work and your dancing didn't stand out to us." Chan nodded toward the men and took his place back in line.

"Jeongin. You have a got a voice full of potential and when you stand still it showcases beautifully, but it was at times hard to listen to when you dance because you could hear your movement through your voice." Jeongin, who was the youngest, seemed emotional over the comment but held it together like a champ, nodding politely and scooting back in line.