GIJS

Chapter 60

Let's work on something together (This is the last free round)

"The benefit given to the top participant of the Jeju Island surprise mission is... priority choice of team members for the finals!"

The reward for the mission was exactly as Gunja had expected.

Team member choice. As Gunja had felt from the first mission, there was no greater privilege than being able to clearly see the members' abilities.

Moreover, with only fifteen survivors left, the team member choice held even more significance.

If fifteen people are divided into two teams, one side will necessarily have an odd number, and the other side will have an even number.

Through three team missions so far, Gunja realized:

It's always more advantageous to have an odd number of members to decorate the stage beautifully. You can place one person in the center and create a symmetrical structure.

Having the team member choice means having the "odd-number team choice" as well.

"Alright, participant Yoon Gunja! Please choose the team members for the finals. If you need some time to think..."

"No, I'll choose right away."

Without hesitation, Gunja began to call out the names of the teammates.

Starting with Yuchan and Taewoong, then Hyun-su, Hyun-jae, Siwoo, and Inhyuk.

Adding Gunja, they made a total of seven members. The called members gathered in one place as if they had made a promise.

"Finally, we're all gathered like this."

"...I'm so happy to be on the same team like this..."

"I don't know about debuting, but I'm glad we're a team in the end."

"Hey, don't say you don't know! We should debut with exactly this lineup."

"Ahaha, that would be great~"

Although these friends had shared a stage with Gunja at least once before, this was the first time all seven were preparing a stage together.

They were teammates who had been on stage together and participants who had visited the Yeonguijeong Daegam's residence.

Except for Hyun Siwoo and Ki Yuchan, the current ranking members were either on the brink or outside the debut zone. However, Gunja was confident.

To create the best stage, he had to work with these friends.

The remaining members, including Min Kangyeol and Joo Ha-sung, seemed somewhat relieved with the team choice.

Although being an even number was a disadvantage, it was fortunate that they were grouped with participants of this ranking level despite losing the team choice.

"Now, I'll explain the final round's competition format. As with last season, you'll need to prepare two performances for the finals. First, I'll reveal the list of songs for the first performance."

As the explanation began, Jeong Haegyeon removed the stickers from the blackboard.

Five songs were prepared, ranging from well-known to unfamiliar to everyone.

"You will select one of these songs, arrange it, and perform it as your first round. For the second round, you'll perform the theme song of the Idol Training Simulation, [PLAY!]."

When the name of the theme song was mentioned, some participants sighed in relief. Unlike original songs where they had to memorize lyrics and create choreography from start to finish, [PLAY!] was a song already familiar to everyone.

However, Jeong Haejin didn't put down the microphone, as if the explanation wasn't over yet.

"However, it's also possible to prepare another original song instead of the theme song [PLAY!]."

"...?"

"Of course, you don't have to prepare an original song. You can choose to perform [PLAY!] or prepare a new original song within the next ten days. You can decide with your team members."

The word "original song" made Gunja's team members look towards Hyun-su.

The opposing team, which had no member capable of producing, would likely perform the theme song [PLAY!]. However, Gunja's team had a choice.

Whether to perform the familiar theme song or prepare a new original song.

In fact, creation is a double-edged sword. The song may not turn out as great as expected. Moreover, creating a new performance adds a much bigger burden than using a prepared theme song.

The member who would bear the greatest burden would be Hyun-su, who had to create a whole song. That's why all eyes were on him.

But Hyun-su, confident as ever, had a burning look in his eyes.

"Let's definitely do an original song."

"!"

"Since we went to the songwriting camp with senior Nauri, we should do an original song."

"Oh, Hyun-su!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, it's fine. We can stay up all night."

Hyunsu's solution was simple yet stubborn.

From the very first mission to now, it had always been like this. No matter what the opponent did, they always walked the righteous path like a steadfast bamboo.

After the explanation of the final round competition format, the coin distribution took place.

Bonus coins were given according to the final viewer rankings of the individual broadcast mission in Jeju Island.

Gunja, who ranked first, received an additional 2,000 coins, and Joo Ha-sung, who came second, received 1,000 coins.

Taewoong grumbled about the rapid coin inflation.

"What's this? They gave 100 coins at first and acted all high and mighty..."

"Exactly. It's like the recreation scores at a training camp."

"Ha-ha, right. They start by giving 10 points and later give out 30,000 points."

After the coin distribution, MC Jeong Haegyeon took the microphone again.

"Now, the opportunity to earn coins officially ends. The only thing left is to decide how to use these coins."

"..."

"Here's the current status of your coins."

When Jeong Haegyeon pressed the remote, the LED screen displayed the survivors' coin amounts.

[Yoon Gunja: 5,900 coins] [Hyun Siwoo: 2,710 coins] [Ki Yuchan: 1,815 coins] [Joo Ha-sung: 1,420 coins]
...

"As before, you will use these coins as currency to prepare for the final stage. However, this time one thing will be different!"

When Jeong Haegyeon pressed the remote again, the numbers on the screen changed slightly.

[Yoon Gunja: 59,000,000 won] [Hyun Siwoo: 27,100,000 won] [Ki Yuchan: 18,150,000 won] [Joo Ha-sung: 14,200,000 won]

The term 'coins' was replaced with 'won.' The meaning was simple.

"The coins you've accumulated so far will be converted to cash!"

"!"

"Each coin equals 10,000 won! So, the top participant Yoon Gunja will receive 59,000,000 won in cash!"

The appearance of this new rule caused the participants to buzz again.

"Now, we'll start individual interviews. You will decide whether to take your cash prize or invest it in this stage! The choice is yours!"

* * *

In the interview room were trainers Jang Minhyuk, So Yejin, Young Eunchae, and the general producer Kim Seokhoon.

Starting with the 15th ranked in coin holdings, the highlight was Gunja's turn, who had accumulated a total of 59,000,000 won.

"What will Gunja do?"

"Hmm... I don't think he'll say he wants the prize money."

"So, will he put all 59 million into the stage?"

"...If it's Gunja... he might do just that."

"Young-sunbae, you shouldn't call participants 'nim'."

However, Gunja's choice was somewhat different from what the trainers had anticipated.

From the moment he secured the available cash, Gunja's decision had already been made.

As soon as he entered the interview room, Gunja first asked Producer Kim Seokhoon.

"Can this money only be used to purchase stage equipment or props?"

"Well, yes."

Upon hearing Producer Kim Seokhoon's response, Gunja nodded and gave his answer.

"Then, I'll invest 19 million won out of the 59 million won in stage equipment. Since the stage design is not yet finalized, may I decide on the specific equipment or props later?"

"Of course. But then what about the remaining 40 million won..."

"I'll keep that for myself."

"—!?!?"

The unexpected answer caused all four people in the interview room to open their mouths in shock simultaneously.

"What, keep it? The money? Forty million?"

"Yes."

"Gunja, you're more of a surprise than I expected?"

While the trainers and PD Kim Seok-hoon were surprised, Gunja remained completely unshaken.

"Now, is the 40 million won mine?"

"Y-yes, that's right. It is."

"Ha-ha, this is really unexpected."

"It's my money, so I can do whatever I want with it, right?"

"Well, that's true."

Hearing Kim Seok-hoon's words, Gunja smiled brightly and addressed him.

"Then, PD-nim, could you work on one thing with me?"

"?"

"I have something I really want to do."

"??"

"Of course, I will pay you. I have 40 million won, after all."

"???"

Kim Seok-hoon looked at Gunja with a bewildered expression and burst into laughter.

"Wait, are you saying you want to outsource something to me?"

"Yes."

"Are you serious?"

"It's for the benefit of everyone."

"Ha-ha, this is really crazy. Alright, Gunja. Let's hear what you have in mind!"

* * *

After all the interviews were completed, the two teams went to their respective practice spaces to prepare for the final stage.

The song chosen by 'Team Yu Gunja' for the first round of the competition was the girl group Ponyta's "ACACIA."

It was a song strongly recommended by Ji Hyun-su, who was in charge of the arrangement.

"This song's theme is 'secret love.' This time, we'll sample the pipa brought by Gunja and arrange it because I think the theme and top-line melody of 'ACACIA' match the pipa sound really well."

"I agree. I've decided to trust Ji Hyun-su's arrangements."

"And the second song is a creation, right? So if possible, I'd like to prepare a mashup stage that can follow this song immediately."

"Oh, that sounds great!"

"Ha-ha, exactly. We can't do that with 'PLAY!'"

The idea of connecting the two songs was agreed upon by everyone.

But how should they connect them?

How should they set up the concept of the second creation song so that the two songs blend naturally?

It was indeed a challenging task, and the members were deep in thought.

"Hmm, the concept of the second song is the problem."

"Wouldn't it be boring if we just pushed 'secret love'?"

"I disagree. 'ACACIA' is a song that emphasizes vocals a lot, and since the first song will have a powerful sound, the audience might get bored."

"Yeah, I agree with Hyun-su. We need to change the concept to avoid boredom."

"Well, what about 'non-secret love'?"

"'Non-secret love song'? Is there a reference?"

"Yes! John Legend's 'P.D.A.' also fits..."

"P.D.A.? Public displays of affection? Ugh."

"Hey, we're idols."

"Well, that's a bit..."

"Concept, concept... Ugh, it's giving me a headache."

Even after a meeting that lasted until dawn, they couldn't come up with a suitable idea.

"Ha, let's take a break."

"Okay, let's rest for just 20 minutes."

Gunja also went out to the backyard of the dorm to clear his head.

"The early morning air is really refreshing."

When trapped in the dusty underground practice room, he felt his head wasn't working. But stepping outside and feeling the breeze made Gunja feel a bit more alive.

As he strolled in the backyard with his hands behind his back, he accidentally ran into Joo Ha-sung.

"...Ha-sung hyung."

There were no cameras in the backyard.

At this point, just before the final stage, it seemed Joo Ha-sung no longer had any intention of hiding his animosity towards Gunja.

"Oh, it's Yu Gunja."

"Yes, hyung."

"Don't call me hyung; it ruins my appetite."

"...."

Joo Ha-sung seemed to dislike everything about Gunja.

"Do you even take walks with your hands behind your back?"

"...."

"Are you doing this on purpose to be funny? Or have you really been consumed by the concept?"

"Do you really hate me that much, hyung?"

"I told you not to call me that."

Joo Ha-sung was blunt, but Gunja felt he understood his feelings. Somehow, he wasn't even angry anymore.

"I understand."

"?"

"Since you keep losing, it must be hard for you."

"What are you talking about?"

"If I kept losing like that, I think I'd be boiling with anger."

"!?"

"Hyung, let go of your excessive competitive spirit. It might help you feel a little better."

"Y-you...!"

"Unless you're sure you can win, wouldn't losing again just hurt you more?"

Joo Ha-sung's face was flushed red even in the dark. Seeing his expression, Gunja realized he might have gone too far with his advice.

Even though it was meant as advice, it could have come across as provocation.

"Well then, I hope you're well..."

Gunja bowed his head and was about to hurry away when...

"Hey!"

Joo Ha-sung shouted at Gunja's back.

"...This concept junkie."

Hearing the term "concept junkie," Gunja's eyes widened.

"You think this concept junkie act will last forever?"

"...."

"If you think it will go all the way..."

But before Joo Ha-sung could finish his sentence, Gunja suddenly turned around and ran towards him.

"!"

Joo Ha-sung flinched for a moment, but instead of swinging a fist, Gunja embraced him tightly.

"Hyung, thank you!"

"—!?"

"Thanks to you, I think I can solve the problem that had been unsolvable!"

"W-what is this..."

"Really, thank you so much!"

Seeing Gunja hugging him and smiling brightly, Joo Ha-sung could only roll his eyes in confusion.

However, on the day of the live broadcast competition, 11 days later...

[Now, the stage of 'The Seven Scholars' will begin—!!]

After watching Yu Gunja's team, 'The Seven Scholars,' Joo Ha-sung finally understood why Gunja had embraced him that morning.