IDOL System

Chapter Seventeen: The Audition Day

Jiwon woke up the next day with a sense of renewed purpose. Today was the day he would finally apply to an entertainment company—an opportunity he had dreamt about for so long. The weight of the previous day's vocal training session still lingered in his throat, but he pushed through the discomfort, knowing that this was a crucial step in his journey.

[Task Update: Prepare for Audition. Duration: 3 Hours. Ensure Confidence Level is High.]

The system's notification buzzed in his mind, sending a surge of determination through him. He spent the morning getting ready, carefully choosing an outfit that would highlight his new physique. He settled on a fitted black shirt and sleek jeans, hoping to showcase his transformation while still looking approachable.

As he stood in front of the mirror, he practiced his smile, imagining the judges in front of him. He needed to project confidence, even if he felt like a bundle of nerves inside. This is your chance, Jiwon. You've worked hard for this.

Once dressed, he grabbed his bag, which contained a few essentials: his water bottle, a small notebook filled with song lyrics, and a folder with his application.

The bus ride to the entertainment company felt surreal. Jiwon watched the city pass by, the bustling streets filled with people going about their lives. He could almost hear the music playing in his head, envisioning himself on stage.

As he arrived at the company's building, he felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. The towering structure loomed above him, a symbol of everything he wanted to achieve. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of the system's support.

[Task Reminder: Stay Focused. Remember Vocal Skills Acquired.]

Stepping inside, he approached the reception desk, his heart racing. "Hi, I'm here for the audition," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

The receptionist smiled warmly. "Great! Just fill out this form and wait in the lounge. They'll call you when it's your turn."

Jiwon nodded and took a seat in the waiting area, surrounded by other hopefuls. Some were nervously practicing their routines, while others chatted excitedly with friends. He felt a pang of envy at their camaraderie, wishing he had someone to share this moment with.

As he sat there, he recalled the harsh words of his classmates, the teasing and bullying that had pushed him to this point. But now, he felt stronger. I'm not that boy anymore. He was determined to prove himself.

Minutes turned into what felt like hours, and finally, the loudspeaker announced, "Next up, Jiwon Lee."

His heart pounded as he stood up, making his way to the audition room. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of everything he had trained for. The system had prepared him for this moment, and he couldn't let the opportunity slip away.

Inside the room, three judges sat behind a long table, their expressions serious and scrutinizing. Jiwon swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their gaze on him. He cleared his throat and stepped forward, ready to show them what he could do.

"Please introduce yourself and perform your piece," one of the judges said, their voice flat and professional.

"Hello, I'm Jiwon Lee. I'll be performing a cover of 'Love Me Like You Do' by Ellie Goulding," he said, his voice trembling slightly but gaining strength as he spoke.

As he began to sing, he focused on the music, letting it flow through him. He remembered all the training sessions, the countless hours spent honing his skills, and the sacrifices he made. He poured his heart into the performance, closing his eyes to block out the judges' watchful eyes.

[Progress Update: Vocal Skill Level C Achieved. Performance Mode Engaged.]

With the system pushing him to stay focused, he felt a rush of adrenaline. The lyrics came alive, and he found himself lost in the moment. Each note rang out clear and confident, and he felt a connection to the song that he had never experienced before.

As he finished, he opened his eyes to see the judges exchanging glances. There was a flicker of surprise in their expressions, and for a moment, he dared to hope.

"Thank you, Jiwon. We appreciate your performance," one judge said, taking notes. "We'll be in touch regarding the results."

Jiwon nodded, a mixture of relief and anxiety flooding through him as he exited the room. He had done his best, but he couldn't shake the uncertainty of what would come next. The wait for the results would be agonizing.

After leaving the building, Jiwon stepped outside, inhaling the fresh air. He felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted. Regardless of the outcome, he had taken a significant step toward his dream, and that was worth celebrating.

[Task Complete: Audition Successfully Completed. Awaiting Results.]

As he walked home, his heart raced with anticipation. He couldn't help but think about what it would mean to join an entertainment company. The friendships he could form, the stages he could grace, and the fans who might one day cheer for him.

But there was still a lingering worry—the fear that he might not be good enough. What if they don't see my potential?

He shook his head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts. He had come too far to let fear dictate his future.

Once home, he settled into his room, but his mind raced with possibilities. He pulled out his notebook and began writing down his thoughts, crafting lyrics that reflected his journey—his struggles, his dreams, and the desire to be someone who could inspire others.

As night fell, Jiwon felt a sense of hope wash over him. No matter the outcome, he was becoming the person he wanted to be. The journey was just beginning, and he was ready to embrace whatever came next.