SCI MYSTERY (idol au)

Chapter 10: The Semifinals

As the days rolled on, the SCI team continued to evolve, their hard work paying off as they progressed to the semifinals of the talent show. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and nerves; they were now among the top teams, but the pressure weighed heavily on their shoulders. This stage of the competition brought a twist: they would have to split into two teams, each performing a different song from distinct genres. The stakes had never been higher.

After a lengthy discussion, the team decided to divide themselves based on their strengths and comfort levels with the assigned songs. Bai Yutong, Ma Han, and Zhao Zhen formed one group to tackle "Believer" by Imagine Dragons, a powerful anthem filled with energy and intensity. Meanwhile, Zhan Zhao, Zhao Hu, and Bai Chi would take on "Circles" by Seventeen, a song that demanded emotional depth and a softer touch.

"Let's give it everything we've got!" Bai Yutong rallied the team during their final meeting before the semifinals. "We've come this far, and I believe we can go even further!"

The preparation for "Believer" was electric. The three of them threw themselves into the choreography, which mirrored the song's driving beat. Mahan brought his natural charisma to the forefront, while Bai Yutong's commanding presence made the performance undeniably captivating. Zhao Zhen, though still adjusting to the group dynamic, embraced the powerful music and showcased his strong rap skills. Together, they delivered an explosive performance, harmonizing effortlessly, with only minor hiccups in their routine.

When the day of the semifinals arrived, the anticipation was palpable. The venue buzzed with excitement as fans cheered for their favorite teams. Bai Chi felt the familiar flutter of nerves in his stomach, but Zhan Zhao was quick to notice.

"You've got this, Bai Chi," he reassured, a gentle smile lighting up his features. "Just focus on the music. Remember how far you've come."

As they prepared for their performance of "Circles," Bai Chi took a deep breath, recalling the words of encouragement from his teammates. This song held a special meaning for him, and he poured his heart into it, eager to convey the emotion woven into its melody. Zhan Zhao's rich voice complemented Bai Chi's ethereal tones beautifully, while Zhao Hu added a layer of warmth to the performance with his smooth harmonies.

The stage lights dimmed, and the spotlight flickered on, illuminating the three of them as they stepped forward. The gentle melody of "Circles" filled the air, and with every note, Bai Chi felt a sense of calm wash over him. He focused on the audience, letting the music guide him.

As they reached the climactic moment of the performance, Bai Chi knew it was his time to shine. He took a step forward, his voice ringing clear and pure as he sang the final lines that echoed Woozi's original performance. The hauntingly beautiful "La la la" resonated through the venue, leaving a hushed awe in its wake. It was a moment of vulnerability and connection, one that tugged at the heartstrings of everyone present, including Woozi himself, who watched from the sidelines with a proud smile.

When the final note lingered in the air, the audience erupted into applause. The cheers echoed, filling Bai Chi with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. They had done it—they had delivered their song with sincerity and passion, earning the respect and admiration of the crowd.

Backstage, BTS, the esteemed judges of the competition, gathered to discuss the performances. The group praised Mahan, Bai Yutong, and Zhao Zhen for their electrifying rendition of "Believer."

"You guys nailed the energy and choreography," RM said, a smile playing on his lips. "It's clear you've worked hard, and it shows. Just keep fine-tuning your synchronization, and you'll be unstoppable."

For the "Circles" performance, the judges were equally impressed. Jin spoke first, his eyes shining with admiration. "Zhan Zhao and Bai Chi, your voices harmonized beautifully. The emotion you brought to this song made it incredibly moving."

Suga chimed in, "Bai Chi, your soft vocals added a purity that really elevated the performance. However, don't be afraid to explore more depth in your voice as well."

As the discussions continued, the judges pointed out areas for improvement while also highlighting the significant progress each team had made. The feedback was constructive, and the encouragement they received filled the team with renewed motivation.

After a brief deliberation, the results were announced, and the tension in the air was palpable. With bated breath, the Bai Group huddled together, their hearts racing. The judges revealed the top ten teams moving forward, and when their name was called, a wave of relief and joy washed over them.

"Yes! We did it!" Zhao Hu shouted, throwing his arms around Bai Chi and Zhan Zhao, who were beaming with excitement. The weight of uncertainty lifted, and they celebrated their hard-fought success.

In the days that followed, as the team prepared for the finals, they felt a surge of confidence. The bond they had forged, coupled with their growing skills, created an unshakeable foundation. Each practice session brought them closer together, strengthening their resolve to succeed.

Bai Chi looked around at his teammates, his heart swelling with gratitude. They were more than just a group of aspiring idols; they were a family, united in their dreams and aspirations. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with the strength of their connections and the power of their music.