ST4R

Selection

September 2017

— This is an important interview, and I want you to be honest, okay?

The only six trainees in his company nodded. Ren interviewed them separately, but the questions were pretty much the same. Everyone were clearly anxious, except for Hiro and Joon, who knew how to stay calm. And Changwoo, who in contrast, feels nothing at all.

— What's your biggest dream?

— Be a singer! — Sharon, eighteen, one of the "adopted" by Ren. Ability to create malleable force fields at her will — Being able to touch people with my music!

— And... Do you feel fit to debut?

— Of course! — Lim Byung-Joon, with his recently turned fifteen, is the youngest of the seven and one of those adopted by Ren, a Korean boy that can manipulate sound — I mean, at my age I can dance, sing and rap! In addition to my mixing abilities... I believe I have a lot to learn yet, but I think I'm ready to start my journey!

— Who is your inspiration to be here?

— Park Bom, no doubt! — Hiro Tanaka, seventeen, Japanese adopted by Ren — 2NE1 was one of k-pop's great forerunners, and Park Bom the most incredible voice the industry has ever had. I want to one day get close of what she is. Oh, and I love the group Trouble too!

— Would you do well with any kind of concept?

— Can you imagine me wearing a school uniform and singing teenage love songs with cute choreography? — Bruce Porter, half brazillian, half canadian, one of Ren's adopted, seventeen — So, no chance.

— What is music for you?

— Notes... — Cho Changwoo, twenty four, the oldest of the trainees- Melodies... Feelings... Those kind of things.

— What do you think a good idol has that you have too?

— I think the deep look — Danniel Hernandez, sixteen — I can captivate the audience with the look as I dance, because when I dance is when I'm doing what I love and I want everyone to know it!

— One last question... Would you be willing to do everything for your dream?

— Yes!

Everyone responds without thinking twice. Ren then closes the interview and the trainees are all tense in the waiting room.

— Do you think we did well?

Hiro asked a little nervously to everyone there, but before he could get an answer, Bruno, Ren's personal assistant, called four names to enter the room together. Hiro, Bruce, Changwoo and Dan.

...

The four trainees were sitting quietly in front of Ren, who was also in silence, separated only by a table. Hiro and Dan seemed restless, reluctant to keep quiet while Bruce looked more confused than bothered and Changwoo analyzes his nails, showing disinterest. It was agonizing minutes until Hiro broke the silence with some desperation.

— Did we make it??

Ren smiled to see that it was Hiro who stepped forward to speak. He picked up some papers and read them quickly as he took a breath to start his speech.

— As expected. Hiro, you're better with the communicative part. You will do great as a leader for your group.

He widened his eyes, turning to the other boys sitting beside him, who congratulated him in silence. He looked a little awkward as he thanked the CEO with a simple bow of his body toward him.

— So... Are we four going to debut?

— Well, you and Dan sure will. You have charisma and an undeniable talent. In the other hand, the two of you...