21
Step Twenty-One
:: First Voting Elimination (1) ::
Normally, every morning after waking up, the program provided a strict schedule of activities to be done each day, such as what time to wake up and what to do afterward, including checking one’s weight after personal business, exercising for an hour, taking a shower, and having breakfast at the cafeteria.
Then it was time to start the regular class lessons or various classes as assigned by the mentors for that day.
However, today, apart from personal chores and having breakfast at the cafeteria, the schedule for all other activities had been left vacant, along with a prior notice to wear the program’s uniform and gather in the main conference room for the stylists to do makeup and hair before going on camera.
Wearing the program’s uniform at this time…
it could only mean the announcement of the first round of voting results, right?
Many who had previously been lazy and not serious about the competition now had pale, anxious faces.
Even though they had only been here for just over a month, they felt as attached as if this were their third home.
The idea of having to step out was incredibly difficult for them to accept.
There was a saying that in the last second before death, the brain took us back to the moments we considered most significant.
This moment, even if not facing death, felt just like being on the verge of suffocation at any moment.
It was like seeing oneself since the first day, completing missions, experiencing shocks, feeling joy, feeling sorrow.
Every day spent here was a valuable life experience.
If possible, they wanted it to continue indefinitely…
“Ahh, so excited!” Wang Qi clung to the hem of his favorite brother’s shirt, not letting go, but not exerting too much force, afraid the shirt might wrinkle before going on air.
“Oh, I wish I could go back to exercising like usual!
I’m so excited!” The youngest trainee of the program wanted to run his hands through his hair but held back, afraid the stylists would come chasing after him with the blow dryer, so he just left his hands suspended in the air, clenching and unclenching alternately.
Today, the mischievous kid was still in his beloved messy manbun hairstyle, with a few strands pulled out.
Though it looked disheveled, it suited his mischievous character perfectly.
“What are you up to?” Im Kureum approached with Eiji, and upon seeing Wang Qi’s strange antics, he nudged the J-country boy to join in the teasing.
“Got lice on your head?” Eiji taunted.
“So harsh, Brother Eiji!
Why you gotta be so mean?” Wang Qi tugged at Jacan’s sleeve, stomping his feet in a mock tantrum.
He pretended to charge at Eiji for a full-on fight, but when they came face to face, the threatened strikes turned into playful pats.
“You guys are ridiculous,” Kim Jiseong said with an exasperated look.
Meanwhile, Im Kureum wandered over to Jacan, who was watching everyone with a gentle smile.
“Wow, wow, you’re looking so dashing today.
That middle-parted hairstyle looks super handsome on you.”
“Expose my forehead to catch the light a bit; maybe it’ll give me some luck with the rankings,” Jacan replied jokingly.
“If you don’t get first place, I don’t know who else would,” Kim Jiseong tried to imagine himself sitting in the number one seat, with this brother of his in a lower rank…
Ugh, it gave him goosebumps.
Just the thought of it was too much for him to even picture.
Because when the production team called them to watch tapes 4-5, if their eyes weren’t blind, it wasn’t difficult to notice that this older brother had prominent airtime.
And mostly, this older brother had only good stories.
There were never any negative scenes caught on camera.
Why wouldn’t the fans like him?
Even as a guy, he would also vote for him.
Especially episode 5, which had the drama surrounding An Junsa, made the performances after that look rather lackluster.
Lee Sangah’s rock song was good, but even after the performance ended, their minds kept returning to the embarrassed face of the young master from the big agency on the previous show.
If there had been comments from netizens to read, they probably would have all been talking about that An Junsa guy, with no time left to pay attention to the rest of the shows.
Until Jacan’s performance began.
The melody of “Little Malee” made many shift from negative thoughts back to paying attention to the stage because they wanted to know how the song would continue from there.
And the big brother’s closing performance didn’t disappoint.
Aside from the cheerful cuteness that filled the stage, the lyrics, which subtly conveyed touching stories, inspired many to muster up the courage to continue chasing their dreams.
Not to mention the behind-the-scenes clip of the teamwork between the Ducklings gang and Jacan that was aired before the stage.
The atmosphere within the group was very good, natural, and full of earnestness and fun, unlike other groups that often encountered problems and difficulties.
The more you watched, the more enjoyable it became, and seeing the elder brother guiding and teaching the Ducklings was a pleasant sight.
He’d bet a thousand won that when fans saw this clip, they would be struck hard by the charm of this kind-hearted brother.
Even he couldn’t help but laugh at the chaotic yet fun scenes of this songwriting group.
Especially since the Star Fight program aired during primetime, people tired from work all day would want to watch something light-hearted, unlike the fierce competition and domination seen in An Junsa’s group.
“Nothing was certain, there might be a dark horse that we didn’t see coming,” it was common in survival shows.
“Let’s go to the studio; the staff is calling us already.
Since the apartment they stayed in was separate from the rehearsal room and the studio, they all had to sit on three buses heading to the starting point that made them trainees of the mega corporation.
And hopefully, it wasn’t the end of them in this show.
“Oh, back to dressing like in the first tape,” the row of chairs arranged like a pyramid.
The chairs on the top tier had single-digit numbers, descending down to the bottom tier with the last number being 59.
“Forty people missing, huh?” Im Kureum placed a hand on his chest, his face clearly showing concern that today he might end up without a seat.”
“That’s like an entire class disappearing,” Yeo Unche joined in, eyebrows furrowed.
[All right, everyone’s here now, right?” Park Insa, who had been absent for nearly two weeks, walked in with a microphone, ready to resume his role as host.
He was immediately engulfed in a heartwarming – almost hot – welcome as the trainees swarmed around him, turning the group into one big huddle.
It took quite an effort to pry them apart, leaving Park Insa almost drenched in sweat.
The makeup artist had to touch up his powder and slightly restyle his hair.
Despite the rowdiness, no one scolded them.
After all, this might be their last chance to be this close to the legendary artist.
…
Once they were satisfied with the interactions with the host, the production team instructed them to proceed to their assigned seats.
These were on the sides of the top tier of the pyramid, with chairs not numbered, arranged in two rows on both sides.
Everyone could choose where to sit according to their preference, without class divisions.
They could sit together with their close friends.
“Look at that, that group must be sitting in the top rows for sure,” whispered one Class C trainee to their friend, gesturing towards Jacan’s group, which looked like a constellation of stars, with only the higher-class trainees gathered together, standing out distinctly.
“Not necessarily, there might be votes from outside for us,” came a reassuring remark.
“With a face like this?” pointing at himself dejectedly.
“Damn, this is so heartbreaking.
Let’s hold hands and go out together,” wiping away fake tears.
“…” Sounding utterly hopeless and without a future…
The head PD let the cameras capture the atmosphere a bit longer, before signaling for Park Insa to continue the program.
[Hello, all you contestants, welcome to the first elimination round of the Starfight program!] As soon as he finished this sentence, a collective deep breath was heard throughout the studio.
[As you all have seen,] he gestured towards the pyramid chairs, [for the next round, there are only 59 seats available.
This means that 40 of you will have to pack your bags and go home.
Class E will be dissolved, leaving only Classes A-D.]
The studio fell silent at once.
Some trainees bowed their heads in resignation, accepting their fate that there was no way forward.
Others turned to hold hands with their friends, seeking reassurance.
They had all entrusted their hopes and dreams to this program.
No matter what, they wanted to continue, to have the chance to keep moving forward…
even just a little bit more would be good.
[I’ll start announcing from seat number 59 to 40 first,] Park Insa received the folder from the production team.
After opening it and reading for a moment, he exhaled through his mouth before raising his head to look at all the trainees once again.
Then, he announced the first name who had secured a seat to continue on this program.
[Number 59, Kim Siwoo; Number 58, Park… etc.] The names of the first 19 contestants were announced all at once without any delay.
[Those who have been called please come forward and stand here?] He gestured beside him.
The Ducklings gang of eight stood up and cheered, walking their friend to the final step.
Kim Siwoo waved tearfully at his friends.
Despite being the last in rank, he still had the opportunity to remain in the show.
What the future held was unpredictable.
Senior Park Insa then allowed the first ten trainees who made it through to speak their hearts, each for no more than two minutes to keep on schedule.
Most of them expressed gratitude for the support and bowed almost ninety degrees to the camera.
[Those who made it through the first round, please take your seats according to your rank.]
The 19 trainees looked at each other before the lowest-ranked person led the way, followed by the next rank, ending with Kim Siwoo trailing behind like a lost little duckling in the wrong flock.
[Next…
numbers 39 to 20.
The first one is…] The announcement continued.
Up until now, none of the top contenders had fallen into the lower ranks, but this could be interpreted in two ways: either their ranks were still high, or they didn’t make it at all.
Oh, and among those announced, five Ducklings gang members advanced: Kim Hajun, Kim Seojun, Kim Minjun, Kim Hwasung, and Kim Juwon.
Their ranks were close, indicating that either their fan numbers were similar or that their fans were part of the same group, voting for all of them.
…
The announcement of the first 38 ranks was straightforward and swift.
As the number of chairs dwindled to single digits, an unexplainable pressure filled the studio.
[Next are ranks 19 to 10.] The number of chairs announced was noticeably decreasing.
“At this point, it means I didn’t make it,” Kim Doyun lamented to himself.
He was in Class C before, and rising to Class B seemed like an impossible dream.
Class B had plenty of airtime, while he had barely appeared on camera.
How could anyone vote for him?
The thought saddened him.
After congratulating Jacan, he would have to pack his bags…
What a heartbreak.
Sure enough, Kim Yuseong made it through at rank 17.
As for him, he would just clap for his friend…
[Doyun…]
[Number 15, Kim Doyun.
Where has your mind drifted off to?] Park Insa frowned, reprimanding him.
He had called Doyun three times already, but the boy kept his head down, looking dejected and not responding at all.
“Hey!
Get up quickly.
You’ve made it to the next round,” a fellow trainee behind him patted his shoulder to bring him back to his senses.
If it weren’t for the cameraman, he might have given him a good knock on the head instead.
“Huh, me?
I made it?” Kim Doyun lifted his head, seeing everyone looking at him, confirming that no one was tricking him into false hope.
“Better hurry down there,” Jacan scolded with a smile, helping the young man regain his composure as he hurried down to join the others below.
[Until all names are announced, don’t lose hope, understand?] Park Insa didn’t reprimand too harshly, understanding that this was a very sensitive time.
The longer they weren’t called, the more pressured they felt, leading them to lose heart even before all the names were announced.
“Yes, yes, sorry for the delay,” Kim Doyun apologized, bowing to the host and the backstage crew.
[Alright, I’ll announce the next ranks,] Park Insa waited until Doyun stood firmly before looking at the script and calling the names of the next five contestants.
After each expressed their feelings briefly, they were allowed to take their new seats.
As Yuseong and Doyun passed by the Ducklings gang members whose names had been called earlier, they stopped to hug them briefly, which the cameraman captured, ensuring the editing team had the footage.
And they did use it.
It became a meme of the lost ducklings finding their way back together.
…
“Only nine seats left,” Wang Qi said, gazing up at the top of the pyramid where the available space was shrinking.
“Do you think I’ll make it?” Despite having a lot of screen time, there was no guarantee of enough votes to continue.
“Believe in yourself,” Jacan smiled, patting the younger one’s shoulder.
“The suspense is killing me,” even Im Kureum, usually playful, felt the immense pressure of the single-digit rankings.
“I think I’m out of hope,” Lee Sangah admitted, head bowed.
Since the show started, the episode with the most of him was only episode 4.
Plus, there was the controversy over nationalism that he deliberately created to make a mark and reduce debt.
“Don’t give up yet; the war isn’t over,” Wang Qi turned to pat his shoulder, creating a scene where Jacan’s hand was on Wang Qi’s shoulder, and Wang Qi’s hand was on Lee Sangah’s shoulder.
“Pfft…
should we do that too?” Kim Jiseong, sitting above the three, turned to Kang Manja, who had been dragged to sit close by.
“Senior Park is about to announce the names.
Don’t start fooling around,” Kang Manja frowned, warning them with his usual stoic face, but his thick hand moved to pat Jiseong’s shoulder just like the three did before.
“Wow…
it feels like we’ve gained another mentor,” Kim Jiseong said, turning to give Eiji a shoulder pat, who nodded in agreement.
“But looking at it, he feels more like an older brother,” Eiji added.
This trainee from Class D exuded a mature aura, giving the impression of an elder brother or a respected senior.
However, he could still play around with the younger ones, unlike Jacan, who was much older, making it difficult for them to joke around with him.
“Everyone, Senior Park is about to make the announcement,” Jacan turned and put his finger to his lips, signaling for silence as the noise around him was getting too loud.
“…” They obediently pressed their lips together.
[With only single-digit seats left, are you all excited?] Park Insa scanned the remaining trainees.
Some still managed to smile in response, while others turned to cry with their friends, seemingly aware of their fate.
[Do you all know that in a survival show, nothing is certain until the final ranks are announced?] Park Insa shook his head at the trainees who had given up too soon.
[And the rank I am about to announce is an example of not giving up until the very last moment.
Congratulations to rank 9, Lee Hajun.]
“What!?” Dozens of trainees turned to look at the named trainee.
They remembered him as a center who seemed to have luck on his side, but his actual performance hadn’t been particularly outstanding.
How did he jump from a lower class to a top rank?
The idea of someone boosting votes with money was out of the question; this show relied solely on the number of fans.
Without a substantial fanbase cheering him on, there was no hope of garnering enough votes.
Lee Hajun stepped out from the crowd, visibly shocked but trying to keep his composure.
His thin lips pressed tightly together as he walked to stand beside the senior host.
“This one is talented,” Kang Manja said amidst the confusion of the Class A trainees, with Kim Jiseong nodding in agreement.
“He’s from Class C.”
“He was the randomly selected center for my team,” Jacan explained, his face still adorned with a smile, as if he had expected this boy to shine one day.
“Oh, him!” Wang Qi clapped his hands in realization.
“Even though he was randomly selected as the center, his group had many strong members who tried to put him at a disadvantage.
Despite that, he performed very well,” Kim Jiseong added.
This Lee Hajun was the boy Jacan had watched dancing on K Street on his first days back in the country.
It was because Jacan had stood there watching him dance that a scout approached and informed him about SKM Ent.’s auditions for the Star Fight show.
Throughout the competition, Jacan kept looking for this young man.
However, it seemed Hajun was quite reserved, preferring to practice alone in the rehearsal room unless absolutely necessary.
His scores likely came from his dedication; real-time viewers favored hardworking individuals.
Seeing him constantly practicing in the rehearsal room drew many fans to his side.
Moreover, during group tasks, he knew how to avoid conflicts, using a soft approach to counter hard tactics.
Even when he was taken advantage of, he could maneuver skillfully to ensure teamwork without causing issues.
[Do you have anything to say?
Your rank has jumped significantly!] Previously in Class C, he had now surged to a single-digit rank.
“I…
um…
thank you very much for the support.
Thank you for extending my happy time here.
I will do my best not to disappoint everyone who voted for me.
Thank you very much,” Lee Hajun took the mic, his face showing clear signs of nervousness.
Nevertheless, he managed to convey his message clearly and comprehensively, unlike some trainees who couldn’t articulate their words well when overwhelmed with excitement.
[Please take your seat.] Park Insa gestured toward the first single-digit chair.
[Let’s move on to the next rank.
Congratulations to rank 8…
Lee Sangah!]
“!!!!” Lee Sangah, who had been clapping for the others who made it through as if he were an outsider, jumped in shock.
“Me?
Did you call my name?”
“Yeah, he called you,” Jacan smiled widely.
“Hurry down.”
Lee Sangah bit his lip but couldn’t contain his smile, revealing all his front teeth.
It was the broadest smile he had shown since joining the show.
[Congratulations!
Do you want to say something?]
“Yes, I do,” Lee Sangah nodded vigorously like a wind-up doll.
He took the mic, gripping it so tightly his knuckles turned white.
“I have so much I want to say, but I don’t know how to put it into words.
I…” He swallowed hard, his previously smiling face now contorted but not showing any sign of distress.
“Hic…
Thank you.
Thank you for voting for someone like me.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Thank you so much,” he cried openly, unashamed.
Jacan then led the younger ones who knew his situation to give him a supportive hug.
“You did well.
Now you can start paving your own path.
The past is a lesson you need to overcome,” Jacan whispered in his ear before returning to his seat, letting Wang Qi and Jiseong comfort him.
Park Insa then continued with the show, sending Lee Sangah to sit in his new seat on the pyramid.
[Next, rank 7.
Congratulations to…
Yeo Unche!]
“What?
Me!?” Yeo Unche jumped up from his chair, pointing at himself.
When Park Insa nodded in confirmation, he jumped with joy, having been quiet and reserved because he had few opportunities to perform on the stage.
An Junsa had given him very few vocal parts to avoid comparisons during the performance.
“Thank you, thank you so much.
I never thought I would be standing here,” Yeo Unche bit his lip, holding back tears.
He expressed his gratitude with a few more firm sentences before walking up to his seat, a relieved smile on his face.
[Rank number 6 is close to the pre-debut rank.
Let’s bring another one up and see who will be ranked number 5.] Park Insa ramped up the excitement.
[Please welcome Eiji and Kang Manja to stand here together.]
“What!!!” The trainees throughout the studio exclaimed in unison.
What should they be more shocked about: Eiji, who had consistently ranked high, possibly dropping, or Kang Manja from Class D suddenly rocketing to the moon?
This…
was beyond expectations!!
Eiji and Kang Manja glanced at each other briefly before standing on either side of Park Insa.
The young man from Country J stood on the left, while the senior class president stood on the right.
[I feel like a boxing referee, haha.
So, let’s make it like that.] The middle-aged host chuckled, looking thoughtfully from left to right, then placing the mic in his suit pocket and reaching out to hold both of their hands.
“The one who got rank number 5 is…!!” Without the mic, he had to raise his voice, but it was still too quiet, causing the not-so-young host to frown.
If he had to shout more, his vocal cords would suffer.
[Im, the son, come here.
Could you please hold the mic for me?] He called the Class A group, asking the son of the senior producer to come down and assist.
Since it was his father’s show, the son could help for a bit, considering it as working together to make a living.
Im Kureum sighed in exasperation.
This senior had been at odds with his father for a long time, always teasing and joking when working together.
He, who had followed his father to filming sets, often got caught in the middle.
He didn’t expect to still get roped in today…
Sigh.
[Ahem, oh, much better now.] Park Insa stifled a laugh at Im the son’s awkward posture holding the mic, having to stand behind him and reach his arm out to hold it just right in front of his mouth.
[So, let’s continue.
The one who got rank number 5 is…!!!
Kang Manja, congratulations!] He raised the hand holding Kang Manja’s.
“!!!!” Holy!
Miracles did happen!!
Eiji lowered his head, pressing his lips together, consoling himself that at least he still had a chance to stay in the show.
Earlier, his name hadn’t been called, making him think it was time to go home.
Since there was still a chance, he would try even harder to go further from now on!
As for the person who jumped from Class D to pre-debut rank number 5, Kang Manja, he was stunned.
His face remained stoic before a flush of red crept up from his neck to his face and ears.
Within two minutes, he was red all over like a boiled shrimp.
Was this for real…
him, in 5th place?!
[Congratulations to Eiji for ranking 6th.
Eiji, please share your feelings first,] Park Insa turned to look at Im Kureum, motioning for him to pass the mic to his friend.
The senior producer’s son, though puzzled, complied without hesitation.
After all, he was adding some flair to his father’s show.
He held the mic for Eiji until he finished speaking, then took it back.
Unless told otherwise, he would stay until the first rank was announced.
Ha-ha.
“First of all, I must thank all the supporters who voted for me and gave me the opportunity to stay in the show.
Even though I…
I failed and my class rank dropped, you still believed in me and allowed me to stand here.
Thank you.
Thank you so much,” Eiji bowed to the audience through the camera, his shoulders trembling slightly.
He quickly raised his head, turned away from the camera to wipe away his tears, and when he turned back, his face was tear-free.
[Please take your seat.] Because he ranked high, a cameraman followed Eiji up the steps to his seat, capturing every moment.
[Next, Kang Manja.
Please share your feelings.
Your rank is very high; it’s like a leap to heaven.] From Class D to pre-debut, it was a remarkable and unexpected leap, except for the fans who saw the real-time voting results.
“Yes, thank you,” Kang Manja took the mic from Im Kureum, glancing at it briefly before looking directly into the camera.
“Since the show started, I’ve made mistakes repeatedly,” the tall young man bit his lip slightly before continuing, “Whether it was the first day or the theme song exam, I kept messing up.
Even so, I didn’t want to give up.”
“I don’t know why you chose to support me, and I won’t make promises…
but I’ll try my best to go further, deserving the love you’ve given me.
I’ll show that no matter how many times I fail, I’ll rise again.
I won’t waste the chance you’ve given me,” he finished, bowing ninety degrees and holding it for almost ten seconds.
After turning and walking to his seat with Park Insa’s permission, the staff played celebratory music for the new Class A member, signaling that the real competition had begun.
“Can I go now?” Im Kureum, who had been working hard, pouted, wanting to return to chat with the younger trainees.
Standing here was too conspicuous.
[Why sit down?
You’re up next.]
“…
What?
Say that again?”