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"With the news that BTS is going on an extended break, giving no indication as to when they will be returning, does this leave the door open for other groups to step up and take their place? Kpop has turned into a worldwide phenomenon loved by every generation and the amount of influence it has continues to grow. Many believe that with the 'Kings of Kpop' stepping aside, other groups, specifically from the 4th generation, will all vie to take their place at the top, reaping the benefits of sponsors, sold out concerts, and big payouts."
"They make it sound like we are just dying for fame or something."
"Don't listen to them."
Everyone turned to face the second speaker, a man sitting at the head of the long table. He clasped his hands together and set his chin on top of his long delicate fingers. "We all know not to pay the press any mind. However, they do have a point." He looked at the eight other people in front of him, each in turn. "This is our chance."
"Do you think we could do it?" Hongjoong asked, sitting up a little straighter. His light blonde hair seemed to glow a little with the light coming from the window, giving him a light fitting for the leader he was growing to be.
"Of course I do." The man smiled, his eyes flashing with all the love he held for these boys. "I knew it from the very beginning. Which is why I called you here today. I've been propositioned to have you boys on a new reality show that is already causing a lot of buzz within our inner circles."
The air in the room instantly vibrated with interest. Eight pairs of eyes flicked to each other before focusing back on the man who had given them a chance at their dreams.
"There is going to be a competition in which artists from around the world will participate in games and challenges to come in first place."
"A competition?! Hell yeah! We've got that in the bag!" Yunho held his fist up, a playful smirk already crossing his face. He still had a few beads woven into his peach-colored hair, probably put there by one of the other members.
A deep chuckle followed his words. "Don't get too excited yet. There are a few... stipulations. The concept is a bit strange, although it's a very popular topic among fans."
"Why do you make that sound so ominous, Boss Man?" Mingi asked, sinking down in his seat while patting down his fluffy red hair, just like he always did when shy or nervous.
Their CEO huffed a soft laugh, fully knowing and accepting the rapper's playful title. "Because in a way it is." He set down a bundle of papers and slid it across the table to Hongjoong.
Silence fell heavy over the room as the captain skimmed the page. "Wow..." He whispered. "You're really wanting us to do this?"
"Look at what the winner gets."
Hongjoong took a moment to keep reading, his eyebrows slowly rising more and more. "There's no way this is real."
The CEO laughed again and sat back in his chair. "I've had our people looking into it, as far as we can tell, it is."
"Oh for crying out loud!" Wooyoung slammed a hand on the table, "Just tell us already!"
"The show is based around the omegaverse trope that has become so popular among every fandom out there." Hongjoong pursed his lips and looked at his team. "Once we arrive on set we will take some sort of test or something and be assigned a ranking: Alpha, Beta, or Omega. When that happens, there will be a certain set of rules we have to follow while there. Breaking them can cost us points over time, but we gain points by following them and participating in various activities provided for us. This says more details will be revealed once we are on location."
"And what's the prize??" Jongho asked. His fingers thrummed nervously on the table.
"Anything we can ask for basically. They are promising sponsors and live performances anywhere you want and collaborations with other artists and television ads and even movie deals. You would have free reign to ask for anything and everything."
"This sounds too good to be true." Seonghwa said softly from where he was sitting next to Mingi. "There's no way..."
"Your popularity is only growing. And now, with BTS stepping aside for a bit, this is your chance to really take the spotlight. You know I'm not one to force you into anything, but..." Their CEO sighed, "I think this may be an opportunity we can't pass up."
Hongjoong hummed, then started reading through the information again. "There won't be any way for us to contact you or our managers. Are you really okay with that? They say all communication will be cut off and that we will have to go through staff members there..."
"It's not ideal, but we've been promised to have direct connections and a set up for immediate contact. There will be translators on site for everything and security. There also won't be cameras everywhere so you will still get some privacy."
Everyone in the room exchanged looks. While the confusion and concern was obvious, there was also excitement mixed in. It was no secret that all the members of Ateez had a competitive side that couldn't be matched. Once they were faced with a challenge, it was nearly impossible to get them to walk away.
"Do we really want to do something that comes from, from, from... FanFiction?" Yeosang sputtered, turning slightly red from even mentioning it.
Next to him, San shrugged and flashed his dimply smile. "How hard can it be? I'm sure it'll be a multiple choice test, they pool the results, and fit us into one of the three categories. Then whoever is the alpha are the 'leaders' and the omegas will be babied and we kick some ass!"
"You know an awful lot about this." Hongjoong narrowed his eyes while staring at the younger. "Should we be concerned?"
San's eyes shot open before he let out a little squeak and ducked behind Wooyoung, who just pressed his lips together in an attempt to hide his own smile.
"Now, now. Let's not get too sidetracked." Their CEO laughed. "Take some time to think about it and discuss. I know there's a lot that could come from this, but you're used to seeing what fans and antis say about you anyway. Oh, and I forgot to mention that they do have the rule that you can back out if things get too hard."
Yunho snorted and muttered, "Yeah right, like we'd willingly leave."
"The rule is there nonetheless. This could be a huge opportunity. If anything, it will at least get your name out there to anyone who watches the show." The CEO stood and bowed his head. "And just know that, no matter what you choose, I am always so very proud of you boys."
"Thank you!" All eight members immediately stood and bowed at the waist.
They watched the man leave before Hongjoong took a deep breath and turned to the others. "Well, let's get this over with. Raise your hand, who wants to go?"
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