📁 ◠◠◠◠◠ * ༘༘ CYBERPUNKZ TRAINEE TIME. 

[...]

There was only one word that could describe the special training; rough. It was barely the second week of the month and most of the girls were exhausted, their minds burned out by being solely focused on winning a place in the new group, with their only rest periods being the mandatory 8 hours of sleep each night ( which for most of them were only 4 or 5, thanks to the huge mental pressure and intrusive thoughts ) and the daily meals time. At least they cared about the trainees basic health and needs.

Our girls were separated again in the second week groups, which would be performing How you like that by BLACKPINK. This time only Seri and Kyungah coincided in the same group, while the rest of them were teamed up with some other trainees.

—I want to sue them already —said Yvonne, to one of the other girls she was already acquaintances with. Turns out she was pretty fast to make new friends anywhere —. I haven't eat right in almost two weeks.

—It's the price we have to pay —the other one responded, with a tired face. She went straight to the point —. I just want to be in the final group.

—You still have more opportunities even if you don't debut in this project, right? —Yvonne asked, curiously.

The other one shaked her head, with a straight face.

—My mom gave me one chance. If not, I'll have to come back to study the career she wanted me to go for —she explained —. Some engineering thing. I guess it is not that bad, I'm good at math anyway.

Yvonne didn't know what to say. Suddenly she felt guilt in her heart. Her new friend was probably for a middle-low class family, and was risking her entire future there. She was from an accommodated family and even if she didn't get to debut there she still had another chances. Life wasn't fair. She didn't know what else to say. Luckily, Narae went to them to start practicing the choreo again.

Yvonne went to her position, taking Lisa's role. And then Narae started teaching them the steps. Just give all you got, and you'll be fine.

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By the third week of the selection, and very unexpectedly Mason had become one of the biggest friends of the trainees. He had some kind of good energy around him, and the patience he had with the girls even after making mistakes on the choreographies made them all like him. Not in a romantic way, though.

That day the teams were all reunited in the same practice room to get some dance and performance corrections from the different coaches. And they were all sitted by a table, holding some papers to address corrections and stuff like that. The CEO was supposed to be there in a few minutes too. Mason made sure to cheer the girls up a bit before the presentation. This was the last one before the final round, on the fourth week. So it was expected for them to show improvements.

They were going to perform a reinterpretation of ATEEZ' "Cyberpunk". This time the choreography was a little bit more on the "masculine"side talking about the steps and energy required for them, so many of the girls were a bit nervous. There were also some really high notes, even Seri who was one of the best vocalists there if not the best, was a little concerned.

The girls were separated again. This time on two teams, somehow in the sorting Isabella, Kyungah and Seri were sorted in team A. While Yvonne, Mary and Luna were sorted into group C. They would've liked to perform at least one song as a complete team before knowing if they would make it into the final group, but there was no room for complaining.

—Come on, girls. Just visualize the coaches and the CEO as your public —said Mason — I mean, the people you would want you to see you performing... Maybe your family, friends, partner or whoever. The important thing is to also remember how much you've worked to be here. I know you'll do great —he made a thumbs up gesture, which made some of the girls smile.

—He's a sunshine —Isabella mumbled, with a side smile. Facing Kyungah, who was apparently practicing her rap part in her head.

—I know, I hope we get to work with him if we get into the group —said one of the random girls in their team.

—We have to focus now... Look, the CEO is here —stated Seri, looking at the woman who was entering the room. This time with her hair up in a bun and a semi formal lavender suit. The trainees bowed at her immediately. She smiled at them and said hello.

Mason went away to the table with the other coaches and saluted the CEO too. They shared a little laugh about something and then went to their places.

As expected the first group to show their performance was Team A. The song started, and they went on stage mode right on time. The energetic dance steps were captured with precision, maybe some coordination mistakes but nothing bad. Many high notes almost at the end of the song were hit by the main vocalists. They were pretty stable even with the hard choreography. The girls did pretty good, with Kyungah, Seri and Isabella being the ones who stood up to the judges.

The CEO gave her verdict with a smile, pointing out how much they surprised her —You are all so stable, even with a choreo that takes a lot of control and energy to dance to. The facial expressions were also really good, I can say we all enjoyed your overall performance girls. You get an A grade, thank you!

The group bowed, with happiness and went to their places.

Group B passed with not so many corrections. The girls at group C  were discussing a bit about a certain part, where Mary had trouble with a dance step because of hurting her foot on yesterday's practice.

—We can do good, you just have to maintain your stamina and try to not step that hard with the left foot. If you keep dancing even with a bit less energy maybe they won't even notice —said Yvonne, comforting the doe eyed girl.

—I don't want to ruin the performance for anyone, so I promise I'll try my best —Mary replied, biting her lip cause of the stress.

—You could explain it to the judges if they ask you too —said another girl. She nodded quickly as they were asked to stand up and perform the song by the coaches. And so they did.

Mary left go out a little sight before the song started playing again. I can do this, come on. Cyberpunk started playing and the girls hit the steps with energy but sharpness too, with Yvonne somehow leading the dance and showing how much they had practiced that one. Luna did her rap with energy and power, her expressions being flawless as she fit the concept greatly. Until that step came, Mary reunited all her will power and did the footwork as Yvonne had told her, not with much energy but she replaced it with her facial expressions. The CEO nodded, apparently writing something down. Mary hit some of the high notes with great stability. Then the song ended and with heavy breathing's the girls stood up and the judges starting to add their comments.

—I gotta say that Yvonne captured my attention the most during the song, she has great musicality and is such a natural dancer —said one of the vocal coaches, looking at Narae, who nodded and stated that she was one of the best in her class.

—The performance was good, however I think some members held out with the energy of the group —a rap coach said. The others agreed. Mary's face blushed a bit, but she was willing to take responsibility —. Mary did it well but it felt like something was missing out with her.

—I was about to say that —Bell, the CEO started talking —. But I noticed that when she stood up after the choreography she was tumbling a bit into one fit, I believe it must be an injury, is it? —Mary nodded a bit surprised of the woman's ability to look at details, Bell smiled and then said —If it's so, you did it well. It's an important ability for idols to perform even when difficulties happen. Don't worry. You all get an A grade too, girls. Congrats!

Mary sighted, relieved and they all went to sit down on the floor while the other groups passed. Well, it was not as terrible as I thought. The minutes passed with some other corrections, girls nervous for not getting the best grade and so. Then, at the very end of the evaluation, the CEO stood up in front of everyone to give an announcement.

—Given that it's already the third week of training for this group, I wanted to share the name of the project and some things about it with you all —she said, apparently excited —. This group will have a lineup of six members as you all know, and will be called CYBERPUNKZ. Yes, kind of like the song you performed today.

The girls looked at each other, amazed.

—The concept of this project will be something between sci-fi and girl crush, that's why we have been choosing so many songs from that style for you —the woman explained, looking at the trainees with a little smile —. I can see potential in many of you but next week, we will be doing the last evaluation and the selection of the final group members. The chosen song to perform will be Vision by Dreamcatcher. So do your best, fighting!

A rush of expectation but anxiety crossed the trainees faces, as the reunion came to an end and they went to the cafeteria to have dinner. The next day, the week of more intense training will start. They all knew their strengths and weaknesses, it was time to work even harder, push their limits and win a place in CYBERPUNKZ

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[...]

—You need to get your upper body less stiff looking, Kyungah.

—Let's start again! From the first part.

—I want to hear that note again! Clean, please.

—More power, I need to see a story told by your faces and bodies during the song. That's what performing is.

—Come on ladies, we will get a good rest but first let's finish that sequence.

—Again from the top! Luna, attention to details!

—You are better than last week but not enough. Push yourselves.

[...]

—My legs are hurting so much —Isabella said to her roomie —. And how are we supposed to reach such a notes while doing that dance? It's even worst than the last song.

—It's a challenge after all —the other said.

Days passed by faster than they all expected, between extended practice session for all of them. Some physical conditioning classes, sleep hours and the repeat again. It was hard but the pain and the little sacrifices would be worth at the end.

However, many had their doubts. What if even after all I've done it's not enough for them and I don't make it to the group? How much more should I have to wait until another chance? The risk was there. But they held hope. For their dreams, and for the new life they will have if they make it.

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The dreaded day finally came.

At 9:00 am, all of the girls were done having a nutritious breakfast and walked together to the biggest practice room which no one had ever visited since the first meeting with the CEO, at the third floor. Many walked out chewing gum to release the stress or trying to put their minds to blank just to make sure they will do their best. The energy was high and the expectations too.

The song chosen to be performed was by far the most difficult of all the weeks, with a sharp rap, a fast and impacting choreography and vocals that required a lot of control and technique. It was going to be a challenge. Nervous was a bland word to describe how they all felt.

This time, the practice room was something that distracted them a bit from their intrusive thoughts. It has been improved since then. It was like an auditory style of room, it has a stage in the center and seats for everyone. The stage was pretty modern, and it had cute lights and decorations according to the presentations. The CEO and the rest of the judges were already sitted on a desk in front of the principal stage. They saluted the trainees, and the girls bowed as always.

Then they went to have seat with the rest of their designated groups. For the last time, the friend group was separated. Seri and Mary were grouped in Team A. Yvonne was alone in Team B. Kyungah and Isabella were together on Team D. And then Luna was left out as the main rapper of Team F. The system was a bit weird, but at the first week the CEO explained the names of the team had nothing to do with the ranking or performance skills of the trainees, it was just a way to organize them.

With that said, the CEO stepped on to the stage to give a final speech before the performances. She was dressed in a white feminine suit, wearing her hair on a stylish bun and some accessories, as well as black high heels. She was holding a light purple microphone.

Seri took a look at the others and noticed Suryeon and Kyungho were also there, as part of the hosts. Gosh, that was serious. The only thing left was the boy trainees arriving to see the performances. But that wouldn't happen, right? Mary hoped not. If something went wrong that would be humiliating as hell.

As if fate was, a group of 30 boys and 10 girls, who were the only one that didn't participate in the competition arrived in the auditory and sat curiously.

—Stop it —Isabella said, covering her face —. Why did they have to do that?

—Hello everyone —Bell started speaking through the mic —. As all of you know, today will be the selection of the members of the first female group of our agency. Our female trainees will be performing in groups of six, everyone with the same song so the competence is fair. I give you my best wishes, girls —she smiled —. I know you've worked hard for this, this time only six of you will make it to the debut but even if you fail, don't drop everything, okay? We have invited our fellow female trainees and the boys to see the performances as in some weeks we will be starting a competition for the male group too.

Some of the boys cheered. The judges laughed at their enthusiasm.

—So with all being said, I'll let the mic to the other judges and then we will go to the presentations.

The coaches gave their own speeches, with Mason and Narae being clearly the most emotional ones as they were the ones who spended most time with the trainees at dance practices. Some of the girls cried out a bit, but then went serious again because the performances were going to start.

Each group was cheered a lot before entering the stage and all of the contestants gave their 100% during the time of the song. Heartbeats fast, breath shaking and emotions let out during the song. Showcasing their abilities and how much they learned in those four weeks. The crowd went wild after everyone of the groups, showing support. The judges said some positive stuff about each one of them and discussed some things in private while writing comments down. The CEO looked concentrated.

When the final presentation came to an end and the girls bowed at the public, there was a little time, maybe some minutes while the judges talked. And then the CEO, alongside Suryeon and Kyungho went to the stage, each one holding a microphone. The crowd went shut at the instant someone started talking.

—Hi, everyone —it was Kyungho, the contestants looked expecting —. We started this company with the purpose of making music for everyone, and to produce a new generation of artists that excelled at singing, rapping, dancing and stage presence. And I think we have already found some good material for our first project.

The crowd cheered. At the first seats, some girls were hugging each other. Luna and Yvonne, left alone in their groups were just looking at the stage anxiously.

—We have decided that the girls that will get to form part of the CYBERPUNKZ project are —Suryeon made a little silence before looking at the paper that Bell handled her —. Kyungah...

At her chair, Isabella hugged her as the older girl was almost at the verge of tears, but with a smile on her face at the same time. She was grateful, surprised and relived at the same time. The crowd cheered.

—Oh my god... I did it —she mumbled.

—Yvonne —Suryeon continued with a big smile —. The girl was cheered by her team mates and even the other trainees as she did a surprised face, she was doubting herself for the whole week but somehow she made it. My parents will be so proud. Then she looked at Kyungah with a smile and then to the stage again, expecting.

—Isabella —Suryeon's voice was heard again, a round of applause filled the auditory, and then Kyungah hugged her, each second more happy with the perspective of debuting alongside her friends. Isabella smiled and did a small bowing to the judges.

—Luna —the girl stood up and received lots of applauses and congratulations from her team mates. She mumbles a "thank you" to the judges and then sat down again.

—Mary —Suryeon smiled, and then the mentioned one almost screamed from the emotion but she found herself crying a bit. The public cheered her and a ray of hope went to the winner's faces as only one of the friends was left.

—And... Seri —the final girl was speechless, and tears ran down her cheeks as the processed what that meant. They did it. They were going to debut together. One last applause filled the auditory and then the girls were asked to go up the stage. The other contestants applauded with resignation. Maybe that wasn't meant to be this time.

Of course, the jealousy was there but whatever.

The six friends ran to the stage with smiles and did a group hug. The judges and the CEO looked at them with a little smile, like proud parents. Then Suryeon and Kyungho handed them some bouquets they had prepared for the winner's. Mason and Narae applauded with the biggest smile ever.

—So girls, you will have the honour and mission to be our first group ever —Bell stepped out, after giving a hug to everyone of them and gave a final speech —. We are looking for something revolutionary, and we hope you will give your best and be the new sensation artists of this generation of k-pop. Thank you so much for participating and we will see you next week after some time for rest, to start the contract.

—To all the girls that didn't make it to the finals, just know that we are so proud of what you've accomplished today —she added —. You are so talented and I promise you we have plenty of other projects in mind so please don't stop working and you could be here next.

The trainees cheered at the end. It was the start of something big. Maybe the new k-pop stars were born that day.

—————————————

Lights were still shining bright in the halls of the building, where the six lucky and talented winners of the competence were walking together towards the exit. Free of their extended trainee schedule for a night of celebration. Dressed on their normal clothes and wearing glittery makeup.

Most of them called their families first thing after the announcement, but now all they wanted was to relax a bit from the pressure they had held up in the last month of work.

—Now we gotta go to a club, girls. This has to be celebrated —Yvonne said while hugging Luna and Isabella, with a bright smile on her face. They were all so excited for what was coming next.

—All you want to do is drink, Vonne. And we have kids here —Kyungah replied, as always acting like the voice of reason in the friend group. She pointed at the younger one, who was sharing ideas for the group concept and all they could do with an also very excited Mary. The two creative sparks reunited and were already planning everything.

—I'm not a kid, I have age to drink... —Seri defended herself, reminding everyone she was legally an adult. Kyungah gasped, simulating being offended.

The rest of the girls just laughed.

—See? And I'm not that of an alcoholic, come on, we will be good —added Yvonne.

—What about some arcade first? —Seri asked, she loved videogames and wanted to go hang out with her friends there from a long time ago.

—That's such a nerdy thing to do —Luna said, apparently joking because the girls took the comment well.

—Okay, night's young! —Mary said. The girls nodded and then, finally leaving the building for some time, they decided to take the subway and go to an underground club Yvonne knew from a long time. After all she was friends with one of the founders.

—Come on, Club Icarus will be fire!

And so they went there. Happy, free and full of expectations for the things that went ahead. Their dreams were closer than ever.

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Bells notes — 💌

soooo, after a long long time, the most awaited chapter is here! how did we like it? I'll be posting some other chapters ( a hot news one and the debut soon ).

also, noticed the reference to my newest applyfic at the end of the chapter? 😉 It's a sign for you to go check it out if you are curious and also a hint about how every applyfic of mine is connected as they happen in the same universe.

plus there's another little reference to Marauders as they are also part of 1LY Labels. I love my silly little universe, what else can I say?

anyways, thanks for reading and have a lovely day/night, my loves! <3