9 Project Alpha – The First Challenge Part 1

"Why do you think you should debut?" One of the producers from MNET were interviewing us one by one.

It was currently my turn.

After we finished Show Your Case, we found out that it wasn't just about this year's Show Your Case, but it was a promotional video for the reality and survival TV show that we were going to star in.

For the next few months, MNET will be handling a program exclusively for our group. PD-nim thought that it would help with the debut.

He says that it could help us develop our fan base. This idea was also to let the people know who we are before we debut.

So technically, this TV show would help us promote the group, and would show people why they should support us.

It's kind of nerve wrecking as well.

Why?

We can't do anything a prodigy can in front of the camera. Until now, we were not living in a dorm but in our respective Penthouses in South Korea.

So the first thing we did the moment we stepped off the stage of Show Your Case was to immediately plan what we needed to do with JYP PD-nim.

The company decided to film the first episode a month after we finished Show Your Case so that we could fully immerse ourselves to what it means to be a trainee with no privileges.

2 days later, we moved in our dorm. We promised ourselves that we would not go back to our penthouses after we finish the show because it would be risky. We'd only do so if it was necessary.

After moving in together, it was easier to know who was who, which guy did what, who was good at this and that, and even who was bad at something.

It was like we got to know each other for the first time in history.

Even though there were arguments and fights here and there, it only strengthened us in the end.

Today, we are here at one of MNET's buildings and are being interviewed by the producers for the show. They said that it was for documentary purposes.

"The members of Alpha and I have worked so hard just to get to this point. I don't want all our hard work to end up being worthless." I answered the question.

The PD of MNET was not satisfied with my answer. It seemed like he got this answer a lot. "You didn't answer my question. Why do YOU want to debut?"

I thought about it for a while before I teared up a little. I knew he was trying to get something bad out of this to use it against us.

I teared up a little but it was not pretend. I actually remembered something from my previous life that got me teared up.

The producer was surprised as to why I was crying, "You don't have to answer if it makes you fe-"

"I just wanted to make good music with the people I care and love." I gave him an answer while giving a huge smile.

"Well… you can do that as a producer and not as an idol. Did you think about that?" his question was something that I already heard of back in my previous life.

It was the same question that made me quit BTS in the first place.

But I remembered a lot of things back then.

I smiled at him and answered, "I did. But when you're done writing music and it becomes successful, you got no one to celebrate it with. The idols celebrate with their members and fans. The producer goes back to his studio to record more music."

I paused for a while and chuckled. I then continued to say, "I don't know what it feels like to be an idol. But watching them winning together, crying together, and doing other things together, it's like they're building up fame AND happiness at the same time. But when you are a music producer…"

I trailed off as I tried to stop myself from tearing up again.

"When you are a music producer, what's built is just pressure and the ability to not feel contentment." I continued.

He was silent for a while. The producer was probably shocked with my answer. I even saw one of the cameramen tear up a little.

"I know all of you know what I mean. Trying so hard to be yourself and while trying your best to go to the top just to be torn down by other people. Then you just start coming to work to get by instead of heading for that goal that you've always wanted." I paused for a while before I continued.

"Pressure from the boss, colleagues and the audience, it numbs you from the inside out. That's why we sometimes resort to awful ideas to get to that dream faster. Then you realize that it only made you feel far more worse than what you've already felt, yet you still do it anyway."

I turn to look at each person inside the interview room and gave them smiles. But I knew they could tell what I was talking about. That's just how the world works.

I slowly stood up, "I guess there aren't any more questions." I bowed deeply, "Kamsahamnida PD-nim. It's been a pleasure. I hope you got what you needed."

I walked out of the door but before I could close the door fully, I heard the producer utter, "Is he really a kid who's about to debut? He sounds more mature than I am."

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Soon everyone was finished with their interviews and we were asked to head to the company's conference room.

We didn't know what this was about but JYP PD-nim wanted to meet us. This is the thing with reality TV shows. It's always full of surprises.

"I wonder why PD-nim would want us to meet him." Woo was getting more curious.

I really don't know myself. Why does everyone have to be so mysterious?

"Yeah. I mean he already took our tokens." Zee said.

"I'm sure it's nothing. It's probably related to the show." I assured them.

To be honest, even I was nervous as to what this was. It's never good to be called in PD-nim's office.

It's either you get scolded or you'd have a new project to work on. But it's usually the former.

"Probably… so what were you asked during your interviews?" Dominic asked.

"What interview? It was more like an interrogation." Jeon Do said.

Well it's probably the same for them. It felt like we were suspects being questioned for a murder. Even Jeon Do felt like it.

"It was traumatizing to say the least." Zhang added, "Well, at least we get to experience what it feels to be interviewed by a show runner."

"True…" Matt said.

"Why are you guys so calm about it?" Woo interjected. "The interviewers were far scarier than Yo Chul-hyung I almost peed myself."

"Hey!" Yo Chul complained.

"No offense hyung." Woo said.

"Offense taken… why would that guy be scarier than me, huh?!" With that, Yo Chul grabbed Woo's neck by the arm and began rubbing his fist on his head.

We ended up laughing at the scene. Well… at least we were now becoming less anxious.

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"We already got the first episode's theme." JYP PD-nim said in a solemn tone.

Why does he sound like that? And are we already filing the first episode? There are a lot of cameras here for a standard meeting.

It's making me nervous…

"So… what's the first episode PD-nim?" Seiji couldn't help himself but to ask PD-nim.

He didn't answer right away as he sighed deeply and thought about something.

It felt like every second that passed was a year!

Finally, he spoke, "The title would be, 'Show Me What You've Got'."

"Show Me What You Got? What does that mean?" Zhang asked.

"You have the entire week, to make a song that's going to be featured in your debut album IF you debut. In the same week, you need to make a dance practice video that would be uploaded on Youtube. Once it hits 10,000 views, you'll pass part 1 of the first challenge." PD-nim explained.

What the hell?! A week?!

And Part 1…

Sure, making a song would take up at most a day or two. Recording on the other hand would be different since it involves the distribution of parts. But if we finalize everything by today, we can start right away and we could finish before the day ends.

For the choreography, everyone can easily pick-up the steps. If we work overtime, we'll finish in 2 days. Then we'll record the following day. We then have 3 days left to generate views.

It won't be hard, but it won't be that easy either.

"JayB…" I heard someone call me.

"Hmm? Sorry? I was thinking of something." I replied

"How are we going to do this? Is it even possible to finish this? In a week at that." Zhang is very worried. I can tell.

"Don't worry about it. Knowing all of you, I'm sure we can do it. But I've got to have your full cooperation. No questions asked." I told them.

"Every time you say that, you always end up blowing our minds. So count me in." After Dom said that, everyone else just smiled and nodded.

After getting their approval I asked for our final positions in Alpha. JYP PD-nim was already prepared. There was a file on his hand. He handed each one of us a copy.

At first, everyone else was shocked, the positions were very accurate and precise. As if it was calculated. It suited us really well.

"Please tell me you didn't have a hand in this JayB. If you did, it's pretty much terrifying how your forecast can even do this." Yo Chul said while he was shaking in excitement.

I actually did…

I calculated everyone's stats based on their scores and assessments from the coaches and the monthly evaluation for the past 2 years.

We could be divided in two 3 units and 3 more sub units.

The Vocal Line was composed of Zhang, Jeong Do, and Dominic. We called the unit Zeta.

Zhang being the prodigy of music, was no doubt our power house main vocal. He could easily compete with anyone. He can sing from any octave and has a very high range for a guy. We will also be working together in writing our songs.

Dominic was the mood-maker of the group. He was good with jokes even though Yo Chul hates it. Other than that, he is one of our lead vocals.

Jeong Do isn't just good with his words and arguments, he is also very good at singing. That's why he earned the spot of being the second Main Vocal for the group. Because of his ability, he is able to control his breathing.

That's it for our vocal unit the Zeta Team.

The Rap Line on the other hand has Yo Chul, Zee and Seiji. We decided to name the unit Gamma.

Seiji was the most surprising one. He is Japanese but can spit fire when he raps in Korean or English.

Ironic though, he has trouble rapping in Japanese. That's why he's the Lead Rapper for the group. Oh… did I mention that he's the oldest member in the group?

Zee is also a surprise since he's like a rap god. He can rap in 4 different languages though he is Chinese. He might be one of the youngest but boy can he rap. He's our Main Rapper for the group.

Then there's the last member for the Gamma Team, which is Yo Chul. He's got the swag of a rapper and can easily diss people. Even though he has a cold and mysterious personality, he is actually very very kind. That's why we got him to be the second Lead rapper for the group.

Lastly, we have the Omega members or the dance unit for Alpha. It's made up of Jiwoo, Matt and me.

Matthew easily earned the spot of being a Lead Dancer for the group because as a martial arts expert, it was easy for him to memorize any choreography and even do it excellently. He also is a subvocal for the group. He is also known as the most caring member of the group. Just like a mother.

Jiwoo being a superstar athlete and was technically a public figure, had so many positions in the group. Aside from being a subvocal and the maknae, he'll be helping me with the choreography as the second main dancer of the group. He will also be the face of the group. It actually suits him since he has the highest sense of fashion than anyone else.

At first, we were arguing why I wasn't part of the Vocal Line when I was obviously qualified to be a main vocal. I told them that we needed to solidify each unit's individual performances. We need to solidify our vocals per unit.

I am also not confident with my singing abilities. I'm not trying to brag or be humble at the same time. Singing while standing up is easy. But maintaining the melody while dancing is not a joke. I can control my breathing but, I would not be able to last until the end. Especially since our choreography takes a lot of toll on us.

Although all of us can sing like a main vocal, in terms of endurance and stamina while singing and dancing, these three were obviously higher than we are.

That's why I decided that it would be best if I was going to be one of the Main Dancers of the group and as well as one of the lead vocals as well.

It's already hard enough to be a leader for the group.

Now that that was settled, I immediately asked to book one of the recording studios. I was going to be busy producing the music for the next few hours. It's already 6PM so I'd probably be done around 8PM or 9PM.

"Oh by the way, I'm going to give you your own recording studio which is also connected to your very own dance studio." PD-nim said which made everyone burst in to cheers.

He then lifted his hand up signaling us to stay silent. "I'm not done yet. If ever you fail this challenge, you'll have to find your own studio for recording and dancing outside the company until you debut. IF you get to do so that is…"

It dampened our mood when we heard that announcement. It was already hard enough to get this done in a week.

"Well then… What are we waiting for? We better get started." Dominic said with a smile on his face. That boosted our morale somewhat.

PD-nim left the room and we were left behind with the showrunners and the camera crew. I guess they wanted to film this for more behind the scenes footage.

Well whatever… I shouldn't get distracted now.

Let's just treat this as if we were already idols.

"What now hyung?" Woo asked.

They all had worried looks.

"The rest of you head to dinner. You need it for the next coming hours." I told them. They were raising their eyebrows at me.

I think I know what they're thinking. We are on a tight schedule and the first thing I want them to do is eat. Of course they'd question that.

"We just have to trust JayB on this." Matt tried to assure everyone.

I gave them a nod before I turned to Zhang, "Zhang, after you're done eating come to the studio.

I'm going to need your help with the music. Tell me what you think."

"We'll bring over dinner for you." Jeong Do said.

That's very supportive of him. I guess they're starting to ease up. "Okay, you go with Zhang when you come to the studio. The rest of you head to the resting lounge after dinner and just come to the studio around 9PM. By then, all of your vocal cords should be warmed up. Understood?"

They just nodded and smiled at me. "So we're going to record the whole night for the song, hyung?" Zee asked.

"That's right. So you guys better eat and rest well." I responded.

With that, we all went our separate ways.

The camera crew divided themselves. 3 of them went with me while the rest went with other members.

Once I reached the studio, I immediately worked my magic.

I already know what song to use…

They wanted something that suits our name? Our style? And something that's fresh?

Then THAT would be the perfect song.

That song racked up so much money that it was the reason that their company was able to build a new building.

Imagine that?

With just one song they were able earn that much to build a WHOLE. NEW. BUILDING.

That song…

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"I think that sounds about right…" I nodded in satisfaction.

I wanted to bring out the best and the latest hits of my time. But I wanted to build a solid foundation for the k-pop genre to stand on.

You know what they say, you can't fry a hotdog when there's no frying pan.

Likewise, I'll set up the ground work for the k-pop genre.

Besides, I've already sold enough songs for the team.

Nobody by Wonder Girls is still a hit in this world. Gee even made it to the top the charts for 3 months straight. Bang Bang Bang also stayed on top for about a month. Shinee already became a hit in South Korea and debuted in Japan because of the album that I sold them.

I gave them most of their songs because I really looked up to these groups in the previous world.

They also deserve to sing and promote "their" songs, right?

*Knock! Knock! Knock!*

"JayB-ah! Food's here!" I turned and saw Dom and Zhang by the door smiling at me.

"Did you guys eat well? Do you want to rest for a while? I'm still going to clean my vocals on the sample." I told them

They shook their heads as Dom said, "We're good to go any time. I'm sure it'll sound great anyway."

"Can we listen to the sample on loop while you eat? It doesn't matter if it's not polished yet, I just wanted to hear how it goes." Zhang said.

I shrugged, played the music and began unpacking the meal they've brought me.

As soon it played I heard gasps from the both of them. They were both silent the entire time and were listening intently.

As soon as the music end, I placed a large heap of kimchi on my mouth and said, "See there's much to work on. Why don't you just join me and eat some more. We'll figure out what to improve later on."

"This…" Dom grew speechless.

Zhang turned to look at me and glared, "You… made this?"

What's wrong with this guy? Of course I made this!

Do you see anyone here besides us and the cameramen?

He turned to the cameramen and asked, "Did anyone else enter the room besides us?"

The camera men shook their heads in response.

He sighed and said, "Aside from the raw vocals that you need to work on, there's not much to work on. Maybe use the right pitch for the percussions and other sound effects. Other than that, it sounds great."

"Really? I think we should add more music into it. I think it's quite dry." I added.

"Are you trying to mock me? I'm not even sure if I'm the musical prodigy here anymore. This song, just like any other song that you've written and produced, is perfect! I'm not even sure if I'm needed here!" He said as he threw his hands in the air as a sign of surrender.

I just shrugged. "If you say so. Don't worry. You're still the best when it comes to it. I'm bad with pitches. You're a perfect pitch so you can do better than I do."

He sighed again, "Alright, alright. I'll start recording my parts. I've already memorized it."

"Exactly what you can expect from a prodigy. But don't get too caught up with how I sang it. I know you can do way better than that. I'll guide you through it." I responded as I placed the plastic tray inside the plastic bag.

"It's really catchy and has a sense of swagger into it. AHHH! I'm getting excited just listening to it!" Dom said.

We all laughed at that. It was true. I didn't even get to finish my meal because I'm also excited to record this song.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get started!" Zhang immediately ran towards the recording booth.

"Hey! No fair Zhang! I want to go first!" Dom said as he also went inside the booth while trying to steal the headphones away from Zhang.

I chuckled at the comedic sight and pressed a certain button. "Zhang goes first Dom. Don't worry… it'll be quick."

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"Alright! Great job, Dom! That's good for now. Are you happy with your part?" I asked over the speakers.

He gave me a wide smile and a thumbs up.

"That was actually the most fun I had in singing! I can't wait to hear the final output!" He said as he went out of the booth.

I was busy concentrating in synching all the audio with the vocals that I didn't notice the rest of the members enter the room.

"What do you think, Dom?" I played the audio without facing them.

After playing Dominic's part, I heard an applause ring behind me. I immediately turn to see everyone else inside the room.

I grew red in embarrassment.

I was still not confident with my singing and the parts that we sang.

"I guess the applause speaks for what I think JayB-ah." Dom said.

Everyone else just nodded.

I tried to change the topic, "Ahem… for your parts… I'm not sure if it'll-"

"Don't worry, hyung. I looked it up and changed the parts that need changing. I coupled the lines that best fit each member. I did it while you were recording with Dominic-hyung." Zhang said.

Well that's efficient…

"Is that our song? It sounds so fun and cool!" Zee exclaimed while clapping his hands.

"Yes it is…" I said shyly.

"No need to be shy, hyung. Can we hear the sample?" Woo said.

I played the sample with my voice as a guide. I played it twice so they'd catch on. Then I played the raw file where Dominic, Zhang and my voices were in.

"Wow! It sounded even better when Zhang-ah and Dom-ah sang their parts. No offense JayB-ah." Seiji commented.

I chuckled at the comment. "None taken. So now that you know your parts and are familiar with them, who wants to go first?"

Everyone raised their hands.

I sighed as they started to argue to who will go first.

This is going to be a long night…

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"How was that hyung?" Woo asked over the microphone.

I pressed the button for him to hear me. "That sounded great. Are you okay with that?"

"Can we try it one more time and compare it with this one?" He asked.

"Sure! Let's go with that." I responded.

After each member had their parts recorded. The rest of the members began to feel competitive and wanted to re-record their parts again saying that it was not near good enough.

Zhang and I already assured them that it was already better than what we expected!

But they insisted… and so… it took longer than expected.

Woo and I were the only ones who were awake. The rest of the members were either on the couches or on the floor and were sound asleep.

"That's perfect hyung! I'm satisfied with that." Woo said as he finished listening to his part being played.

"Great! Why don't you join me in waking up the rest of the members?" I asked.

He gave me an okay sign and he exited the booth.

I stretched my body and turn to look at the clock. It was almost 4AM in the morning. The camera crew already went home a while ago.

After we woke the members up, we discussed what we needed later on. We decided to sleep here and wake up at around 7AM to freshen up and eat.

We wanted to start practicing as soon as possible.

__________________

8:30AM that morning…

"Alright! Gather around!" I called the rest of the members who were warming up.

The camera crew already arrived at 6am today. They got to film us while we were sleeping, preparing and even eating.

I hope we won't look too ugly once it airs.

There was fire in the eyes of each members. I knew they were still tired after a long night of recording, and I knew that they haven't slept well since they slept on the couches and on the floor.

But they didn't show a hint of that right now. Everyone was as fired up as I was.

"It's going to be a tough day ahead? Are you guys ready?" I asked.

They all yelled "yeah" and "fighting" at the same time.

"Let's go hyung! We haven't heard the final output yet. But I'm already totally excited for the choreography!" Woo was jumping up and down while trying to warm himself up.

I knew that among all of us, he was probably the most exhausted one since he was the last to record.

"Oh yeah! You guys haven't heard it yet." I went to the speakers and played the song.

They were stunned with the final output. They ran towards me and begun hugging me until I fell to the ground.

The rest of them piled on top of me making it hard to breathe.

These idiots are going to kill me!

"Alright that's enough! Get to practice! You guys have 6 more days to…" PD-nim entered the room and grew silent as he listened to the song that was playing.

He raised his index finger while pointing it on the air. "Is… is this your new song?" He asked.

We all nodded at him while chuckling. "You… finished it already?"

We nodded again while smiling.

"This… are you guys even human? You know how long it takes to record just one song?" He asked us.

We all just looked at one another while Zee responded, "Uhh… overnight?"

"Haha! Over… No! It takes days! Overnight my butt! No one does that! And to do it this perfectly?! You guys are insane! This is impossible!" PD-nim clearly didn't know what to say.

He was right…

It takes a long time to write and produce a song. We did it overnight which defied commons sense.

"I think the word you are looking for is 'geniuses' not insane." Dominic said and we all turn to him eyeing him to shut up.

JYP PD-nim's jaw dropped.

He just silently walked out of the room.

What just happened?

I shrugged and turned to look at everyone, "So? Shall we?"

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We finished ¾ of the choreography at around 6PM in the evening.

"HAAAH! Finally! We're done for today!" Yo Chul collapsed on the floor near me and complained.

Jeong Do tried to comment, "There's more actually but-"

"I don't care! As long as I get to rest and sleep!" Yo Chul interjected.

"Preach it…" Dominic added.

"Samgyupsal would be good right about now…" Matt said.

We all snapped our heads towards him and smiled.

"Samgyupsal?" Seiji raised his eyebrow while he contemplated.

"That's not actually a bad idea…" He added.

Everyone slowly turned their heads towards me. They all had that pouty face on together with those puppy dog eyes.

I sighed at them and chuckled. "You guys did well today so… hey! Why not?"

"AAAAAAAH! Leader-nim! Thank you!" Yo Chul stood up and ran towards me giving me a tight hug.

"AAAH! Get off me! You're so sweaty! AHHH!" I yelled.

"NO! LEADER-NIM!" He teased.

The rest of the members just smiled at the sight and some of them laughed.

We all finished packing our stuff and began cleaning the place. We left the practice room and started walking towards the entrance of the JYP building.

"Samguypsal… Beef Cutlets… and a whole lot of kimchi!" Yo Chul was now muttering like an insane person.

I bet he really is hungry…

"Don't eat too much Chul-ah. You might get an upset stomach tomorrow. We can't afford that." Matt reminded.

"Can't I just eat a lot just for today?" Yo Chul begged Matt.

"No… You know what happens if you eat a lot…" Matt being the concerned mother-like figure of the group tried to convince him.

Yo Chul grew silent. This time, Seiji sided with Yo Chul, "Just let him have his way for now…"

Matt sighed, "Alright, but if I feel like you can't take it anymore, I'll stop you. Understood?"

Yo Chul just nodded while smiling from ear to ear.

Seriously… this guy can be like this when it comes to food.

"JayB-Ah!" Before we could reach the entrance, someone tried to call my attention.

We all turn to see who it was.

"Hyung… it's her again." Zee whispered.

She walked towards us, "JayB-ah. Do you have a second?"

I turned to the members, "You guys go ahead. I'll catch up."

They hesitated at first but in the end they just left us alone to talk.

After I made sure that they were already gone, I turned to the person who called me. "What can I do for you… Suzy-sunbaenim?"

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