Concepts

Among the BOI contestants, many with cheerful or extroverted personalities loved to crack jokes and make others laugh to liven up the atmosphere on the set.

Xavi was just like that. The Australian guy knew not to let his accented Korean hinder his communication with his fellows as he told jokes or did something funny.

Of course, if there were extroverts, there were also introverts. Min was a perfect example. The guy was skilled, but even Jun found the other boy lacking in presence sometimes when not on stage. Min was by no means somebody who rarely talked. On broadcast or when the camera was rolling, he was smart enough always to voice out his guesses and show various reactions, leaving the impression that he was vocal about his thoughts. But off-cam, he would not talk unless someone else initiated the conversation. He was talkative, yet only to those he was comfortable to be with.

The other introverts were either people who liked to keep their thoughts to themselves, observe, or were plainly shy. 

However, one odd person among these shy people was Hyeon-ju, a boy with the most sunshine-like smile in this survival show. He gave the aura and smile of someone who seemingly liked to mingle and care for people, like a high school student organization president or a community youth leader. Yet, in person, he was like Juwon, preferring to observe and stay silent around people he didn't know. 

One undeniable fact, though, was that Hyeon-ju could light up a room when he smiled because he would look extremely happy if he did so. Something about his face, aura, mannerisms, gaze, and smiles made people feel comforted and cheerful. 

Everyone in Best in Idol survival show felt like Hyeon-ju would even beat Jun in terms of facial expressions if they ever performed songs with a sunny concept. At a glance, people could tell that Hyeon-ju suited bright and sunny stages well. 

However, precisely because of this, he got voted off after the entrance mission. Most Inhabitants doubted he could pull off other concepts, especially cool and fierce ones. 

"House of Cards." The moment the opposing leader's mouth opened, and the words escaped his lips, three people automatically showed worried expressions, either biting their lower lips or nodding with a resigned look of defeat on their faces. 

"My team would like to perform House of Cards," said Dae-Hyun firmly.

They selected an electro-pop song with trap beats and prominent RNB elements. There were a lot of high notes, but Dae-Hyun could not even pretend to care because his team had the two best vocalists on the show.

"All right. We heard Leader Dae-Hyun's choice, which means Leader Seong-Hun's team will get the song 'So Far Away.'" 

At the emcee's official announcement, everyone nodded, but many bowed their heads right after to hide their expressions. The faces the two teams made were interesting as there were only few types of expressions - relieved, sad, expressionless, or confused.

Well, only Xavi looked confused. 

Thirty minutes quickly flew by since the team and song selection.

"So Far Away, it will probably be the most interesting song of the year, from a survival show," Juwon said absentmindedly. He looked like somebody seriously studying the patterns on the floor.

"I actually wanted to ask about it some time ago, but I saw everyone's reaction, so I kept my mouth shut. Why are you guys depressed over this song? Is it just me who thought it was cooler than the other? Or are you all practising your facial expressions already?" Xavi tried to laugh off the awkwardness that enveloped the practice hall of their team.

Hyeon-Ju visibly appeared uncomfortable. However, he kept his smile. 

"Well..." Juwon shrugged. He refused to answer. 

Jun was not around since he was being interviewed. The rest of the team went to the practice hall assigned to them, the biggest one in the Greenhouse. The other team gave it up to them voluntarily, probably because they felt sorry. 

However, while Seong-Hun appreciated their considerate actions because the place they got was bigger, it felt like there was too much excess space for five people. 

Seong-Hun raised his head, looked at his teammates individually, and softly announced, "Everyone, I have something to say. I might be the one who created the team. But I know myself well. So, I plan to pass leadership to Jun." 

The young man laughed shyly. He looked embarrassed. However, nobody reacted negatively since they knew this tall, handsome guy was quite introverted and lacked a leader's disposition. 

Jun entered right at this moment. After he closed the door, he noticed his new teammates staring at his every move. Then, around three seconds later, they began to clap, which bewildered him. 

"Hi, Leader!" Juwon smirked as he clapped. 

"Hello, Leader!" The others, still seated on the floor at the center of the room, also followed.

Jun looked confused. When he approached the group and sat down, his eyes were on Seong-Hun. The boy repeated what he just said to others. When he raised his head, worry showed in his eyes. 

"Are you sure you want to pass leadership to me?" 

"Yes," replied Seong-Hun. Would Jun think that he was being irresponsible? Or passing a troublesome position after knowing their group's mission and song title?

Jun read his thoughts. He deliberated internally for some time before calmly saying, "I think it would be better for us to confirm first if we can change leader. I don't mind, but we don't want our points deducted if it is against the rule."

Juwon asked, "Should we first ask the staff?" 

"Hmm," Jun did not hesitate to nod. 

Seong-Hun went out for a bit and went back looking deflated. He shook his head, "They didn't allow it." 

"Actually, I believe the staff were only being strict because the rules of this mission decided the leaders this time," Jun explained. 

The youth pouted and stared at the floor for quite a while after he took his seat next to Jun. What more could go wrong for them? Jun patted him on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, I will support you."

"Thanks." Seong-Hun looked grateful.

Bracing himself, he started the usual routine, part distribution. "I'm lacking, but I will do my best. Let us do this, guys. Who wants Part 1?" 

Like in past missions, the lines of the song were labelled and divided into parts. However, it was obvious to all that Part 1 meant Center, Part 2 Main Dancer, and Part 3 Main Vocal. 

Jun did not hesitate to raise his hand. Two others did. 

Xavi grinned when he looked at Jun. "I like the center this time." 

Jun stared at the foreign guy to see how determined the other was. Five seconds later, he shrugged and lowered his hand. "Okay." 

Everyone was surprised. However, Jun did not care since he knew Xavi would do well, plus the guy had never fought for center spots before. If he wanted to see ETM born again, Xavi had to demonstrate himself more and become more visible to the viewers. Because of this, when Xavi volunteered for it this time, Jun felt really happy. 

Daeho was unwilling to give up Part 1 that easily, so he and Xavi battled it out. However, as Jun predicted, Xavi won. The latter got the most votes, not because he sang better, but because he was just more charming and expressive than his competitor. Applause echoed as Xavi bowed with a happy look on his face.

"Part 2 is next. Who wants it?" Seong-Hun asked, and two people raised their hands. Once again, the onlookers' eyes widened. 

"Juwon vs Jun?" Daeho, interested but slow in his response, smiled wryly. While he felt regretful, he dispelled the thought of competing. 

Jun and Juwon continued raising their right hands while exchanging glances. 

Seong-Hun fell speechless and forgot what to do next.

"Hey," Jun spoke in a tiny voice, like a chipmunk. 

"Heyyyy," Juwon laughed before he imitated his friend. 

Watching the two eye-signalling each other made their four teammates laugh. Hyeon-Ju's eyes, in particular, turned into cute little crescent moons as he happily clapped. 

Xavi could not stop giggling. "Are they communicating through their eyes?" 

"What language is that?" Daeho shook his head, still laughing. 

"Ahm, you two, please fight for it through a performance," Seong-Hun's soft voice rang.