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Chapter 5
The reason I was able to take so many photos as a paparazzi was because of bait.
If you placed bait at places your target was likely to go, most of them would fall for it—and the profit was sweet.
What was interesting now was that many of those people I had once caught were scattered all around the filming set.
If I play this right, couldn’t I take a few of them out?
Since I absolutely had to debut as an idol now, I wasn’t in a position to be picky.
“Hmm…”
Should I really send them off?
While I was thinking, I had already reached the line marked with the green sign.
Stopping at the very back, I saw the individual trainees, who seemed relatively quiet.
Looks like there are about fifteen individual trainees.
The rest were all agency trainees.
From trainees belonging to major entertainment companies to those from obscure small agencies, everyone knew—there was quite a mix.
Soon, a staff announcement signaled the start of filming, and the stage lights finally turned on.
The murmuring stopped, and the trainees held their breath as they looked toward the stage.
On the large screen behind the stage, the golden letters “Star Picking 5” shone brightly.
With grand music playing, a well-proportioned man walked onto the stage with a smile.
“Welcome, Star Picking 5 participants. I’m your host, Yoo Hae-in.”
“Woooo!”
“He’s so handsome!”
They sure have loud voices.
Trying to get caught by the camera even once, the trainees reacted with near-shouts.
The atmosphere burned even hotter at the appearance of Yoo Hae-in, one of the hottest top-tier male idols.
Wait—Yoo Hae-in?
“Hmm.”
I wasn’t sure because he looks young, but hearing the name confirms it.
He was one of the idols I had once sent straight to ruin.
“I can feel the heat from all of you. Shall we start by introducing the program? Star Picking 5 is the fifth season of this male idol debut survival show.”
Yoo Hae-in flipped through his cue cards and continued.
“Out of 100 trainees, only the chosen ones will survive. In the end, which trainee will be selected by the National Producers and debut?”
He turned the microphone toward the trainees.
A camera zoomed in on the direction where I was standing.
“Me!”
“Pick me!”
“I’ll debut!”
Fueled by the passionate responses, I opened my mouth too.
“National Producers! Please choose me!”
With a satisfied smile, Yoo Hae-in turned the mic back and spoke.
“Then let’s officially begin Star Picking 5. First, the 100 trainees are all strangers to our National Producers. You’ll need to show them who you are.”
“Yes!”
“The first mission is a self-introduction ranking evaluation. Based on the judges’ evaluation, trainees will be divided into ranks A through E. You’ll be given one day to prepare.”
Ding.
A translucent blue window suddenly appeared.
[Sub-Quest (3): “Receive a rank of B or higher in the self-introduction evaluation.”
Reward: Stat increase upon success
Failure: You’re done.]
My dance is a D-, and you want me to get a B in self-introduction?
[Yes.]
Isn’t that a bit much?
[ㅋㅋㅋ]
My life is on the line—give me a doable mission.
[Shall I change it to “Get an A rank”?]
…No.
It was crafty enough to exploit my weakness.
[Is Cha Si-woo afraid?]
I casually raised my middle finger at the system.
Anyway, what can I do in one day to get a B rank?
“To introduce yourselves, you’ll show your charm for one minute using the song and dance you’re most confident in.”
Hmm.
Thinking back to the first audition, singing seemed to work fairly well.
The urgent problem was dancing.
At least it’s not a random song.
Remembering the judges laughing during my dance, song choice felt extremely important.
Flipping the last cue card, Yoo Hae-in smiled at the camera.
“As with last year, the ranking criteria for self-introductions is purely attractive self-promotion. Everyone understand?”
“Yes!”
So it hasn’t changed much.
All that pre-research had paid off.
Smiling brightly, Yoo Hae-in extended his hand.
“Then let’s move to the first survival location for Star Picking 5.”
The stage lights went out.
Following staff guidance, the trainees boarded waiting buses.
“Please board the buses in the order you’re lined up!”
By the time I got on, most seats were already taken.
Front seats are best for getting off quickly.
I took the empty seat at the very front.
The old bus seat was hard rather than cushioned.
Same bus as last season.
Click.
When I fastened my seatbelt, the trainee beside me flinched slightly.
The trainee who had been facing the window turned around.
“Wow—”
The moment our eyes met, the words slipped out.
How can someone’s eyes look like a deer’s?
Clear, deep brown eyes with thick double eyelids instantly drew attention.
His flawless skin, slim neck, and soft jawline still carried traces of youth.
His sharp nose and light pink lips looked lively.
This kid is seriously handsome.
After chasing celebrities as a paparazzi, I thought I was immune to good looks.
But this kid easily ranked in my top five.
Wait… where have I seen him before?
Normally I would’ve ignored it and slept, but cameras were installed all over the bus.
The production team clearly wanted footage anywhere they could get it.
With voting coming later, I need to stay camera-aware everywhere.
I raised the corners of my lips into a professional smile.
“Hello. I’m Cha Si-woo.”
The deer-like eyes trembled slightly with caution.
“Hello. I’m Yoo Ho-seung.”
“…!”
Yoo Ho-seung.
A famous influencer, the son of a top-actor celebrity couple.
Why are you here?
Back in my paparazzi days, I’d accepted a few requests involving him but always came up empty.
He really was all about work.
After his drama became a massive hit, he gained huge popularity as an actor.
With his looks, he should’ve debuted through Star Picking 5.
Yet something felt off.
Why do I only remember him as an actor, not as an idol?
Star Picking 5 had stirred up plenty of issues, but strangely, parts of the debut outcome were missing from my memory.
This doesn’t feel like a memory problem.
Given everything so far, there was only one answer.
The system.
A translucent blue window appeared.
[As expected, you’re quick-witted, Cha Si-woo.]
Knew it.
[Yes?]
Since you’re here, show me Yoo Ho-seung’s stats.
***
[Status Window]
Yoo Ho-seung (17)
Appearance: A+
Singing: E
Dance: D-
Charm: B+
Stamina: C
Ability: ???
Trait: 10-million-follower influencer
***
It was the first time I’d seen an Appearance A+ and Singing E combo.
That’s extreme. Did he fail as an idol because of singing and dancing and then debut as an actor?
“I’m seventeen. How old are you, Cha Si-woo?”
While I was thinking, his curious eyes were fixed on me.
Those eyes really sparkle. He still has baby fat.
“I’m twenty.”
Guilt poked at my conscience.
I was actually twenty-five—but I had no choice.
“You’re really handsome, hyung.”
…Is he teasing me?
But his eyes were too pure for sarcasm.
“It feels good hearing that from someone handsome.”
Yoo Ho-seung’s cheeks flushed slightly.
There’s actually an eight-year gap… he really is young.
His guarded gaze softened just a bit.
For some reason, he briefly reminded me of Cha Si-hyun.
Tap.
“…?”
Before I realized it, my hand was on his head.
Soft hair slipped between my fingers.
“Ah—sorry. You reminded me of my younger brother.”
“Ah… okay.”
He didn’t pull away, so I kept gently patting his head.
This is strangely addictive.
“…”
“Your hair’s really nice.”
“Haha. Thanks.”
Seeing this innocent, baby-faced version of Yoo Ho-seung felt fresh compared to the sharp, popular actor he’d later become.
Si-hyun… you’re doing okay, right?
***
The dorm I was assigned was Room 207.
Opening the door revealed a narrow concrete room.
Two bunk beds were placed against opposite walls, with cameras installed everywhere.
Privacy didn’t exist for trainees.
The dorm was exactly the same one shown last season.
Looks like the budget really took a hit after Star Picking 4 flopped.
Honestly, there probably wasn’t a more cost-efficient way to house 100 trainees.
I need a bottom bunk.
From what I remembered, the ceiling was low enough for top-bunk trainees to hit their heads.
Before anyone else arrived, I tossed my bag onto the bottom bunk on the right.
Creak.
The door opened.
Three trainees entered at once.
“Wow! This must be our room!”
Good thing I claimed my spot.
“Oh—someone’s already here! Hello!”
“Yes, hello. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you!”
“…Hello.”
Four men in a small room made it feel cramped.
“Since we’re roommates, how about quick introductions?”
“Sounds good!”
“…Okay.”
“I’m Cha Si-woo, twenty years old.”
Aware of the camera’s red light, I smiled professionally.
“Wow, you look really young!”
“Do you have an agency?”
“…”
The two outgoing trainees and one shy, gray-haired trainee all looked at me at once.
