Oneiric Life

July,

Seoul South Korea,

Beads of sweat pigtailed down the trainees faces as they walked towards the large hall in panic.

Today was the day when they would all be finally performing, the judges would also be passing out their final statements.

Last night, the girls did not sleep, they practiced and prayed non-stop, knowing fully that this was their only chance to showcase their talents to the world.

As the sixteen girls entered the large hall, their hearts almost jumped out of their chests as they saw the fierce, strict, and intimidating looks in the judges eyes.

"You girls walk faster" Judge rapper, Black Bone's voice could freeze hell itself.

The girls joined their teams and quickly prepared with their leaders.

While everyone shook just by seeing the ferocity in the judges eyes, a girl of about 18 to 19 years old looked unfazed, there was a small cute smile on her face, as she joined the three other girls of her team and spoke words of encouragement to them.

"We can do this girls" she smiled. "The possibility of us winning today lies..." She touched a young girl's chest, "In there"

The three other girls smiled as well, hugging each other as they whispered more words of encouragement and support to themselves. "Let's do this!"

All the judges took their seats and got ready to watch each team's performance.

Among them was a kind-looking woman in her late-forties, a beautiful smile was plastered on her thin pink lips as she looked at the teams one after the other.

It seems like CEO Lee Haeun already had a team in mind for debut, the judges could sense that.

But who are they?

The woman was CEO Lee Haeun, the owner of Hexagon Corporation, the newly launched entertainment company that was currently preparing for the debut of it's first girl group.

As the CEO, she would have to watch and scrutinize the trainees thoroughly, so she was present.

Another woman climbed down her chair and walked to the stage, she cracked her throat before she let the microphone boom with her voice.

"It's time for the performance of Team G" she announced, looking at a paper in her left hand, "Team G, please step out"

Four bright-looking girls came forward, they held each other's hands as they curtseyed.

"Team G would be covering Butterfly's 'Good Life' Please let's look forward to their performance," said the woman with the microphone as others clapped, causing an echo around the large hall.

There was a pin-drop silence as the music started.

A blonde girl sang the first verse, lifting her right leg and raising her right hand at the same time.

"Listen to my speech, I got lot's to speak..."

They held their hands again during the chorus part, as they sang in unison.

"I wanna live a good life, n nothin' more,

That way you'll see my bright side n nothing less,

Just gimme that chance, gimme that chance,

To live the good life that I deserve"

Indeed, they rocked the pop music and beautiful choreography, they curtsied once their performance was done before leaving the stage with sweat streaming down their necks.

"Amazing performance by Team G" the microphone woman beamed, "Now let's call Team W, they would be covering The bad boy's 'anaconda' "

Another four girls walked in, they all lay on the floor, as they said a "Hey!" In chorus.

The hip-hop beat started, as the four girls danced and rubbed their chests on the floor like snakes.

"Aa...Aa... Anaconda!!" they chorused, dancing to the beat, beads of sweat also rolling down their faces.

After Team W performed, Team L performed, and lastly, it was time for the most anticipated team performance.

Team A!

It consisted of four cheerful, beautiful, and talented girls, all known by their trainee names.

S, Y, U, and D.

Every other trainee knew that Team A was well respected by the judges, because of their talents, skills, and cooperation.

They therefore predicted that perhaps Team A might debut.

The woman with the microphone looked proud and pleased as she announced Team A's presence.

"They shall be performing 'Hit the beat' by Mad Dog"

Team A soon set the stage on fire with their electric-like performance, everyone watched in awe and admiration.

A particular member of the team got everyone's attention, everyone was moved by her deep voice as she sang her line.

"And when my heart was on fire,

All on my mind was to hit the beat!" She sang and danced, her hair flying as she did a pirouette.

Another girl added with a smooth voice.

"Let me song you a serenade,

To reminisce the past and forget the present"

And soon, Team A's performance ended, and there was a big smile on their faces as they did a big bow to the spectators.

CEO Lee Haeun also looked pleased, others couldn't help but wonder if that was the team she had in mind.

Lee Haeun whispered something to the Chief Judge's ear, and he nodded.

After all the trainees took their seats, he collected the microphone and soon began to speak.

"Every performance was incredible, the girls all improved, I'm very impressed" he began, though without any expression on his face.

The trainees hearts raced, which was the team that won?

Is it Team A?

Which team is lucky for debut?

They listened to the judge breathlessly.

"Today, we were all pleased by you girl's performances" He furthered. "However, we are sorry to announce that Team L has been eliminated due to lack of..."

He was interrupted by the wailing of the girls that comprised of the eliminated team.

"Oh no, not after all our hard work"

They couldn't believe that almost 10 teams had been eliminated ever since the beginning of the Talent Examination.

The man continued after the girls calmed down. "There's no cooperation between the members of Team L, so go back and train," he told them coldly. "The remaining teams shall carry out the final Examination tomorrow, we shall be the ones choosing a song for each team this time around. The winner debuts!"

A bespectacled woman stood up, peering into her paper.

"Team G, Red Diamond by Dovely, Team W, Beggars by Ragdoll, Team A Hullabaloo by Fuss"

The trainees stood up and walked outside.

The members of Team A looked at themselves with smiles on their faces.

That same girl of about 18 to 19 years old, held their hands tightly.

"Let's rock this girls!"

Dinner Hall,

Almost all the entire trainees left their dorm for dinner, and each dorm mate sat together at a round table, eating their palatable meal.

They were surely enjoying the resources of the new company, even if sadly, all of them wouldn't be able to debut.

Hexagon Corporation was a new Entertainment Company founded by Lee Haeun at the end of the year 2021, it then announced a girl group audition in 2022 and surprisingly got more than 3000 applicants from around the world.

It was located in one of the most expensive city in Seoul, of course, the huge glass-like skyscraper could not be ignored.

The company building was one of a kind, tall and beautiful, having lot's of employees a few months after it was founded.

Just it's name had piqued people's interest, and they couldn't wait for the debut of the new girl group, especially when they would be managed by Lee Haeun herself.

Lee Haeun owned not only Hexagon Corporation but was also the heiress of Octagon and Co., one of the best manufacturing companies in Seoul and other countries.

She studied at an expensive university in the UK and had settled in Korea almost 15 years ago, married and blessed with two children who are currently studying in another Country.

In other to get more money and fame, she chose to open her own Company, since she always loved showbiz and would've wanted to be one.

Out of 3,000 applicants, only 700 managed to pass the audition, and yet, up to 10 were still eliminated every day.

She already had a lot of supporters, now all that mattered was to select perfect girls for the formation of her new girl group, which she knew would be a huge success.

* * * *

"Damnit! Why aren't phones bloody allowed while training?" The girl cursed, tossing on her bed. "I really wanna play Dragon Codes and now I'm phoneless!"

"Relax Sora, we aren't gonna debut so I guess you'll have your phone back" another girl mumbled as she closed her eyes.

Sora scoffed, "Easy for you to say"

Park Sora was a beautiful, young 17 years old girl, she had plenty of long jet-black hair and beautiful cat-like, almond-shaped eyes, she was tall, slender, and kind-looking.

"You aren't even as hardworking as I am" another girl chirped in, rolling her eyes. "And I wasn't even part of any team"

Sora also rolled her eyes, "Who cares, it's not like I love fame anyways, I just missed my PHONE!"

"Go to bed, before Miss Jimin comes in"

Sora and her dorm mates were not members of any team, because they were very unserious.

Sora only managed to escape elimination because of her smooth rapping skills and flawless beauty.

Others were zero in all aspects.

She knew that she would never debut, so why would she work hard?

Meanwhile, the remaining three teams didn't have a wink of sleep, they danced and practiced all night.

The girl with a deep voice looked at a young girl with beautiful bangs, she caressed the girl's fingers as she whispered. "You're tired Fenhua, let's go to bed"

The girl with bangs shook her head vigorously, and answered with a sharp voice, "No! We must work hard"

Aerin who appeared to be the mother of the team summoned the remaining two girls who were panting like dogs.

Naram and Ryein sat down on the floor, massaging their feet.

And that was the girls that comprised of the Team A.

Shin Aerin was the oldest among them, she was 17 years old and looked very pretty and kind.

She had a set of shiny white teeth that shone like a flashlight whenever she smiled.

She had a deep voice and was also very good at dancing.

Next was Mo Naram, she had a cute face, though not so beautiful but was still better.

She was 16 years old and was good at both rapping and dancing.

Lee Ryein was next, only 15 years old, she was very cute and had a V-shaped jawline, but she was not fully Korean.

Born by a Korean mother and an Australian father, Ryein also known as Raine grew up in Newcastle Australia, and was fluent in both English, Korean, and Japanese.

Of course, every Hexagon Corporation trainee must learn Japanese and English before debuting.

She had a smooth voice like that of a nightingale.

Lastly was Liao Fenhua, also known as Isla, just 13 years old and looked very promising.

She was born in Whitehorse Canada by a Chinese father and a Canadian mother.

She was very good at rapping, and dancing and knew more languages than any other members of Team A.

She had a petite height and cute dimples.

"Look, we need to go to bed, my bones ache" Naram whined, looking tired.

"Of course, that's what I was trying to say" Aerin looked at Fenhua. "Let's go"

The two stood up from the floor, while Naram complained.

"I'm already tired of all these idol works. Seriously, I feel like I'm being mutilated"

The rest ignored her like always. That was Naram, the laziest member among them.

She hated training but liked and enjoyed eating.

That evening, Naram made up her mind.

'I would make this team fail, we wouldn't have our debut, because I can't take this'

The following morning, Team W performed their song, they were doing well when suddenly, a member tripped and fell.

The girl cried her eyes red, shouting and cursing at the same time.

"I'm tired! The f*cking song is just so difficult, the move is also difficult, I'm tired!!!"

"Team W, please get out!"

Team G came next, and of course, they never failed to impress with their skills, they performed flawlessly.

When Team A also performed without failing, the judge made an announcement.

"This time around, both teams would do the same song 'My Heart' by Mimi" he boomed. "Even the slightest mistake would make the team eliminated for good!"

The members of Team G murmured to themselves in dissatisfaction.

Another hour of sleepless nights?

Oh, come on!

Why was the CEO so hell-bent on debuting a 4 member girl group?

Couldn't she just add them together to become 8?

Is 8 a bad idea?

Or the company had not much resources?

Naram almost exploded into tiny pieces, what was she thinking when she never pretended to forget her line?

What?

And Mimi's songs were just too difficult, the verses, chorus, and even choreographies!

Damn!

They all left to continue training in the training room.

Other trainees watched and pitied them, especially Sora.

To her, it was better not to be in any team and be eliminated than to practice non-stop and still end up losing.

And what was that song?

My heart by Mimi?

More like Treachery by The Devil, that song was crazily difficult.

Are the judges insane?

All Sora wished she could do was to jump fifty inches above the ground and thank God for giving her such a stroke of good luck.

"Oh my, oh my" she danced.

Aerin and her teammates practiced like there was no tomorrow, mastering each move took them almost an hour.

Naram was even more tired, and at that moment, she regretted signing the trainee contract.

Nothing good comes easy.

Meanwhile, Lee Haeun and the producer spoke about the debut song of the new girl group.

Lee Haeun sat down on her swivel chair as she talked about how she wanted the upcoming girl group to be.

"I don't want them to stick to one genre like most groups," she said. "So, I want their debut album to comprise of songs of different genres, but the title track would be hip-hop inspired of course" she furthered.

The producer, a man in his mid-forties smiled warmly. "I already think of a title for the title track," he told her.

Lee Haeun's eyes glistened, "And I already have a team in mind, but it depends though. So tell me the title"

* * * *

The following morning dawn bright and clear, the members of each team were smartly dressed in a pair of black pants and white boots.

Their hair was in a bun hairstyle, they looked beautiful and innocent, even without make-up.

This time around, the entire trainees gathered at the Hall, and couldn't wait for the battle to begin.

Sora looked casual, not as intrigued as others.

She felt sorry for herself and already considered the possible winners lucky.

If only there was a way she could join the final lineup, she also loved being famous and having many fans.

She thought of famous groups, Butterfly was the most popular girl group right now, having millions of fans from around the globe.

Big Blue was the biggest boy group, of course, they were from a very big and well-developed company.

A particular member from Butterfly Dang Binh inspired Sora to become an idol, but not when she wasn't very good at dancing, and had only managed to pass the audition by luck.

She had watched and learned the choreography of Butterfly's hit song 'Stupid cat' and that was how she managed to pass the HXG global audition.

Of course, her rapping skills couldn't be ignored.

Sadly, she wouldn't debut, she sighed as she clapped her hands for Team G who were about to set the stage on fire.

Team G's leader took the risk of singing the first verse.

"Left alone to drown in the deep sea

Though I'm glad I've left your treachery

But I'm still enshrouded by disappointment

Why would my heart?"

She rocked each line with her beautiful dance.

They chorused. "Why my heart?

Like gasoline on my fire

You ruined me"

Everyone were amazed, but when it came to the fast-paced rap part, the rapper bit her tongue and omitted a word.

"Hey yo! Ya as wicked as hell

I know that ya think that imma never gotta tell

But I'ma ride, never gonna die,

I'd ask why instead of cry cuz it's my village n my lineage

n...m..m...my"

she stuttered, and not only that, but they also skipped a leap.

Everyone's jaws dropped in disappointment.

The girls broke into tears.

"Team G step aside please"

Team A members looked quite forlorn, if Team G could fail, then perhaps they could.

Aerin took the first verse with her deep voice, while Naram took the pre-chorus.

Isla and Raine sang the chorus together before Isla proceeded with the rapping.

"Hey yo! Ya as wicked as hell

I know that ya think that imma never gotta tell

But I'ma ride, never gonna die,

I'd ask why instead of cry cuz it's my village n my lineage,

n imma never gotta finish, think 'bout it

You heartbreaker you heart wrecker

You just put off my fire

You're a liar, not my desire, put you on a trial..."

And Naram cuts in, "And you were my heart"

Aerin and Raine sang the pre-chorus while Isla and Naram took the Chorus.

Soon, they ended the song.

Everyone watched in awe, the entire trainees clapped their hands delightedly.

"Oh MG! This is beautiful!"

"With Team A breathtaking performance, we would be thrilled to announce that the winner of the Talent Examination for the new girl group debut is Team A, a round of applause for them please"

Everyone clapped.

The three girls couldn't hide their excitement.

"Now go take rest, we shall see tomorrow" CEO Lee Haeun affectionately told them, she could feel their tiredness.

However, Naram felt bad, she felt that this was just the beginning of her suffering.

What's the use of working hard when HXG would never become popular? not to mention their girl group?

The following day, her parents came for her, and she terminated her trainee contract with the company.

"I'm very sorry, I should've realized this earlier" she apologized. "I want to focus on my studies for now, it was nice being with you all. I hope the rest members of my team become successful"

#####

Keynote: Hexagon Corporation, HXG for short.

I own the songs XD