* * *
The practice room was surrounded by mirrors, and several nervous trainees were gathered at the back.
In front of them were vocal trainers and rookie development team staff evaluating the trainees.
“Next is… Kang Dojae.”
As soon as the practice room door opened, the vocal trainer called out Dojae’s name.
All eyes turned to Dojae.
With calm steps, Dojae walked to the designated spot in the center of the practice room.
“You idiot. Where have you been until it’s your turn?”
“……”
“What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to answer?”
The vocal trainer, sitting crookedly, demanded a response.
But Dojae had nothing to say.
It was the first time in his life he was treated like this.
He was bewildered and somewhat thrilled by the novelty of it.
However, recalling ‘Kang Dojae’s’ memories, such treatment was all too common.
Kang Dojae, born into a poor family, lost his father early and lived alone with his mother.
At the age of eighteen, the same age as Dojae, Kang Dojae decided to become a singer after seeing someone win a billion won on [Superstar Challenge Season 1].
With nothing but his body and a decent singing ability, becoming a singer was Kang Dojae’s only chance to turn his life around.
‘My desire to be a good son to my mother, who had spent her whole life working in restaurants and as a cleaner, was very strong.
After going around several agencies, I finally managed to join New Entertainment, one of the top three agencies in South Korea.’
“The first agency I joined was a ghost company. Maybe I was lucky not to get scammed due to their lack of money…”
Since joining New Entertainment, Kang Dojae had practiced tirelessly every day without a single break.
Debuting here meant simultaneously achieving his long-held dreams of becoming a singer and finding success.
Today was a very important day for Kang Dojae, bringing him one step closer to his dream.
It was the final evaluation day to select the members of the group debuting next summer.
“Hey, Kang Dojae. Are you out of your mind? Do you even hear what people are saying?”
“I’m sorry. I was so nervous I zoned out for a moment.”
“Do you think you can debut if you fail the internal evaluation?”
Dojae looked silently at the vocal trainer.
Despite being a former famous singer with exceptional skills, the vocal trainer had a terrible personality.
He reveled in holding the dreams of trainees who aspired to debut.
“He was especially harsh to nobodies like Kang Dojae.”
He was a typical opportunist, the kind you see even in Imperial courts.
Dojae clicked his tongue inwardly.
Contrary to Dojae’s naive thoughts, becoming a singer was not something achievable with just one’s body and effort.
The chances of debuting varied even among trainees, depending on their family background or innate talent.
It was no wonder Kang Dojae had to work extra hard to overcome these obstacles.
“That’s enough. The other trainees are waiting for their turn…”
One of the staff from the rookie development team stopped the vocal trainer.
It wasn’t particularly for Dojae’s sake, but because the evaluation was taking too long.
“Kang Dojae.”
“Yes.”
“Sing.”
The staff’s curt command made Dojae feel momentarily dazed.
“I want to sing.”
It was Dojae’s long-cherished wish.
Ever since his dream of becoming a singer had been crushed due to the obligations placed on him by the Imperial Family, Dojae hadn’t been able to properly sing a single song.
He knew even humming alone might anger the emperor if it reached his ears.
But now, the people in front of him were waiting for his song.
Regardless of the circumstances, Dojae was given the chance to sing his heart out.
He swallowed hard.
He composed himself, calming his trembling heart.
Soon, Dojae opened his mouth and began to sing.
“Ah—you don’t know—”
Of course, Kang Dojae could have sung the song he had prepared.
But that song was only in his head, and it felt awkward since he hadn’t actually sung it before.
Therefore, Dojae chose to sing “You Don’t Know,” which he had heard just before he collapsed.
The song evaluation was meant to accurately assess the trainee’s skills, so it was acceptable to sing the most confident song a cappella.
Changing the song was no problem.
“My trembling heart.”
Verse by verse, Dojae sang, pouring all his longing into the song.
Dojae’s clear and powerful voice quietly resonated throughout the practice room.
“My heart doesn’t beat if you’re not here.”
The previously chaotic practice room focused on Dojae.
It was a voice they couldn’t help but listen to.
He’s good.
That one word sprang to everyone’s mind like an exclamation mark.
Whispers began among the waiting trainees.
“What’s this? What song is that?”
“I don’t know. But it’s good. Is it an original song?”
“Who is that? I’ve never seen him before.”
“You must be new here. That’s Kang Dojae. He’s been a trainee for three years.”
“Wow. He’s really good.”
“Was he always this good?”
“He was always somewhat good at singing. He just lacked confidence.”
“Strange. That guy usually seems like a total loser…”
The trainee who brought Dojae in scratched his head, puzzled.
Even he, who had always looked down on Dojae, had to admit that Dojae’s singing was the best he’d heard from any trainee so far.
Good enough to debut immediately.
Even the vocal trainer who had been scolding Dojae looked confused.
“Just a few days ago in class, he wasn’t this good. Has his singing improved that much in such a short time?”
More than the singing itself, what was most surprising was Dojae’s attitude while singing.
He was always so stiff and unable to make proper eye contact, as if he were intimidated.
The vocal trainer had often scolded him, saying that singing was done with the whole body, not just the voice.
But now, there was nothing to criticize about Dojae.
He was outstanding.
His pitch was stable, his expression was heartfelt, and his voice was deeply resonant with emotion.
“May my precious feelings reach you.”
Dojae was completely absorbed in his song.
When Dojae finally finished singing, the vocal trainer unknowingly murmured to himself.
“Amazing…”
***
All the evaluations were over.
“With today’s song evaluation, we’ll announce the debut team members tomorrow. Good job, everyone. There are no regular classes today, so you’re free to go.”
At the vocal trainer’s words, everyone in the practice room scattered.
After singing, Dojae was overcome with a sense of achievement, regardless of his current situation.
His fingertips trembled.
“I sang… I sang in front of people. Freely.”
He hadn’t felt such emotions in a long time.
Trying to calm his shaking heart, Dojae left the practice room last.
Thud. He bumped into someone walking in at the same time.
“Oh, what the—Kang Dojae. Can’t you watch where you’re going?”
Frowning from the impact, Dojae looked up.
The moment he met the eyes of the man with gray-dyed hair, the exhilaration that had been enveloping him dissipated.
Dojae glared at the man with cold eyes.
“So, it’s you. The bastard who makes me want to die.”
“I want to be a singer… I really do.”
* * *
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Thanks for the chapter
Spread your wings wide DoJae and don’t let anyone bully you.