Chapter 246: Elements

"We're not going to do an emotional performance."

"What?" Anthony exclaimed. "But I was looking forward to making the audience cry already," he pouted.

"Why aren't we going to go the emotional route this time?" Bin asked. "I also wanted to perform another stage like that with you."

June sighed, not expecting such an uproar when he said he didn't want to perform an emotional this time around.

Honestly, the main reason was that he was tired of coming up with an emotional concept.

Making people cry was more taxing than he had thought.

However, as June thought about it, there were plenty of reasons why they couldn't perform an emotional song.

He thought back on the finales of the past seasons of Rising Stars.

June remembered the 4-hour episodes that made him feel sleepier than a Math class on a Monday morning.

However, he had no choice but to pay attention since Mei Ling would literally slap his cheek if he fell asleep in the middle of the show.

But it seemed like that was actually beneficial for June right now.

His teammates were still trying to convince him to perform an emotional performance.

However, June shook his head, imposing his leaderial authority.

"Listen to me," June said. "We need to take things into consideration."

June sighed in relief when his teammates finally quieted down.

"First," June said, placing his elbows against his knees. "Timing."

"The signal song performances are going to be performed first thing in the show—after the introductions of the mentors," June started off, recalling the times he used to watch the finale episodes of Rising Stars.

"The finale episode is the most nervewracking moment for the trainees. Everybody's on edge at that point...especially in the beginning. We'll also be performing in a large venue, which will only heighten our nervousness."

"So, no matter how much we try to channel our emotional spirits, I'm sure our nervousness will be more apparent—especially during the first few moments. That's why most idols don't start their concerts with a ballad. It will only dampen the mood."

"Moreover," June continued, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "The audience will be nervous too, and an emotional performance wouldn't resonate well with them. Instead, it will look more mundane...forgettable."

It seemed like June wasn't just a philosopher.

He must have been a debater in his past life, too.

"Second," June said. "Impact. I'm sure we already know that the other team will be given the chance to pick the order of performances. If ever they perform first, we're going to have to do something drastically different from their stage. And if we're chosen to go first, we need to do something very impactful so their stage would look mediocre in comparison."

"But we have to take note of this," June quickly added. "We don't know what they're going to do, and an emotional song would not be our best bet because I believe if my instincts are right, that they are going to do exactly what I'm thinking of."

June smirked, remembering the people on that team.

Lin Zhi would definitely want to perform an emotional song to spite him.

"That makes sense," Sehun said, placing his hand under his chin. "What do you suggest we do, then?"

June smirked, looking as relaxed as ever.

"It's the finale," June said. "As I said a while ago, artists rarely start a concert with a ballad. Instead, they show off."

"They show off their skills like no other. And with the skills we've acquired all throughout the competition, I know this is the best time for us to show off everything we've learned, too."

"So what you're saying is..," C-Jay said, still not getting it.

June sighed in frustration.

"We show them who's boss. Let's start the finale with a bang with an epic performance," June said.

"You're a damn good speaker," Bin said. "I'm actually convinced that an epic performance is the way to go."

C-Jay rubbed his hands together. "Oooh, I'm already excited for this one."

"Me too," Johnny smiled. "But I have one question. How are we going to accomplish that epic performance?"

June, without saying a word, walked over to the piano and sat down in front of the expensive instrument.

"Wait, you know how to play the piano?" C-Jay asked but June didn't respond.

Then, he recalled the first iconic notes of their signal song. June placed his fingers on the cold ivory, pressing to see what sound it made.

He nodded in approval. It was definitely a well-tuned piano.

Then, as the notes played in his head, he decided to play through with the piano. June stepped on the pedals at times, emphasizing the right notes.

Then, it happened.

The signal song hastened in his mind, and as if a bolt of inspiration had struck him, he adjusted his playing to match the rhythm in his mind.

He took a deep breath and, in his imagination, the lyrics flowed not in its usual melody, but in a rap style, the delivery sharp and intense.

Only June had a vivid picture in his mind, but his teammates still watched him with admiration. Despite it being a spontaneous performance, it mesmerized them to the core.

It was as if he was already on a grand stage, bathed in an imaginary lights.

The sunlight that filtered through the curtains danced, creating a makeshift spotlight that pulsated with every beat.

For a brief moment, the room was transformed into a stage of their dreams, and June was its star.

June sat there, his eyes closed as the image of their performance was created in his mind, contemplating how to take it to the next level. Suddenly, it felt like a lightning bolt had struck him.

'Wait, a lightning bolt?' he thought, his eyes snapping open.

His teammates had been so engrossed in his performance that they were taken aback when June abruptly ended it. As he stood up, the chair scraped loudly against the floor.

"June?" C-Jay hesitantly asked.

However, June was in his zone.

"Elements..."