Chapter 281: Mini Contest

Things started getting more hectic. The group was divided into three groups with three different song options—Restart, Caffeine, and Red Moon.

"Red Moon is literally the perfect debut song for us," Zeth said. "It's epic. It's addictive, and the possibilities for the choreography are endless."

"You can say the same thing about Restart," Jaeyong argued. "It was the second song we heard, and it left the most impact. Red Moon is too intense for a debut song. Restart is just the perfect mix of hip-hop and chill."

"Restart is pretty repetitive, though," Ren countered. "Red Moon is too...and although they sound like hit songs, they're not necessarily artistic? Yes, that's the right word. It merely sounds like a popular genre. Caffeine is both hype and artistic."

"I agree," Jisung said. "I like that Caffeine makes you feel like you've dunked some shots of espresso."

"Art?" Akira asked. "The real art here is Restart. I believe we have different definitions of art, so we can't really judge on what's artistic or not."

"But if we're talking impact, then Red Moon is the best choice," Sehun chimed in.

However, while the others were busy arguing, June was busy staring at the new pop-up in his user interface.

[You have earned a booster! The booster is entitled Hit Song Maker. Find out which song would become the best hit.]

[This is a free booster, so it is not a hundred percent certain. Use with discretion. Expires in 24 hours.]

Woah, Fu actually gave out freebies now?

That in itself was already a major upgrade.

[Use booster: Hit Song Maker. Selected songs: Restart, Caffeine, Red Moon...Oasis]

June contemplated on whether to add Oasis to the list, especially since none of his members didn't even appear to be interested in the song. However, June felt something special about the song, so he decided to add it.

There was no harm in trying, right?

"June hasn't spoken since earlier," Casper pointed out. "I'd just go with whatever he chooses."

Zeth groaned. "Oh, come on, man. Just pick a side so we can have a majority."

"Let's ask June," Casper said. However, June was too busy watching the graphics on his user interface.

"June? What song do you prefer?" Casper repeated.

[Integrating songs...Analyzing...]

[Analyzed.]

[The hit song from the group is Oasis.]

"Oasis," June unconsciously said, causing his members to turn to him, surprised.

June finally snapped out of his thoughts when he felt their gazes on his face. He raised his eyebrows, silently asking why they were giving him such weird looks.

"Oasis?" Zeth asked. "You want to go with Oasis?"

June nodded without any hesitation. He already felt something when he first heard the song. However, knowing the system had told him that it was the most probable hit song out of the four merely strengthened his belief.

"Yes," he said. "Oasis will be a great title track."

Chul frowned, interrupting the conversation. "Oasis...this song was merely added to the list as a filler. Right, producers?" he asked.

The long-haired producer scratched the back of her neck. "Yes. Oasis is still not finished—that's why it sounds a bit empty."

The other producer nodded in agreement. "Aside from that, this song was originally written for CHAOS' new album. However, they rejected it."

"And now it's with us?" Ren asked.

Chul nodded. "So, I suggest you think about it again."

The other six started arguing once more, insisting their favorite songs become the title track.

Chul sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose. "Casper, Hoho, pick a side already so we can go with the majority."

Currently, the team was divided into three teams with two members each for chosen songs. June looked at their expectant faces and sighed.

June didn't mind making a fourth team.

"I still stand by what I said," June stubbornly said. "I think Oasis is the best song for the team."

Chul shook his head and turned to Casper instead. "What about you? Would you mind breaking the tie so we can come to an agreement?"

Casper pursed his lips, looking around the studio. June sat there quietly, merely looking at Casper.

Then, Casper sighed. "I'll go with Oasis, too."

Casper definitely liked Restart or Caffeine better. However, something compelled him to side with June. Maybe it was the way he looked at him with such pitiful eyes (June was normally looking at him), or maybe it was because June always had ingenious ideas that most people brushed off in the beginning but ended up being the most successful.

So, in the end, Casper chose June.

Chul sighed in frustration as he slumped on his seat. "We're not going to come to an agreement, are we?" he asked.

The members shook their heads.

"Alright," Chul said. "Since we are given until tomorrow to choose the debut song, I suggest we have a mini-competition."

"Tomorrow morning, we're going to gather in Conference Room A and discuss the title track of the album. Since you're divided into four sides, I'll be giving all of you 15 minutes each to discuss why your chosen song should become the title track," Chul continued.

The members looked at each other, feeling a bit competitive.

"I'll be calling some members from the Creative team, A&R team, and Marketing team to oversee the mini-competition. Then, we're going to hold a vote on what the title track will be. Is that alright with all of you?" Chul asked.

Exclamations of agreement were heard in the room.

"And while you're on it," Chul continued. "Think of a concept for your chosen song, too, okay? So that we'll better visualize what you want with the song."

The other members already started excitedly discussing their songs and concepts.

Meanwhile, Casper and June sat silently in the corner of the couch.

Casper cleared his throat and nudged June's side, breaking the silence. "Hey, I'm sure you already have a clue about the concept, right? You've always been great at those."

June started off into the distance and chuckled coldly.

"You have a concept, right?" Casper repeated.

June pursed his lips and then shrugged.

He'll figure something out.