Chapter 405: Forced Proximities

June crossed his arms in front of his chest. "A wildcard," he muttered. He had already deduced what was happening—it was a chance for CHAOS. "I have already presented to you three representative songs from the three generations. However, there are still a lot of songs that define these iconic times," Haemin explained. "That is why we came up with this blank card. The participant who chooses this card will have the freedom to choose whatever song they like from any of the three generations!" "I want that card." "I need that card." "Don't tell me we're going to run to get that card." "I don't care. I just really need that card." Just then, Jaeyong raised his hand. "Yes?" Haemin asked, pointing to him. The other participants also paid attention to Jaeyong. "There's only four songs," he said. "Does that mean some groups will perform the same song?" Haemin smirked. "While the title of the mission is 'Blast from the Past,' it will also incorporate teamwork. However, the teamwork I'm talking about is not only within your group but also with people you aren't familiar with. In this industry, we must learn to work outside of our comfort zones!" Haemin smirked. "While the title of the mission is 'Blast from the Past,' it will also incorporate teamwork. However, the teamwork I'm talking about is not only within your group but also with people you aren't familiar with. In this industry, we must learn to work outside of our comfort zones!" The participants frowned, dreading where this was going. "This is also a 'Mixture Battle,' which means you will be teaming up with another team to perform one of these songs!" "I'm an introvert. I can't do that." "Imagine being paired up with CHAOS." "Oh, they're going to eat us right up." "Bro, imagine getting paired up with SPADES! I don't think I would be able to speak at all." "I'd rather chew my own shoe than do that." It was safe to say that the twist in the mission was something the participants weren't too fond of. "However, not all of you need to pair up," Haemin quickly added, causing most of the participants to sigh in relief.

June was also hoping not to be paired up with another artist. In this show, collaborating with the other participants felt like a recipe for disaster. June could already imagine the amount of misunderstandings and antagonisms that could happen. June was also hoping not to be paired up with another artist. In this show, collaborating with the other participants felt like a recipe for disaster. June could already imagine the amount of misunderstandings and antagonisms that could happen. Not only that, but they'd have to adjust to each other's schedules, too. It just seemed like performing alone as a group was the best choice. June really hoped for EVE to perform by themselves and for them to get the wildcard. However, that hope came crashing down with Haemin's next announcement. "And that's where CHAOS' benefits come in," he smiled, some already groaning in disappointment. "As our very first kings, CHAOS gets to decide who they can team up with—that is if they want to team up with someone. They also get to choose the song they're going to perform!"

Haemin said. "Maybe we should have worked harder on our opening stage," Rex said. "I think it doesn't matter. We could practice for two more years, but CHAOS will still probably get the benefit," Zibo sighed. The members of CHAOS smiled at each other. Haruki, however, still appeared calm—like he already expected their benefit. "Not only that," Haemin added. "There's more?" Seven exclaimed loudly, causing Haemin to chuckle. "We're just showing you the importance of these benefits so all of you will be more motivated to win them during the next ones," he smiled. "Going back to what I was saying—not only will CHAOS get the chance to choose a team and pick their own song, but they'll also delegate it to the other teams as well."

Haruki's eyebrows raised in surprise. He also wasn't expecting such a great benefit. However, he wasn't complaining at all. As soon as the mission was announced, he had already painted a stage for his team.

"So, basically, we don't have a choice," Robby quietly scoffed. The four other members of CHAOS turned to their leader, already expecting him to make the right decision. "So, CHAOS, are you ready to make your decision?" Haemin asked. "Yes," Haruki said without any hesitation. "Then, please come to the middle." The members of CHAOS walked to where Haemin was standing, meeting the gazes of the other participants. Haruki smirked when he saw some desperate looks from them. It felt like he had control of the situation—which he liked. However, one person didn't even bother looking his way. Instead, he was busy inspecting something in his hands. June stared down at the hair strand that fell from his head. He could already see his black hair peeking from the roots and the color gradually fading. 'Should I dye my hair again?' he asked himself. Haruki shook his head and went back to professional mode. He turned to his teammates and quietly asked them a question. They all nodded in agreement, so he took the microphone from Haemin and spoke. "We're starting off with our song and team," Haruki said. "We'll be taking the wildcard," he smiled, "and we'll also prefer performing alone." The others slumped in disappointment, their desired choice already going to CHAOS' powerful hands.

"Now, for the teams," Haruki started off. June finally stopped inspecting his hair to pay attention to what was happening. He couldn't predict the teams that CHAOS would form. However, he was secretly hoping for it to be OCTA. "We'll go in consecutive order. So, the first formed team will be taking the first generation song and so on," Haruki prefaced. Haemin nodded, gesturing for him to go on.

"The first team will be BOYMYSTIC and Robby," he said. Robby turned to the senior group, bowing his head in respect. Unlike his disdain for EVE, he was actually a pretty big fan of BOYMYSTIC and diligently watched their season, so he was happy with the decision. "The second team is MORPH3D and OCTA," Haruki smirked, already seeing contrasting emotions from the participants. June also froze. That would only mean one thing. "Fuck," Akira whispered by his side. June looked at Haruki's calm expression and pursed his lips together. Not only was he talented, but apparently, he was also cunning.

"And the last team will be SPADES and EVE."