The hall was electric.
Camera lights flickered above a wide, gleaming audition arena. Trainees — dozens of them — flooded into the space, each one wide-eyed, stiff with nerves or bouncing with excitement. They came in groups, some from famous agencies, some independent. All different — but each with a fire in their eyes.
This was the Hunter Shark stage.
The trainees took their places one by one, seating themselves on color-coded rows. Teams whispered nervously among themselves, scanning the hall, watching for rivals, or admiring idols they had only seen online.
Some were rehearsing lines.
Some sat completely frozen.
Some were already trying to impress.
The host's voice boomed from a microphone above.
"Welcome to Hunter Shark! This is your beginning, your battlefield, and your home for the next four months. Remember this moment!"
One by one, trainees were called to introduce themselves. A camera turned to each as they stood up, greeted the others, and shared their story.
"My name is Jin-Woo, from Busan. I'm a trainee under V-Star. I'm honored to be here!"
"My name is Riku! I came from Japan. I hope to become someone who can make others smile through music!"
All trainee are from different countries....
One after the other, each voice echoed in the massive hall.
Then came a quiet shuffle. A boy stepped up.
He had soft brown hair, big curious eyes, and a disarming smile.
"My name is William."
He paused.
The camera waited. The staff waited. Other trainees blinked.
But William only said, "I like singing. So… I'm here."
And sat down.
There was a moment of silence. Then a few giggles. One trainee whispered, "That's it?"
Another chuckled. "Is he a prank contestant?"
But William just smiled, like he didn't hear a word. Or didn't care.
A few rows behind, a boy in a dark hoodie was fidgeting with the mask on his face.
Lee.
He slowly stood up, avoiding all eye contact. His hands trembled just slightly, but he gathered himself.
"Hello," he said softly. "My name is Lee."
He kept the mask on, only revealing his eyes.
"I'm here for dancing… and singing. Both. I really like both."
He bowed awkwardly. "Thank you."
Then he quietly returned to his seat — far off to the corner — distant from everyone. Some whispered. Some were curious. But Lee didn't look up once.
He kept his eyes down and mind far away.
Why am I even here? he asked himself. What am I supposed to do now?
Moments later, a cold voice cut through the noise.
"Hello."
The camera turned to a tall, sharply dressed trainee.
"My name is Yan."
He looked straight ahead, expression unreadable.
"I… am here to… sing." His voice cracked slightly. "Sorry… I mean— I'm sorry, I'm not good at this part."
Some trainees laughed softly. Not mockingly — just amused.
Yan glanced away. "Thank you."
In his mind he thinks"this is also important all thinks are same as I want"
In serious face kin I always remain you... That you make my personality make as kid you forced me to act like nervous kid" hunhh sh*t .
He sat down behind Lee.
They didn't speak at first.
But after a long silence, Lee leaned back and whispered, "You seem… different."
Yan looked at him sideways. "So do you."
"You're not just a singer, are you?" Lee said carefully.
Yan smirked faintly. "Neither are you."
Lee nodded slowly. "You feel like a businessman."
Yan raised an eyebrow. "Do you know mr.zhou ?"
Lee's eyes lit up. "The new investment firm? I've been researching them. I think they'll explode in two years."
"I thought the same," Yan replied.
"I wanted to invest," Lee said, "but couldn't reach them. They don't want to reach any contractors."
Yan's tone shifted subtly. "Same here."
They both paused.
Then at the exact same moment, they both blurted:
"I work for them."
They stared.
"Wait— you're an employee?" Lee said, stunned.
Yan blinked. "Intern."
Lee muttered, "Same." huhh..
Yan in his mind"It's almost in beginning"..
They both leaned away instantly, masking their conversation with silence as cameras swept past. Around them, no one knew that two "trainees" were actually sharks in disguise.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed.
A voice echoed.
"Let us now welcome your judges! The guides of this journey!"
The trainees stood and clapped as the host announced the first judge.
"Please welcome one of the top vocalists of our generation — the beautiful, brave, and bold… Dream!"
Dream stepped into the hall wearing an elegant white blazer, her long ponytail swaying behind her. Her aura was powerful, yet gentle.
Trainees gasped. Many recognized her instantly.
She took the mic and smiled warmly.
"I'm not here to teach you how to sing," she said. "I'm here to inspire you. I believe each of you already has what it takes. Now… let's make it something unforgettable."
Thunderous applause followed. Some even teared up.
The host raised a hand. "Next judge. The mysterious, the silent, the legendary producer who never joins public shows. He's the man behind the curtain—please welcome… Mr. East!!
Gasps echoed.
East entered the hall in a sleek black suit, eyes unreadable, expression sharp. His presence was magnetic. William looked down instantly, hiding his face.
Even behind , yan froze...
Try his best to hide his face and said wtf...
East's voice was calm, low, and simple.
"I'm not here to babysit. Do your best. Or go home."
Just that.
No more words.
And yet — every trainee felt the pressure rise tenfold.
Also William face just sppechless..
Then came a warm laugh from behind.
The host smiled. "Introducing our special judge duo—who also happen to be part of your journey… please welcome Ming-Ji and Jun!"
Jun had returned, but this time with Ming-Ji beside him, hand in hand like best friends.
Ming-Ji waved to everyone brightly. "Hey guys! I'm Ming-Ji. I sing, I rap, and I'm here to learn from you too. Let's share skills, stories, and snacks!"
The trainees all laughed and cheered. Ming-Ji's charm was impossible to resist.
"I don't dance well yet, but I hope you guys can help me get better. In return, I'll help anyone with vocals and rap!"
William's eyes flicked upward. Just for a second.
Jun took his seat with a nod. Ming-Ji sat beside him, tapping his leg like a child too excited to stay still.
"Let's just enjoy," Ming-Ji whispered to the crowd.
The lights went darker once more.
"And now…" the host's tone turned dramatic. "Our final judge. Known for his intensity. Feared by many. Please welcome the demand for perfection himself… Judge K!"
K stormed in like a general, wearing a sharp grey coat, eyes burning with judgment.
He walked slowly to the mic.
"I don't care how much you've practiced," K said flatly. "I care how perfect your output is."
Gasps swept the hall.
"I don't look at sweat. I look at results. If you mess up—you're done. Simple."
He turned and took his seat.
Dead silence followed.
Every trainee straightened up.
Even William stopped smiling.
Suddenly, the host clapped loudly.
"Let the show begin!"
Screams, music, and stage lights blasted into life. Groups ran backstage, preparing. Some prayed. Some rehearsed last-minute.
Jun and Ming-Ji leaned into each other.
"Let's see who survives," Jun whispered.
Ming-Ji smiled. "And who's hiding secrets."
Dream clapped her hands together. "Let's go!"
K simply grunted.
And the first group was called to the stage.
From above, the cameras rolled.
From below, hidden truths waited.
Let the game begin.