Sailing through the ocean wide,
Chasing dreams, the tide is high.
The dancers started in a close group shaped like a triangle, with the lead dancer out front. When the music started, they broke into fast, synchronized arm swings that moved like waves rolling forward. They stepped forward with force, swinging their arms out in wide, sweeping motions.
Waves are calling, feel the breeze,
Set our sails, we're free to seize.
On this journey, side by side,
We'll discover what's inside.
The dancers started in one formation, then quickly broke apart so there was more space between them. They did fast footwork as they moved across the stage, pushing forward with each step to create a wave-like motion. On the downbeat, they crouched down and threw their arms out together. They then split into pairs and did a fast series of matching steps, with smooth spins and quick turns.
The horizon's where we'll go,
Underneath the sky's warm glow,
Every step, we'll make it count,
Together strong, we'll never doubt.
The dancers got into a line where some stood slightly ahead of others. They walked forward with confidence, landing each step right on the beat. Their arms pushed out and then whipped back in fast motions. They crouched down low, then jumped up together, raising their arms high above their heads. They went through a series of synchronized moves that got more intense as they neared the chorus.
We're sailing to the stars,
Guided by the light, we'll rise.
Through every storm, we'll chart our way,
On this ship of dreams, we'll stay.
We're sailing to the stars,
Where the ocean meets the sky,
With every wave, we're closer now,
Our destiny, we'll find somehow.
The music got more intense, and they moved apart. They formed a wide line that went across the practice room, with some dancers in front and some in back. They started dancing fast. Their arms swung wide. Their feet moved in quick steps like shuffling, crossing, and turning. Their bodies twisted and spun around, hitting every move with accuracy.
The dancers jumped and slid across the floor together, all moving at the same time. Then they dropped down, rolled on the ground, and stood back up quickly. They kept this pace without slowing down.
The choreography was fast-paced and powerful, featuring complex formations, quick transitions, and high-energy steps that showcased both the group's synchronicity and each dancer's individual talent. It was a performance perfectly suited to the theme song of an idol survival program.
Yes, that's right, the dance practice video they were watching now was the theme song of Boys Odyssey - [Sailing to the Stars].
The song was lively and matched the hopeful message of the lyrics. It mixed electronic and pop sounds. The verses had a steady beat and a clean bassline. The chorus added more synth sounds and louder singing. The bridge slowed down with softer sounds, then built back up into the chorus. The song stayed fast throughout, which matched the lyrics about going on an adventure.
Of course, Haneul knew this song. In fact, he's very familiar with it. Not just because it's the theme song of Boys Odyssey, but because the song went viral to the point of even reaching the top 5 on Lemon, the country's most popular music streaming service.
Yes, the song was good and catchy, and the choreography was well-chosen. But it wouldn't have gone viral without one other factor: a short clip of one of the contestants.
The clip came from the theme song's performance video. Unlike the theme songs from previous survival programs, which were typically shot in a studio, Boys Odyssey's theme song was filmed on the ship where most of the show would take place. The contestants were spread out across different areas of the ship, each dressed in a unique style of white sailor uniform as they performed the dance to the theme song.
With so many contestants, not everyone could get their moment in the spotlight during the four-minute theme song. But one contestant, in just five seconds of screen time, managed to captivate viewers with a simple smile and a wink. The popularity of that viral clip helped him reach the finals and eventually secure a spot in the debut group.
Even when the group eventually was forced to disband, that contestant was the only one who managed to turn things around and keep his popularity. It's just that, he no longer continued as an idol but instead transitioned to an actor.
Haneul felt an urge to look around and see if that person was here, just to be sure he was here as a constestant. With all the changes happening in Boys Odyssey in this world, what if there was a chance that person wasn't here? But if he was, he would undoubtedly be one of the strongest contenders in the program.
However, with the light still dim, he would have to wait to do that.
As the theme song concluded, the light from the projection screen dimmed, casting the entire ballroom into darkness before the contestants could even react. Suddenly, a single spotlight illuminated the center of the makeshift stage, revealing a very familiar figure.
It's Lily of Noir Roses!
***
ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
Starting from chapter 71, Omega Idol will be locked, meaning chapter 71 and beyond will be premium chapters. For those of you who've read my other novels, you'll know that I typically lock chapters from chapter 71 onward. But if this is your first time reading one of my works, I wanted to give you a heads-up so you're not caught off guard when you see the lock.
If you decide to stop reading at that point, I completely understand, and I'm grateful for the time you've spent with the story so far. However, if you choose to continue, I sincerely thank you for your support, and I look forward to sharing more of Omega Idol with you! (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)