"Now, we will finally begin SEVENTEEN's final mission...Please watch the Major Group's 'Truth.'"
___
The stage lights dimmed once again as their short introduction video began to play.
"Just because you want it doesn't mean you'll get it."
"This is our stage and We are born for this."
"Minors, stay quiet at the side."
"This is our spot!"
As the video played, the Majors took their positions on stage, lying on the bed as they waited for it to end.
The lights came back on, and the music started.
"Truth~"
On cue, Llana and the others jolted awake, acting startled as if they didn't know what to do.
"Oh no!"
"What should I do?"
"I'm nervous."
"Truth~"
Llana stood up, followed by the rest, and they quickly moved into formation. They formed a triangle, with Llana at the very front and center.
"You, ooh, ooh, ooh"
Llana stepped forward with a subtle hip sway, her hand resting over her heart, moving in sync with the rest of the group. They all took another step together, wearing soft, shy smiles as they made small "fighting" gestures.
"You, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh"
Everyone mirrored the pre-recorded intro in perfect unison, repeating the same steps together.
"Mworago malhalkka dugeundugeun tteolline"
Llana sang, her voice clear and steady, establishing the rhythm. The group moved forward together with light, controlled bouncing steps. In sync, they lifted both hands near their mouths as if hesitating, then gently extended them outward, as though releasing a nervous confession.
"Meorireul mukkeulkkabwa namdeulgwa dareuge"
she continued, as they shifted smoothly in unison. One hand settled on their waists while the other rose toward their chins, holding a brief, cutesy pose.
Llana stepped back as Momo took center, with Chaeyoung supporting her lines. "Amureochi ana (Yeah, yeah), haetjiman (That's right), Galpangjilpang naneun heodungjidung."
Chaeyoung delivered her rap next, and everyone mimed putting on makeup, checking themselves in an imaginary mirror, and trying to fix their hair in a hurried, flustered manner. "Geoulbogo eolleun danjanghae, Hoksina majuchilkka junbihae.."
They shifted into another formation, lining up in a straight line as Sana sang the pre-chorus. One by one, they appeared behind her in a pyramid formation, each striking different poses in sync. "Malhalkka mareulkka, Gobaekae mareulhae, Oh baby, oh baby."
"But truth is..."
Llana sang.
The formation changed again into a window as Jihyo took over the chorus.
"Sasireun mallya, I just wanna be with you
In love with you, in love with you…"
As the next line followed, Llana took over seamlessly.
"Geurae jinsimiya. I just wanna be with you,
In love with you, in love with you."
All of them moved in perfect sync, placing a hand over their chests as they flowed into a smooth body wave. In unison, they formed hearts with their hands before pointing toward the audience.
Mina watches the majors' performance from the side, standing quietly as the staff adjusts her monitor.
She feels very nervous right now. Her knees feel weak from the nerves as the major group's performance nears its end. They will be performing next. Just thinking about it makes her heart beat even faster.
"They're so good," Mina lets out a quiet sigh in amazement.
The major group's performance is beautiful. Their movements, vocals, and synchronization are incredibly clean. They truly look ready to debut.
It makes her wonder if her team's suspicions are true, that the current major members will become TWICE, that the lineup has already been finalized, which is why JYP did not even try to adjust their minor lineup anymore.
Mina does not want to believe it, but watching them now, it is hard to completely push the thought away.
She presses her lips together.
To be honest, her teammates are starting to lose confidence. They are no longer hoping that they will still make it.
And honestly, Mina understands why.
What chance do they really have against the other group?
The other team already has everything. Strong main vocalists, reliable sub-vocals, a rapper, dancers, visuals, and popularity. They look like a finished lineup, while Mina's group still feels like they are fighting just to prove they belong.
On top of that, they would be performing the same song in the next round. This made Mina even more nervous. Unlike their first performance, the final one included a part that required powerful main vocals with high belting. The problem was, no one in their group could handle it.
The only one who could somewhat cover that part was Somi. She had the widest vocal range among them, but even she couldn't reach those notes.
For sure, the Major group would assign that part to Llana. She had an incredibly high vocal range. In her last performance, she hit an A5 using only her natural voice. It was insane. Mina hadn't even thought that was possible without using falsetto. And she didn't look like she was struggling at all.
And if you added Jihyo-unnie and Nayeon-unnie into the mix, it became complete overkill.
All of them feel pressured just thinking about the lineup they are up against for a spot. Even Mina feels a sense of helplessness. Her teammates are all younger than her, she is the oldest, so she knows she has to step up and lift their spirits. As their unnie, she needs to stay strong and give strength to her teammates, because if they lose confidence without even putting up a fight, then would that not be the same as admitting defeat and accepting that they will not become part of TWICE?
Mina takes a deep breath, closing her eyes before opening them again, now filled with determination
She is not here to lose.
She saw her mother earlier, standing at the side with the audience. Her mother had flown all the way from Japan just to watch her, and Mina does not want to disappoint her. She will give her all.
Mina returns her focus to the majors' performance, watching Llana perform her part. Llana looks truly mesmerizing, almost as if she is glowing while performing.
Mina can clearly see how much she loves what she is doing. Whenever Llana is on stage, her eyes always light up, so different from her usual calm gaze off stage. This is their first time seeing Llana performing something cutesy.
Without realizing it, Mina finds herself smiling as she watches her.
Llana is very unique in a good way.
_____
Sorry everyone, I can only give a short chapter for now. I've been very busy with school and other responsibilities, and it's been hard to write because my mind is already too exhausted to continue writing.
I'll make it up to you next time once my schedule lightens up.
That's a promise. 🙂