"Now, we will announce the voting results from the audience and the online voters, which will be one of the bases for Park Jin Young's decision."
The emcee's voice rang clearly throughout the venue. Almost instantly, the atmosphere shifted. The air inside the studio grew heavy as every contestant turned their eyes toward the massive LED screen. No one spoke. Even the audience seemed to hold their breath, quietly hoping their favorites would make it.
Without further delay, the screen flickered to life.
The emcee glanced at it briefly, then began reading.
"The audience rankings are..."
1. Nayeon 5. Llana
2. Jeongyeon 6. Dahyun
3. Chaeyoung 7. Tzuyu
4. Jihyo 8. Mina
Soft murmurs spread across the crowd, but they quickly faded as the screen changed again.
"Now let's take a look at the online voting rankings."
1. Llana 5. Nayeon
2. Tzuyu 6. Chaeyoung
3. Mina 7. Jeongyeon
4. Sana 8. Dahyun
"Those are the final voting results." The emcee smiled politely before turning toward JYP. "And now, let's hear the final judgment of Park Jin Young."
As if on cue, all attention shifted to him.
JYP took a deep breath before looking at each of the contestants, who were now standing on stage, silently waiting for his decision.
The industry was now changing.
The second generation was slowly coming to an end, and a new era was beginning to rise.
He already had GOT7, but it was not enough.
He wanted something more. Something that could represent this new generation. A girl group that would bring a fresh color to the industry, one that could keep up with and stand alongside the rising global standards being set by BTS.
This was more than just a debut.
He would personally guide them, watch over them, and shape them. He created Seventeen for this exact purpose, to find those who truly deserved a place in TWICE.
He wanted them to go beyond Korea. He wanted them to grow, to reach the world, to become a name recognized globally.
And now, he had made his decision.
"The final members who will debut in TWICE…"
His voice was calm, but the pause stretched long enough to make every second feel heavier.
"They are…"
"Nayeon."
A collective reaction broke through the silence.
From the very beginning, Nayeon had been considered one of the strongest candidates and was already a confirmed main vocalist even before the program started.
In his opinion, she was ready to debut.
"Jeongyeon."
Like Nayeon, Jeongyeon was already ready to debut. Among the members, she had one of the most stable singing abilities, second only to Llana. She was needed as one of the group's lead vocalists. Not only that, she also had a unique boyish yet feminine aura that was rare in girl groups, something he wanted in his team.
"Jihyo."
Jihyo was often criticized for her performances and her body, but she was someone he needed for TWICE.
She possessed a powerful voice, one that defined what a main vocalist should be. More than that, she had maturity and leadership, qualities that made her someone the group could rely on.
"Momo."
Momo might not have been popular among the audience and viewers, but she possessed something the others did not. Many members showed great dancing skills, but the way Momo moved was sharp and powerful, simply different from the rest.
"Chaeyoung."
A necessary piece for the group. Chaeyoung was a strong rapper, someone TWICE needed. From the beginning, she had shown the qualities of an idol. From the start, what he wanted from her was to give her one hundred percent, and she did not disappoint.
"Dahyun."
Dahyun lacked in many technical aspects, whether in rapping, dancing, or singing. Yet there was something about her that could not be ignored. Her charm was undeniable. It was natural, effortless, and impossible to teach. She had a way of drawing people in, making her presence valuable to the group.
"Sana."
Sana possessed a uniquely bubbly and affectionate personality. She was very positive, an energy that was crucial for the group.
"Mina."
Mina had an elegant stage presence and was one of the members who showed rapid improvement. She was not originally part of his chosen lineup. In fact, he preferred Minyoung over her. However, he had a bigger marketing plan for Mina. She was important for opening the Japanese market. He wanted her, along with Sana and Momo, to help introduce K-pop to Japanese audiences.
JYP stopped after announcing the eight names.
"The final lineup for TWICE has now been announced," the emcee said slowly.
Llana felt a lump in her throat. Hearing the emcee's words, she bit her inner lip as her eyes began to moisten while she stared straight ahead.
She had not placed all her hope on making it, yet she still could not stop the tears from forming.
"Llana."
She heard someone murmur her name.
Glancing toward the voice, she saw Chaeyoung, Dahyun, and Momo looking at her with heartbroken expressions, tears streaming down their faces.
Her throat tightened even more. A tear finally slipped down from her left eye. She could not hold it back, but she forced herself to stay strong and gave them a small smile.
She was very proud of them.
And at the same time, she felt the twinge of her own disappointment.
'I'm really destined to be alone, ain't I?' She thought bitterly.
Llana then looked at Tzuyu beside her, who had her head bowed. She stepped closer and gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
Tzuyu looked up at her, and Llana gave her a reassuring smile.
Tzuyu returned it, though hers was filled with sadness.
Tzuyu had already made up her mind that if she did not make it, she would return to Taiwan with her mother.
She would not come back.
She would not be able to see Llana and her other unnies again.
This might be the last time they would see each other.
"I have something more to add to the lineup,"
JYP suddenly spoke, startling everyone.
Hope began to surge among the remaining participants.
"Another member?" the emcee asked in surprise.
JYP shook his head slightly. "Two additional members will be added to TWICE."
Everyone was shocked, and the audience erupted into loud cheers.
"TWICE will be debuting with ten members, as stated by Park Jin Young. Please announce the additional members," the emcee said slowly.
"The first one is based purely on audience and viewer votes," JYP answered.
The remaining contestants could not help but guess. If it was based on votes, then it would likely be either Llana or Tzuyu, since they were the only ones left with high rankings.
Chaeyoung silently prayed that it would be Llana, hoping their group would be complete.
"Tzuyu."
Tzuyu did not move. It was Llana who reacted first. Llana smiled and clapped for her, gently nudging her forward and signaling her to step toward the center of the stage, pulling her back to reality.
There was still one more spot.
"Lastly… Llana."
JYP smile widely at Llana. She was the most talented girl he had ever met. She possessed every quality he wanted for the group. At first, he considered debuting her as a solo artist because he feared she might overshadow the others.
However, the group changes around her. She has certain quality that make everyone shine alongside her.
A group needed someone like that.
She was the ace.
She would be the center.
And she belonged in TWICE.
Llana was extremely talented, yet remained humble despite her wealth and popularity.
He wanted her in his group.
Llana could no longer hold back her tears as she stepped toward the rest of the selected members.
She was immediately enveloped in a tight embrace the moment she joined them.
"Now, please welcome JYP's new girl group…"
"TWICE."
Confetti began to pour down from above the stage as JYP personally handed each member their diamond necklace with the TWICE logo.
Llana bowed deeply through her tears before standing up straight, a wide smile spreading across her face.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host!]
[Host receives...]
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What mysterious reward could Llana possibly receive from the system? 🧐🤷
There is only one chapter left before the first volume comes to an end. Yeheyy! 🎉
Thank you all so much for your continuous love and support for Llana's story😊.
LOVE💙