Chapter Text
Jake is the type of person who has to do whatever he puts his mind to.
Why his mind brought him thousands of kilometres away from home, in this building with moving stages, AND light-up walls + floors that are easily worth more than his entire wardrobe AND all his vital organs combined, he doesn’t exactly know. Well, he KNOWS why like… obviously he’s here to become an idol, this is the dream he’s been chasing after for a while now.
But now that he finds himself here in what they call “I-Land”, Jake’s pretty nervous.
Just a bit. A wee bit. A tad nervous. Who am I kidding, my stomach is doing freaking backflips, what is this, gymnastics?
Of course he’s nervous. This could be the place where his dream really comes together. Up til this point, Jake’s been pretty lucky. He’s realised what he wants from his life, and he’s been free to pursue his goals. Moving to Korea by himself has been really hard, yeah, but Jake would literally rather die than ever tell anyone that. Across the ocean, his family has been so encouraging, seeming to make a habit of supporting him like it’s an Olympic sport or something. Seriously, the WhatsApp family group chat is just 90% Facebook boomer inspirational quotes from his parents and Jake couldn’t be fonder of them. The other 10% is dedicated to photos of Leila.
Ah, Leila.
He misses Leila the most.
If there is ONE thing Jake dreams of right now (excluding, you know, becoming a Kpop Idol, that’s kinda the entire reason he’s even here), it would be going back to Australia, SOLELY for the purpose of giving Leila belly rubs for being the best golden retriever and family pet to ever walk the face of the earth. He is decidedly NOT one for the dramatics but Leila is straight-up the light of his life. He wishes he had access to his phone right now, honestly, because looking at photos of Leila has been one of his sources of comfort during his toughest days as a trainee thus far. He could use some of that comfort right now.
He’s really just terrified that the hard work and skills he’s put forth might not be enough. Of course, Jake knows thinking like this isn’t worth it and tries to avoid allowing these thoughts from running rampant in his mind, but people all have these fears, right? Deep down?
He just feels like this place will be extremely important to the success of his dream, and honestly, the weight of the situation is really starting to grapple with his mind.
“Uhhh, Jake, are you… ok?” A tap on the shoulder and a nervous smile, wider than the Earth’s circumference draws him out of his thoughts. “You’re looking a bit pale, I won’t even MENTION the stressful energy you’ve been radiating that is honestly going to give ME wrinkles at this rate, I’m very concerned for you and that won’t be good for your OR my expressions NOR will it help our bubbly performance, ok, you know TXT means a lot to me and it’s VERY important we put on a good performance and enjoy ourselves-“
This is Kim Sunoo.
The first friend he’s made during trainee life in Korea and perhaps, the purest embodiment of sunshine this world has ever seen. This boy, unlike Jake, has a real flair for the dramatics, but in the very best way. Thank god they got put in the same subunit for the I-Land audition, his company is so refreshing and comforting in the most unexpected way. Jake knows that Sunoos’ indulgent nagging is just a thinly-veiled pep talk and way to cheer him up, and he really couldn’t be more thankful.
“-So yes, in conclusion, you really have nothing to worry about, we are going to DESTROY the stage with our bubbly faces and positive energy, alright? No more thinking from you, ok, I officially decree thoughts BANNED from your mind for however long we have to sit on these weird box-things.” Jake laughs. Definitely one for the dramatics.
He’s still nervous, sure, but can’t deny the power of Sunoo’s passionate rants. They can DO this.
Being part the first unit to come into I-Land, it means Jake has to really awkwardly sit here and watch as all the other trainees enter.
“I wish the trainees could enter more quickly, this environment is so uncomfortable- I don’t know whether to smile or wave or have a staring contest with the FLOOR when they come in, oh my gosh can we PLEASE hurry this up-“ Jake tries to stifle his laugh as Sunoo frantically whispers in his ear.
The doors open again. Jake glances up to see the next unit as they enter. There’s two of them, but the hallway is so narrow he can only see the one walking in front towards them.
Uhh.
He is intimidating as hELL. The way he holds himself is so fiery and bold, Jake could feel the self-assuredness oozing off of him. He looks up, gaze pointed directly at Jake and Sunoo. The glint in his eyes is powerful and sharp.
Sunoo gulps next to him.
“This is a man on a MISSION” He hears the one of the other trainees murmur off to the side.
Jake has to muster up all the courage in his body to simply maintain eye contact with this guy, and tries desperately to will the corner of his lips to tilt upwards and give a polite smile. Thankfully, it works and the guy nods his head in acknowledgement.
Well, that went better than expected.
“+1 for Jake in human interaction, am I right?” Sunoo rolls his eyes.
Seriously though, what an intimidating experience and he’s not even in the same room as the guy yet.
They reach the stage and finally, the other trainee in the subunit steps out into view.
Oh.
Ok. Wow. This boy is also intimidating, perhaps even more so, but in a less outspoken way. If the first guy was a lion, fierce and tumultuous, this one was a panther, intense yet graceful.
Jake doesn’t know where the hell these analogies came from, a.k.a why is he like this, but he can’t deny the truth of them. This boy is very… cold-looking. Not mean, just, cold-looking. He won’t even try to elaborate on what these thoughts mean, he just LOOKS COLD, OK.
Sunoo leans over, once again. “Um. That boy next to Mr. Intimidating… He’s so…freaking…. handsome. LiKE WHAT???” Jake just nods in silent agreement. Look, he can appreciate a nice looking guy, and this one is really handsome, Sunoo’s right.
He looks cool.
Now, the brief moments of non-awkwardness in this room, for Jake at least, have been due to the trainee’s various reactions to the moving stage. Earlier on, this one trainee, K, had this look of pure SHOCK on his face when the stage started moving. Everyone could have a laugh about it with each other, and Jake is really hoping that once these stressful auditions are over, they can all have a friendlier atmosphere like that. It might sound weird, but he really wants to make friends here.
So he, and all the other trainees anticipate how these two really intimidating guys will react when the stage starts moving.
The stage starts moving.
And neither of them budge a SINGLE inch. They don’t even BLINK.
“Wow, they’re really so cool.” The trainees murmur amongst themselves.
“Seriously, what the HELL, their composure, COULDN’T BE ME. COULD NOT. BE ME.” Everyone laughs at K’s statement, even the two trainees on the stage, finally breaking their cold demeanours.
Huh.
That panther boys’ smile is kinda nice.
Woah, uh, haha what?
Ummmm, Jake chooses to ignore whatever that thought was.
Seeing them both smile though, gives Jake an idea. He definitely wants to make them laugh more. Maybe even prank them in some way, in the future of course. Especially the fierce trainee, that would be fun, he thinks.
They finally reach the section where all the trainees were seated, and immediately make their way over to sit down. NEXT to Jake. Oh god. The trainee with the okay-he-admits-it’s-a-pretty-smile sits next to Jake, and the trainee with the if-looks-could-kill-type-glare sits on that guys’ other side.
Sunoo leans over again. “Good luck, don’t look into either of their eyes for too long!! You might turn to stone ooOooooOoo-“ Jake lets out a little giggle before turning to his right. Uhh, why does the fiery, intimidating trainee look like he’s ready to deliver a speech, what’s going on?
“Hey, you don’t know us yet, but you can trust us. Seriously.” The trainee addresses everyone in the room, with a sheepish smile.
“Omg ok I didn’t really think you’d say it dude this is so embarrassing, SIT DOWN-“ His fellow subunit member hisses at him, trying to pull him by the jacket to sit down.
“That sounds like something someone untrustworthy would say, HAHAHAHA-” Jake says, before he and the other trainees burst out into laughter.
Is that…. embarrassment he sees on the guys face right now? Oh my god, what a plot twist.
“Yah, anyways. I’m just trying to make the atmosphere here less tense. Seriously, you guys all look so stressed, you know? Like, relax your shoulders, what is this? You could strain a muscle when you perform!” Is he NAGGING everyone right now? Wow, the lion is more surprising with every passing second. “Anyways,” Looking over at Jake, he lowers his voice, “what’s up? Call me Jay. You will forget EVERYTHING I just said for the sake of my own dignity. Thank you.”
The trainee next to Jay snickers. “You say this as if you aren’t the CEO of the circus, pack it up CLOWN, I’ve not seen this so-called dignity in the two years we’ve trained together. You’re still cool though, don’t worry-”
Jay looks SCANDALIZED. Furious too, but in the same way a small dog gets agitated quickly. Seriously, what is this change in energy, huh??!?!!
The cool trainee ignores Jay’s betrayed expression, finally turning to face Jake. Honestly, yep, uh, this guy just looks so cool. Like, icy, almost? But he has such a warm-looking smile on his face right now. He also can’t forget the way he can dish out a roast, seriously, Jay just got TORCHED at the hands of this guy. He’d probably be so much fun to hang out with. Jake hopes they can become friends, somehow.
“Hi. I’m Sunghoon. Nice to meet you.” Wow, ok, Jake wasn’t expecting this serious…. (almost shy?) tone after how Sunghoon just flamed Jay, but he won’t lie, he is ALSO super awkward around new people and just hopes he doesn’t screw up HIS part in this introduction process.
Introduction process? Is this an interview?? Ok, this seriously IS NOT THAT DEEP. Just be cool. Please, Jake, just be cool.
“Uhh, hey! My name is Jake. It’s nice to meet you as well. You looked so cool walking in! I totally fumbled everything once the stage started moving, but thankfully none of the other units were here to witness that humiliating moment for me.” He chuckles nervously.
“Sounds like a missed opportunity to get you back for calling me untrustworthy, Jake! I will not be forgetting this, you just wait, I’m going to catch you doing something embarrassing and you will simply NOT EVER hear the end of it from me, I promise to you now I can and WILL talk about it for 3-5 business days without taking a BREATH.” Jay looks determined. Jake and Sunghoon just laugh him off.
“Yah, how long have you been telling ME the same thing? Yet look at where we are, Jay. Don’t worry, Jake, this is just who he is. You’re safe from his HARMLESS wrath,” Sunghoon pats Jake on the back. “you can trust me on that.” Sunghoon wiggles his eyebrows as Jay scowls in the background. Jake just laughs. These guys seem awesome. He can’t wait to hang out with them more if he gets through.
A loud, booming voiceover starts blaring through the speakers all around the room. “Applicants. Welcome, to I-Land. The audition process will begin now. You will be performing your prepared song together with your subunit, but graded individually. Those responsible for whether or not you will pass into I-Land are…… your fellow applicants, by tally vote. There are 12 spots in I-Land. Only 12 trainees can be in I-Land at any time. If this number is exceeded, you will need to re-vote and eliminate the extra number of trainees.
TWELVE? Jake looks around and does a quick tally of the number of trainees in the room.
23 in total.
So 11 won’t get in.
Ok, this just got a WHOLE lot realer.
“Trainees Jay and Sunghoon, you will be performing first. Step onto the stage.”
Jake looks over at them, expecting some sort of shocked expression, but it’s as he’s looking at the two intimidating trainees from afar again. They don’t look at all concerned, instead wearing determined expressions before standing up. Wow, their duality is insane, what the heck..
“They don’t even look nervous at ALL, wow. They’re gonna not only destroy the stage, but demolish it, then construct it again from scratch, JUST to completely obliterate it again, I-“ Thank the universe for Sunoo’s dramatic self, seriously. Jake agrees, though. Something about them just seems on another level.
They make their way over to the stage, and get into position.
The stage dims the lights, leaving Jay and Sunghoon in the dark.
Suddenly, the wall behind them flashes red, leaving the two trainees as dark silhouettes against a blood-red backdrop.
Then the music starts.
It’s the 7th Sense by NCT. This song is SO cool, Jake’s had it as a staple in his vibe playlist ever since he first heard it. When was that, like 8…9 months ag- huh.
They start to move.
Immediately, Jake feels as if he’s in some sort of trance. Jay moves with this sharpness that could wound someone, so intense Jake almost can’t focus on anything else.
Almost.
His eyes scan over to Sunghoon and suddenly, nothing can rip his gaze away. His movements feel laced with fluidity in every limb. It’s… so cool. He radiates this smoothness that, by all things fair and logical in this world, should fall apart when paired with the fierceness of his fellow performer, but Jake feels as if it only enhances their performance. This is sick as hell.
Chaggun sesame du nuneul gamgo
Chimdaee nuwo du gwireul makgo
Eojega oneul tto oneuli eoje
Ttaeneuieun iachaekman gadeukhan chae
Jake hears Jay begin to rap part of the song. It’s deep and intense, there’s so much passion on every word he raps and yet all he can see is.. Sunghoon..? The way he almost glides through the routine, with what looks like so little effort but so much grace… Jake respects him so much and they only met like 5 minutes ago? He wishes he could perform like this.
We’ll take it slow
Oh
Oh shit. Was that Sunghoon’s VOICE?
Jake doesn’t swear often, those words never really feel right on his tongue but he can’t project his thoughts properly right now. He’s captivated.
Gateun kkum machi nal bureuneun
Iksukhan norae machimnae yeongyeoldwae
His voice is… amazing.
Open your eyes, joyonghi open your eyes
(joyonghi open your eyes)
Open your eyes, ijeneun open your eyes
(Ijeneun open your eyes)
Open your eyes, joyonghi open your eyes
(joyonghi open your eyes)
Open your eyes, ijeneun open your eyes
(Ijeneun open your eyes)
He honestly can’t believe what he’s seeing or hearing. It’s as if Jake is watching Yin and Yang itself, manifested in the form of this otherworldly performance. Jays’ sharp dance and intense rap, Sunghoons’ smooth vocals and graceful movements, this dichotomy between their styles of performing is so gripping. He still can’t even bring himself to look anywhere else than directly at the way Sunghoon expresses the choreography with so much… like…. elegance? How does he do this on such a powerful song?
Well, he’s making it in for sure, Jake thinks (and hopes. After all, he’s sure Sunghoon is chasing after a similar dream to him). Jay as well, they both seriously deserve it with how they just consumed the stage.
The music stops, Sunghoon and Jay in their final pose, backs turned away from the trainees. Silence. Jake finally dares to look away from the stage, only to find the others in JUST as much awe as he is. Jaws are dropped, eyes shining…. did Jake just see Geonu mouthing ‘wtf’? Honestly, relatable.
“What do we do…. Oh my gosh that was so good, they’re so much better than me-“ Sunoo pouts after murmuring in Jake’s ear.
Jake just nods. What can he even say to that?
“Applicants, it’s time to vote. If Park Sunghoon deserves to enter into I-Land, please raise your hand now.”
Jake raises his hand immediately, without hesitation. Almost violently fast, if he’s honest. He might have hurt his arm a little by how quickly he did that, actually. Whoops.
The other trainees seem to hesitate, looking around first before raising their own hands.
“Applicant Park Sunghoon…”
He holds his breath.
Why does this almost feel as if it’s his own neck on the line?
He looks up to the stage to see Sunghoon appearing almost frozen in place, expression solemn but, there’s the smallest inkling of fear in his eyes.
“…is in I-Land.”
Sunghoon’s face glows with just the smallest of smiles.
Jake can’t help but do the same, after all, it’s a sweet moment to witness, watching someone take a step closer towards their dream. Jake hopes he can take that same leap towards his goals too. But he feels some sort of gravitational pull to root for Sunghoon. Whatever his goals are, well, BEYOND just becoming an idol, that’s very obviously why they’re ALL here. But like… what’s behind that goal? Jake can’t help but be curious.
Why am I feeling so invested?
He wants to befriend Sunghoon. Various jokes and pranks are blossoming in his mind all at once, hoping to make him laugh. He just really wants to see that smile again.
But I have to follow him into I-Land first.