System! This Prince Doesn't Want To Be An Idol Popstar!

Later in the day, Kaiden and Shun were in the kitchen making a meal for the rest of the trainees. He was laughing as the popular trainee was explaining one of the young trainees asked him for help.

"He was shaking so bad, I had to help him sit down."

"It's cause they know you, Kaiden. You've been training far longer than all of us and you are really good," Shun complimented as he turned off the stove.

"Am I that intimidating?" The popular trainee questioned putting the cooked vegetables and noodles on the counter.

"I mean, kind of?" Shun shrugged, "We all know you are one of the best, so we strive to be just as good, but I guess it could be hard to talk to you."

"Eh? Really?" Kaiden rubbed his chin with a frown.

"Oi, don't worry about it. Come on, let's feed everyone so we can practice before tomorrow."

Shun cupped the man's shoulder and called the others to eat.

The next day, they were all staring at the television with the speaker man calling out each name to perform. They were being recorded as they performed, so they could see themselves on the screen. Shun used every skill he had to present himself well and complete the challenge the best he could. He watched as Ping and Kiki did really well, better than he did in his opinion.

High fiving Kiki and hugging Ping, Shun waited to see what would happen next. He wondered if his fellow members would pick him to go to the 2nd floor. He hoped so. Their life depended on it!

"A collection of all your recorded performances is created. Watch closely. You will be choosing which 15 of you will get to live on the top floor and which would stay on the bottom."

The screen suddenly had everyone's recorded performance playing at the same time. Their eyes followed each person and the pressure of choosing who would potentially get closer to becoming an idol drenched in the room. The tension was so thick, Shun felt like he could hardly breath!

'No. Focus. Who will be going up and who will be staying here,' he told himself, "I'll definitely choose myself, Kiki, and Ping to go up,' he glanced over at Kaiden, 'He would make it for sure, so I will vote someone else.'

So in the room alone, he stared at the screen with all trainees' faces. Walking from one end to the other, he pressed on the faces he would send up. He felt bad for having to choose, but this was the game. He stepped back and stared at his choices, wondering if these were the people he could see being in a group.

Submitting his vote, he left and the next trainee entered.

The results came in immediately and Shun was surprised. They watched the screen as the speaker man announced who made it. Each face appeared and when Ping and Kiki was on there, Shun squeezed their arm in happiness. Kaiden was also on there, which didn't surprise him, and Mikey as well. Each spot was filled and Shun smiled, congratulating them as they headed to the elevator.

They returned to the television where the speaker man addressed them.

"Each challenges failed, an unknown number of persons living on the top floor would be replaced by one of you. You will also receive the same challenges starting tomorrow. Good luck."

Instead of heading to bed, he went into the confession room.

"How was I not chosen?!" He frowned speaking to the camera, "I worked so hard," he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He took a moment to collect his thoughts and let out a deep breath.

"I know I'm not the only one who worked hard, and they deserved to go up, but still. I'll have to work even harder then."

He left the room and went to his bed to sleep the disappointment away.

The next day, he got up and went to shower before going to the training room. He saw that it had big white letters over a black screen.

'Challenge 1: Dance styles- Hip Hop, Pop & Lock, Street, and Freestyle'

"Why is the first challenge dance?" He rubbed his face, "Do we follow a choreography?"

Footsteps entered the space and he turned to see a few of the trainees entering. Smiling and greeting them, he stared at the television screen and tilted his head.

"Oh, dance styles," one of the boys hummed, "Shun, are we making them up?"

"I don't know. It was like this since I've been here. Maybe it's waiting for everyone?"

Going out of the door, he called out to the others to get up. Once everyone was in the training room, the screen flashed and they saw the choreography and song. Wiping his hands clean, he readied himself with determination.

Up on the 2nd floor, Ping Ping was living well with the others. Thankfully Kaiden was also chosen to live on the top floor, or they would end up eating microwavable meals. He followed the popular trainee everywhere. Kaiden was the closest person he had to Shun, his gege. When he thought of Shun, he worried his friend would not be able to advance up with him.

'No, Shun promised we would do this together, so… We will do this together!' He told himself as they practice their challenge. He was not the best at dancing, singing was his strong suit, but he was really good at Pop & Lock. Grabbing a tablet, he went into the separate room for private practice. He danced alone and made sure to do his best for himself and his friends.

"Ping," Kiki entered his private room, "Why are you practicing alone? Let's work together."

Smiling and nodding, he was glad Kiki was also on the top floor. He was too shy to speak with the others for long. He needed his friends with him. He was most confident with them, especially his good friend Shun. Shun always made him comfortable to be himself.

"Do you think Shun will make it up here?" He asked Kiki when they retired to eat before getting ready for bed.

"He works hard. I am sure he would make it, Ping. Don't worry too much."

Smiling at his friend, he nodded in agreement. Shun was a hard worker and never gave up.. He will do the same.