Ari stared at the two suddenly introduced ego maniacs in charge of Pop Star Academy: Project 777, and immediately began regretting joining.
What had he gotten himself into?
The people in charge were clearly egomaniacs.
One of the judges didn't like him.
And there was a contestant who got him killed could somehow steal stats away from people.
As he was rethinking his life decisions on joining the show, PD Park Ji-ho decided to speak.
"Congratulations on making it into the top 100, but it's now time to throw away everything that you know because here's where the real competition begins. We're starting with 100 of you, and it's going to drop down to 7. Which means 93% of you are going bye-bye ~"
PD Emily waved goodbye for emphasis while smiling, and audible gulps could be heard.
"But, there's no need to get so serious. Tomorrow, bring enough luggage to last a week to the given location. You'll be moving into the dorms and meeting the teachers who will teach you the basics, assigning positions based on the two audition results, and doing some self-promotion to your new fans. After practicing for a week, you'll be taught the signal song and choreography, and then have to record it to be released for episode 1 and the first voting round. Questions? Comments? Concerns?"
"What about elimination?" A voice from someone seated behind Ari sounded out.
PD Emily replied with a wicked smile.
"Good question, Carrot Top. We'll discuss the elimination after the week of practice is over. Any other questions?"
Ari raised his hand.
"Traffic song boy. Go." PD Emily pointed at him with a thin finger.
At the unexpected nickname, Ari blinked before speaking, "What time should we bring our luggage to the specified location? And is there a size limit? Clothing requirements. Toiletries?"
"Good questions. Nothing bigger than a large suitcase. We'll have the basics like toilet paper and hand soap, but everything else is on you. There's a washing machine on site, and we provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner starting with dinner tomorrow. The only required clothing is the given school uniform and black shoes, but I recommend training clothes and pajamas. You will be exercising. A lot."
PD Emily took a breath before continuing, "Arrival can be anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. As long as you're at the location before 7 p.m., we don't really care what you do or when you come. We're just going to be filming casually to test some angles, so you can be at ease tomorrow. After that, though…" PD Emily began laughing in an evil manner, "I recommend that you be on your best behavior as we'll be recording 24/7."
"Additionally, all your electronics will be submitted once you enter the dorms, so be mindful of that. If we catch you with it, you're in trouble. Any other questions?"
The other contestants began asking their questions.
Jamie asked about bringing personal instruments (allowed within reason). Yes to the guitar, no to the personal piano of a contestant.
Somebody asked to bring their pet hamster (denied).
Some people asked if they could live at home and commute (denied doubly with PD Emily yelling at them).
Another person asked if they would have to share a room (unconfirmed).
Overall, the vibe was pretty relaxed as everyone seemed relieved that they had made it through the showcase.
As Ari yawned, PD Emily stared at him once more before clapping her hands.
"That's enough yapping for today. As I said, I'm busy and you're clearly not. See you all tomorrow evening."
Without waiting for their response, she and PD Park Ji-ho left, and Ari and Jamie went to collect their instruments.
"Straight to your workplace?" Jamie asked once they were seated in the car.
"Nah, to the music center if you don't mind. The 3-day trial for the trumpet ends today, and I don't want to pay for it."
Jamie glanced at him before shaking his head and starting the car. "You…are so frugal."
"I'm broke. Gotta save money where I can. I have your gas money, by the way. I'll give it to you at dinner."
"It's fine. I don't need it."
Hearing Jamie's words, Ari made a mental note to leave a twenty in the glove compartment next to all the others he had left.
One day, Jamie would eventually open it and have a bunch of cash rain down.
Laughing at the thought, he wasn't even upset that they were stuck in the dreaded LA city traffic until Jamie began hitting his horn at the driver in front of them, trying to make his own lane by squeezing in between two cars.
As multiple cars began hitting their horns in response, Jamie absently muttered.
"Tararara."
The two of them glanced at each other before bursting out laughing as Jamie slammed his car horn like the song melody.
Feeling a bit mischievous, Ari brought the trumpet out of its case, opened the window, and began playing it as Jamie sang at the top of his lungs out of his window.
Ta ra ra ra ra!
"Traffic really sucks!"
Ta ra ra ra ra!
"Two hours of being stuck!"
Ta ra ra ra ra!
"I'm always late or in a rush!"
Ta ra ra ra ra!
"Because the traffic really sucks!"
As they began singing the second verse acapella, they were completely unaware of somebody recording them on their phone.
An audience member who, after successfully sneaking her camera into the showcase and recording everything, had stuck around to get more pictures of the winning contestants leaving the audition hall.
She successfully caught and recorded the Tararara incident, including the back of the girl who shouted it several seconds too early, Ari's laughing reaction, and the audience singing along to the song's chorus.
After posting it on TokTik, instead of her usual 50 views, she got over 300 and even a comment, so she wanted to see if she could capture another possible viral moment for her account.
William Forbes, the contestant she wanted to support, had quickly left with his team, so she had no choice but to leave as well.
Luckily, she ended up next to Jamie and Ari in traffic, and as Ari rolled down his window to expose his bizarrely painted face and the trumpet in his hand, her phone began recording before her mind could realize it.
Unfortunately, Jamie took a different exit than her, but completely satisfied, she made another post tagging the newly created Pop Star Academy account and labeling the video #TrafficChallenge #Tararara #PopstarAcademy.
Seeing the views of the video immediately jump to 500 views, more than she had ever gotten before, the girl smiled happily while thanking Jamie for being handsome(but less handsome than her prince William) and Ari for looking weird.
She spent the rest of her time constantly refreshing as she watched her views slowly increase.
She had a good feeling.
This was going to go viral.