Chapter Text
“Here is Starship’s new boy group!”
The confetti shoots out from above, and the judges clap happily as well as the seven boys that got chosen except, a pang of sadness is still within the lucky seven as the two other people that were behind them, couldn't make it. The ones who have also tried their best, and their hardest through all the many challenges they've passed by seemed almost wasted. The silence that had washed over once the last member, Minhyuk, to take the final spot in the middle; all of them know who couldn't make it. One person who doesn't clap, his face looking down at the floor was Im Changkyun; the one who came in halfway after many got eliminated. Everyone hated his guts; they didn't even want to look at him when the younger stepped foot in that restaurant. All weapons seemed to fire at him as if he stepped on unfamiliar and unwanted territory (which seemed accurate enough seeing everyone's reactions). The side looks, ignoring, and mean gestures towards him never helped, and he wasn't the only one who wanted to debut; everyone did, but he felt as if the spot he was standing in wasn't the right place for him. Changkyun hangs his head down, his eyes shifting to the left and then the right; all the other six who he now has to spend about 24/7 will be tough. Knowing that he isn't entirely accepted or maybe not at all, took a hard hit towards the younger, who watches as his now teammates cry in both happiness and sadness. Jooheon crying as his friend rapper, Gunhee, wasn't chosen to debut, and Changkyun felt as if it was his fault (even though it wasn't). Changkyun sinks further into his hoodie that he is thankful for, hiding his face to block the view of his eyes becoming glazed with the tears that almost threatened to fall. He's not sure if he should cry in happiness or sadness for what will come over the next few months.
After the cameras are off, the new boy group and the eliminated two hug each other in the back as Changkyun stays on the side, unable to know how to console the others. He felt as if he did, nobody would appreciate the gesture he offered and shove him away. All he could do at the moment was watch as his now 'bandmates' hugged each other, gripping on tightly and crying, the pain in Changkyun's heart increasing. Everyone soon leaves the building, getting inside the van that remains silent except the muffled sobs and heavy tension that fills the air. For the whole car ride, Changkyun sits alone near the front as the seat next to him has Shownu sitting in it; the coolest and collected one here except Changkyun himself instead, he had his reason. The others just looked out the window, their last drops of tears falling as they make it back to the dorms. The two eliminated members would need to pack up their items and leave, never having to go through any more eliminations or the nervousness of wondering if you made it or not. It was finally the end and now started a new beginning, one that paves new and curious roads. Once inside the dorm, Gunhee and Seokwon pack their things as the others sit around in mostly shock and sadness. It was finally over but, to be hit with both sad and happy news was too much to come to terms with, and it leaves them all with questions of what to do next.
“Hey Changkyun, move your things to the other room. You're gonna be staying with Minhyuk, Jooheon, and Kihyun now.”
Shownu ushers, his tone strong, but held a small smile to comfort the younger, who silently agrees and gets up from the couch. He grabs his things from one of the other rooms, making his way to settle down in a new place with people he will have to get used to for a few years. Changkyun moves slowly to the room and peeks into the room to see who is inside, only revealing Kihyun and Minhyuk who are putting away their things. The younger shuffles his way into the room, catching their attention and Minhyuk makes a small grunt, rolling his eyes and leaving the room. Minhyuk passes by the younger, leaving only Kihyun and Changkyun who both don't say a word.
“Um, hyung?” Changkyun hesitantly calls out to the brunette, gripping some of his clothes to his chest. “Where should I put my clothes and stuff?”
Kihyun turns, not saying a word except for looking at the younger up and down, making Changkyun stiffen up at the stare. The younger gulps and looks to the floor, Kihyun going back to his task of organizing. Changkyun thinks that the older wouldn't say anything to him, (as expected) and turns away until he hears the other speak.
“You can use the two drawers below mines. It's doesn't seem like you have much, but if you do, I guess we could work something else out.”
“T-thank you, hyung.” Changkyun quickly says, sorting out his belongings on the bed as Kihyun finishes up. He's getting there but, of course, it will take some time for everyone to open up. If Changkyun takes that one step and holds out his hand, he's sure that someone will see it and guide him to where he needs to be, to get to their highest point. Surely, good results will come. Hopefully.