So, this was the very first mission where Azure didn't change anything at all? The two other missions involved some kind of innovation, so this retention took the other trainees by surprise. Of course, there was still an element of anxiousness and anticipation, especially with the songs not being announced yet.

"This mission will push you to embrace different styles and concepts. It's an opportunity to show your adaptability and creativity on a whole new level."

Minho's eyes gleamed with energy. "And remember, it's not just about performing the song – it's about infusing it with your own signature style, creating a fusion that's uniquely yours."

Hyerin chimed in, "That's right. We've already produced seven amazing songs, each with a unique concept. These songs vary from rap-heavy to rock-heavy, R&B, and more. Your challenge is to bring these songs to life with your performances."

June leaned back, his cold expression unchanging as he listened attentively. Akira patted his shoulder. "I wish we'd be in the same team again."

"Back off," Jangmoon said. "Big brother and I would be on the same team."

"And what? Give him a headache again?" C-Jay chimed. "I'd be on the same team as him."

Jisung chuckled. "You'd also give him a headache. I think I should be the one to be on the same team as June."

Zeth, who was sitting next to them, suddenly turned around. "I feel like we'll be on the same team."

Jaeyong shyly looked at them, wanting to say something, but quickly evaded his gaze when his eyes met with June.

June sighed. The songs hadn't even been revealed, but they were already annoying him to death.

Minho continued, "Now, here's the twist: the song choices have already been made for you. We've worked with a group of experts and chosen fans who have assigned each of you to a song that they believe suits you best."

"That means you won't have any choice in the matter. Your teammates, song, and concept are final once you are in your teams. Of course, the execution and story is still up to you," Hyerin added.

The trainees weren't too surprised by that. It was the same as the last season, too.

"I can't wait to hear the songs. I want a sexy one."

"A sexy one, pfft. You look like a sea urchin. You wouldn't suit that concept."

"I wish there was a ballad like 'I Love You, Leave; I Don't Love You, Don't Leave.'"

It was obvious that Tem Aces' performance had left a tremendous impression on the other trainees.

With the room growing more curious, Minho gestured to the large screen at the front.

"Alright, let's get started by revealing the first song," he announced.

As the screen flickered to life, a familiar face was seen. Of course, June didn't know who it was. He merely kept up with K-pop Idols because of Mei Ling, but she never really watched or talked about producers.

It seemed like the others were excited for this guy, though.

"Hello," the bearded Korean guy greeted. "It's HAZE, and I'm here to present my song for the concept mission."

Then various songs were shown on the screen — "GogoBoop by EXOTIC, D-Class by Spray Teens, and Drunk Days by Endash."

Now, June was familiar with those songs.

"Holy shit," Akira whispered by his side. "I can't believe HAZE produced a song for Rising Stars. Azure brought up the scale for this season."

Jisung nodded in agreement, looking at the screen with bright eyes.

Then, a title appeared: "Brown Sugar Milktea" by producer HAZE. The screen shifted from HAZE to a practice room illuminated by a soft, cool glow, setting the tone for the bright and sentimental atmosphere of the song.

HAZE began to explain. "This song is all about that sweet and innocent feeling of first love, like the kind you'd experience back in high school. The choreography is designed to capture the youthful exuberance of that time, and the lyrics depict a love that's as sweet as brown sugar milk tea."

June's gaze remained steady, listening intently to the song, "The moves are playful, with a mix of joyful jumps and expressive hand gestures. It's all about conveying the happiness and warmth of falling in love for the first time."

The song was bubbly, cute, and sweet....like Brown Sugar Milktea.

The screen then played a short teaser of the song's choreography. The trainees watched in awe as the dancers on the screen brought the bright and bubbly choreography to life. The room seemed to light up with the promise of young love, and even June found himself subtly nodding in appreciation.

However, he knew the song didn't suit him.

Performing this song wouldn't be impossible, though. He knows just how unlucky he is when it comes to song choices.

As the anticipation in the room grew, the scene shifted to another song.

JONG, a well-known producer for idol bands, was shown on the screen, making band- enthusiasts jump in surprise. He produced songs like "Almost Sober by BANGBIG, You Were Ugly by Day 69, and Happy Birth Day by Ordinary Civilians."

"This track is all about raw emotions and the rollercoaster of love. I have brought my signature pop-punk flair to this song, infusing it with electric guitar riffs and a high-energy tempo. The choreography for 'Break My Heart' is going to take you back to the emo anthems of the early 2000s. It's intense, full of headbanging and powerful movements. The goal is to channel the emotions of heartbreak and defiance through your performance."

The screen played a teaser of the choreography, and the trainees were immediately hit with the rebellious energy of the moves. The room seemed to transform into a rock concert, with the trainees already imagining themselves on stage, giving it their all.

Again, June felt like he didn't suit the song well.

Even when the third and fourth songs were shown, he felt like it didn't suit his style. He was starting to feel like a song wouldn't suit his taste...

That is...until the fifth song came.