Chapter One

It's a new school year, everyone's excited? No, maybe a few. Unlike the other schools, Academy of Performing Arts isn't separated by grade levels based by the student's age. It's based on their skills, even though how young you are- as long as you're skilled.. you'll be at the top. Exactly after four years, you may graduate no matter what your rank is- you could stay if you want to.

Ranks:

Higher ranks:
Leader (1)
Diamonds (13)
Pro (20)
Lower ranks:
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze

Higher ranks got limited members, especially the leader- which is just one. Diamonds got 13 members, Pro got 20. The lower ranks members are unlimited. Ranks are based on the general average.

Ranks average:

Higher ranks:
Leader (98% and above)
Diamonds (90% - 97%)
Pro (81% - 89%)
Lower ranks:
Platinum (76% - 80%)
Gold (71% - 75%)
Silver (66% - 70%)
Bronze (65% & below)

Lee Taeyong arrived at the academy 20 minutes earlier than the required time. He can't help but to smirk as he walk inside, of course, he's attracting attention every step he make.

Aside from being the leader, his red hair is really a head turner.

Not so far from him, he saw his dearest best friend- Chittaphon, or more known as Ten, a Diamond member in his second year. "Had a great morning huh, Mr. Red hair?" Ten asked- or teased as soon as Taeyong approached him.

"I always have a great morning," He smiled widely, making his friend smile too. "What a contagious smile." All Ten could say. They started walking side by side, with no exact destination.

They just both stopped when a guy suddenly appeared in front of them, facing the floor as if he's shy. Taeyong glanced at the boys' tag, Park Jisung - Gold. From the lower ranks, but the red hair guy still raised the corner of his lips.

"Do you need anything?" the older asked with a soft voice, it made the younger blush a little. After a second, Jisung held up both of his hands- which is holding a box. "I..I r-really admire you, h-hyung. You're already l-like an i-idol to m-me,"

Taeyong accepted the gift, it's a chocolate. "Thanks," he brushed of the boy's hair with his fingers. "I'm not really worthy but I hope I inspire you," Jisung blushed and nodded quickly. Without saying anything, he just ran off.

"Wow, someone appreciates your talent." Ten's mouth fell open just because of the scene he witnessed.

Taeyong became the leader last year, which is his first year, because of his undeniable skills. However, no one acknowledged that. All he receives is hate and judgement. No one thinks he deserved the spot. Especially that he's always in trouble.

All the students who became the leaders are either in their 4th year already, but Taeyong? Taeyong managed to be on top on his first year.

"Let's just go," he shrugged off Ten's words and march along.

First day means orientation day per subject, not an official regular class yet. Yangyang, a Diamond member, welcomed the two inside the dance studio of the higher ranks. "Hi," he half-smiled.

"Oh, you're alone? Why're you so early anyway?" Ten asked as soon as he sat at the opposite side of Yangyang. Taeyong went to the speakers and plugged his phone. "Guess," Yangyang grinned that made the older roll his eyes.

Ten and him were neighbors, they basically know each other since they were kids. He's probably done some pranks again, it's just the first day for pete's sake! Sometimes, Ten just wonders why he's surrounded by troublemakers.

"Taeyong hyung, will you dance?" Yangyang stood up and faced the red hair guy. "No, just want to play some songs before everyone arrives."

The three of them vibe to the music for a few minutes, even though some students are already coming one by one, they didn't stop. It's fun, why would they stop?

"I have a serious question," the youngest said abruptly. "I know you're talented, probably why you're the Leader. But why are you letting the others say something about you that isn't even true? Why are you pretending to be someone you're not and make them see that side of you?"

Only Taeyong heard the question, everyone's too busy vibing to the song. He even hesitated to answer it, but why not tell the truth? It's not like Yangyang would understand it anyway.

"Everything that they say about me is an opinion, they have the freedom to say whatever they want. It's up to others if they'll believe or not. And no, I'm not pretending to be someone I'm not, I just got different sides of me and I'm too lazy to explain each side of me." He sincerely answered.

Yangyang blinked twice, trying to get it but he really doesn't. So he asked another, "You're really talented hyung. The confidence you have whenever you perform is amazing, but deep inside.. you don't look confident about everything in you."

Taeyong tried not to show his eyes, he doesn't want to be transparent where anyone could just see through him. "I'm just.. I'm good at everything, but I don't excel in anything."

The younger's forehead creased, he couldn't hear clearly. He wanted to ask again but Taeyong went back to vibing with the song, and so he just did too.

"What the fuck?" They, except for Taeyong, stopped when they heard the voice. Ten crossed his arms and his eyes rolled skyward when he saw who it was, "Yeah, what the fuck, Johnny?" asked back by him.

Johnny Suh, a Pro member in his third year. "Shut up, Chittaphon. Watch me steal your spot this year," he smirked but the other didn't even flinched.

Yangyang got in the way when he cleared his throat, "Can you even secure your Pro spot this year?"

It was just a whisper but Johnny heard it loud and clear. Out of reflex, he held Yangyang's collar aggressively. Both chinned up while glaring at each other. "What'd you say?"

The younger smirked, "Want me to repeat it?"

"Mind doing that somewhere else? The leader over here is trying to concentrate while practicing." A voice interrupted the scene. It's Jung Jaehyun, another diamond.

Hands inside his pocket, black brushed slicked back hair, with a round specs. He's existence is actually what made Taeyong distracted- not the two who was fighting.

Johnny's confused as hell. He's good friends with Jaehyun, and they always hated Taeyong. Why is he acting like he's protecting him? Johnny's eyebrows are furrowed- ready to argue with his friend.

But Jaehyun opened his mouth first, "The leader must practice real good for this year. Considering that I could take his spot in a blink." He smirked at Taeyong's way, trying to threaten him.

Nevertheless, Taeyong just stared back. He doesn't care about his spot being stolen, he doesn't give a damn if he'll be part of the Diamonds. Nothing matters to him, well, except his shiny red hair.

"Your average is 96.3% while Taeyong hyung is 99.5%, see the difference?" Yangyang gave him a lopsided grin- trying not to laugh. "You really don't know when to shut up?" Johnny tightened his jaw, controlling himself.

"You shut up, Pro." Ten grinned emphasizing the word you, teasing Johnny who's madly red now.

Taeyong unplugged his phone, the music stopped and everyone looked at him. They're expecting him to walk out but he stopped in front of Jaehyun,

"Stealing my spot isn't easy, everyone tried but didn't succeed. How about kneeling in front of me and beg, maybe I could just give it to you wholeheartedly?" His eyes narrowed as he lean towards the younger.

Yet, Taeyong flinched and moved back when Jaehyun leaned towards him too. "Oh, sweetheart."

He leaned closer until his lips is a centimeter away from Taeyong's ear. "How about I press my lips against yours until you drop to your knees? I can do it wholeheartedly."

What the fuck did he just say?

He didn't show any reaction, he just remained standing there. Like his motto, he doesn't wanna be transparent to anyone.

Jaehyun moved away when the dance professor came in, the orientation started peacefully.

Taeyong's out of focus the whole day. He's still confused about what Jaehyun told him, he wanted to insist himself that he misheard it- but Jaehyun pronounced all the words clearly.

But why would Jaehyun say that? Is he gay? Stupid, Jaehyun's known for being a bisexual. He had tons of girlfriends and boyfriends. Not that Taeyong cares though.. but he isn't gay. Or atleast that's what he thought.

Fuck sexuality, why would he still say those words? Just to tease him? Yes, maybe just to tease me. There's a zero chance that he likes Taeyong, he hates him ever since they met last year. Feelings are mutual anyway.

Until midnight arrived and Taeyong couldn't sleep, still thinking about Jaehyun. If he'll be honest, he expected trash talking with him- cause that's what guys normally do. But Jaehyun.. he's full of surprises.

If Taeyong's trying hard not to be transparent, then Jaehyun is opaque.

note : this is unedited. expect more typographical and grammatical errors. thank you.