The studio lights were blinding.

Even behind the curtain, Kai could feel their heat  a steady, artificial sun aimed straight at the stage.

He adjusted his mic, fingers fidgeting against the cold metal. His voice had passed the first screening, and now he was here surrounded by dozens of hopefuls who wanted the same dream.

The Next Legends training camp had officially begun.

“Alright everyone!
A staff member’s voice cut through the noise. “Group A, to the left! Group B, you’ll be called for interviews in five minutes!”

Kai glanced at the tag clipped to his shirt — B17.
He exhaled softly. His throat still felt tight, but he knew it wasn’t from nerves alone. It was anticipation.

“Hey! You’re B17 too?”

A voice startled him from the side.
A boy with messy caramel colored hair and a bright grin waved, balancing two bottles of water in one hand.

“Name’s Ren!” the boy said cheerfully. “You look like you’re about to pass out, man.”

Kai blinked. “Ah I’m fine. Just… not used to this many people.”

“Lucky you,” Ren laughed, handing him a bottle. “I’ve been auditioning for three years. This is my last shot.”

Kai hesitated, then accepted the drink with a small smile. “Kai. Nice to meet you.”

Ren beamed. “Nice! You sing, right? You’ve got that ‘serious musician’ vibe.”

Kai chuckled weakly. “Something like that.”

Across the room, a group of trainees were gathered near the mirrors  loud, confident, already posing for cameras.

Ren leaned closer. “See that guy? The one with the black jacket?”

Kai followed his gaze. A tall boy stood at the center, dark hair swept neatly to the side, posture sharp like a blade. His expression was unreadable calm, almost cold.

“That’s Rei Tsubasa,” Ren whispered. “Last year’s runner up from Star Chaser. Some people thought he’d debut already, but he didn’t. Guess he’s here for redemption.”

Kai recognized the name  Rei had been an online sensation once too. Known for his flawless voice and perfectionist personality.

Their eyes met briefly across the room. Rei’s gaze lingered on Kai for a moment too long, then he looked away.

It wasn’t hostility, exactly.
But Kai could already tell  this was someone who wouldn’t be easy to stand beside.

As the introductions continued, more faces filled the room:

• Min, a soft spoken trainee with sharp eyes and an analytical mind.

• Toma, a street dancer who spoke like every sentence was a challenge.

• Sora, the quiet one with headphones always around his neck, humming melodies under his breath.

Each one had a story, a reason for being here.
But when Kai introduced himself, his words were simple.

“Hi, I’m Kai Mizuno. I’ll do my best.”

Polite applause followed  nothing special.
He preferred it that way.

Later, during orientation, the director spoke through the intercom.

“Remember  Next Legends is not just about talent. It’s about heart. We’re here to find the voices that move people.”

Kai’s fingers tightened slightly around his notebook.
The words hit too close.

He wanted to move people again  but not as Echo. Not yet.

When the meeting ended, Ren clapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, we should stick together! You’ve got this quiet energy. Mysterious. Girls’ll love it.”

Kai laughed softly. “I’ll take your word for it.”

As they headed out, he felt someone’s gaze again.
Rei stood by the door, arms crossed.

“You,” Rei said suddenly. “You sang the ballad during auditions, right?”

Kai froze. “...Yeah.”

Rei’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You’ve got good control. Familiar tone, too. Have we met before?”

Kai’s breath caught. “I don’t think so.”

Rei hummed, unconvinced. “Hm. Maybe I’ve just heard a voice like yours before.”

He walked away, leaving Kai staring after him  heart pounding.

Ren glanced between them. “You okay?”

Kai nodded slowly. “Yeah. Just… déjà vu.”

That night, in the dorms, he sat by his bunk watching the city lights flicker beyond the window.
For the first time in years, he wasn’t singing alone.

He didn’t know if these strangers would become his friends or his rivals.
But something in him whispered  this was where his second life truly began.

To be continued...