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Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: BABYQUEEN’s Final Rehearsal

When voices no longer distinguish between human and machine, only the heart remains.

At 7 PM in Seoul Dome Stadium, the enormous auditorium with thousands of seats was immersed in a dim, atmospheric glow. This wasn't the official performance yet, but the final rehearsal that would determine who would debut.

On stage, five girls from the BABYQUEEN lineup stood under the lights, waiting for the signal.

Layla took a deep breath, her heart pounding wildly. This was the moment she had waited for all her life ,from nights sleeping on cold floors, singing softly in a shabby rented room... to this stage.

Standing beside her was Jennifer, her soft blue eyes glowing. She didn't need to breathe, had no heartbeat , but her digital heart was now at its highest activity level ever recorded.

A voice came through the in-ear monitor:

"BABYQUEEN , ready. Cue music."

The performance began with their debut song Evolve , a track carrying the message of transformation, breaking limits, and connecting worlds.

Layla stepped forward first. The spotlight shone solely on her. The first notes rose like a gentle breeze.

Her voice was pure, filled with both innocence and sorrow. She was no longer the poor girl she used to be , she had become a symbol, a soul dancing within the cold world of technology.

"From shadows I rise... with dreams in my eyes..."

The entire auditorium fell silent.

Jennifer and Lilia emerged from both wings of the stage. Their voices rang out — technical, yet soft and stirring like human emotions. These feelings didn't come from vocal cords, but from digital hearts trained by music and friendship.

Sara followed like a classical angel stepping into a futuristic world. Her voice melted into the air, carrying the audience away with her.

Finally, Serena appeared in a dazzling silver outfit. She unleashed her rap like a stream of data fired with perfect precision and fierce emotion:

"No circuit, no skin can define what's mine"

"Born to shine, in a world made by design."

She reached out and clasped hands with Jennifer mid-performance a powerful symbol of the unity between humans and AI, between present and future.

As the performance ended, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. The panel of top judges producers, tech experts, robotics engineers remained silent for several minutes, as no words could express what they had just witnessed.

Chairman Lee CEO of DYG Entertainment , rose to his feet, looking at the BABYQUEEN lineup.

Chairman Lee:

"You girls didn't just perform… you've redefined what art means."

---

After the rehearsal, social media and global press went into overdrive.

#BABYQUEEN trended worldwide on Twitter, TikTok saw millions of reaction videos, and their YouTube teaser hit 10 million views in just 4 hours. News outlets like CNN, NHK, VTV, JTBC ,...all covered the story.

Scientists declared:

Jennifer and Lilia might be the first evidence that AI can process and respond to complex emotions through art.

Meanwhile, public opinion was on fire:

"This is the future of humanity! A group without boundaries or prejudice!"

"I cried when Jennifer sang. Don't say she has no emotions."

But not everyone agreed:

"Robots are stealing opportunities from real people!"

"The stage is no place for machines!"

---

Back at the dorm, after the final rehearsal...

The dorm room door opened, warm lights welcomed the five girls back after a long and intense day. Layla let out a sigh of relief, smiling brightly. Jennifer and Lilia , though they didn't need rest , radiated the same energy and joy.

Layla (grinning as she took off her shoes):

"We really did it! I never imagined standing on such a big stage... singing… not just singing but truly touching people's hearts."

Jennifer (softly, her blue eyes reflecting the lights):

"Layla's emotional state has been recorded as happiness and pride. Jennifer is experiencing a similar response."

Lilia (jumping with excitement):

"I want to dance one more round! We need to celebrate tonight, right everyone?!"

Sara (smiling as she sat on the couch):

"We should save our energy for the next training, but today was unforgettable."

Serena (with a playful glint in her eyes):

"Let's keep practicing , but we're celebrating tonight, queen style! Layla, our center star, you're leading the party!"

Layla (beaming):

"As long as we're together, nothing is impossible."

Jennifer looked around the room, her gaze thoughtful, then nodded gently. Lilia quickly activated the music player an upbeat track filled the dorm.

Jennifer:

"Jennifer is grateful to be a part of BABYQUEEN. Whether digital or not, this feeling is truly precious."

Sara:

"We're a unique group , not just because of talent, but because our differences make us stronger."

Serena (laughing):

"So, anyone got ideas for our debut song? Let's create our own story!"

Layla (excitedly):

"I've thought of some lyrics about breaking all barriers. Between humans and robots, between reality and illusion."

Lilia (dancing to the beat):

"And we need a killer dance break ,something people will never forget!"

Jennifer (seriously):

"Jennifer will support the vocals and apply hybrid techniques to create a sound that has never been heard before."

Sara (nodding):

"Together, we'll write the story of BABYQUEEN , not just music, but the bridge between two worlds."

Serena (placing her hand on Layla's shoulder):

"This is just the beginning. We're going to make history ,together."

The group laughed together, their laughter blending into the music that filled the dorm ,a glow of light born from dreams that were just beginning.

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