A languid waiting time continued, enough to ease the tension. Because of Deuk-yong, who was still a teenager, Yeong-ho kept checking the time. Not only Deuk-yong but also a considerable number of the participants were minors, so it was ideal for the filming to wrap up and for everyone to leave before 10 PM. As the waiting time grew longer than scheduled, Yeong-ho kept pacing in and out of the waiting room.
Although a misunderstanding about being in pain had been cleared up through some playful teasing, Sol couldn’t help but be conscious of the members’ reactions, repeatedly toggling his status window on and off for no particular reason. While he was a little fatigued, it wasn’t enough to be concerned about, and even that had decreased significantly as he rested in the waiting room.
The Stability Potion he had used earlier was still active, thanks to the triple effectiveness boost. His stamina had decreased slightly, but it was still within a perfectly manageable range. After checking his condition one more time, Sol tilted his head in puzzlement. Seeing no apparent cause for concern, Sol stood up and hesitantly approached the members who were fixing their disheveled hair and makeup.
Ji-ho, who was receiving some finishing touches from a stylist in front of the mirror, noticed Sol hovering nearby and turned to look at him.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing.”
Sol shrugged in response, not having a proper answer to Ji-ho’s question. He didn’t know what the outcome would be, but he didn’t want to spend the time alone. Even if it was just exchanging meaningless words, he wanted to spend the moment together with the members.
Although Sol no longer displayed the pathologically unstable demeanor he had in the past, Ji-ho, who still remembered that side of him, silently reached out his hand toward Sol. Sol, feeling subtle but unmistakable anxiety about the results to come, held Ji-ho’s hand, which was offered with a smile. While Ji-ho continued getting styled, Sol stood quietly beside him, holding his hand. Gradually, the other members finished their preparations and gathered around Sol, playfully teasing and exchanging light banter.
The gentle atmosphere eased the tension for a moment, but it didn’t last long. Yeong-ho returned from outside the waiting room with news that filming would resume soon.
The members moved to the waiting seats at the set, where they finally greeted the other participating teams properly. As they briefly exchanged names and greetings, they recognized a few familiar faces from earlier performances. Even in a crowd, those who shone naturally stood out.
Some recognized Ga-ram and Tae-oh, who had stirred up quite a buzz during a public audition in the past. Of course, there was no need to mention Ji-ho. Holding Sol’s hand tightly, Ji-ho greeted participants from other teams. The others, clearly familiar with Ji-ho, greeted him with enthusiasm.
Once all the teams had taken their seats, the lights came on, and the cameras started rolling again. The host stepped onto the stage, reiterating that this performance would not affect the elimination scores. The rules were explained again: after the introductions, the first and second rounds of performances would take place, with the combined scores determining which teams would advance to the live broadcast. Despite the reassurances, the faces of the seated participants were filled with tension.
If today's performance wasn't good, there was no guarantee for future results either. To be honest, there were probably contestants who already felt an insurmountable gap in skill during today's showcase. Moreover, while it wouldn't directly affect their scores, getting noticed and having a lot of screen time was undeniably advantageous once the broadcast aired. Naturally, it was better to stand out for doing well.
"The team that places first in today's showcase will get priority in choosing the next mission's song and match order."
The host presented the selection of mission songs written in large text. The list featured artists and song titles that were somewhat distant from the idol style. They were all songs by renowned solo artists known for their vocal prowess. While there were a few fast-tempo songs, most were typical ballads.
The next mission seemed to aim for stages focused more on vocal lines than performances. Showing the list of song choices, the host began announcing the rankings, starting with the team in last place. As each ranking was revealed, the judges alternated between harsh critiques and comforting words of encouragement that felt like favoritism. By the time the fourth-place team was announced, Sol felt his palm, clasped with Ji-ho's, growing damp.
He couldn't tell if it was his sweat or Ji-ho's. A quick sideways glance at Ji-ho's face, which bore a bright, carefree smile, made him think it was likely his own. Gently letting go of Ji-ho's hand, Sol swallowed hard. The system window, which usually informed him of results slightly ahead of time during card draws or other missions, was frustratingly silent today, making him even more anxious.
Finally, the fourth-place team was announced. It was the team right next to theirs. Only then did Sol let out a sigh of relief and clap his hands. With no other teams left outside the top four, his team could finally rest easy. However, unlike Sol, the other members' expressions grew even more tense. Being in the top three now sparked a desire for something greater. While all the members kept their eyes glued to the host's mouth, Sol welcomed the system window that popped up in front of him.
[<It's time to show your skills!> SUCCESS]
[You have placed 1st in the 1st ROUND showcase. Congratulations.]
[As a reward, you have received the 1st ROUND reward box.]
[You have FAILED the <Bonus Mission: Wink Twice>.]
"1st place." More than the eye-catching number, Sol found his gaze fixed on the very last line: "Bonus Mission Failed." How could that be? He had secretly practiced so much just for this bonus mission. Every time he thought the camera might be on him during today’s stage, he had made sure to wink. It wasn’t just once or twice—there was no way the camera didn’t catch him doing it twice.
“That… doesn’t make sense. There’s no way….”
“What doesn’t make sense?”
Did Ji-ho hear Sol’s mumbling? Ji-ho stared intently at Sol and asked. Sol shook his head at Ji-ho's question. When Sol made a big head gesture, Tae-oh wrapped his arm around Sol’s shoulder, holding him tightly. On the surface, it looked like friendly members putting their arms around each other. Tae-oh leaned in close to Sol, pressing against his side, and whispered softly into his ear.
"The cameras are capturing everything. Let’s talk later."
"Ah, sorry."
At Tae-oh’s advice, Sol nodded. He was reminded that every action of his was being recorded on camera. Since the system windows hovering before him were visible only to him, if he didn’t act properly, it might seem like he wasn’t focusing on the shoot.
Sol turned off the system window obstructing his view. The display had read “1st Place.” He decided it wouldn’t be too late to figure things out later—right now, it was time to enjoy this moment with his team members.
Soon, the host called out with a lively gesture, "Team 7, YC Entertainment!" Three-digit scores appeared on the back screen, and as the leader, Tae-oh stood up first to thunderous applause. Ji-ho covered his mouth with both hands, laughing, while Deuk-yong bounced down the steps to the stage like he was hopping. No one could hide their excitement.
After briefly basking in the joy and congratulations of securing 1st place, Team 7 received a short evaluation from the judges. Compared to the critiques they’d received during past weekend assessments, the comments were sweet like honey. Following the host’s guidance, Tae-oh consulted briefly with the members before selecting the performance order and song for the first competition round.
After filming wrapped up, the members bowed deeply to participants and staff, offering endless thanks before boarding the preheated car that Yeong-ho had thoughtfully warmed up in advance. Once inside, as the reality of the day’s end sank in, they all sprawled across the seats, laughing faintly in exhaustion. Claiming that the world only remembers 1st place might have been a lie, but merely hoping for it had been enough. None of the members—not a single one, except for Yeong-ho, who always believed their artistry was the best—had ever imagined they’d actually clinch the top spot.
Inside the car, Ga-ram kept giving credit to the team, while the other members did the opposite, showering Ga-ram with praise. The mutual gratitude and compliments seemed endless—until Tae-oh asked Sol a question.
"By the way, what was that weird thing you mentioned earlier?"
"Huh? Why? Did something happen, Sol?"
Ga-ram and Deuk-yong, who had been seated farthest from Sol during filming, looked clueless, as if they hadn’t heard a thing. Sol hesitated at Tae-oh’s question, looking conflicted. How was he supposed to explain this? Sol racked his brain. He had definitely been winking consistently. Then why had he failed to complete the quest? The only explanation was that his winks hadn’t been recognized. Was it because the cameras didn’t catch them? He had been so sure…
After much deliberation, Sol finally managed to organize his thoughts and opened his mouth to speak.
“That… I worked really hard to wink on stage, you know?”
“You did?”
Tae-oh’s response was filled with skepticism. In the face of it, Sol nodded firmly and replied decisively.
“Yeah. I did.”
However, the reactions from the other members that followed were just as odd. They all looked at Sol as if asking, 'What are you even talking about?' Watching their reactions, Sol also began to feel something was off, tilting his head in confusion.
“You? Winked?”
“Huh…? You did, hyung?”
Even Deuk-yong’s reaction was downright baffled. As the situation unfolded, Ji-ho, who had been silently observing as if he had caught onto something, spoke to Sol.
“When? No, how did you do it? Show us now.”
“Now? Here?”
“Yeah. Do it for us. Pretend I’m the camera.”
“…This is kind of embarrassing.”
“Come on, do it. You’re Sol!”
Sol’s cheeks flushed adorably red, but Ji-ho didn’t back down, urging him on. After hesitating briefly, Sol showcased the wink he’d been practicing alone to Ji-ho and the other members. But for some reason, there was no reaction. The group simply exchanged awkward glances in silence. Finally, it was the honest maknae who broke the ice.
“Ah… Hyung, are you really taking acting lessons?”
“Why?”
“How is that a wink!?”
Deuk-yong slapped his forehead with a loud smack and spoke in exasperation. Sol, undeterred, tried his honed wink again. But instead of a smooth gesture, it looked like his eye had been pricked with a sharp needle—a scrunched expression that only worried everyone even more.
Sol's winking part reminds me of Sakura's inability to wink😭😭🥹 btw thanks for the chapter!!🫶🫶✨
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