All Chapters of Eleuthernemis System : Chapter 11
- Chapter 20
46 chapters
Chapter Eleven
The music started. I let the notes wash over me, waiting for the part where I start singing and started. The vocals came first, low and steady. I kept my breathing controlled, hitting each note cleanly. My voice cracked at a note but I ignored ot and continued singing. Then the dance. I thought of all the pain I've been through recently and poured it into my movement. A reaching hand, trying to grab something out of reach. A turn away, rejection and isolation. A collapse, giving up and breaking down. Then a slow rise, desperate determination to keep going. The choreography was simple but I meant every second of it. Let every gesture carry the weight of real pain, longing and desperation. When the music ended, I was breathing hard, my heart pounding and I could feel a faint pain in my abdomen. The room was silent. The judges looked at each other, having some silent conversation with their expressions. “Well,” the first judge said. “That was…something.” “Your vocals are p
Chapter Twelve
"Are you sure you're not forgetting anything?” Park Junho said, looking at me with worry. “Yes, I'm sure.” I said, smiling at him. “I'm going to miss you so much.” Woo rim said, hugging me. “Don't forget to eat a lot and take care of yourself okay?” “Okay.” I said, hugging him back. I felt a warm feeling in my chest, it's been a long time since I've had this feeling. “I'm going now.” I said gently. “Bye Ireum!” Woo rim said, tears tugging at the corners of his eyes. Park Junho gave me a pat on the shoulder. “Take care of yourself.” “Don't worry, I will.” I said and left, waving them goodbye. I looked back at the closed door and sighed. I'll miss them. ………………………………………………… The company dorms were in a sleek building in Agpujeong, all glass and modern architecture. A staff member with a clipboard greeted me at the entrance. “Name?” “Seo Ireum.” She checked her list. “You're in Dorm C, fourth floor. The opening assembly is in an hour. Main hall, second floor. Don't be late.”
Chapter Thirteen
Dahyun grabbed my arm. “A surprise? What kind of surprise?” “No idea.” I said. “Could be anything.” “I hate surprises.” Dahyun muttered. “They make me anxious.” Before I could respond, Minjae came bounding down the stairs towards us. Do Young and Tae Kyung following behind. “Woah! I wonder what it could be?” Minjae exclaimed eyes bright. “Well, considering how she said some of is might not have to wait long fo debut, it must be something concerning that.” Do hyun said. “It might be a survival show.” I suggested. “You might be right Ireum.” Tae Kyung said. “Should we head back to the dorms?” Dahyun suggested quietly. “Yeah. Let's go.” I agreed. We made our way through the crowded hallway, trainees everywhere. Speculating widely about what the surprise might be. ………………………………………………… Back at Dorm C, Seung Woo was already there, lying on the bed with earbuds in, staring at the ceiling. The five of us stood awkwardly at the door for a moment. “So….should we introduce ourselves
Chapter Fourteen
Seung Woo eyes slid to me, cold and mocking. “Or what?” “Or you can take your attitude and sleep in the hallway,” I said evenly. “We were having a conversation, if you wanted quiet, you should’ve have said something politely.” “I don't need to be polite to people who won't last a month here.” “Then get out. I'm sure you can't sleep with people who won't last a month here.” Tae Kyung said. Seung Woo's face darkened For a moment, I thought he might actually throw a punch. His hands were clenched at his side, his breathing harsh. Then he grabbed his wallet and phone and stepped towards the door. “You won't be missed.” Minjae said. Seung Woo slammed the door behind him. The silence that followed was suffocating. Minjae sat down on his bunk, running a hand through his hair. “What the hell is his problem?” “Maybe he's just a jerk.” Tae Kyung said. “Maybe he was a bully or something in high school and now he's trying to continue.” Do Young suggested. “Well, he can't be one her
Chapter Fifteen
I stared at the notification, my hands gripping the edge of the sink. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – [MISSION: Debut within a year] [TIME LIMIT: 1 year] [REWARD: Hidden] [FAILURE: DEATH] – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Death. I’d just told Dahyun I wasn't participating. I knew rushing into a survival show wasn't the best thing for me. And now the system was telling me I didn't have a choice. I dried my hands slowly, maybe this was the best course of action. Maybe if I did this I could have my revenge. I took a deep breath and straightened up. “Alright,” I said quietly to my reflection. “Let's do this.” I walked out of the bathroom and made my way back to Dorm C. Just as I turned the corner, I bumped into someone. “Sorry.” “Sorry.” “Huh? It's you Dahyun.” I said surprised. “Ah…yeah. I wanted us to walk back to the dorm together.” Dahyun said, looking down. “Oh, okay.” I said. “Let's get going then.” “So…” Dahyun said after a moment of s
Chapter Sixteen
The figure stood in the bathroom for a moment, staring at the phone screen. This was getting complicated. This wasn't what they signed up for. They splashed some water on their face, trying to think. How were they going to sabotage someone without getting caught? It had to be subtle, smart. An idea started to form. What if they used another person to handle it. Maybe Seung Woo, he already despised Ireum. All they had to do was set the bait. What if Seung Woo believed that Ireum got in through connections? His case was already unbelievable to begin with. Someone like Seung Woo, with his pride and bitterness, would absolutely use that information. The figure quietly opened the bathroom door and slipped back into Dorm C. Everyone appeared to be sleeping. Perfect. The figure moved silently to Seung Woo's bunk but not before stopping at the small desk near the window. In the dim light from the street lamps outside, they quickly scrawled a note on a piece of paper, writing careful
Chapter Seventeen
The Next Morning… I woke to the sound of my alarm and dragged myself out of bed. I needed to look for a song and start practicing immediately. I had less than a week. Around me, the others were already getting ready for the day. Do Young was organizing his practice schedule for the day. Tae Kyung was sitting on his bunk, visualizing his performance, Minjae was doing some stretches on the floor. Dahyun was nervously checking his reflection in the small mirror by his bed, practicing his facial expressions. “You look fine.” I said as I passed. “I…I guess.” Dahyun said, giving me a weak smile. Seung Woo's bed was already made. He was writing something in a notebook. The tension from our confrontation yesterday still hung in the air, but everyone seemed to ignore it and focus on their own preparations. I grabbed my toiletries and headed to the bathroom. After a quick shower and getting dressed, I returned to find most of the others had already left for breakfast or practice, but
Chapter Eighteen
We worked for another hour. Hangyul broke down the movements so thoroughly and patiently, I felt like he had done this before. He corrected my posture, adjusted the angle of my arms, showed me how to use my momentum to move. He was good. Really good. He made the dance loll effortless even in the most complex parts. Just looking at him, I felt something stir in my chest. When most people look at others that's better than him in such a way, they feel inferior but I didn't, I felt motivated to get to where he was. “Better.” He said, as I finished running through the bridge section. Your timing's gotten better, though you still need to work on it.” “Thanks.” I said bowing slightly. “Don't mention it.” He grabbed the towel, wiling the sweat from his face. “You’ve got good instincts for someone who just started. It's as if you were born to be an idol.” A warm feeling settled in my chest. I smiled. “Thank you.” “Sure. Well, I need to get going now.” He said, standing up. “And just
Chapter Nineteen
Two days later… The auditorium was packed again, everyone sitting nervously in their seats. Next to me, Dahyun was pale, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. On my other side, Minjae was bouncing his leg nervously. Do Young sat perfectly still but his eyes kept darting to the stage and Tae Kyung had his head lowered. A few rows ahead, I could see the back of Seung Woo's head. I clenched my fists, if I didn't pass him then I only had a year to live. Just as these negative thoughts started forming, Miss Jiwoo walked onto the stage, holding a tablet. “First, I want to thank you all for your performances,” Miss Jiwoo said. “The judges and I have reviewed every audition and I want you to know it wasn't an easy decision.” I swallowed. My heart was beating so loud I was surprised everyone in the auditorium couldn't hear it. “The names I'm about to call are the one hundred trainees who will represent Star🌟lit on ORIONX. Of your name is called, congratulations, you’ll be moving forwar
Chapter Twenty
After we were back in Dorm C, we were talking when Seung Woo entered. “Hey.” Minjae said, “congrats on making it.” Seung Woo rolled his eyes and headed towards his bed. “Okay then.” Minjae muttered under his breath. I looked at Seung Woo. “Hey.” Seung Woo looked at me and glared. “We need to talk.” I said, standing up and heading for the door. “Let's go.” Seung Woo scowled and followed me. We got to a stairwell and immediately Seung Woo started speaking. “What? You came here to gloat didn't you? You’ve won and now you're trying to rub it in?” “I couldn't care less about that, I just came here to make sure you keep your end of the deal. Leave me alone.” “I see.” Seung Woo said as he laughed then his face turned serious. “You found a way to get in didn't you? I’m sure you didn't truly earn this spot. You must have told them to place me last didn't you?” “Think whatever you want, I don't have the time nor energy for your bullshit, just leave me alone .” I said and walked awa