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

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

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

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

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