“Team 7,” Chef Moon Jungsoo said as he approached our station. “Your ingredients were considered one of the most challenging baskets, let's see what you've done.” He tasted the salad first, his eyebrows rose. “The balance here is excellent,” he said. It's the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and brightness. Well done.” Next was the octopus, he cut a piece and examined it then tasted it. His expression changed completely. “This is…remarkable,” he said. “The octopus is perfectly tender, not rubbery at all, not to mention the glaze. Who made this?” “Peniel and I worked on it together,” I said. “Exceptional work, both of you,” Chef Moon said. “This could be served in a high end restaurant.” Finally the Panna Cotta, Park Mina tasted it, paused then tasted again. “Creative use of Thai basil,” Park Mina said. “It's unexpected but it works beautifully with the dragon fruit and the texture of the Panna Cotta is incredible.” After some time, we all stood in front of our stations a

One week later… Jungeon Dae-jung’s apartment smelled of cold soba and unwashed laundry. The man who answered the door looked ten years older than his actual age. His hair was graying and unkept, clothes wrinkled, eyes bloodshot. “Mr. Jungeon?” She said gently. “I'm Im Jiyeon, we spoke on the phone.” He stared at her for a long moment, swaying slightly. “You're the journalist,” his words slurred. “The one asking about my son.” “Yes. May I come in?” He stepped aside wordlessly. The living room was a complete mess. On the wall, was two framed photos. One was a young boy in a school uniform smiling at the camera and the other was one of him, his wife and son. Jiyeon felt her chest tighten. “I told you on the phone,” Jungeon Dae-jung said, slumping on the couch. “I signed an NDA and can't talk. If I break it, they take everything. The money's already gone anyway, hospitals, debts, my wife's care but they can still use me for breach of contract.” “Mr. Jungeon,” Jiyeon said carefu

Dahyun's room was small but neat and organized with a small computer in the corner and a reading table near the bed. The extra futon had been laid out carefully next to his bed with fresh sheets and a pillow. “Your sister is sweet,” I said, seething my bag down. “She's the best,” Dahyun said simply. “Even when she's sick she's always cheerful and is constantly thinking about others, when I told her you were coming, she had a random boost of energy too.” “How serious is it?” I asked quietly. Dahyun sat on his bed, his shoulders sagging slightly. “She has leukaemia and needs chemotherapy but the treatment is so expensive, we could never dream of covering the bills on our own no matter how hard we try.” “Is that why you joined ORIONX?” I said. “For the prize money?” He hesitated, looking at me intensely, then he sighed. “Yes.” “I'm sorry,” I said. “Don't be,” he said firmly. “Really, we’re managing and So ah’s such a strong girl. Plus, we happen to have someone that's he

The van pulled up to the familiar building, we got out, showed our IDs to the security guards and went inside. We headed to the elevator together and went our separate ways but only after a quick hug. I continued up the floor, carrying my bag and the precious box from Dahyun's grandma. I got to my room and pushed the door open. “Ireum!” Dongpyo launched himself at me before I could even set down my bag, the twins not far behind. “Welcome back,” Peniel said from his bed, he must have returned earlier. “How was Busan?” Jaein asked. “I hope you were treated well there?” Jaemin said. I managed to get inside and closed the door. “It was really good,” I said. “His family was really nice.” “We're so jealous,” Dongpyo said, flopping dramatically onto his bed. I set my bag down and picked up the box from Dahyun's grandma, setting it on the coffee table. “Actually,” I said, “I brought something for you guys.” “You did?” The twins asked. I opened the box, revealing t

“Okay, let's start with the basics of turfing,” Peniel said, pulling up a tutorial video on his phone.We gathered around the small screen, watching as the instructor stood straight, then put weight on their left foot, she made her right foot slide slowly to the side then switched her weight to her right foot, dragging the left foot in smoothly, then repeat.“It looks simple enough,” Dongpyo said.“Let's try it,” Jaein suggested.We spread out across the practice room, facing the mirror. Peniel replayed the video and we attempted to follow along.I focused on my leg and tried to make it move smoothly like the instructor in the video, but it just felt awkward and unnatural.“No, no,” Jaemin said, watching his reflection. “I look like I'm having a seizure.”“You kind of do,” Jaein agreed.Jaemin glared at him, “Like you're better, you look worse than me.”Dongpyo was concentrating hard, his face scrunched up as he tried to move smoothly in the floor in circles.“You need to relax your m