The cameras were closer today.
Seoryeon noticed it immediately.
Following movement.
Lingering longer.
Watching reactions.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Social exposure increased
"…Great."
"Let's run it again."
Jihyo clapped once.
Everyone moved into position.
But this time there was something else.
Awareness.
Not just of each other but of being watched.
The music started.
Seoryeon moved with the group.
Stable.
Controlled.
Better than before.
But She felt it.
Eyes.
Cameras.
Judgment.
SYSTEM ALERT:
External pressure interference detected
Her movement tightened slightly.
"…Focus."
Momo's voice low, but clear.
Seoryeon's eyes flicked toward her.
"Not them."
A pause.
"Us."
Her chest steadied.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Focus recalibrated
Affinity: Momo +3
She adjusted.
The tension eased just enough.
"Cut."
The room relaxed slightly.
But not completely.
That feeling still there.
"You looked stiff in the middle."
Seoryeon turned.
Nayeon.
"…I felt it."
Nayeon nodded.
"Cameras do that."
A pause.
"You'll get used to it."
Not comforting.
But honest.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Affinity: Nayeon +2
As everyone started talking laughing a little more Seoryeon noticed something.
Sana and Momo.
Standing close.
Talking quietly.
Sana laughing softly.
Momo not smiling much but not moving away either.
That felt important.
Different.
Her chest tightened slightly.
Not uncomfortable.
Just new.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Emotional response detected
"You're staring."
Seoryeon froze.
Sana.
"…I wasn't."
Sana smiled.
"You were."
A pause.
"Something on your mind?"
Seoryeon hesitated.
"…No."
Not a lie.
Not fully the truth either.
Sana tilted her head slightly.
But didn't push.
"Don't overthink too much," she said softly.
Then she stepped back.
Leaving her there.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Emotional complexity increasing
Affinity: Sana +2
Seoryeon stayed again.
The room empty now.
Quiet.
She replayed the routine.
This time imagining the cameras.
The pressure.
Everything.
And still moving.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Camera Adaptation Training Active
Step.
Turn.
Shift.
Better.
Not perfect but improving.
She stopped.
Breathing steady.
Looking at her reflection.
"…I need to get used to this."
Not just the stage.
Not just the competition.
But everything around it.
SYSTEM UPDATE:
Skill Acquired: Camera Awareness Lv.1
Her eyes sharpened slightly.
"…I will."