The dorm was quieter that night.
Not peaceful just heavy.
No one said it out loud, but everyone was thinking the same thing.
Someone had to fall.
Seoryeon sat on her bed, staring at nothing.
SYSTEM STATUS:
New Mission Active
"Maintain Major Rank — Phase 2"
Progress: 12%
"…So this is how it is now."
In the practice room the next day the energy felt different.
Not tense.
Fragile.
A mistake and someone sighed too loudly.
Another mistake and someone went quiet.
"Let's take five."
Jihyo's voice cut in.
Everyone scattered.
Seoryeon stayed where she was.
"…You should sit."
She looked up.
Momo.
"I'm fine."
Momo didn't argue.
She just set a water bottle next to her.
"Drink."
Then walked away.
Seoryeon stared at it for a second then picked it up.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Affinity: Momo +2
Across the room someone cracked.
"I can't keep doing this…"
Tears.
Silence followed.
No one knew what to say.
Except Sana.
She stepped forward without hesitation.
"It's okay."
Soft.
Real.
"You don't have to be perfect all the time."
The girl shook her head.
"But if I'm not"
Sana interrupted gently.
"Then we help you."
That shifted the room.
Even just a little.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Affinity: Sana +3
Group Morale ↑
Seoryeon watched her.
The way she spoke.
The way people listened.
"…She's strong."
Not loud.
But strong.
SYSTEM ALERT:
Emotional instability detected
Recommendation: Maintain focus
Seoryeon exhaled.
"…Focus."
But it wasn't that simple anymore.
That night Seoryeon lay awake.
Not training.
Not planning.
Just thinking.
About the stage.
About the rankings.
About them.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Emotional variables increasing
"…This isn't just about me anymore."
And that made it harder.