The stage was silent.
Too silent.
Everyone stood in line.
Waiting.
The performance was over.
Now only one thing mattered.
Results.
SYSTEM STATUS:
Mission Pending Outcome
Seoryeon's hands felt cold.
Not shaking but close.
They stepped forward.
Faces unreadable.
"This evaluation…"
A pause.
"…was decisive."
The word hit hard.
A name was called.
Safe.
Relief.
But it didn't spread.
Because more names would follow.
Seoryeon stared straight ahead.
Not moving.
Not thinking.
SYSTEM ALERT:
Outcome Imminent
Another name.
Safe.
Another.
Safe.
Her heartbeat picked up.
Faster.
Louder.
Seoryeon stared straight ahead.
Not moving.
Not thinking.
SYSTEM ALERT:
Outcome Imminent
Another name.
Safe.
Another.
Safe.
Her heartbeat picked up.
Faster.
Louder.
She glanced just slightly.
Sana.
Momo.
Both looking at her.
Not saying anything.
But there.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Emotional bond peak
Her chest tightened.
"…I'm not falling."
"…Han Seoryeon."
Everything stopped.
Her breath caught Just slightly.
SYSTEM STATUS:
RESULT — PENDING
A pause too long.
The judge looked at her.
"…You"