The competition day had finally arrived. Months of grueling training, sweat, and sacrifices led to this moment. The energy in the air was electric - excitement and nerves clashing like thunder.
--
JL adjusted his mic pack as he scanned the massive venue. The lights, the cheering crowd, the flashing cameras - it was overwhelming. He had performed countless times before, but tonight was different. This was the moment that could define their futures.
As he turned, he met Park Han's gaze.
There was a brief pause before Park Han stepped forward and extended his hand.
"No matter the results, let's give them a show they won't forget," Park Han said, his voice steady.
JL smiled and clasped his hand firmly. "Let's make it unforgettable."
The awkwardness from the rooftop conversation seemed to fade at that moment, replaced by mutual respect.
Behind them, Steven bounced on his feet, practically vibrating with energy. "Let's gooo! We got this!" he cheered, nudging JL with a grin.
Chih En, standing nearby, appeared expressionless - but JL caught the way his fingers curled slightly at his side, as if he were trying to suppress excitement. He was looking forward to this.
Then, Jay Park took center stage, microphone in hand.
"ARE YOU READYYYY?!" he roared, sending the entire venue into a frenzy.
--
Each school had two performances lined up.
Rhythm High opened with a song that showcased their signature hard-hitting dance and rhythmic beats. JL's high notes soared above the music, sending chills through the audience. Steven's rapid-fire rap was met with wild cheers, while Chih En's mysterious aura and striking visuals kept all eyes on him. Juwon's precise powerful dance, Shuaibo's unmatched charisma, and even Jeongwoo, the Groove transfer, fit seamlessly into their energy.
Next was Groove Institute, where their vocal supremacy was undeniable. Park Han led with an effortless belt, his voice smooth yet powerful. But unlike usual, their dance was just as refined - Kyungho's sharp moves made sure of that. They were proving that they weren't just singers; they were all-around performers.
Finally, Beat Music High took the stage. Woongki's stage presence was on another level, leading his team with fierce precision. The audience roared as Jinho and Kairi flawlessly complemented the performance, their movements matching the top-tier beats produced by EC.
Each school gave it their all. Every move, every note - it all came down to this moment.
--
Then, the votes came in.
Jay Park stepped onto the stage again, hyping up the audience. The tension was unbearable. JL's hands felt clammy as he waited, heart pounding.
"And the school with the highest votes is…"
The audience held their breath...
"RHYTHM HIGH!"
The crowd erupted. JL covered his mouth, emotions overwhelming him. The members of Rhythm High exchanged looks of disbelief before rushing into a group hug. Steven held his scream, Shuaibo started to cry, and even Chih En smiled faintly.
JL, always composed, felt tears escape. They did it!
But before they could fully bask in their win, Jay Park wasn't done.
"Tonight is not just about winning one group. Our foreign investors have been watching closely, and after careful consideration… two more members will be joining the global supergroup."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. Who would it be?
Jay Park lifted his mic.
"The chosen trainees are… Park Han from Groove Institute and Woongki from Beat Music High!"
The stadium exploded with cheers. Park Han's breath hitched, and Woongki's usual confidence flickered into raw emotion. Both had given everything, and now they were getting a chance to go even further.
JL watched as Park Han covered his face, overwhelmed. He could relate - this was a dream coming true, but at a cost. Leaving behind the people you trained with for years wasn't easy.
--
After the event ended, the students flooded backstage.
JL barely had time to process before Chih En stepped forward.
"Congratulations," he said simply before pulling JL into a tight hug.
JL stiffened for a second before relaxing into it. It was rare for Chih En to initiate anything physical, so this… this meant something.
Before he could respond, Steven and Park Han approached, grinning.
"Alright, alright, enough of the emotional hug," Steven teased. "If you're gonna hug JL, we're all gonna hug JL."
Woongki from Beat Music also joined. "Me too!"
He yanked them all into a full-on group hug, earning a surprised laugh from JL. Even Chih En, flustered, didn't resist.
It was a moment of pure camaraderie, a pause from all competition, where they were just students who had shared this incredible journey.
--
And then, as everyone started dispersing -
Chih En grabbed JL's wrist.
JL turned, blinking. "What is it?"
The loud, buzzing background faded as Chih En leaned in slightly. His voice was quieter than usual.
"There's something I need to tell you…" he started, hesitation in his tone. "Before it's too late."
JL's heartbeat skipped.
But before he could process it, Chih En inhaled deeply.
"I have liked you for a while," he admitted. "I always want to perform next to you."
JL froze. Did he hear that right?
Before he could react, Chih En repeated it again, just a little louder.
But the venue was still too noisy. JL frowned, leaning in. "Wait, what did you - "
Then, on the third time -
Chih En finally raised his voice, just as the background music suddenly cut off.
"I LIKE YOU!"
Silence.
People turned.
Students stared. The moment stretched.
Realization dawned in Chih En's eyes. He froze, mortified.
JL's breath caught.
And then - he smiled.
Not out of embarrassment. Not out of teasing. But because, despite everything… he was happy.
Without overthinking, he stepped forward and pulled Chih En into a tight hug.
It was warm. Familiar. Safe.
For a second, Chih En didn't move. Then, slowly, he hugged back.
The crowd burst into whispers, some gasps, some knowing looks.
Before Chih En could completely combust from the attention, Steven suddenly wrapped his arms around both of them.
"Alright, enough staring, you weirdos," Steven said loudly, laughing as he pulled Park Han in too for another big group hug.
"Let's all just hug and pretend Chih En didn't just embarrass himself in front of half the student body."
Everyone chuckled, the tension melting into lightheartedness.
JL could still feel Chih En's pounding heartbeat against his own.
As the group slowly pulled apart, JL caught Park Han watching.
Park Han's usual confidence was missing for a second, replaced by something unreadable. Then, he simply tapped JL's shoulder and left without a word.
JL's gaze followed him.
As the night wound down, one thing was certain -
This was only the beginning.