Chapter8: The Fire Awakens
The audience was still buzzing after Han Lee's shocking "A." The tension was electric, whispers flying across the studio like sparks.
Then the host stepped forward, joined by the judges. His voice boomed through the hall, commanding silence.
"Now," he said, "all participants have shown their performances… and received their grades. But what do those grades really mean?"
The giant screen behind him lit up, displaying bold letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, O.
The host explained, his tone sharp and clear:
"Those who received A or B are our top-tier contestants. These are the ones standing closest to debut—brilliant performances, strong potential.
Those who received C or D… you need more focus, more polish. You're still in the game, but improvement is required.
Those with E or F are in dangerous territory. One wrong step, and your journey may end here.
And lastly—"
The screen pulsed red as the letter O appeared.
"Anyone who receives an O is eliminated. That means your journey ends today. No second chances."
A heavy silence dropped over the trainees. Some swallowed nervously. Others clenched their fists. A few couldn't hide their fear.
But the host wasn't finished.
"From this point forward, you won't just be training or performing. You'll be living together—under the same roof. Your rooms will be assigned by grade."
The chart shifted again, showing a tall building divided into floors:
1st Floor: Grades E and F
2nd Floor: Grades C and D
3rd Floor: Grades A and B
The trainees exchanged uneasy glances, realizing their rank would follow them into daily life.
The host smiled faintly. "But that's not all. To ensure fairness, even the judges won't be going home. They'll also live here in this very building—on the 4th and 5th floors."
Gasps spread through the room. Even some of the judges looked slightly startled, but none of them objected.
"So," the host concluded, "pack your suitcases. Get ready. Tonight, you move into your new rooms. And tomorrow—your next task will be waiting."
The stage lights dimmed, leaving the participants in a storm of excitement, dread, and anticipation.
The survival game had truly begun.
Chapter: New Beginnings
The long announcement echoed in everyone's ears: four months. That was how long they had to survive here.
Suitcases rolled across the floor as trainees headed toward the dorm building. Laughter, chatter, and excitement filled the air. For most, it felt like the start of an adventure.
William walked with Wang by his side. In just a short time, the two had grown close. William's smile was brighter than usual, his eyes carrying a rare spark of joy—like he had finally found something he had been searching for.
Groups of trainees clustered together, checking their assigned floors, comparing room numbers, buzzing with nervous energy.
Not far behind, Yan and Han Lee walked in silence. They weren't arguing, but the awkward quiet between them felt heavy. Neither had much to say, and yet both seemed aware of the other's presence.
As they turned a corner, they bumped shoulders.
"Watch carefully," Lee muttered in his cold voice.
Yan only hummed faintly in response, refusing to rise to the tension.
When they reached the room distribution board, they both froze. The paper taped to the wall showed their names side by side.
Room 654.
They looked at each other, an unreadable moment hanging in the air.
Lee broke the silence with a flat, "Hm."
Yan didn't answer. He opened the door, dragged his suitcase inside, set it neatly down, and then walked out again without another word.
Lee frowned slightly, a strange feeling settling in his chest at Yan's behavior. Something about it didn't sit right with him.
Meanwhile, William opened the door to his own room. When he saw Wang standing inside, his eyes lit up.
"No way! You're my roommate?" William exclaimed. Without hesitation, he leapt forward, wrapping Wang in a hug. "Now I won't be bored alone anymore!"
Wang laughed, patting his back. "Calm down, calm down! We've got four months together, don't wear me out on the first day."
Laughter filled their room as William practically bounced with excitement.
On the lower floor, the mood was very different.
The trainees with E and F grades quietly entered their rooms, faces heavy with worry. Among them was a boy named Day.
He carried his suitcase inside but didn't even bother unpacking. His face was pale with tension, his hands trembling as he clutched his iPad. Without a word to anyone, he slipped back out and walked until he found a quiet, peaceful spot away from the noise.
There, away from the excitement of others, Day sat alone, staring at the glowing screen of his device—his thoughts a storm he couldn't shake.
Chapter: Midnight Secrets
The night settled quietly over the building.
On the 4th floor, Jun and East unpacked in silence, each settling into their own spacious rooms. On the 5th floor, Ming-Ji and K received equally luxurious suites. Dream, as the highest-ranked judge, had been placed alone on the 6th floor, her room larger and brighter than all the rest.
Though the trainees' dorms were shared two to a room, the system was fair. Every grade had the same beds and space, but the A and B classes enjoyed special privileges—access to a stocked snack bar, massage chairs, and the right to request advice from masters at any time. C and D lived with fewer benefits, and E and F the least. Still, all had a place to rest.
By 10:30 p.m., the building had grown quiet. Most of the trainees were in bed—some fast asleep, others lying awake, minds racing with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring.
In Room 654, Yan had already collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion weighing him down. His breathing slowed, soft and even, lost in deep sleep.
Across the room, Lee sat motionless on his bed. For a long time, he stared at Yan's sleeping form, unreadable. Then, carefully, he stood. His black silk nightwear shimmered faintly under the dim lamp as he slipped into his slippers. Step by step, he crept toward the door, fingers twisting the handle with care.
With a soft click, the door opened. Lee slipped out into the hallway, the shadows swallowing him whole.
The scene shifted.
On the 5th floor, Ming-Ji stirred awake at the sound of knocking. Groggy, he rubbed his eyes and dragged himself to the door, opening it halfway with a yawn.
In the next instant, a pair of strong arms wrapped tightly around his waist, pulling him forward into a sudden embrace.
Ming-Ji stiffened, breath caught in his throat. His heart raced as shock spread through him. But as the warmth pressed against him, something clicked—a familiarity he could not mistake.
A soft voice whispered against his ear:
"…Do you miss me?"
Ming-Ji froze. For a moment, he couldn't speak. His lashes lowered, and his lips curved into the faintest, sleepy smile.
"…Lee," he whispered, voice trembling but tender.
The embrace loosened. The voice teased, low and playful:
"You don't look that interested in me. Maybe I should leave."
"No!" Ming-Ji blurted, his hand tightening on the other's sleeve. His eyes flew wide, awake now. "Lee—why are you doing this?"
It was him. Han Lee.
Lee pulled back slightly, his face calm and unreadable. He stepped past the doorway, pressing it closed behind him with a quiet click. The hall vanished, leaving the two of them alone in the hush of the room.
Before Ming-Ji could demand again, Lee leaned in, brushing a soft kiss against his cheek—then another, firmer one against his lips.
"Still angry?" he whispered.
Ming-Ji stood rooted, pulse racing, but he did not answer the kiss. His expression steadied, his voice clear and serious.
"Explain," he said.
Lee blinked. "…What?"
"Why are you here?" Ming-Ji pressed, his gaze sharp, cutting. "There's no reason for you to join this show. N
one. So tell me… what are you really doing here?"
The room fell heavy with silence. Lee's eyes flickered, unreadable.
But his lips gave no answer.
To be continued...