*Haeun's perspective

Haeun stood backstage, her heart pounding in sync with the muffled bass of the music echoing in the practice hall. She had just completed the final evaluation, and was close to tears. She had rehearsed every movement, memorized every note, yet as the spotlight hit her, nerves unraveled her composure. Her timing faltered during the intricate footwork, and she missed a high note. Though she managed to recover, she knew the mistakes had cost her.

After the performance, she lingered by the ranking board as names began shifting based on evaluations. Her heart sank when her name stayed firmly in the B-class column. Only A-class trainees would receive the coveted individual introductions in the first broadcast, and she was **** to prove herself.

Summoning her courage, she approached the head trainer, Kang Jaesung, a man whose name alone commanded respect in the industry. Jaesung was in his late forties, his greying hair combed neatly back, and his sharp eyes hidden behind thin-framed glasses. Though he was known for his professionalism, there were whispered rumors among trainees about his favoritism, and darker insinuations that no one dared say aloud.

"Sir," she said, her voice trembling slightly as she bowed deeply. "I was wondering if… if it would be possible to redo my evaluation. I know I can do better."

Jaesung looked up from his clipboard, his expression unreadable. "Haeun, I understand you're passionate. But this isn't about just you. Giving you a second chance would be unfair to the others. Everyone only gets one shot."

Her throat tightened. "I understand, but please—"

He held up a hand, silencing her. A pause lingered before his tone shifted, softer, almost conspiratorial. "However, there may be… another way to prove your commitment. If you want to show how serious you are, perhaps we could discuss it privately."

Haeun froze, his meaning sinking in with chilling clarity as his gaze lingered a moment too long.

She felt her breath catch, a thousand thoughts colliding at once. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t what she signed up for. Yet the desire to climb higher, to make her dream a reality, gnawed at her resolve.

"Think about it," Jaesung said, scribbling something onto his clipboard. "My office tonight at ten. If you're serious."

That night, Haeun paced her dorm room, her phone trembling in her hands. She thought of calling her parents but dismissed the idea; they wouldn’t understand. Instead, she dialed Minjae, her heart aching as his familiar voice greeted her.

"I don’t know what to do," she whispered, her voice cracking.

"Haeun, what’s going on? Did something happen?"

She hesitated. ""Do you think it’s worth it? You know… sacrificing things to get ahead?"

"What do you mean? What kind of sacrifices?"

"Just… if it came down to it, would you support me no matter what?," she urged.

"Of course, I will," he said without hesitation. "I’ll always support you, Haeun. No matter what happens."

Tears welled in her eyes as she bit her lip. "Thanks, I just needed to hear that." she murmured before quickly hanging up. She couldn’t let him ask any more questions.