The final episode is aired.

The night of the live finale arrived, and I could feel the tension in my chest as I settled onto the couch, the glow of the TV the only light in the room. This was it—everything Haeun had worked for, everything she’d endured, all coming to a head in one climactic moment. I was proud of her. I really was. But my stomach twisted with unease, the same knot that had been growing tighter with each passing week.

The broadcast opened with a montage of the contestants’ journeys. Haeun’s segment played prominently, her beautiful smile and porcelain skin lighting up the screen as clips of her singing, dancing, and interacting with the other trainees flowed seamlessly. And, of course, Jihoon was there—always by her side. The editors had leaned hard into their storyline, with dramatic music and voiceovers calling them “the heart of the competition” and “the fan-favorite duo.”

When the camera cut to the live stage, the remaining contestants stood in a perfect line, dressed in shimmering outfits that reflected the spotlight. Haeun looked breathtaking in her soft lavender dress, her long black hair flowing in loose waves. Even through the screen, she radiated confidence, though I could tell there was nervousness behind her doe-like eyes. Jihoon stood next to her, looking polished and effortlessly handsome, as if he was already an idol.

The judges spoke briefly, praising the finalists for their hard work and growth. Then came the performances—each finalist singing and dancing one last time before the audience's votes decided their fate. Haeun’s performance was a duet, and predictably, her partner was Jihoon. The two of them commanded the stage, their chemistry undeniable as they moved in perfect sync, their voices blending beautifully. The live crowd roared with approval, and I couldn’t deny they were captivating.

As the hosts bantered, teasing the audience about the results, I scrolled through the online forums. The comments were ablaze with predictions.

“Jihoon and Haeun HAVE to debut together. They’re so in love!”

“They’re so perfect as a duo, I’d stan just for them.”

“The group name better be something iconic because this lineup is legendary.”

I closed my laptop, unable to take any more. My heart raced as the hosts finally announced the group’s name: St6rlight. It fit perfectly—a co-ed group with three guys and three girls, each shining in their own way. The crowd erupted into cheers, and I felt a pang of emotion. Haeun was part of something huge now, something bigger than either of us had ever imagined.

One by one, the names were called, each contestant stepping forward as their ranking was revealed. When Haeun’s name was announced as the third member to debut, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. She covered her mouth in shock, tears streaming down her face as the crowd chanted her name. Jihoon’s name followed shortly after, taking the fourth spot, and the two of them hugged tightly, their emotions raw and on full display.

I tried to focus on her joy, on how much this meant to her, but watching them celebrate together stirred a storm of emotions. Jihoon lifted her off the ground in an exuberant embrace, and she laughed, her face glowing with happiness. The camera lingered on them as confetti rained down, the perfect image of two young stars on the cusp of greatness.

I told myself it was just the heat of the moment, that it was innocent, that it didn’t mean anything. But deep down, the doubts I’d been suppressing whispered otherwise.

The broadcast ended with the six members of St6rlight standing arm in arm, waving to the audience. The hosts promised that this was just the beginning, teasing upcoming promotions, music videos, and the group’s debut album. I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. On one hand, I was thrilled for Haeun. She’d achieved her dream, defied the odds, and proven herself on one of the biggest stages imaginable. On the other hand, the thought of her spending the next few years with Jihoon made my chest tighten.

As I turned off the TV, the room fell silent, save for the faint hum of my thoughts. She would be home soon—at least for a short while before promotions began. I clung to that thought, to the hope that we could finally talk, that I could remind her of the life we shared before all of this.