The survival house was louder than ever. Rumors buzzed in the air like static—sharp, electric, dangerous.
"Did you see the rankings?"
"She destroyed that stage."
"Abby's not here to win—she's here to reign."
But it wasn't just the other trainees watching now. Idol mentors whispered her name. Staff kept sneaking glances. Even the network producers were talking about giving her more screen time.
And Taehyung? He wasn't just watching—he was planning.
The camera pans to Taehyung seated on the rooftop lounge late at night. City lights twinkled below, but his eyes were on his phone, watching Abby's performance on loop.
"She's dangerous," Jungkook said, approaching with a bottle of water. "You sure you wanna get involved?"
Taehyung smirked. "That's the point."
Meanwhile, Felix leaned against the practice room mirror, towel draped around his neck.
"She makes you nervous," Yeonjun teased, sipping his energy drink.
"I just—" Felix paused. "I think she's the storm. And I'm not sure if I wanna run… or stand in the rain."
In the kitchen, Abby was casually slicing strawberries like it wasn't her world everyone was orbiting. Her lips glowed with that same red fire. Her hair was in a messy updo, golden skin gleaming with post-performance glow.
Karina walked in, arms crossed.
"You're causing chaos, you know."
Abby popped a berry in her mouth. "Good. They're finally awake."
Karina raised an eyebrow. "And which of them are you flirting with?"
Abby looked up slowly.
"I'm not flirting," she said. "I'm letting them drown."
That night, the producers announced a new mission:
"Love Song Duets."
Each trainee must pair up—one male, one female—and deliver a song that tells a story of love, betrayal, or longing.
The catch?
The audience chooses the pairs. And voting was already open.
When Abby saw the list of top ships… her name appeared next to all of them.
Abby × Taehyung — #1
Abby × Yeonjun — #2
Abby × Felix — #3
Abby × Jungkook — #4
She laughed, tossing the paper on her bed. "Let the drama begin."
But in the hallway, a phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.
He doesn't deserve you. Don't fall for his lies again.
— T.
Her smile faded.
Not because she was afraid.
But because she knew exactly who sent it.
And it wasn't Taehyung.
End of Chapter Seven