New Enemies in the Shadows
With Jun's fall, a vacuum opened — but it was never empty for long. Other trainees began circling, eager to claim their piece of the throne. Some were subtle, friendly even, but Jiho learned quickly: smiles could hide knives.
One newcomer, Ha Jae-min, presented himself as an ally. Charming, talented, and seemingly sincere. Yet, late nights and whispered warnings from Seung-hyun hinted at a deeper threat.
Jiho remained cautious, eyes always watching, always calculating.
The First Sting
During a critical rehearsal, Jiho's choreography notes mysteriously vanished again — but this time, it wasn't a random act.
It was sabotage.
More than that: a message.
Someone wanted him to know he was never truly safe.
He found out later Jae-min had been caught lurking near his locker.
When confronted, Jae-min smiled coldly, "Survival's a game, Jiho. Either you play or you get played."
Deception Among Friends
Seungmin's distance grew into cold silence.
Jiho confronted him one evening.
"Why are you hiding from me?"
Seungmin's eyes flickered with conflict.
"I'm trying to protect you. From me."
"From you?" Jiho echoed.
Seungmin looked away, voice barely a whisper. "From what I've become."
Jiho's heart clenched, but he didn't pull back.
"Then fight it with me. Don't let this break us."
The Price of Ambition
Jiho's training intensified under Seung-hyun's guidance.
He learned not only vocals and dance, but how to manipulate image, control narratives, and wield silence like a weapon.
But each lesson left scars — loneliness, suspicion, and the bitter taste of isolation.
One night, alone in the practice room, he caught his reflection and barely recognized the coldness in his eyes.
An Unexpected Betrayal
The biggest blow came from within his own circle.
One night, Jiho's trusted stylist leaked confidential footage of his rehearsals to a rival agency.
The leak threatened to ruin his hard-won reputation.
When Jiho confronted the stylist, the answer was chilling.
"Everyone has a price. Yours was too low."
K's Silent Watch
Throughout the turmoil, K's presence lingered.
Jiho never saw him, only felt the ghost of his guidance in cryptic messages and subtle pushes.
"Trust no one but the game itself," one text read.
Jiho realized the path ahead was darker than ever.
A Moment of Vulnerability
In the rare quiet moments, Jiho allowed himself to remember who he once was — the boy who dreamed of singing with heart, not just claws.
But the stage demanded more.
And he was ready to give it.