Falling for the Omega Idol-Chapter 128: HEAT IN HIS EYES

TAEYANG leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. "Either way, we’ve made our choice. If we don’t get [Falling For You], we’ll adapt. But for now, let’s focus on what we can control."

"Then, how about choosing a second song, just in case?" Haneul suggested.

As soon as he said that, Taeyang lifted his head, and their gazes collided. Haneul almost jolted in his seat because, for a moment, Taeyang’s sharp gray eyes seemed to devour him with their intensity. But just as quickly as it appeared, the heat in his gaze vanished, leaving Haneul wondering if he’d imagined it.

Maybe it was just because this was the first time since the meeting started that Taeyang had actually looked at him. With Taeyang’s naturally sharp and penetrating gaze, it was only natural to feel that way.

Right?

Haneul forced himself to look away, brushing off the moment as nothing more than his mind playing tricks on him.

"Yeah, I agree with Haneul," Robin said, nodding thoughtfully. "Let’s pick a second song, just in case."

And with that, they launched into another round of discussion.

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Thirty minutes passed quickly, and soon, the contestants began making their way back to the performance hall. Some walked in silence, still deep in thought about their song choices, while others chatted quietly with their teammates, the weight of the upcoming mission evident in their expressions. The atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and nerves as everyone filed back into the hall.

As they filed back into the performance hall, the changes that had taken place in their absence surprised many. The chairs that had been neatly arranged earlier were now gone, leaving the space open and bare. At the far end of the room, a large board had been set up, with five big rectangular cards pinned to it. Each card displayed the title of one of the five songs. The bold lettering made it easy for them to read what song was on each card.

Haneul took in the setup and immediately had a good idea of how this would play out.

All eyes turned to Yoon Jihoon as he stepped forward. "Now that everyone’s back, let me explain how this next part will work." He gestured toward the board with the five song cards pinned to it. "Each team will send one representative to race from the front deck to this board. The first five teams to grab a card will secure that song for their performance."

He paused, letting the information sink in before continuing. "Once a team has their song, they’ll choose another team to compete against. That means the five teams who get a song will each face off against one of the remaining teams. The live audience will then vote on which team performed better."

Haneul had already guessed it might go this way, so he wasn’t too surprised. Still, he hadn’t expected they’d have to race from the front deck all the way to the performance hall. He’d assumed it would all happen in one place, not span half the ship.

"I’ll do it," Taeyang said before they could start to discuss.

None of them disagreed. It was because Taeyang was an Alpha—a very dominant one at that—and they all understood that he had the best physique out of all of them. So, he had the highest chance of successfully getting a card.

"If your team has already chosen a representative," Yoon Jihoon announced, his voice calm but firm, "then those representatives should head to the front deck now. The rest of you will stay here and wait for the race to begin."

The contestants called out words of encouragement as their representatives prepared to leave. Haneul’s group was no exception. Robin, as usual, was the most energetic, clapping Taeyang on the back and cheering him on with his trademark enthusiasm. The other three—Kim Joonhyuk, Lee Minjae, and Park Seongwoo—were more subdued but no less sincere, offering quiet words of support and nods of confidence.

Haneul was about to offer a word of encouragement when Taeyang suddenly turned to him. Their eyes met again, and for a moment, Haneul felt that same jolt as before. But this time, he recovered quickly, mostly because of the expectant look in Taeyang’s eyes. It was as if the other couldn’t wait to hear what Haneul had to say.

The intensity of it caught Haneul off guard, but he managed to keep his composure. "Fighting!"

Taeyang held his gaze for a second longer before nodding and turning to leave, joining the other nine contestants as they made their way to the front deck. Once the representatives were gone, the staff instructed the remaining contestants to move to the sides so they wouldn’t get in the way once the race began.

"Now I’m feeling nervous," Robin said, his usual energy tempered by a hint of worry. "Do you think Jung Taeyang will be fast enough to get our first song choice?"

Kim Joonhyuk crossed his arms with a thoughtful expression. "Taeyang-ssi seems fast. At least compared to any of of us. If anyone can get us that song, it’s him."

Lee Minjae, leaning against the wall, shrugged slightly. "He’s an Alpha, isn’t he? I’m sure he’ll be fine."

Haneul gave a sideways glance to Lee Minjae. The other’s tone had been casual, but Haneul couldn’t miss the faint hint of sarcasm lacing his words. It made him frown slightly, but he didn’t say anything. He just hoped he’s thinking too much.

As they waited, it didn’t take long for them to hear a rush of footsteps echoing through the ship’s corridors. The sound grew louder, signaling the race was nearing its end.

Suddenly, the doors burst open, and the first two contestants came into view, sprinting side by side. It was Taeyang and Seojun, their strides almost perfectly matched as they raced toward the board. The other contestants trailed behind, but the two were steps ahead.

The contestants cheered as the two reached the board. Their hands darting out at nearly the same time. It was hard to tell who got there first, but one of them managed to grab a card just a split second before the other.