"Mr. Jung. It feels a little awkward to say this myself, but I'm one of the faces representing Project I.O.A. If I avoid going head-to-head with Yoo Se-Na sunbae, people are going to start saying I got scared of her and ran away."

At present, Song Mi-Hee and Sung Na-Ra had been trading first and second place in Project I.O.A, making her practically one of the show's figureheads. So if someone like Song Mi-Hee ended up sitting down to sing 'Sunny Days,' people would say she had avoided a direct showdown with KNET's Once Again, Idol!.

And because of that, they would start seeing both Project I.O.A and its contestants as inferior to the rival program.

"Besides, if that happens, no one's even going to believe I injured my ankle. They're definitely going to say I faked it on purpose just to avoid competing against Yoo Se-Na."

I couldn't help but admire the way Song Mi-Hee argued her case. What she was saying wasn't the mindset of an ordinary audition contestant. It was the kind of thinking only a handful of team leaders ever showed.

This girl was pretty impressive. Maybe ten years as a trainee really hadn't been for nothing, because the way she looked at things was completely different from the other kids.

At that moment, I even started thinking she might be a good choice for leader of Project I.O.A. She had the generosity to forgive Yoon Ah-Rin, who had tried to hurt her earlier that day. She had the kind of strength and endurance that came from surviving ten long years and still going on stage despite her injured ankle. And on top of that, she had the perspective and competitive drive to step forward as a representative of the program.

Everything about Song Mi-Hee made her more than worthy of becoming I.O.A's leader once the group was eventually formed. Still, that was something to decide after the audition competition was over.

After a brief moment of thought, I asked her, "Can you win?"

"I can't say I'm confident I'll win."

"But you still want to go on stage?"

"Yes. My opponent is superstar Yoo Se-Na sunbae. Still, that doesn't mean I think I'm going to lose either. Yoo Se-Na sunbae hasn't performed in five years."

She had sprained her ankle, yet Song Mi-Hee's eyes still shone like stars as she said she wanted to get on stage and dance.

"And 'Sunny Days' is the song I've practiced more than any other. Please, just trust me this once."

I trusted Song Mi-Hee's ability more than anyone. Still, with how intense the choreography for that performance was, I couldn't stop worrying about the condition of her ankle.

So I turned to Director Jeon Soo-Min and asked, "Mrs. Jeon, do you think Mi-Hee's ankle can hold up?"

Jeon Soo-Min said, "I can't guarantee that either. If she's lucky, it might hold. Or she could collapse in the middle of it. But are you really going to let her go up there?"

"Then would she at least be able to perform in next weekend's competition?"

"We'd only know that after this performance, once we've checked the condition of her ankle."

Kim Soo-Myung gave the same opinion.

Then Song Mi-Hee spoke again, almost pleading. "Mr. Jung. I've spent ten years as a trainee. I know my body's condition better than anyone. I can do this, really. And if it gets too hard, I'll stop the choreography right away and just sing. That'll work, won't it?"

I thought it over for a moment, but in the end there was only one answer. When an entertainer looked at you with that kind of expression, your job as a talent agent was to put them on a stage somehow, even if you had to create one that didn't exist.

Still, there had to be conditions.

"Song Mi-Hee."

"Yes, sir."

"If something feels wrong while you're performing, you stop. And next week's one-on-one battle is absolutely going to be a ballad. Can you promise me those two things?"

"Yes, Mr. Jung!"

"Okay, then let's do it!"

At that, Song Mi-Hee broke into a bright smile and bowed her head. "Thank you!"

Now that Song Mi-Hee had made her decision, my job was to support her.

First, I immediately turned to Jeon Soo-Min and Kim Soo-Myung. "Please focus only on taking care of Mi-Hee until the moment she goes on stage."

The two of them nodded and immediately moved to Song Mi-Hee's side. And without hesitation, I pulled out my phone and called PD Ji Yung-Sik.

-Yes, Mr. Jung. What is it?

"Mi-Hee says she's going to perform 'Sunny Days' with full choreography for the one-on-one battle."

-What? I thought you said earlier her ankle wasn't in good condition?

"To be honest, it still isn't. But after hearing that Yoo Se-Na is appearing on the rival program, she's determined to get on stage no matter what."

A brief silence followed. If they put Song Mi-Hee on stage too hastily and her injury worsened, she might not be able to perform next week and could end up eliminated entirely.

Then Ji Yung-Sik asked.

-What do you think, Mr. Jung? If she goes up today like that, do you think she'll be able to perform next week?

"I can't guarantee it 100%, but she said if things get bad, she'll stop dancing mid-performance. I think it's worth trusting her once."

I could hear him thinking it over, and then Ji Yung-Sik finally spoke.

-Alright. Then we'll take the gamble too. Let's put her on stage.

Fortunately, Ji Yung-Sik gave the okay.

"Thank you! I'll make sure to take the best possible care of Mi-Hee."

-Got it. Then we'll inform MC Kim Jung-Joo in advance.

And just like that, it was decided that Song Mi-Hee would go on stage. The moment of the showdown was just around the corner.

***

It had been 35 minutes since Part 2 of Project I.O.A began airing.

In this segment, Song Mi-Hee stepped onto the stage for her one-on-one battle against Sung Na-Ra. Sung Na-Ra was dressed in a sleek black suit, while Song Mi-Hee wore a yellow-toned suit.

"Now then, this is today's final one-on-one battle. From this moment, we'll have the stage performances of last week's first-place contestant, Sung Na-Ra, and second-place contestant, Song Mi-Hee.

"Will Contestant Song Mi-Hee be able to take first place for the first time this week? Or will Contestant Sung Na-Ra hold onto her top position? We're very much looking forward to it.

"Now then, the first performer will be Sung Na-Ra. The song is 'Liar Liar.' Please welcome her with a big round of applause!"

As Song Mi-Hee stepped off to the side of the stage, Sung Na-Ra stood at the center with her hands clasped together.

Just then, beneath the stage, Song Mi-Hee's mother, Lee Yung-Sun, came rushing in alongside Jung Sang-Bong. She must have hurried over in a panic, because under her coat she was still wearing a T-shirt printed with "Mi-Hee's Snack Shop."

"You made it," I said.

Lee Yung-Sun nodded. "Yes. I came as quickly as I could, but I'm a bit late. I'm sorry."

"Not at all. And once again, I apologize for putting Mi-Hee back on stage."

When I first told her about Song Mi-Hee's injury, she had immediately left her shop. And I had kept her updated over the phone on the way here.

"Oh, no, not at all. Just the fact that you're checking everything so carefully like this is already more than enough for a parent to be grateful for. And even aside from that, I'm always thankful."

It was me who had separated Song Mi-Hee's abusive father from the two of them. Because of that, her mother, Lee Yung-Sun, always treated me with deep gratitude, calling me her benefactor.

At that moment, the lights for Sung Na-Ra's 'Liar Liar' performance began to come on.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

A pinpoint spotlight dropped directly over Sung Na-Ra's head as she stood in her black suit. The music had already started, so all of us fell silent.

『Liar~』

With Sung Na-Ra's low voice, the performance of 'Liar Liar' began.

***

"She's... really good."

A quiet murmur of admiration slipped out of Jung Sang-Bong as he became immersed in Sung Na-Ra's stage. However, I didn't have the luxury of enjoying it leisurely. I was too busy monitoring the rival program's broadcast on KNET.

[KNET Once Again, Idol! (LIVE)]

(Real-time chat)

-Coming up next: Round 5, BlessU's Hong Joo-Hee vs Sunshine's Yoo Se-Na?

-Hong Joo-Hee started first.

-Hong Joo-Hee... is she finally getting revenge for seven years ago?

-I remember when Hong Joo-Hee was always stuck as the eternal number two.

-Who the hell called is looking down on Joo-Hee? You wanna die? You're a Yoo Se-Na fan, aren't you?

Part 1 of KNET's Once Again, Idol! had introduced only the top 10 idols out of 30 contestants. Then in Part 2, those ten were facing off in one-on-one battles, splitting into a "winner's bracket" and a "loser's bracket."

Four rounds had already taken place. In Round 5, Hong Joo-Hee—the leader of BlessU, who had always been stuck in second place because of Yoo Se-Na—stepped up as the next contestant.

At 28 years old, Hong Joo-Hee was a tall idol standing over 170 cm, known for her Western features and strong popularity. Unfortunately, her career had overlapped with Yoo Se-Na's peak, leaving her perpetually in second place. People had even jokingly mocked her.

Still, she had simply been born in the wrong era. Even among active idols, few could match her level of skill. And now, Hong Joo-Hee was on stage, singing her signature song 'Please, Just Once' in a deeply emotional voice.

Meanwhile, Yoo Se-Na, the very person at the center of it all, sat in a chair, clapping as she watched Hong Joo-Hee dance.

'What are you doing, Yoo Se-Na... sitting there like that?'

If my suspicion was right, and it turned out they were airing a pre-recorded broadcast instead of a live one, it could cause serious trouble. They could be accused of deceiving the public and end up facing heavy backlash.

Still, considering her personality, there was a chance she had been forced to appear by her parents. Or maybe she needed money for hospital bills. Whatever the case, once today's competition ended, I needed to meet her first.

Meanwhile, back on our stage, Sung Na-Ra's performance was coming to an end.

『I'm sick of all your lies—just stop it! Liar!』

Thud.

Sung Na-Ra thrust her microphone outward, striking a perfect final pose.

Thump.

The lights came up, and Kim Jung-Joo stepped onto the stage.

"Please give a big round of applause for Miss Sung Na-Ra's performance."

Clap clap clap!

The set filled with thunderous applause and cheers.

"Now then, Miss Sung Na-Ra's score will be revealed after Song Mi-Hee's performance. Miss Sung Na-Ra, please step to the side of the stage for now."

"Yes, sir."

As Sung Na-Ra moved off to one side, Kim Jung-Joo lifted his microphone again.

"Now, this is the final one-on-one battle of the day. Due to her ankle injury, Miss Song Mi-Hee will be performing seated—"

At that moment, holding his cue cards, Kim Jung-Joo suddenly made a baffled expression.

"Uh... please give us a moment to confirm something before we proceed. We ask for your patience."

Kim Jung-Joo hurriedly called over a staff member.

Watching from the side with her arms crossed, Do Ran-Hee clicked her tongue. "Mr. Kim Jung-Joo... he's really something. He heard about this twenty minutes ago, and now he's acting like it's the first time."

"That's... because he's a pro?"

No matter how many times I saw it, his ability to act so naturally was impressive.

Just then, Kim Jung-Joo finished speaking with the staff. He picked up the microphone again and spoke in a slightly trembling voice.

"I'd like to make a correction. Despite her ankle injury, Contestant Song Mi-Hee has decided not to perform seated, but to go ahead with the original stage, including full choreography. She says she wants to do her best for the viewers."

A wave of murmurs spread through the audience. Kim Jung-Joo nodded as if he understood exactly how they felt.

"I, too, am very surprised by Contestant Song Mi-Hee's determination. However, as her ankle is not in good condition, we ask for your understanding even if there are some mistakes. Now then—please give her a big round of applause!"

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the Project I.O.A set. At that moment, Song Mi-Hee walked out slowly on both feet, as if her injured ankle didn't bother her at all.

Kim Jung-Joo carefully asked Song Mi-Hee. "Miss Song Mi-Hee. Is your ankle okay?"

"It hurts, but I have to act like it doesn't. For the people who are cheering me on."

Her resolute words, carrying the weight of a trainee's hardships, brought a brief silence over the venue.

"But please don't worry too much. I've already received treatment from both a specialist and a traditional medicine doctor."

Kim Jung-Joo nodded.

"Understood. Then we should proceed quickly. Now, we'll begin. The song chosen by Constestant Song Mi-Hee is Yoo Se-Na's 'Sunny Days,' which set Korea ablaze seven years ago." He called out, "Please give her a big round of applause!"

With that, Kim Jung-Joo stepped aside. Standing at the center of the stage, Song Mi-Hee glanced briefly in our direction before starting.

I clenched my fist and raised it toward her. Song Mi-Hee nodded twice. Once toward me, and once toward her mother. After that quiet exchange, she turned her gaze forward and focused on the audience.

Thump, thump, thump.

As the fast drumbeat echoed, the intro to 'Sunny Days' began.

At that moment, Song Mi-Hee started dancing, her movements light as if she had wings.

Tap!

***

『Leaning into the lights.

Leaning into the rhythm.

On a stage all my own.

A shining spotlight.

Like the blazing sun pouring down.

The world is watching me.

Right now, I'm a superstar!』

Wearing earrings shaped like halos of the sun and moon, Song Mi-Hee moved freely across the stage. It was as if she were releasing everything that had built up inside her over the past ten years.

No one would have believed she had an injured ankle, the way she continued her dazzling performance. Before long, the audience became completely absorbed, forgetting entirely that she was injured as they began shouting her name.

-Song Mi-Hee!

-Song Mi-Hee!

Fueled by their cheers, Song Mi-Hee pushed forward with even more dynamic choreography.

Watching her daughter smile so brightly despite the pain, Song Mi-Hee's mother clutched her chest, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've never... seen Mi-Hee look that happy before. How badly must she have wanted to stand on that stage for ten years? Because of a useless mother like me, she suffered so much..."

It was the regret of a mother who believed she hadn't been able to properly support her daughter's dream, delaying her debut.

But as far as I knew, none of it was her fault. She had done everything she could, raising her daughter alone while escaping the interference of Song Mi-Hee's father.

I gently patted her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Mi-Hee endured all of this because of you. So please don't blame yourself."

Song Mi-Hee's mother nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you... Mr. Jung."

Just then, Song Mi-Hee thrust her microphone forward and shouted at the top of her lungs.

『You're my superstar!』

As the final line ended, the audience erupted into cheers.

"Mi-Hee, you were the best today!"

"Mi-Hee unnie! You were amazing!" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Wow!!"

The roaring cheers only grew louder, filling the entire set. However, on stage, Song Mi-Hee's body was trembling. It was a sign she couldn't hold on much longer.

So I immediately shouted to the staff member beside me. "Tell Mr. Ji to turn off the lights!"

The staff member shook his head over the roar of the crowd. "I can't hear you!"

"Tell them to turn off the lights! The lights!"

I pointed frantically toward the stage lighting, gesturing with my hands and feet until he finally understood and spoke into the intercom.

"Mr. Ji, Mr. Jung is asking for the lights to be turned off."

A moment later, all the lights on stage went out at once.

Thump, thump, thump.

Song Mi-Hee's body disappeared into the darkness. Without hesitation, I ran up onto the stage and caught her just as she was about to collapse.

Thud.

Supported by my arms, Song Mi-Hee sank down to the floor. "Huff, huff, huff... Mr. Jung?"

"Yeah. You did well."

"How... How was I?"

"That was a stage built with everything you had, even burning through your own legs. There's no way it could be anything but good. Today, you were my superstar."

Quoting a line from 'Sunny Days,' I saw Song Mi-Hee smile.

"That's a relief. Oh, has Se-Na sunbae gone on stage over at KNET yet?"

"No. Not yet."

Right before she went on stage, KNET's Once Again, Idol! had still been in the middle of post-performance talk after Hong Joo-Hee's stage. They had said Yoo Se-Na would be up shortly.

Song Mi-Hee nodded.

Then, a problem arose.

"I... I don't think I can stand up," said Song Mi-Hee.

"Can you move your ankle?"

Still sitting on the floor, she slowly wiggled her ankle. "Yeah..."

"That's enough. That's good."

Just then, a staff member approached and handed me the headset. "Mr. Ji says he has something urgent to tell you."

When I took it, Ji Yung-Sik's tense voice came through.

-Mr. Jung, how's Mi-Hee?"

"She seems to have forgotten the pain, but she can't stand on her own."

-Then please support her from the side. We'll turn the lights back on in 20 seconds.

"Me?"

-Yes. We can't keep the lights off for too long, so please get ready.

In the end, I had no choice but to help Song Mi-Hee to her feet.

Tap.

And then, the lights came back on, and Kim Jung-Joo stepped to the center of the stage.

Thump, thump, thump.

The lights came back on, and Kim Jung-Joo stepped to the center of the stage.

"Oh! Mr. Jung is here with us."

I nodded. "Yes. Mi-Hee can't stand on her own right now, so I came up to help."

"Then we'll move quickly so she can rest. First, Contestant Sung Na-Ra's score is—"

Even now, Kim Jung-Joo paused for effect between his words, though the pacing was noticeably faster than usual.

"Contestant Sung Na-Ra's score for this round's one-on-one battle is 140 points! With her team battle score also at 140, her total comes to 280 points, placing her in first!"

Applause poured out across the set. Nodding, Kim Jung-Joo checked the tablet in his hand.

"And now, Contestant Song Mi-Hee's score. For reference, she currently holds first place with a team battle score of 142 points. Now then, we will reveal it."

Kim Jung-Joo swallowed dryly before continuing.

"And Contestant Song Mi-Hee's score for this round's one-on-one battle is—"