Chapter 22 – Her is Not an Answer This Time
LIVE BROADCAST – "Behind the Gold: AUREUS Unfiltered" – Episode 2 (Part 2)Current Viewership: 34.1 million
[STUDIO – LAUGHTER FADES]
Jeon Mira steps forward, phone in hand.
Jeon Mira:"Alright, Round 9. Let's bring it back to the person who apparently thinks 'Truth' is a synonym for heartbreak."
The camera cuts to Jaeheon, expression unreadable, gaze as sharp and still as ever.
Jeon Mira (dramatic):"Jaeheon, truth or dare?"
A pause. A breath.
Jaeheon:"…Truth."
He says it like a challenge. Like he already knows.
The studio goes wild.
Minjae:"Nope. Nope. Absolutely not. Denied."
Hyunjae:"Someone take the word 'truth' out of his vocabulary."
Sungchan:"If we let him pick truth again, it's going to be her, her, and more her. I'm emotionally fragile."
Rihan (teasing):"Bro's turning every episode into a tragic poetry slam."
Eunjae:"Didn't he copyright the word 'her' already?"
The audience is roaring. Even the crew behind the cameras can be seen muffling laughter.
Jeon Mira (shaking her head):"Okay, okay. Listen. This man has said 'her' in literally every truth for two episodes straight. He's banned. That's it."
Rihan:"Not even 'her adjacent.' Just… truth ban."
Eunjae:"Her-prison. We're locking him in."
Hyunjae (to the camera):"This is a public safety announcement."
LIVE CHAT – EXPLODING IN REAL TIME@truthisdead: JAHEON ON DARE MODE OMG@aurumbulletproof: THIS IS NOT A DRILL. TRUTH = DELETED@blinkifyoudare: HER ERA IS OVER
[SCREEN GRAPHIC – "Jaeheon: DARE MODE ACTIVATED – TRUTH OPTION LOCKED ❌"]
The screen blinks red and gold. A warning beep plays, like he's just failed a video game mission.
Jeon Mira (grinning):"All right, Jaeheon. You're officially in Dare Hell. And since the public demands justice—" (she turns toward the camera dramatically) "—you're doing not just one. But five dares."
The members scream.
Minjae (laughing):"SHE SAID FIVE??"
Sungho:"This is war."
Jeon Mira:"One for each time you used 'her' as a truth answer. We are balancing the emotional trauma you've caused."
Jaeheon:"…Fine."
He doesn't blink. Doesn't flinch. Just adjusts his mic slightly.
But the rest of AUREUS visibly lose it.