Trust Shattered
The trainee dormitory's communal kitchen, usually filled with chatter and laughter, felt suffocatingly cold as Jiho sat alone, picking at his instant noodles.
He used to believe that hard work and sincerity would protect him.
But the cracks in that belief were widening.
His closest friends whispered doubts behind his back; even Minseo's warm gaze now held a trace of uncertainty.
Hyunwoo's Shadow
Hyunwoo's presence was a constant storm.
In meetings, he subtly undermined Jiho, praising his own abilities while casting doubt on Jiho's efforts.
During dance practice, Hyunwoo would 'accidentally' bump into Jiho, causing stumbles that drew frustrated glares from trainers.
One afternoon, Jiho overheard Hyunwoo speaking to a staff member.
"Jiho's popularity is a threat. If he slips up, it's good for business."
The words burned.
The First Secret Revealed
Jiho's world tilted the day Minseo confided a secret.
One evening, in a quiet hallway, she whispered urgently:
"There's more to this agency than they let on. Contracts that bind trainees like prisoners. Pressure to conform, to betray your own values."
Jiho's stomach twisted.
"How do you know?"
Minseo's eyes darted.
"My cousin was a trainee here. She left broken."
Betrayal Within
Weeks later, Jiho discovered a private group chat where some trainees plotted to sabotage his chances at the upcoming showcase.
His heart pounded.
One message stood out: "If Jiho goes down, we all rise."
The message was from someone he trusted.
Confronting the Truth
Jiho faced the betrayer — a boy who once shared late-night talks and hopes.
Their confrontation was bitter, words sharp and raw.
"You never cared about me," Jiho said, voice cracking.
"I cared about survival," the boy replied coldly. "And you became the threat."
Jiho felt tears sting, but he wiped them away.
There was no room for weakness.
A Rising Rivalry
As the showcase approached, Hyunwoo's tactics escalated.
He spread rumors questioning Jiho's dedication, his personal life, even his character.
The company's executives grew wary, watching the drama unfold with detached interest.
Jiho felt the weight of suspicion settling like a shadow over every rehearsal.
The Secret Ally's Identity
Amidst the chaos, Jiho's burner phone buzzed again.
This time, the message was different.
"Meet me tonight. Rooftop. Midnight. Alone."
With trembling hands, Jiho obeyed.
The rooftop was cold, the city lights twinkling below.
A figure emerged from the shadows — tall, enigmatic, eyes sharp with calculation.
"I'm K," the man said simply. "I've been watching you."
Jiho's breath caught.
K's Warning and Offer
K's voice was calm but firm.
"The industry isn't just about talent. It's politics, manipulation, survival. You've been playing the game like a child — believing in fairness."
Jiho swallowed hard.
"Then teach me."
K nodded.
"But be warned — the path will darken your soul. Innocence is a luxury you can't afford."
A Broken Reflection
That night, Jiho stared into his cracked mirror, the reflection fragmented.
He thought of his mother's lullabies, his father's sacrifices, the boy who once dreamed freely.
Now, he was on a precipice — between who he was and who he must become.
The question lingered:
How much of himself was he willing to lose?