The next morning, thirty-two trainees gathered in Hall 1, and the room already felt strangely empty.
I sat between Yuhyun and Harin, my hands clasped so tightly that my knuckles ached. Even Jisoo had barely spoken since breakfast.
Sixteen of us would leave today.
It still didn't feel real.
The doors swung open.
"Good morning, future idols!"
PD Kwon strode down the aisle in a charcoal pinstriped suit, tablet in hand, smiling as though he hadn't just walked into a room full of impending heartbreak.
Nobody answered.
"Such enthusiasm." His smile widened. "I'll assume you're saving your energy for the finale."
"Yesterday, you performed like people who understood what was at stake. Today, we find out which sixteen have what it takes."
He gestured toward the entrance. "Please welcome your evaluation panel."
