The screen flickered to life before anyone had quite recovered from Ace Team's results.
Yesterday's performance of OFF/BEAT filled the hall: Jinwook spinning out of a reckless pivot, Taeyong snapping through impossibly precise tutting, Daeun sliding across the floor as if gravity had briefly forgotten him.
OFF—BEAT!
The final pose froze onscreen.
"Dance Team," PD Kwon announced, "please take the stage."
Eight trainees stood. Jinwook passed our row without looking over, his usual unhurried stride giving nothing away. Taeyong followed with his chin raised. Daeun kept his gaze on the floor.
Jisoo leaned toward me. "If Jinwook doesn't make it, I'm protesting."
"Quietly," I whispered.
"Extremely loudly."
Onstage, the dancers formed a line. Coach Miyeon studied them over her notes.
"OFF/BEAT was one of the most technically demanding pieces in this competition. No vocals to distract the audience. No elaborate story to explain your movements. Just eight dancers and the music."
