𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗽𝗶𝘁𝘆 || 𝒌𝒑𝒐𝒑 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒕 ᴮᵒᵒᵏ ¹ [MAJOR REVISIONS👷]

°𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐-𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 (revised)

"Look, if you're waiting for easy, you'll be waiting forever. Now, what are you gonna do?" — Kala

❜ ─ NARRATOR'S POV ─ ❛

{D-Day}

The producer's room buzzed with quiet intensity. The final test of Part 1 was done, and the air was thick with unspoken tension. A few cups of untouched coffee sat cooling on the table, forgotten in the weight of what was about to happen.

Rain stood with his arms crossed, brows furrowed. "Now is the time to see the I-Landers' stage."

"The I-Landers will choose three people to eliminate," Kala added, her voice calm but firm, "and we'll also select three. That makes six trainees leaving tonight."

Zico let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair. "God, I'm nervous already."

As the screen lit up with the beginning of the stage, silence took over. Only the occasional murmur of praise escaped the lips of the producers as the trainees danced and sang their hearts out. Kala watched intently, eyes flicking from one performer to another. She didn't blink much—didn't want to miss the micro-details. That's just how she was.

When the final pose hit and the music faded, Rain broke the silence. "How do you feel about the overall performance?" he asked, eyes scanning the room.

"Their expressions and vocal control really exceeded my expectations," Rain offered, nodding with something that almost looked like pride.

"They played the camera smart," Zico added. "Less movement in places to maintain framing. Not easy to do under pressure."

"It's clear they've grown," Sungdeuk said thoughtfully. "This stage is their peak—so far."