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Jongwoo realized it only after finishing the part distribution in a flash. That Jiwoong had been pushed back to sub-rapper 3. Considering Jiwoong's popularity and visuals, there would be no one to complain even if he demanded a better part.
Jiwoong had said he wanted the killing part at first but didn't even participate in the competition to get it. Isn't it too conceding just because he's a leader? That bothered Jongwoo, so he cautiously spoke while looking at Jiwoong's expression.
"Hyung*, do you want to do sub-rapper 2? Since I have the killing part, I can do sub 3 if you want.."
Once he spoke, he realized that the duration of sub-rapper 2 and 3 was the same, 15 seconds each, so it was ridiculous to make a fuss about it. How should I respond if he asks for the killing part instead of sub 2?
Jiwoong smiled as if he read his mind, and Jongwoo's heart sank.
"Jongwoo, the headband looks good on you."
"Yes.. Yes? Is something the matter all of a sudden?"
"I've been thinking about it since earlier. It looks good on you. Just like a beanie looks good on you."
While Jongwoo was hesitant about the unexpected turn, Junhyun intervened bluntly.
"How did you know that Jongwoo Hyung looks good in a beanie?"
Although there was a hint of suspicion, Jiwoong calmly brushed it off.
"I can tell just by looking. We meet outside the studio too, you know."
It was natural since Jiwoong and Jongwoo were both independent trainees preparing for a star-level test together. Jongwoo had put on a beanie a few times to go to the practice room. As anybody could see, it was a meaningless remark, but Jongwoo felt jitters for no reason.
Jiwoong added while looking at him.
"I don't look good in a beanie, so I envy you."
"No, your visuals are no joke! Any fashion that covers your face is a mistake, you should show more of it!"
Jongwoo was taken aback by his own rushed words. Did he speak too candidly? Does it not matter since it's the truth?
"Really? Thank you."
Jiwoong smiled brightly, never taking his eyes off Jongwoo.
Why he's doing this to me.. Jongwoo's heart sank again. If he had felt like he was on the edge of a cliff earlier, however, now it was like being at an amusement park. It was ticklish and thrilling like the moment when you climb to the top of a roller coaster and fall.
Only after returning to the dorm did Jongwoo realize that the discussion on part re-distribution with Jiwoong had been completely overlooked.
***
On the day of the long-awaited performance, the Backdoor K team stood in front of the audience.
"The boy who looks best in a headband at Boys Planet, Yoon Jongwoo."
Jongwoo quickly lowered his head after finishing his prepared greeting. Feeling embarrassed, he kept looking at the ground, but Jiwoong patted his shoulder without saying a word, conveying his support. Joongwoo felt like he almost heard Jiwoong saying "I think the same way."
Just before starting on stage, Jongwoo smiled while turning his back to the audience. He was no longer nervous. This was the moment he had been waiting for. He came here for this moment, practiced his heart out, and maybe even lived his whole life for this very moment. He was happy to finally face the moment he had been longing for so desperately.
He offered a silent prayer of thanks to whoever was listening. Now, it's time to show that I can shine.
Three minutes passed like a storm. When he finished his performance and caught his breath, he smiled once again. I did my best, he thought, though it sounded cliché. He never stopped acting, even for a moment, whether the camera was on or off, and even when he had to just move, not dance, he moved with rhythm.
He felt relieved. Even if it was his first and possibly last stage, he did everything he could on it.
They returned to the waiting room, holding hands, and checked the scores.
Jiwoong got 259 votes, wiping out the entire opposing team within only 15 seconds with a flying kick and showing off his abs. Jongwoo was so proud of Jiwoong, feeling like his heart would burst.
Next, Jongwoo got 50 votes.
Jongwoo forced a bitter smile, finding he worried about Jiwoong for nothing. Jiwoong's in a so much better place than him. Safer. Jongwoo felt a bit disappointed about the outcome after taking the whole 45 seconds on his own while Jiwoong made the best out of 15 seconds. But Jongwoo was too happy to stay bitter.
Winning as a team and Jiwoong's taking first place were great, but what made him most proud was that what Jiwoong said came true.
Jiwoong said he would lead the K-Group Backdoor team to first place, and that's exactly what happened. He was a man of his word. Jiwoong, who was only two years older than him, felt like a real grown-up at that moment, and holding hands with him made Jongwoo feel secure.
* FYI
"Hyung" in Korean is a term used to address an older male who is considered a brotherly figure. When used with a name, it goes after a name.
