LOVEPHOBIA

The Big Day (Pt. 2)

The bright studio lights illuminated the spacious set as the host's voice boomed through the speakers, echoing excitement throughout the room. The tension in the air was palpable as the six school teams took their positions at their respective tables. Park Areum, Lee Yeon Woo, Choi Joon Hyuk, Kim Areum, Park Ji Hoon, and Jung Eun Bi from Seoul High School were about to face their fiercest challenge yet—a live buzzer quiz on national television.

With just ten minutes remaining until the show's commencement, the teams exchanged glances, the weight of the competition resting heavily on their shoulders. Park Areum, still recovering from her recent panic attack, found solace in the support of her teammates. Lee Yeon Woo gave her an encouraging smile, silently reminding her that they were in this together.

As the countdown concluded, the studio fell into a hushed silence. The host, with infectious energy, introduced the quiz format, "There will be some simple rules to this quiz. First, this is a buzzer quiz so whoever presses the buzzer first gets the chance to answer. Second, you all will be getting 10 points for every correct answer you give. Third, in the 1st round, if any group presses the buzzer first and is either unable to give the answer or gives the wrong answer, the question will be passed to the group that was the second one to press the buzzer and they will get 5 points for the correct answer. If the second team is also not able to answer, there will be no more passing of the question and we will move on to the next question. Fourth, from the second round onwards, for any group that presses the buzzer first but gives the wrong answer, 5 points will be deducted and there will be no passing of the question. That's all."

Then he signaling the beginning of the battle of wits. The rapid-fire questions began, each team vying to press the buzzer first and seize the opportunity to answer.

The Seoul High School team showcased their aptitude, maneuvering through the quiz with remarkable efficiency. Areum, fueled by her determination to overcome her anxiety, answered questions flawlessly, contributing to their growing score. With each correct response, the team's confidence soared.

However, as the quiz progressed, they found themselves neck and neck with the formidable Busan High School team. Both teams were tied at an impressive score, their rivalry intensifying with each passing moment. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the hosts announced a last-ditch question, worth a substantial 20 points.

Both the teams huddled together, their minds racing to solve the challenging puzzle presented before them. Areum's heart pounded in her chest, her hands trembling with nervous energy. Across the stage, the girl from Busan High School constantly hovered her hand above the buzzer, casting an unsettling shadow over Areum's thoughts. She felt as if any moment now, the girl would press the buzzer and give the answer resulting for their team to lose.

Unable to withstand the mounting pressure, Areum's anxiety reached its peak. Fearing the girl from Busan High School would press the buzzer first, she impulsively slammed her hand onto their team's buzzer. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Areum in disbelief.

Amidst the palpable tension, Lee Yeon Woo remained steadfast, his unwavering determination shining through. The judges turned their attention to Areum's team, "What's your answer for the question then?" one of the judges asked. But fear gripped Areum, rendering her voiceless. In that moment, it felt as if their chance of victory had slipped away.

Yet, like a beacon of resilience, Lee Yeon Woo rose to the occasion. "The answer in an approximation to 6 decimal places is 3.953562" his voice resonated with unwavering confidence as he proclaimed the correct answer. The room erupted in cheers and applause as the judges confirmed their victory. "AND SEOUL HIGH SCHOOL"S TEAM IS THE WINNER" shouted the host. Areum's initial recklessness had inadvertently secured their triumph.