TMMIB!

117

At first, I thought that question was aimed at me. 

I never imagined there would be anyone else bold enough to sneak up here with the show about to start.

But there was one.

“…It’s me.”

Another bold trainee had come up here. 

Someone I hadn’t even noticed, sitting among the plastic chairs scattered near the vending machine I was hiding behind, slowly stood up. 

Dressed in the same white shirt as me, with a harness draped over it. 

A face like ice, showing no signs of surprise no matter the situation. 

“There’s no reason I shouldn’t be here.”

In that moment, I saw his eyes, and I mouthed the name, almost unconsciously: 

‘…Liu Wei.’ 

And as if he had heard me, his eyes shifted toward where I was hiding. 

I gulped, holding my breath and doing everything I could to stay hidden. 

Fortunately…

“Why are you up here, Liu Wei?” 

Director Shin’s voice snapped back, not even questioning the glance in my direction, allowing me to remain undetected. 

“I told you not to wander around during the waiting period.”

Despite Shin’s sharp reprimand, Liu Wei, still staring at my hiding spot, responded in his usual calm tone. 

“I was thirsty.” 

“…Thirsty, so you came all the way up to the rooftop? You expect anyone to believe that?” 

From what I knew, they had a mutually beneficial relationship, helping each other toward their goals. Yet, their conversation was far from friendly. 

“No, but I had to give an answer.” 

“You brat…” 

Not just unfriendly—downright hostile. 

“If you want to debut, stop getting distracted and focus.” 

“That’s for me to decide.” 

“For you to decide? Is that why you were looking at your phone during the mission?” 

…They were practically fighting. 

“That didn’t make my ranking drop.” 

“That’s because the video hasn’t been released yet, and I ordered the edit to focus on you. I didn’t realize you were this foolish. This has become a serious problem.” 

“The serious problem is you.” 

“…What?” 

“You can’t even handle your tasks properly and now you’re scrambling.” 

“Hah, hah… You arrogant little Chinese brat…” 

“Yeah, I’m Chinese.” 

That aside— 

“You’re the one who should focus on your own tasks.” 

At Liu Wei’s final remark, Director Shin let out a few frustrated Korean curses before slamming the rooftop door behind him. 

Now, only Liu Wei and I remained on the quiet rooftop. 

…Well, it seemed their side was just as messy.

I kept my eyes on Liu Wei, hoping he’d leave the rooftop soon. 

But Liu Wei didn’t leave like I wanted him to.

“Come out.”

He called, not specifying who. 

“I said, come out.”

There was no pretending anymore. 

I didn’t know why, but it was clear that Liu Wei had distracted Director Shin to avoid revealing my presence. 

I stood up cautiously, thinking of what to say. 

What should I say here?

Should I pretend it was a coincidence I was here?

Crack a joke? Play dumb? 

Before I could decide, Liu Wei stepped closer and spoke, his voice as cold as ice. 

“…Do you think hiding like a rat will change anything?” 

“What?” 

What the hell is he talking about? 

Before I could process his words, Liu Wei pressed his index finger hard against my shoulder and muttered: 

“The one in there is about to drop out. You’re next.” 

Ah. 

So, this is how you’re going to play it?

Gao Yan’s proposal, the plan to force Logan out, and the open hostility directed at me. 

So this is how you’re choosing to show it. 

I clenched and unclenched my fists, doing my best to suppress the surge of anger rising within me. 

Liu Wei’s arrogant attitude wasn’t anything new; I had dealt with it during the three years we had worked together. 

Back then, I had to walk on eggshells, mostly because of the trouble my behavior as a problematic member had caused. 

But now… 

Now that I’m back, with no real ties left, there’s no reason to care. 

I brushed off Liu Wei’s hand, which had been pressing down on my shoulder. His large, pale hand fell away weakly. 

“Liu Wei, I think you’ve got something wrong. I’m just up here, like you, getting a drink.” 

“…….” 

Despite my flippant tone, Liu Wei’s expression remained unchanged. 

As always, he was calm, composed, and cold. 

In contrast, I smiled brightly, enunciating my words carefully. 

“So as for that nonsense about me being next to drop out… I have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

Even though I knew exactly what he meant. 

“That’s just what you hope will happen, not the reality, you idiot.” 

Liu Wei’s eyes narrowed at my firm words, and I met his gaze without backing down. 

Having come back from those hellish days, my goal now was to atone and protect my family, no matter what. 

Who said anything about me dropping out? 

I tapped Liu Wei’s broad shoulder before pulling him into a half-hug, smirking. 

“Come on, let’s head down.” 

I knew better than anyone that words wouldn’t get through to this arrogant guy. 

So… 

I’ll just have to show him something else.