Euphoria- Park Jong-Seong

CH:10

The room fell into a tense silence as the screen flickered, illuminating the anxious faces of the contestants. Each name announced hit like a blow to the chest, their nerves twisting tighter with every second.

"The first participant received 12 votes."

Anushka shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. "That's everyone but whoever is eliminated," she muttered under her breath, her stomach twisting with unease.

"Lee Youngbin."

The words echoed in the room. Anushka turned towards the boy, his face betraying his struggle to hold back his emotions. Around them, everyone's heads slowly tilted downward, an unspoken sorrow blanketing the group.

"The second eliminated participant received 11 votes."

"Daniel."

Anushka's eyes widened as she looked at the boy. Didn't he get a high score? she thought, confusion and disbelief washing over her.

"The third eliminated participant received 11 votes."

This time, Anushka leaned back in her chair, unable to look at the screen. Her chest tightened with fear, her gaze shifting to the ceiling as if searching for an escape.

"Jake."

Her heart dropped. Her hand flew to her face, covering her eyes as she began to sob. Anushka couldn't bear to see his reaction. Sensitive and a self-proclaimed crybaby, she felt the weight of the moment crashing over her.

"The fourth eliminated participant received nine votes."

"Nicholas."

She felt her chest tighten. With every name announced, her nerves frayed more. She clenched her fists, her eyes darting between the screen and her lap.

"The fifth eliminated participant received nine votes."

"Ni-Ki."

Anushka's gaze softened as she saw the younger boy's small figure hunching over, his hands fiddling with the ends of his hoodie. The sight broke her. Tears welled up, her emotions pouring out uncontrollably.

"The sixth eliminated participant received nine votes."

"Jay."

Anushka slowly looked up at the screen, where Jay's photo now glowed. Guilt washed over her in an unrelenting wave. *Why wasn't I eliminated?* she thought, her mind spinning. The air in the room grew heavier as the announcement concluded.

"Those are the six people to leave. Those who were eliminated should turn in your nameplates and head to the GROUND now."

The room erupted in quiet sobs and muffled sniffles. Hana buried her head in her hands, elbows resting on her knees as guilt and confusion consumed her. Anushka sat frozen, her hands trembling in her lap.

"Eyy~" A familiar voice broke through the haze.

Anushka blinked through her tears to see Jake kneeling in front of her, a bittersweet smile on his face. She couldn't meet his eyes, knowing it would only shatter her further. But Jake gently cupped her cheeks, forcing her to look up at him.

"Come on, now," he said softly, his thumbs wiping away her tears as he stood, pulling her up with him. Before she could protest, Jake wrapped her in a warm hug, his hand gently rubbing her back as her sobs grew louder.

They held each other tightly, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. "Promise me you'll come back," Anushka whispered, her voice cracking.

Jake chuckled softly, his breath tickling her hair. "Of course I will. I didn't come on this show to give up so early. I'll be back, annoying you sooner than you realize."