Never The Same Person

chapter¹⁹

Author pov:

The countdown had begun. Only one week remained until Averix would step onto the grand SBS stage, and the weight of their first major performance since debut was pressing down on all six members.

The practice room was filled with heavy breaths and the sound of their synchronized steps echoing off the walls. Sweat dripped down their faces, their bodies moving in perfect rhythm, but exhaustion was evident in their every motion.

Eliana, despite her own fatigue, pushed herself harder than anyone. She knew this performance had to be flawless—especially since they hadn’t released a new song yet. This was their chance to prove they belonged among the top artists.

Lilly collapsed onto the floor after a particularly intense run-through, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “We’re doing good, right?” she asked between breaths.

Sofia nodded, wiping the sweat off her forehead. “Yeah, but we need more energy. We’re sharp, but if we don’t give our all, the performance won’t stand out.”

Chayeong stretched her sore muscles, her expression serious. “We’ll have to work twice as hard. We don’t have a choice.”

You-Chae let out a deep sigh. “I know… but at this rate, we’re all gonna pass out before the stage even comes.”

Their trainer, who had been observing from the side, finally clapped his hands to get their attention. “Alright, that’s enough for tonight. Pushing too hard will only make you weaker. You need rest.”

The members exchanged glances, reluctant but aware that their bodies couldn’t take much more. They had spent every waking hour perfecting their performance—repeating moves, adjusting formations, fixing the tiniest details.

Eliana sighed, grabbing her water bottle. “One more time?” she suggested weakly.

Sofia shook her head. “Eliana, if we don’t rest, we’ll mess up even worse tomorrow.”

The eldest members of the senior groups had also noticed the situation. That night, Bang Chan, Taeyong, and S.Coups gathered the girls and sat them down for a serious talk.

“You guys are doing amazing,” Bang Chan reassured them. “But pushing yourselves to the point of collapsing won’t help anyone. Trust the process, take breaks, and save that energy for the actual performance.”

Taeyong nodded. “Even the most experienced idols know when to stop and recharge. You’re not weak for needing rest.”

S.Coups, always the strict but caring leader, sighed. “Look, if you don’t sleep properly, you’re going to get sick. And if even one of you falls behind, it affects everyone. You’re a team, so take care of each other.”

The words hit home. Eliana, Lilly, You-Chae, Sofia, Chayeong, and Evana exchanged guilty but understanding looks. They knew their seniors were right.

“…Alright,” Eliana finally said, standing up. “We’ll rest. But tomorrow, we go even harder.”

The leaders laughed, nodding in approval. “That’s the spirit,” Bang Chan said with a grin.

That night, for the first time in weeks, Averix got a full night of sleep. Their bodies were exhausted, but their hearts were more determined than ever.