'10% Low Battery.'
Jia cursed under her breath as she switched from her phone to her tablet. She had been on fire since dawn, defending June from countless haters left and right.
It wasn't a good day to be a June stan.
"LukeDefender87: Fucking bully. Let me punch your mouth so it caves in. My faves could never do that."
"MyKittyJune: Bitch, you're a Luke stan. You're fave got caught doing drugs and was kicked out of RAVEN. June could never."
"Alex'sFeet: I had a bad feeling about that June ever since he removed his mask. He's a twat who can't sing, dance, or rap."
"MyKittyJune: And you have a foot fetish. Your faves' statements haven't even been proved yet."
"ZethLovesMe: It doesn't need to be confirmed anymore. Did you see how he treated Zeth in the previews? You're delusional if you think June is innocent."
"MyKittyJune: It's a preview! I hope you swallow your words once the episode actually airs. And you're talking about delusions? You're fucking delusional for thinking Zeth loves you. He doesn't even know you exist!"
"HyunwooMyDaddy: June is fucking ugly. Fix your face, bitch."
"MyKittyJune: Fix your daddy issues first."
June wanted to laugh as he read the hate comments under his topic. However, he realized there wasn't anything to laugh about.
He's being canceled online despite the lack of evidence on Alex's and Hyunwoo's part. And the preview with Zeth on the last episode wasn't helping his situation, either.
Although some loyal fans are defending him and rational people are waiting for official statements, most have already labeled him as a "bully" and are petitioning for him to get kicked out of the show.
He kept scrolling through his phone when the bells chimed, signaling the arrival of another customer. June was secretly hoping for someone to arrive, and fortunately, the person he was waiting for came in.
Hana returned to the convenience store, her feet bouncing with anticipation as she entered. Her eyes scanned the store until they landed on June, and a subtle smile played on her lips as she approached.
"Hey," she greeted, her voice light and friendly. "I thought you weren't working today," she teased, pertaining to his adamant denial yesterday.
June's expression remained unchanged, although a glimmer of curiosity danced in his eyes. "Hey," he replied in his trademark curt manner.
Hana leaned against the counter, her curiosity getting the better of her. "You know, most people I meet can't help but act all starstruck. But you… You're refreshingly indifferent."
June's lips twitched, a hint of amusement touching his features. "Not my thing, faking excitement."
Hana chuckled. "I like that about you, June."
He merely shrugged in response, but his eyes held a flicker of something she couldn't quite decipher.
Their conversation remained short and to the point, yet there was an undeniable elephant in the room — Phoenix.
June cleared his throat, capturing Hana's attention.
"So," he started off. "Did you really train at Phoenix before?"
Hana paused, and then she pursed her lips. "I don't want to talk about those times."
June sighed. "And I don't want you pestering me in the store, but I'm doing my job, aren't I?"
Hana let out an amused chuckle. "Wow, you're really blunt. To answer your question — yes. I think the internet can prove that true."
June's demeanor remained unreadable, but he persisted. "For how long?"
"About three years," Hana answered, her mind drifting back. "I started in 2015."
A glimmer of recognition flickered in June's eyes, his interest suddenly increasing. "2015, huh?"
According to the maths, Choi Joon-ho would have started training in 2015, too, which would be the same year that she had entered. He stayed until 2022, which meant he stayed four years longer than Hana. However, she must still know about some things that happened in Phoenix back then, right?
Hana raised an eyebrow, puzzled by his reaction. "Yeah, why?"
June pursed his lips together, and he hesitated for a moment before reaching up and removing his hood and mask. The sight that met Hana's eyes left her utterly stunned – it was the face of someone she had once known so well.
Choi Joon-ho.
"Joon-ho," she whispered, her eyes immediately welling up with tears. "Is that really you?"
June was surprised by her reaction. He had expected her not to even recognize him, but it seemed like the two had a deeper connection than he thought.
"Umm, hey?" June awkwardly said, trying to sound as nostalgic as possible.
However, he just sounded constipated, causing Hana to chuckle.
"You're still as awkward as ever, huh?" she said, patting his shoulder. "Why did you act like you didn't recognize me at all? It's been so long since we've seen each other."
"Because I don't," June honestly said. "I don't remember..."
"What?" Hana's eyes widened in surprise, then she laughed out loud. "Don't tell me—are you joking right now?"
"No," June said with all seriousness. "I don't remember you," he said, looking into his eyes.
Hana stared at June, her heart pounding in her chest as a mixture of emotions swirled within her. His words left her both frustrated and puzzled. "You… you don't recognize me?"
Hana was sure that June was playing some kind of elaborate prank. They had spent years training together, sharing countless moments. How could he not recognize her?
However, as she looked into his eyes, all she found was a resolute sincerity that sent shivers down her spine. It was as if he was telling the truth, no matter how impossible it seemed.
Then, her thoughts took an unexpected turn as June held her gaze...
Why was he so handsome now?
The puny, meek, and tired-looking boy she once trained with had transformed into a very handsome yet cute man. It was confusing – the four-year age gap she remembered didn't align with the man standing before her.
But then again, she shouldn't be thinking of such things when there are other important matters to address...
Her voice trembled slightly as she whispered, "You… you really don't remember me?"
"No," June repeated. "But I need your help."
Hana was the only one who could help him escape from the situation.
"What happened at Phoenix before you left?"
