- I'm so proud of EVE. They've come so far since Rising Stars. - Is this why they are named 'LEVEL-UP?' They always level up every time we see them. - That was a rollercoaster ride! I experienced so many emtoions in one sitting. - I think I'm going to vote for EVE with all these stars I've collected.
They deserve it! The applause continued even after EVE settled in a line. They received nothing but praise from the judges, making them feel like all of their hard work was worth it. "It was a stage I would have never imagined," Hoonie said, a wide smile playing on his lips. "I honestly don't know how you guys crammed so many genres into a three-minute song, but it was impressive," he continued. "That's right," Lendy agreed. "By committing to so many genres, it's so easy for the performance to come out messy.
However, the music production was seamless, so it seemed like you were telling a story instead." "Yeah," Bark nodded in agreement. "From my perspective, it seemed like a lonely king who peacefully ruled over a kingdom. However, chaos ensued, and you had to resort to war. However, the preparation for war was dark and scary, yet in the end, you were still able to find peace...or maybe even happiness." June listened to his story intently.
That wasn't their objective, but he presumed it may be interpreted like that. It was honestly amazing how music could take you to so many places. "That's such a huge compliment," Haemin said. "But it was definitely a performance deserving of such praises." "Thank you so much, EVE, for giving us a performance fit for the ending," Wonbin said, walking to the middle as EVE made their way backstage. They had smiles on their faces that couldn't be painted.
They felt relieved yet nostalgic at the same time. However, the feeling of nervousness overtook their emotions. Other idols were also waiting backstage as Haemin and Wonbin started the countdown for the last minutes of voting. - I'm going to fracture my pointer finger with how fast I'm voting for EVE. - That's nice.
My bank account is fractured now. - I can't believe we're all being enslaved by capitalism right now. - I burned more than a thousand dollars on this show. My mom's going to kill me. - CHAOS, claim the throne that's always been yours! - This is most likely BOYMYSTIC's last variety show, so maybe we can convince Azure to extend their contract again if they win this particular show! - Imagine OCTA winning this. They'll be so happy, so please continue voting. - Let's show them the power of third-generation fans and vote for SPADES! - I'm still voting for MORPH3D even though they're second to last in the ranking. - EVE will continue rising.
Mark my words. - Hmm, why is nobody rooting for Robby? The commercial breaks kicked in, giving the participants more time to prepare for the awaited announcement. Some participants had already given up—particularly Robby, MORPH3D, and BOYMYSTIC. "The best we could do is root for EVE," Jordan said, a wide smile on his face.
There wasn't an ounce of bitterness in his expression, just pure acceptance. Nico, however, was as bitter as a bitter gourd. He clicked his tongue and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "No.
I'm rooting for OCTA," he stubbornly said. Jordan shook his head as he turned toward the front. Nico was just being a tsundere.
From how he watched EVE's performance a while ago, it was obvious that he liked their performance the most. Meanwhile, Uno tapped June's shoulder, causing the latter to look at him with raised eyebrows. "What are you doing here?" June bluntly asked. Uno pursed his lips. "Can't I approach you now?" June smirked and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Yeah—if it isn't for a good reason." Uno shook his head. "I just wanted to ask—have you been taking any vocal lessons?" "Yeah," June said, a bit confused by his question. "Why'd you ask?" Uno pursed his lips.
He definitely had to book more vocal lessons now. "No reason," he brushed June's question off. However, he still stood there, making June raise his eyebrows in inquiry. "Well, do you still have anything to say?" Uno hesitated for a moment before muttering a quick statement, almost inaudible. "You did great," Uno muttered before zooming back to his team. June didn't even catch his statement, so he shook his head in amusement. 'That guy's really confusing sometimes,' he thought.
However, his amused expression quickly fell when he felt someone staring at him from his peripheral vision. There, he saw Haruki subtly glaring at him. Yet, when June turned his head, Haruki also quickly turned away.
June clicked his tongue and looked at his user interface. The opportunity to get hard work points and upgrade his skills faster with his own effort was on the brink of death. Moreover, he was getting more and more curious about Choi Joon-ho's past.
He thought he was a simple trainee, but it seemed like there was more than what meets the eye. He has to find out the reason why Haruki hates him. It was now or never.
June walked up to CHAOS, surprising the members. EVE's members, too, looked at June with wide eyes, wondering why their teammate suddenly approached the senior group. However, June ignored their stares and stood before Haruki.
An ambiguous glint was seen in Haruki's eyes; however, the hatred in his gaze was more evident now that June was looking at him up close. "What are you—" Haruki wasn't even able to finish his statement because he was surprised by what June did next. Since Haruki was taller, June went on his tiptoes and leaned closer to him. "What the heck? Is he going to kiss him?" Akira whispered.
However, with his loud-ass voice, the other participants and even some of the crew members were able to hear him. Haruki took a step back, but June held onto his shoulder, pinning him in place. Haruki frowned when he felt June's strength, unable to get away from his grip.
Then, June leaned closer and closer until he reached Haruki's ear. He only said one word, but that in itself already made Haruki freeze. "Rooftop."
