- Is this really happening right now?
- Wow, I never thought I'd live to see the day that someone would come close to CHAOS' popularity.
- And it's a rookie group, too. Sheesh.
- Oh, the fight between Astras and Chaotics is going to be good.
- We, chaotics, will never stoop at the level of astras.
- Bitch, you don't even have to stoop low since you're already there.
- I'm a bombastic (BOYMYSTIC fan) reading the comments and having fun!
Bora screamed so loudly that it busted her seatmates' eardrums. She then turned toward Jia but found she was still passed out.
Bora shook her head and turned to Wei instead, shaking her shoulders vigorously.
"Why are you acting like Jia?" Soomin asked out of confusion.
"Yeah, you're usually pretty calm during these announcements," Nari pointed out.
"Oh, I just wanted to channel Jia's energy since she's still passed out," Bora nonchalantly said, finally going back to her real personality.
"She'd be upset if nobody screamed like her in the audience," she quickly added.
However, the other fans as well as the participants on the stage didn't have the heart to celebrate.
The votes were tied, and they didn't know what this implicated.
Jaeyong finally looked at the LED screen behind him and couldn't believe his eyes for a moment. He even rubbed them, smudging some of his makeup, just to ensure he wasn't hallucinating.
"What's this?" Jisung whispered.
Akira, ever the joker, also stayed silent, waiting for the hosts to clarify what was happening.
It seemed like they, too, were taken aback by the results. The moment Wonbin and Haemin saw the results inside the envelope, they tried their hardest not to show that there had been a tie.
However, now, they didn't really know what to do.
They went down to the producers' area and started discussing the results.
Honestly, it was something that they, too, didn't anticipate.
The possibility of a tie was almost near impossible, so they didn't think that far into their plan.
June glanced at CHAOS and saw frowns of disappointment on their faces. If a while ago, they hid their expressions pretty well, now, it was blatant that they really weren't happy with the results.
June, too, wasn't the most elated with sharing the 'King' title with CHAOS, but he'd take any title he could get.
In the end, they were still hailed as winners.
The title was honestly easy to share; however, the prize of having their own variety show was going to be difficult.
Finally, after a couple of moments, Wonbin and Haemin finally made their way back to the stage.
The crowd turned silent as they waited for them to announce the producers' decision.
"What a crazy night it has been," Haemin started off.
"This is a result that everyone didn't expect. Truly, impossible things could happen any time of the day," Wonbin continued.
"Since the result ended in a tie, we announce to you the two kings—EVE and CHAOS!"
Hesitant claps filled the venue as the two teams walked forward, the two of them separated by the hosts. They were being illuminated by spotlights, and from the audience's view, it seemed like they were being graced by gods from the otherworld.
- Honestly, they look pretty good together.
- Yeah. I would love to have them perform together sometime!
- Definitely not. CHAOS does not perform with anyone that's not on their level. EVE is a low-level group.
- Well, the so-called low-level group you called is at par with CHAOS. Does that make CHAOS a low-level group, too?
- What are they going to do about the variety show, though?
"The two of them will receive the lovely prize of their very own variety show. They would get one episode each every month and will be airing for a total of three months!" Haemin announced.
EVE was pretty satisfied with how everything turned out. Not only were they crowned as kings, but they still got their own variety show, even if it was shared.
June thought that an overseas trip to Europe was still the best prize, though.
"Not only that!" Wonbin quickly added. "Since we initially promised the winners two episodes per month, we want to keep our promise. So, CHAOS and EVE will have another episode to themselves…," he said.
Akira's smile widened. "So, we'll get to film two episodes in the end anyway."
"...Together!" Wonbin continued.
CHAOS and EVE both turned to the hosts with wide eyes.
"That's right! CHAOS and EVE will also be collaborating on special joint episodes for those three months," Haemin excitedly said.
He was definitely the only one excited about it, though.
The thought of filming together already made the members feel awkward.
Their fans, too, didn't seem to like the idea.
- I honestly don't want to see it.
- Yuck. I'd have no choice but to interact with astras every night then.
- Chaotics truly live up to their name. You guys can't even stay civil for once.
- Why don't you live up to your name, too, and move to the Milky Way?
- Damn, that was pretty good, not gonna lie.
- Ah, reading these fan wars is honestly so therapeutic.
"And just like that, King of Kings has ended!" Haemin exclaimed, setting the tone for the final moments of the show.
"It has been a short yet meaningful journey, but now, we have determined the kings at the very top of the hierarchy," Wonbin continued.
"However, the journey isn't over yet. Follow these two kings in the new show 'King's Joker' where you'll be having a lot more fun!" Haemin said.
"This has been Haemin…"
"And this has been Wonbin…"
"And we proudly present—the King of Kings," they said simultaneously.
The lights, aside from the ones focused on CHAOS and EVE, dimmed down, making the two groups glow among the rest.
Then, a slate was heard, signaling the end of the show.
Claps were heard in the studio as the groups started making their way backstage.
The victory still felt surreal, but at the same time, June wanted to bask more in the feeling.
However, he knew it wasn't over yet.
He saw Haruki walking swiftly to the restroom, so June excused himself from the group and followed after him.
Haruki appeared to be in distress—a sharp contrast from his usual calm and collected self.
Haruki entered the restroom while June weaved through the sea of idols and crew members to follow after him.
Then, he abruptly opened the door, revealing Haruki, who had a drenched face and sleeves.
His heavy breaths filled the room as he gripped the sink, his knuckles almost turning white.
June frowned in confusion, wondering what got him to react so dramatically to the situation.
June knew Haruki could feel his presence, yet the more experienced idol didn't bother looking at him.
"Do you hate the idea of sharing the victory so much?" June asked, finally breaking the silence.
Haruki finally lifted his head, looking June straight into his eyes. He paused for a moment, his silence adding to the sizzling tension in the room.
Then, he finally spoke.
"Why are you acting all innocent when you already recall the rooftop incident?"
June couldn't say anything since, in reality, he didn't know what really happened at that rooftop.
"If you want me to answer, then yes," he shakily said.
"I hate the idea of sharing my victory..."
"...especially if it's with a murderer."
