As the countdown came to an end, Kim San took a deep breath, ready to announce the winner of tonight's Disguise Surprise Singer.
Tongman and Guitarman held each other's hands, prepared to accept whatever the result was.
The audience and panel members were quite anxious since it was hard to predict the outcome of the results.
"Who did you vote for?" Mimi asked Ji-hyun.
"Tongman," Ji-hyun responded. "I'm drawn towards him."
"Me too," Mimi smiled.
"Goodness, this is such a small gap," Kim San exclaimed, looking at the cue card that the production team had given him.
June pursed his lips while Guitarman looked down at the ground.
"Let me now announce the winner…," San said, the spotlights focusing on the two competitors.
The LED screen once again showed the escalating numbers, and it seemed like the two numbers were moving at an equal pace.
"With only a one-point gap…" Kim San started off. The audience gasped collectively when the results were finally shown.
"One point? This is crazy! That meant that one person made all the difference!"
"Goodness, this episode is going to go viral once it airs."
"It's been a good run for him…"
"Tongman is our new disguised singer, overtaking the ten-week reign of our precious Guitarman!" San concluded.
The people were still silent, in shock that Guitarman was defeated. Nonetheless, they thought that it was a worthy loss. Tongman was a deserving victor, and they didn't question how he had won.
Meanwhile, Jia sighed in relief as she stared at the two numbers on the screen.
66-67. TONGMAN'S VICTORY.
She turned to her mom and squeezed her arm.
"Thank you for dragging me out of bed this morning," Jia said.
Cindy glanced at her daughter in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Jia didn't respond and continued looking at the numbers.
If her mom didn't force her to come, then the results would have been very different!
"Unfortunately, this means that Guitarman would no longer be with us," San said, sadness heard in his voice.
The panel members, too, appeared a bit disappointed to see him go. He has been a constant presence for the past ten weeks, so they've gotten used to him being on the throne.
The audience clapped loudly for Guitarman as he humbly bowed on stage. He glanced at June before nodding in acknowledgment. June bowed deeply in respect.
"Do you have anything to say to everyone?" San asked.
Guitarman nodded and took the microphone from the host.
"First of all, I want to say thank you to everyone who listened to me sing. It has been my passion since I was young, and being able to make you happy, sad, angry, or frustrated with my performances brings me great joy. I hope that even though I am away, you will continue watching my performances," Guitarman said without a trace of regret in his voice.
"I've been here for ten weeks now, and honestly, I believe it's time for a change. I couldn't have lost to a better person than Tongman. Please support him just as you've supported me…if not more. He's a great person, and I can't wait to see your guys' reaction once he finally reveals his identity!"
Guitarman ended his speech on a good note, eliciting another loud round of applause accompanied by shouts from the audience.
"Would you tell us Tongman's identity before you go?" San cheekily asked.
Guitarman shook his head. "I think it's great to keep you guys guessing. In the meanwhile, I'll be the one to reveal myself first!"
The crowd cheered excitedly, now realizing that they would be finding out the identity of the Guitarman they loved so much.
"That's right!" Kim San exclaimed. "Our beloved Guitarman will finally reveal himself to the world! However, before all of that, can Tongman go up to the platform and sit on the throne?"
June nodded as he faced the throne at the other end of the room. The spotlights illuminated the narrow pathway in the middle of the studio, and June walked carefully while the audience watched him with bright eyes.
Then, when he finally arrived, he gracefully sat on the throne where he rightfully belonged. A ringing sound was heard, signifying that a new 'Disguised' was in town.
The room erupted into cheers as they congratulated Tongman on the new title.
Afterward, they directed their gazes back to the stage, where Guitarman was getting ready to reveal himself.
"Without further ado!" Kim San started off. "Guitarman—please reveal yourself!"
Guitarman turned around, where some audience members were sitting. The lights dimmed on the stage as the reigning champion removed his mask and turned his back to the majority of the audience.
Once his mask was off, those before him gasped in surprise. Then, a five-second countdown was shown on screen as Guitarman prepared to turn around.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Guitarman revealed himself to the public. The audience exclaimed in surprise when they saw him, some even standing to confirm if it was really him.
Some of the panel members covered their mouths in shock, while others nodded in recognition.
"I knew it," Changjung said. "He really came here, huh?"
Mimi and the other idols on the platform quickly bowed their heads in respect.
"The veteran singer for all generations! An iconic songwriter whose songs keep touching our hearts—we have none other than Lee Sik!" San finally revealed.
The audience erupted into their loudest cheers of the night, welcoming Lee Sik into the world.
June stood from his throne, joining the crowd in their clapping. The moment he sang during the last stage, June knew that it was Lee Sik—the singer he sang 'Father' with and his vocal master.
"Ah, I'm not used to facing you guys without a mask," Lee Sik chuckled, feeling shy.
"It's really you, Sik," Kim San said. "I had my hunches because your voice sounds very distinct, but I didn't think you'd come here while you're busy with your kids."
"Yeah," Sik scratched the back of his head. "Honestly, I was actually planning on being here for only one week; yet I've been here for ten weeks now. My wife's getting impatient, so I'm glad that Tongman finally took the throne," he joked, eliciting some chuckles from the audience.
Kim San laughed loudly.
"We're sorry, Mrs. Lee! We like your husband's voice very much," he said to one of the cameras.
"Nonetheless," Lee Sik quickly added. "I'm really thankful for all of the support that I've gotten. I never expected you guys to love my voice so much, so it's been overwhelming."
"And to Tongman, who's currently sitting on the throne, I want to say good luck for the next few weeks! Let's grab a meal when you have some free time," he smiled.
Tongman held out an 'okay' sign while smiling inside his mask.
"Well, that ends Guitarman's journey on Disguise Surprise Singer," San said, ready to conclude the shoot.
"Next week, there won't be a pre-recorded shoot. Instead, we'll be going back in two weeks for a special live show of Disguise Surprise Singer for its two-year anniversary. We'll see you guys there!" he continued.
The crowd murmured excitedly at the announcement of the live show.
With that, the shoot finally ended. June walked back down to the stage to talk some more with Lee Sik. However, before he could reach him, a notification appeared right above his head.
[Congratulations, host!]
[You have successfully fulfilled your mission.]
[You are eligible for a vocal skill upgrade.]
[Vocal: +1]
[Current Vocal Stat: X]
