Tongman's third performance had just ended, and his members still couldn't believe the diversity of skills that June had displayed.
"You're cruel," Jisung said. "You're making everybody confused about your identity with your song choices."
"I just chose what I wanted to sing," June honestly said.
"Heck," Akira said. "I told you to go beyond your comfort zone, but this is on another level. You sounded very good just now. Did you eat something right before this performance?"
June shook his head. It was just the vocal upgrade that he got from his hard work points.
"That was so good," Casper said. "I nearly cried."
"Well, somebody's crying," Sehun chuckled, subtly pointing at Jaeyong, whose face was buried in his knees.
Akira chuckled and nudged his shoulder.
"Keep it together, leader. We still have to go up the stage later for the final greeting."
"I can't help that it's so good," Jaeyong said. "It's been a while since I've heard June sing such an emotional song. I just…really needed to hear it, too. These days have been filled with doubt, and his song reminded me to relax and continue moving forward."
- Who is this man?
- I can offer a million-dollar incentive to the person who can correctly identify this man's identity. I have officially become his fan.
- He is my husband.
- Well, that's enough internet for the day.
"I think you might have beaten him," Jisung said when it was time for the results to be announced.
"I believe so, too," Akira said. "I've doubted June many times, and I've been wrong in all of those times. This time, I'm a hundred percent on his side."
June chuckled in amusement.
"I'm disappointed, though," Akira continued. "I felt like you would have told us if you had won—especially against Guitarman!"
Jisung enthusiastically nodded in agreement.
"All of my aunts are obsessed with Guitarman. They even asked me to get his autograph, but I can't really do that when I don't even know him."
"You could have asked me," June said.
"You know him?" Jisung asked with wide eyes. "Then, does that mean—"
"Just keep watching," June said. "I knew him before the reveal even happened."
- Omo. These two know each other? Then, they must be in the same age bracket?
- If that is the case, then my husband will be twenty years older than me. That's fine with me.
- How could this be? Do talented people just belong to the same friend group or something like that?
After more agonizing moments, the winner was finally revealed, and although the members believed in June and knew he would be able to steal the spot away from Guitarman, they were still surprised by the turn of events.
- This tong guy actually managed to topple down a monster.
- Who are you? Who is this?
- Goodness. I'm the most curious about his identity.
- He sounds familiar. I feel like I'm wrong, though.
- Surprisingly, there aren't that many mean comments being thrown at Tongman.
- Well, did you hear what Lee Sik said? His wife is getting angry because he's been busy for the past ten weeks. Let his wife have his man back!
- I agree! And…above all of this, I feel like Tongman deserves it.
- He definitely does. It's an agony to wait for his identity to be revealed, though.
"I'm so proud," Akira said, wiping the fake tears in his eyes.
"Congrats, bro! That was totally deserved. You never fail to amaze me with your skills," Jisung said.
"Right on," Ren agreed. "Your hard work and effort have definitely paid off. You've inspired me to practice even more!"
Zeth sighed, staring off into the distance. "I remember when June struggled to perform on stage. Now, I'm the one aspiring to be like him."
"Oh, shut up," Ren said. "You're still a monster."
"Anyway, I wasn't able to promote our album because I had to keep my identity undisclosed," June said.
"Who cares?" Jaeyong asked. "We're rooting for you all the way."
Just then, the door opened, revealing Jay, who had just finished gossiping with the other managers in the hallway.
"It's time for the ending stage, boys. Let's go so you can go home and rest for the night. You have another music show tomorrow."
The boys nodded and followed after Jay. They arrived at the stage and smiled and waved at their fans. Loud screams were heard when EVE arrived on the stage, making the other idols, who were already there, turn to them with envious stares.
Akira smiled proudly as he continued waving at their fans. Even a while back, the studio was filled with astras. It was almost unbelievable how fast their fandom grew in just a span of a few months.
The greeting finished quickly, with the hosts announcing the winners of the week. Afterward, the boys made their way down the stage so they could prepare to go back to their dorms.
However, at that moment, June felt the call of nature. It must have been the gallon of milk tea that Akira bought him this morning.
"Guys, I need to pee," June said.
Jay turned around and narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"What?" June asked in confusion.
"Every time you go to the restroom, nothing good ever happens," Jay said, recalling the times when June passed out and snuck out when he last went to the restroom.
June sighed. "I promise. I just need to pee. I'll be back in a few minutes."
"You better be," Jay warned.
June shook his head and went to the restroom to empty his bladder. Fortunately, there wasn't anyone inside. However, just as he was about to zip up his fly, a familiar orange head entered the room.
"Pearl Boy," he muttered. However, it seemed like the younger boy had superb hearing since he was able to decipher what June had said.
"Pearl Boy?" he asked, causing June to halt. "Did you just call me Pearl Boy?"
June didn't respond and went to the sink to wash his hands instead.
"I can't be mistaken," the young member of MATCHSTIX, named Bruno, said. "You called me Pearl Boy! That means that you watched the episode I was in!"
June still didn't say anything. He already beat this boy during Disguise Surprise Singer. He'll just wait for the moment that he realizes it was June who mercilessly defeated him.
"Well, I guess your team is monitoring our team," Bruno smiled. "Did you know? Our song is currently ranked seventh, while yours has already dropped to the twenties!"
June sighed and moved to leave the room. However, the young boy held onto his arm before he could open the door.
"Just you wait!" Bruno boastfully said. "We'll take your place as the most successful boy group to ever come from a survival show!"
June calmly removed Bruno's grip from his arm.
It seemed like Jay was right.
Nothing good ever happens every time he goes to the restroom.
