𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 ―𝐝.𝐨.𝐝

Chapter 53

a/n: alright, through unanimous agreement, this will continue without regard to the manga ppft. i will just update things in chapters that align with a manga chapter (when they come out) only if i like that version more than the manga. then from this point on, everything is novel-canon :)

oh, but i will let this book sit for a week after this arc ends so i can take a quick break from writing!

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[ Park Moondae's POV ]

Youngrin announced something about family content. It was something that could never be missed in the last episode of any audition.

Of course, because I have no family, I just idled on the side and moved on.

"There will be a lot of crying scenes."

I recalled how, during the filming, Raebin had cried so hard while watching his grandmother's video letter that his eyes were swollen for the rest of the next day.

This was something filmed in front of the other team members, so naturally, I was seen comforting them. But it wasn't just me. 

Cho Seungmin also only had the role of patting others' backs. He didn't get a video letter from any family member.

"Did he really run away from home or something?" 

His cousin did say that his own father didn't even know where he was living.

But he seemed close with his cousin, so I thought he would at least get a video from her.

"It's all over now."

An unexpected voice threw my thoughts away. It was Lee Sejin, the former child actor.

"Well, the program will be over soon," I answered moderately.

His expression turned grim.

"You're debuting, so it's not over for you. Is that what you're saying?" he remarked.

"Why is this bastard suddenly picking a fight?"

I felt weight on my shoulder, but I didn't bother to turn around, knowing it was Seungmin.

Lee Sejin A flinched. 

"Sejin hyungnim," Seungmin smiled. His voice was icy warm. "What are you trying to say?"

Despite that, Lee Sejin A held his ground.

"...It must be nice," he murmured before going to the corner in a depressed state. I decided not to react. If anyone had the time to care about others in this situation right before a final ranking announcement, they would be pushovers.

"Seungmin," I sighed. As usual, he got off when I showed a sign of discomfort. I was grateful he at least did that.

"Move to Area B!" the staff called out to us. "Go!"

The contestants all moved in a hurry with stiffened faces.

When we got on the stage, everyone tried their best to stay standing. It was a lot of pressure that thousands of people were staring at us without any music to distract them.

Fifteen minutes passed, and the MC was just dragging out the process. I could only assume it was because people were still voting; I heard in my past life that the votes hit over a million, so it was no surprise that the producers were still counting.

"Idol Inc., the final stock ranking combined the investments from the internet and live broadcasts!" the MC finally announced. "7th place is announced now!"