“When I was young, it seems like I had surgery. The doctor said it was probably an appendectomy, and because of keloid-prone skin, the scar remained large.”

Chris said it indifferently, but the stylist looked very sympathetic.

“These days, they can do it without leaving a scar, but on an idol’s body…”

After taking measurements, Chris headed to the practice room.

The conflict over the main vocal position almost led to a fistfight last time. In the end, following the vocal trainer’s suggestion, they decided to call both Chris and Choi Wonha for an audition and make a decision. Today was the day.

Honestly, Chris was confident. Choi Wonha’s singing ability was clearly known. This was something he couldn’t lose. The only concern was the editing. It was challenging to shake off the anxiety after experiencing the devilish editing once.

Editing was more like art than a skill. It took a perfectly normal person, cut out reactions from a completely different situation, and highlighted only sensitive parts. In this way, they easily turned a perfectly fine person into a universal moral trash.

Although Chris had earned the main vocal position based on his skills, he was afraid the broadcast might make it seem like he had forcibly taken someone else’s rightful place. To make matters worse, his opponent seemed to have the favor of the production team. Chris couldn’t understand why they pushed him so blatantly, but every trainee trembled in front of him.

“It’s okay. I also have fans.”

Thinking that way, Chris calmed his mind.

Although contact with the outside world was limited inside the dormitory, and the internet was blocked, Chris could sense the changing atmosphere. The resurrection match itself became a significant issue, and his popularity had increased compared to before.

Even though it might be fewer than Choi Wonha, who passed the second round in 14th place, Chris had come this far with the support of his fans. When thinking of fans, Suna naturally came to mind.

Recalling those words gave him newfound strength.

Yes, he must debut no matter what. To repay the love of his fans.

Determined not to be discouraged, he arrived at the practice room where the team members were gathered. However, Choi Wonha, who was supposed to compete in skills today, unexpectedly declared his withdrawal.

“I think it would be better if Chris does the main vocal.”

He suddenly withdrew in front of the vocal trainer.

“I also have ambitions, but if we judge by skill, Chris is much better, isn’t he?”

As if saying, ‘When did I ever complain about Chris?’ Choi Wonha smiled amicably and reached out his hand.

“Chris, I’m counting on you. I’ll firmly support you as the sub-vocal behind you.”
Chris was wide-eyed. Of course, it might be a conscious act for the camera… But still, it was as if the attitude suddenly flipped like turning the back of a hand.

Although something seemed suspicious, since the camera was rolling, Chris had no choice but to smile and extend his hand.

“Thanks, hyung. I’ll work hard.”

Seungju couldn’t contain his anger towards his stepmother.

He was, of course, furious about her attempt to kill him, but that anger, knowing it but not expressing it right away, was anger that he could manage.

However, touching Yoon Eunseo was a different matter.

Yoon Eunseo was a woman with no greed. No matter how many times he asked if she wanted something, she only repeated that she didn’t, struggling to say something like a 500,000 won coat as if it were worth around 5 million won.

The only thing she wanted in her life was that.

To find her brother and live happily.

For Yoon Eunseo, making a fake brother and presenting him was something else.

Throwing away the image of a good son and yelling, wanting to rush over and tightly grip the slender neck of the stepmother and scream at her, was what he wanted to do.

‘Are you even human?’

The moment she said, [He’s not my brother; I pretended not to notice. I don’t know if he fell for it.], inside the car returning to Seoul, she said that.

How would she have felt when she confirmed that he wasn’t her real brother? How much did she want to cry and scream? Yet, even in that desperate moment, she tried to hide her emotions.

There must have been some thought behind it. But if he ran over now and vented his anger at the stepmother, it would all turn into bubbles.

Seungju clenched his fists. He felt like he was going crazy with his own powerlessness.

He couldn’t get angry with the stepmother.

He couldn’t immediately find and meet her real brother.

He couldn’t even stay by the side of that woman who would be sad.

Because what she wanted wasn’t him!

He approached the mirror determinedly. Running his fingers through the perfectly styled hair, he deliberately messed it up. As the bangs gently fell onto his forehead, he looked somewhat different.

Looking straight at the man in the mirror, he asked.

‘Is pride still important?’

The man in the mirror nodded.

‘No.’