My legs felt unsteady as I followed the stream of trainees filing out of the auditorium.
The weight of that interview announcement pressed against my chest like a stone.
Individual interviews. The production team's favorite hunting ground for extracting drama and manufacturing storylines.
I'd barely made it three steps into the corridor when a hand slammed down on my back with enough force to nearly send me sprawling.
"Jiwon!"
Jisoo's voice boomed through the hallway, his enthusiasm completely undimmed by the morning's stress.
His palm remained planted between my shoulder blades as he bounced on his toes.
"That was incredible! Did you see everyone's faces during your performance? I swear half the trainees forgot to breathe!"
Yuhyun and Jinwook approached more quietly behind him, their expressions a stark contrast to Jisoo's unbridled excitement.
"Let's get food before talking," Jinwook said simply, his tone neutral but carrying an undertone of exhaustion.
