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"Major A team, if you win and get to keep your spot, what would you like to say?" the emcee asked.
Both the first Minor team and the first Major team were called onto the stage for the winner announcement, standing side by side under the bright lights.
"Ugh~ winning is important, but it looks like we won't be able to keep our promise," Chaeryeong said dramatically.
"Oh? A promise?" the emcee leaned in. "What promise—and why not?"
"We promised to eat pig trotters if we win."
"Why are you already giving up?" he exclaimed. "Yah! Where did all that confidence go?"
The emcee shook his head helplessly before turning to the Minor team. "Alright then… Minor group, if you win, you'll get their necklace. What would you like to say?"
"We want to snatch your necklace immediately," Tzuyu answered bluntly.
The crowd burst into laughter.
"Please, just take it already!" Jeongyeon leaned forward, pretending to hand over her necklace. The others quickly followed, laughing and playing along.
Another wave of laughter rolled through the venue, easing the tension on stage.
"Wow, that was a very unexpected answer," the emcee laughed. "Before we get completely sidetracked, let's hear Park Jinyoung-nim's evaluation for each group."
"Annyeong," JYP greeted at the judging table, "This is your first time performing in front of an audience, so it was probably very nerve-wracking. Performing with an audience is really different from performing without one, right?"
"Ne~"
Everyone nods their head. Even Llana feels very nervous before the start of their performance.
"Because of that, some of you become alive and some lose confidence." JYP stated seriously.
"The evaluation were split into three sections: Singing, Dancing, Teamwork."
JYP started his evaluation. The first team to be evaluated was the Major team, which received many positive praises and feedback.
Listening from the side, Llana had to agree. The major group really performed well earlier. Their teamwork was solid, and each member clearly showcased their individual strengths.
"Now, the Minor team…" JYP said, shifting his attention after finishing his evaluation of the Major team.
"Ugh~ how should I say this…" He paused, glancing at them.
"Llana, you're someone who always gives performances I never expect. Every time I think you've shown everything, there's always something new," JYP said, shaking his head with a helpless laugh.
"Kamsahamnida" Llana thank him.
"You even brought another song. Sometimes I really wonder how your brain works."
The others nodded in agreement.
"Your dancing is also strong, one of the bests actually."
"But what makes me happiest is that you never became arrogant because of it. Many people let success get to their heads, especially when they're showered with praises. That's a very admirable quality for an idol. I hope you don't lose it."
Llana nodded at the comment, thinking, 'How do I even have the right to be arrogant when those songs aren't mine to begin with? Almost everything I have came from the system.'
She had a system that assisted her in everything she did, granting her overpowered abilities and a huge head start over the rest. She didn't have to work as hard as the others. Sometimes, she felt guilty about it, and even embarrassed by praise she didn't deserve in the first place. If she ever became arrogant over such things, then her skin would truly be thick, without an ounce of shame left at all.
"I was actually very worried when your members chose you," JYP continued. "I was afraid you'd outshine them and make their performance look weaker. But you proved me wrong again. You didn't shine alone, you lifted your team and shone together with them. You didn't hog the spotlight. You shared it. That's very noteworthy."
He then turned slightly.
"Momo, you finally came alive," JYP said as he turned to her. "Your performance today was very good. You didn't just dance, You had presence, you had confidence. This is what I've wanted from you since the start. Powerful dancing alone isn't enough. You need your own distinction."
Momo was the trainee JYP liked the most. Someone with exceptional dancing skills, exactly what TWICE needed. He had always wanted her in the group, but if she didn't grow and improve, there was nothing he could do, he's afraid she'll be eliminated. So, he was relieved to finally see her shine.
"Kamsahamnida," Momo bowed deeply, visibly touched. This was the comment she had been waiting for all along. Hearing it now rebuilt her confidence and pushed her forward. She had always been afraid of getting eliminated, especially when she kept losing to someone far younger than her.
Everyone says she's the best dancer, but her confidence always crumbles whenever she loses to Natty, the youngest contestant.
She felt deeply thankful to Llana over the past few days. Llana had been there for her, always offering support and encouragement whenever her confidence wavered. She was just as grateful for her family, who lifted her whenever she felt lost and unsure, and for her friends: Sana and Mina, who never stopped trying to cheer her up. Because of them, she had slowly found her confidence again.
"Tzuyu, you surprised me the most," JYP continued. "Among all the contestants, you've improved the most each episode. Your vocals are also very stable."
"Chaeyoung, you always did well everytime. But, I still find your performance lacking. I felt like you always perform at about 90%. I feel like you can still show more, so that was a shame."
"As for group performance, both teams showed great teamwork," JYP said with a smile.
"I'll give both groups an A+. Both group constantly looked out for one another and supported each other on stage. That's very important for a team."
He paused before delivering the final verdict.
"But I still have to choose a winner for this round. For me, it's… Minor A group."
""Kamsahamnida," the minor group bowed deeply, their eyes nearly tearing up. A visible sense of relief washed over them.
""Now it's time for the audience's opinion," the emcee announced, stepping forward once more, " It's time to vote for the team you want to win. You will have five seconds," the emcee announced.
" Five… four… three… two… one. STOP."
The scores started climbing on the screen above each group. The teams stood with their backs to the display, holding their breath in anticipation. The audience's cheers grew louder and louder.
" THE WINNER IS....."
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I don't know why I even have to end the chapter with a cliffhanger when the results are already showing as bright as the sun 😏. I'm kind of low-key regretting giving Llana those OP abilities😑.
It's my past self's fault 🙂.
Definitely.