Jungwon's claps rang out with excitement as Jake nailed his dance moves. In just four short hours, Jake had already mastered most of the choreography. Jake couldn't help but giggle at the younger's childlike enthusiasm, finding it endearing. He had returned home on Thursday, and though he insisted he was alright, his friends fretted over him constantly - urging him to eat, sleep, stay hydrated, and not wander around sockless despite the cold. While sometimes annoying, Jake found their concern entertaining nonetheless.

"You're killing it, hyung!" Yoonwon praised, slipping a cookie from his bag and munching on it as Jake proudly showed off the steps he'd memorized. Glancing up from his laptop, Jungwon's lips curved into a faint smile. The lighthearted atmosphere eased his heart when his teammates were happy. It brought a sense of peace.

***

The days melted together in a blur. Before he knew it, Jungwon found himself standing under the blinding spotlight as part of the debut line up. Beside him stood Sunghoon and Sunoo, two of the most gifted contestants. Jungwon's head hung low, his heart pounding against his ribcage. He didn't want to leave everything behind, yet the thought of saying goodbye to his teammates tore at his soul.

"The applicant with the highest vote is..."

Jungwon pressed his lips together, his eyes locked on the remaining teammates seated behind the judges. He waited, holding his breath, praying he wouldn't have to bid them farewell.

He could still see the grave look on the judges' faces, refusing to give any reassurance. The not his bottom lip and clasped his hands together to stop them from shaking. The other contestants were just as anxious, the sight of three of their friends on the big stage, knowing that their time awaited as well. The judge cleared his throat intentionally aggressively on the mic, before finally blurting out the name.
The tension in the crowded auditorium was palpable as the contestants awaited the judges' decision. He nervously bit his bottom lip, clasping his sweaty hands together in an attempt to stop their trembling. On the brightly lit stage, the three finalists stood with stoic expressions, though he knew they must be just as anxious as he was. The judges stared down impassively from their high table, their dour faces offering no hints as to the winner.

He glanced around at the other contestants crowding the wings, their supportive camaraderie from earlier replaced by a tense silence. They all knew these final moments were agonizing for their friends on stage, and that soon they would be standing under the glare of the spotlights too. The microphone squealed sharply as the head judge cleared his throat, the abrasive sound echoing through the silent hall. He held the dramatic pause a few more endless seconds before leaning forward and tersely uttering the winner's name.

"Yang Jungwon!"

Jungwon's eyes widened in disbelief as his name escaped the judge's lips. This was not something he had anticipated when he stepped onto the stage. His hands instinctively flew to cover his mouth, masking the astonishment that now flooded his being.

Sunghoon and Sunoo, standing faithfully by his side, patted his back reassuringly, their smiles conveying the congratulations they could not voice in that moment. Still, Jungwon could not comprehend the emotions surging within him. His gaze darted around the room, trying to gauge the reaction of the others, though he remained oblivious to his own.

The cheers and applause faded into the background as Jungwon's mind reeled, struggling to grasp the meaning of this life-altering revelation. In mere seconds, the course of his future had been forever changed.

Sunoo's arms enveloped Jungwon like a protective cocoon, clinging to him as if for dear life.

"You made it, Won," he whispered, voice cracking with emotion. He hugged Jungwon even tighter, as if to reassure himself that this was real. That Jungwon was really here with him.

"You really made it."

Jungwon wrapped his arms around Sunoo, holding him close. Selfless Sunoo, always putting others before himself. 

"You'll make it too," Jungwon murmured. "Just hold on a little longer."

He squeezed Sunoo tightly, wishing he could infuse his friend with strength and certainty. But Jungwon had no idea if Sunoo would survive this - not when he was already weakened from the nasty cold that had plagued him these last two days.

"Jungwon, please step forward and share your thoughts."

Jungwon reluctantly tore himself from the embrace, his body rigid as he stepped forward. Gripping the microphone with white knuckles, he opened his mouth but no sound emerged. A torrent of feelings crashed over him, stealing his voice and blurring his vision with tears. The words he longed to say remained trapped within, the silence hanging heavy in the electric air.

He took a shaky breath, his voice cracking with emotion. "The last time I stood on this stage, I failed. I barely scraped by in 8th place. It was a crushing defeat."

He paused, tears welling in his eyes. "Then, going up against Hanbin...He lost. Coming in 9th, watching him get eliminated - it devastated me."

A gut-wrenching sob tore from his throat as he broke down, shoulders shaking. The judges watched helplessly, the boy's raw anguish piercing them. Behind the scenes, more muffled cries echoed through the halls.

He gulped hard, trying to compose himself enough to continue. This was his one chance to make things right. He had to push through the pain - had to make them understand.

Jungwon's voice trembled as he addressed the final group on stage, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. "I'm still so upset about this," he confessed, pausing to steady himself. "My teammates work tirelessly. Sunoo and Sunghoon were with me today - both so flawless in every way. I promise, they would never let you down."

He bowed deeply before the members seated in the top rank chairs, his eyes glistening. This moment meant everything to the people beside him, the ones he called family. And though they'd made it this far together, only some would debut. Jungwon poured his heart into that bow, hoping his sincerity would speak when words failed him. The bond they shared was unbreakable, debut or not. This experience had proven their dedication and excellence. Jungwon had faith that the truth would prevail.

Daniel and Riki threw their arms around him, beaming with joy.

"Congratulations, Hyung!" Daniel cried, his voice brimming with elation.

Jungwon couldn't help but laugh at their enthusiasm, though his heart ached for the other boys whose dreams had been shattered. He knew they too had hoped and worked tirelessly for this moment. But for now, he allowed Daniel and Riki's infectious excitement to lift his spirits, pushing aside the bittersweet emotions for just a little while.