Second Try Idol

I expected as much, but standing on stage with a mask on was quite a struggle. It was different from practice because the lights were so strong that aside, from feeling suffocated, I was sweating profusely. The problem was that I couldn't wipe the sweat off because of the mask, so I just stood there pretending everything was fine. It was an unbelievable experience.

"Great job." Reina’s manager approached and handed me a sports drink. It seemed he had asked Su-Hwan or Tae-Seong during my performance which drink I preferred.

I was resting, but our team staff hurriedly said from outside the waiting room, "The staff are on their way now!"

I put down my drink and put the mask back on. After a good rest, it was time to head back to the set.

When I reached the panel area, the next performer was already on stage.

"Ah, Eden, you’re here. I enjoyed your song. Wow, you are really good at singing live."

"You've worked hard. Great job. Shh, the performance is still going on."

"Thank you, Senior." I greeted in a soft voice and took my seat to watch the performance. This performer was the vocalist of an indie band, an artist with a simple and charming voice.

Reina had told me not to worry too much about my screen time, but I still tried to make gestures here and there. If I didn't show any reactions, I might look too insincere in the edit since I was wearing a mask.

Several more teams took the stage. Watching them, one thing was clear—Reina's capability was impressive. Because this was a popular TV show, they carefully selected talented newcomers for the stage, and each performer was remarkably skilled. Even though I was the main vocalist in Chronos and fairly confident, it was a challenge to stand out among these skilled performers.

But honestly, I thought I left a good impression. I made an effort, and Reina's ability played a big part. The arrangement and production of the song maximized my strengths and made me seem much better than I actually was.

When the final performer's stage ended, Seo Han, who usually didn't ask questions to the performers, suddenly looked at me. "With all performances done, today seems to have brought out an exceptionally strong lineup. Eden!"

"…Yes!" I quickly picked up the microphone to respond.

Seo Han asked again with a mischievous expression. "This is your first time on a broadcast and your first time watching performances by My Pick Singers. How was it?"

"Everyone was so impressive. I was in awe throughout."

"Any singer in particular stands out to you? I know they all did, but if you had to choose one?"

"I’d say… Senior Oh Yoo-Wol?"

"Oh! Why? Why?" Oh Yoo-Wol’s My Pick Singer asked with a big reaction.

"I already knew about him from TV and thought, ‘Someone who’s appeared twice really is different.’ His performance was mesmerizing."

"Wow, this is the first time you have spoken so much, right? You seem really moved by that performance. So I’m asking… What do you think your rank will be today?"

Predicting my rank? Since this was a competitive program, I needed to think carefully before answering. However, it was much easier to choose my words here than when I was questioned as a member of Chronos.

"I’m not sure. Everyone did so well. Honestly, I think I might come last."

This wasn't like Pick We Up, where I had to be cautious with every word because fans’ pride could be hurt by any modesty. Since this wasn't a show where fans had to exert effort for the ranking, it was better to be modest.

"Heh heh! You are very humble in your response. Are you trying to maintain this humble image~?"

"No, I genuinely think that. Thank you everyone for such fantastic performances."

"But you were excellent today, weren’t you?" the panelists hyped me up.

"Personally, I would boldly predict Eden to be within the top two."

"This is the first time I've heard someone cover ‘In a Bronze-Colored Teahouse’ so well, and his voice was exactly my type. I saw Eden for the first time today, and I am already intrigued."

"This might be sudden, but I am curious about what he looks like under that mask—I'd like to find out more as the show goes on~"

"Wow, the panelists have rated you quite highly. Now for Oh Yoo-Wol, who Eden picked as his predicted number one! What do you think your rank will be today? Will you safely secure another appearance?"

Seo Han’s question prompted Oh Yoo-Wol, also identified as a candidate for the appearance ticket, to share his thoughts on my performance.

"I really like the song ‘In a Bronze-Colored Teahouse.’ It's one of my favorites that I listen to a lot, so I have never been satisfied with any others’ covers on this piece."

"Exactly. The original composer Park Sang has a pretty unique voice, doesn't he?"

"But I could keep listening to Eden's cover forever. I totally get why Senior Reina picked him as her 'My Pick Singer.' His voice... It feels like it would perfectly match those epic historical drama songs, or anything with an Asian vibe."

Seo Han cleverly peppered questions around while subtly pitting me and Oh Yoo-Wol against each other. I got mentioned a lot not because I was outstanding, but because Seo Han was steering the conversation in my direction.

Reina telling me that I didn't need to worry about getting enough airtime was true. The host made sure to secure my air time, even without me lifting a finger.

"Right now, Reina is watching with a delighted smile. Truth be told, no matter how much we debate this, the audience gets the final say." Seo Han turned to look at the audience. "Well, everyone, the decisive moment is upon us. Today’s choice seems tougher than ever. Who will be 'My Pick Singer' chosen by you all?"

As he spoke, a tension-filled soundtrack filled the air, the lights dimmed, and the real-time voting figures of the audience members flickered wildly on the screen. The panelists watched with bated breath, and the performers looked visibly tense.

I was more at ease and observed the rankings casually. Neither Reina nor I were as desperate as the other performers. Eden was a side project for me, and with a busy schedule of concert preparations, I wasn't too hung up on winning.

Reina and I participated in this show to create a buzz and to put Eden's skills to the test. We just wanted to make an impact when we revealed my identity later, hoping to draw a bigger reaction. We were in it without wanting much from it, just aiming for that much and concentrating on directing and rehearsing.

...But then the voting numbers started acting up.

"Wow, look at those votes climbing so fast! Two contestants are really pushing ahead! Oh! Oh Yoo-Wol and Eden, Oh Yoo-Wol and Eden! Will we see a new front-runner? Is Oh Yoo-Wol about to clinch his first top spot as a regular contestant? Who will emerge victorious?"

After voting began, the graph bars that were rising began to shoot up as if this were a neck-and-neck race between me and Oh Yoo-Wol.

‘This might just win me a spot on the show!’

I was tempted to rip off my mask right then and inspect the voting closely.

"Come on, first place, please," Oh Yoo-Wol muttered under his breath while sitting right beside me. His hands clasped tightly together as if in prayer, his earnestness palpable.

I returned my gaze to the screen, and the results seemed to favor the desperate one. The oscillating graph finally steadied, placing Oh Yoo-Wol at the top by a slim margin.

"The forty-third winner is…! Congratulations to Oh Yoo-Wol on securing first place!"

Confetti exploded everywhere.

"Gosh! That scared me!"

The sudden noise startled everyone, but the shock was brief. All the performers stood to applaud Oh Yoo-Wol, who had never won before.

Oh Yoo-Wol had longed for first place, and he was moved to tears as he walked forward to the front of the stage. The production staff behind the cameras motioned for me to come forward too.

Following Oh Yoo-Wol, I finally realized I had also won the coveted rights to appear on this highly-rated show. Wow, who would've thought I'd make it to second place.

"I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Being second three times is incredibly meaningful, but I always held onto the hope of clinching first place someday. It feels like all my hard work has finally paid off, and I couldn't be happier!"

Oh Yoo-Wol shared his feelings about his first-place ranking, and the microphone was passed to me.

"Eden, congratulations on securing second place on your debut. How does it feel?"

What could I possibly say about coming in second? I caught Reina’s eye before responding.

"I never imagined I'd make it this far, so thank you so much. More than anything, I am thrilled to have another chance to show a better side of myself in the next episode… Next time, I will definitely aim for the top. Thank you so much."

"Yes! Congratulations to both Oh Yoo-Wol and Eden! We are looking forward to more fantastic performances next week on Introduce My Singer. That's all for today, and see you next time. Thank you!"

After the cameras stopped rolling, all the performers waved to the audience and gradually exited the stage.

"Senior Oh Yoo-Wol, congratulations on getting first place."

"Thank you, Eden. You sing so well, I was really hoping to see you again next week. I’m glad."

"Thanks for your kind words."

Oh Yoo-Wol flashed a smile and gave my shoulder a hearty pat. "We are about the same age, so let's be friends. We will probably be seeing a lot more of each other, right?" He seemed genuinely warm and approachable, even with his juniors.

"I'd appreciate that, Senior."

As our conversation was winding down, a staff member came over to take my microphone. Reina hadn’t left yet because she was waiting for me.

Just as we were about to head off, Oh Yoo-Wol led me down from the stage, hesitating briefly. He whispered very softly, "We are the same age... right? Right… Hyun-Woo?"

"Sorry?"

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