*DING DING*

With my eyes closed, I recalled the two windows that appeared before my eyes the moment I finally maxed out all of my stats... Well, it only took two weeks of grinding for experience points and two weeks without sleep.

During those two weeks without sleep, I was fortunate to get two spins of that random lucky wheel which earned me a better version of the skill (Sleepless Nights) that was worth ten days of usage.

As soon as my legs healed, I took that opportunity to grind to the fullest. And that mostly took place inside our shared apartment— I still haven't chosen which company to become a trainee in.

Because I knew debuting in such a short time is impossible.

However, I did accept an invitation from some guy named Soobin, telling me to feel free to walk around SM Entertainment's main building to look around. They're really trying hard to get me to join, huh?

Not that I was complaining. Rather, it was interesting to see the place where Jimin and Aeri spent their days practicing to reach their dreams.

I couldn't relate.

After all, from the very beginning, I only wanted to lift the outbreak. There are a ton of ups and downs and as the day passed by, I was starting to doubt myself.

Because even if I maxed everything all out, the objective I had set out from day one still seemed like a faraway destination at the end of the road... It couldn't be helped, nothing in life has been easy in the first place.

Thinking about this as I walked down the corridors, I heard faint sounds of music and voices emanating from one of the practice rooms.

Curiosity piqued, I followed the sound and peeked through the slightly open door to find a group of twelve female trainees huddled together, their faces etched with exhaustion and frustration. In the center of the group, one trainee had a tissue in hand, tears streaming down her face.

My lips pursed as I observed the scene before me. I knew all too well the challenges and pressures that came with being a trainee in this industry.

After a few seconds of hesitation, I stepped into the room, making my presence known. The trainees turned to look at me, their eyes widening with surprise and recognition.

"I-It's Kim Minjeong!"

One of them exclaimed in a hushed tone, her voice filled with disbelief. I haven't stepped inside for a minute, yet it feels a bit depressing. I offered a warm smile, trying to ease the tension that flowed in the room.

"Hello, sorry if I interrupted something. I couldn't help but notice that you all seem down. Is there something I can do to help?"

The trainees exchanged hesitant glances, unsure of how to respond. Have they been watching Idol Factory? I thought to myself when I heard their whispers, describing how I was as kind as the show portrayed me.

I guess that trait got into me too much...

Promptly, the girl in tears finally spoke up, her voice trembling with vulnerability.

"We've been practicing so hard, but it feels like we're not making any progress. We're tired, and we're starting to doubt ourselves... We recently finished our monthly evaluations, and I made a mistake. We got yelled at... and it's my fault."

Her explanation was all over the place.

However, I could feel her pain. It was a familiar feeling, one that I had experienced countless times throughout the show. Hence, with gentle confidence, I walked toward the girl who had been crying and knelt down in front of her.

"Hey, it's okay to feel overwhelmed," I reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We've all been there. But remember, every step you take, every practice session you go through is a step closer to becoming the artist you dream of being."

I looked around at the group, their eyes fixed on me in a mix of hope and desperation. This reminded me of the trainees I had practiced with within the first and second episodes.

I kept my smile and gazed at them in comfort.

"Don't let self-doubt consume you. Believe in your own potential, and most importantly, enjoy the process. This journey is not just about reaching the destination; it's about the growth and transformation you experience along the way."

With each word, I could see their spirits lifted, a newfound determination sparkling in their eyes. And before I could say any more, the sound of three knocks coming behind me had put me to a halt.

When I stood up and turned around, I saw my gorgeous girlfriend laying against the doorframe, a sweet smile plastered on her face. These trainees had no idea, but that smile looked like something I have to deal with later on.

Seriously, I didn't expect her to be there since she left home for a meeting about the show.

"Good morning, eonnie!"

The trainees greeted her with a bow, and I could feel the respect radiating from their mannerisms. That's when it clicked to me that Jimin was their senior, and looking at how they greeted her... they must be close to her.

How admirable.

"Everyone must've had a tough day. So, you all better rest up, okay? I'll order something for you girls at the dorms and if someone asks, tell them it was from me."

Jimin said which sparked joy and gratitude among the trainees. They really seem to love this eonnie— hehe, me too.

After a minute of small talk, Jimin and I waved our farewells and stepped out of the room. Helping them even for a little bit felt good. They looked like they were in a good mood after that.

"Oh, yeah. I thought you were somewhere else. I didn't expect to see you here."

"It was quick. I can't even understand why they had to make us meet at the location at 4 am in the morning when it only lasted for an hour."

Jimin sighed, pacing my steps as she linked her arm to mine. We were only on the second floor so it didn't take us a while to get out of the building.

"You? What are you doing here? Did you finally decide on joining SM?"

"After seeing those girls, I'm starting to think so."

Jimin smiled and dropped the arm she linked to mine to hold my hand, "We're not wearing any masks right now. Do you think someone is filming us right now? Creating a draft about us for the tabloids?" she suddenly asked in an affectionate tone.

"Could be." I couldn't help but smile and playfully bump her shoulder with mine, "But as someone who was once in that world, even if someone posts about it— The fans would think we're just very good friends."

As the morning sun cast a warm glow over the city streets, Jimin and I strolled hand in hand toward the convenience store.

It was one of those perfect moments when time seemed to slow down, and the world around us faded into the background. While we walked, I sensed Jimin's eyes gleaming with a mix of admiration and affection.

"You know," she began, her voice filled with awe, "I can't help but feel so proud of you for what you did back there."

I looked at