The car ride was silent all the way to the broadcasting station. No words were exchanged except for a few understanding acknowledgements to the manager's directions. Most of the things, though, that were shared included several glares, scoffs, and looks of disdain -- for the most part, all of it being directed to the specific maknae sharing the backseat with her backpack.

"Alright, girls. This is your first variety program, so please do well! This variety program is a bit new, but the concept will be fun! Trust the PDs and the MCs, and be good, araseo?!"

The girls nodded to their manager obediently, shuffling out of the van one by one before walking briskly into the station, disregarding the rush of fans that hoarded behind the countless security guards that manned the entrance. Anna sighed, waiting by the door, ushering each member in one by one. She shared a look with Hannie before slipping in behind her. "Smile and act as if nothing's going on," Anna ordered wistfully, strutting to the front of the group. In her hand, her fist clenched around the PD's directions and encased the paper tightly, crunching it under her indignant touch. "If anyone finds out that ELiTE is undergoing hardships, it'd be an endless route of gossip and rumours. We need to focus on getting the netizens' and fan's attention on our comeback, not our personal lives. Araseo?!"
"Ne!"

The girls, with that, proceeded into their appointed dressing room, each and every individual plastering a wide beam across their glossy lips; despite how fake it was, they couldn't expose themselves now. They knew that. With Dr. Feel Good just under construction, they had to work hard so that their comeback will be twice as great as their debut track. Mindless matters couldn't afford to hinder in their way of that.
Anna averted her eyes around the room, darting from one member to another, silently counting off. "Kyo Jin-ah," she muttered finally. "Lighten up."
Kyo Jin smiled reassuringly. "I'll be fine, unnie. Don't fret so much."
Anna nodded, nudging her head playfully towards the wardrobe manager. She, then, turned to the make up artist, sighing as she slumped into the chair. "Do you know who the other guests are?" Anna inquired casually, initiation friendly talk.
"Mm," the elder woman hummed, "I heard that SHINee was going to be here."

Anna blinked. "Really?"

Kyo Jin sat idly in her seat, spinning around on the platform as she awaited for her collective members to come out from the dressing rooms. The audience was increasing in numbers as various fans piled in; some with their mothers, some with friends, and some even with ahusshis and ahjummas. Kyo Jin blinked innocently, shooting aegyo-filled poses to the screeching fangirls until a chuckle sounded from her right.
She flushed immensely, hiding the bottom portion of her face with her script. "Omo!" She bowed her head. "Annyeong haseyo; I'm sorry I didn't notice that you came."
He smiled radiantly, shooting Kyo Jin a bright look. "It's okay," he tittered cheerfully. "You looked like you were having fun, so I didn't want to interrupt you anyways."

Kyo Jin nodded, smiling bashfully as she ducked her head. "Kyo Jin imnida," she sang playfully in a hushed voice.
He nodded. "Mm, I'm Onew," he announced proudly. "But you can just call me Jinki-oppa."
"Jinki-opp?" Kyo Jin repeated confusedly.
"There we go!" Onew hollered happily, drawing many joyful squeals from his fangirls. "Sounds perfect, huh?" he jeered. "I heard you're my partner for the gaming segment of the show. Let's work hard together to win!"
Kyo Jin reflected his beam and mirrored his flawlessly relishing expression, all lurking frustrations vanishing mysteriously. "Ne," she chorused. "Hwaiting!"

Onew took her hand, shaking it amiably. "I'm also a big fan of ELiTE," he informed her casually. "I can't wait for our comeback."
Kyo Jin ducked her head shyly, trying her best to shrug off the flattery, but she couldn't do it. So instead, she returned his friendly look and nodded. "I'll work hard to make sure we won't disappoint you," she responded kindly.
She turned her head away, responding to the loud ruckus Kisa and Hannie were commencing as they seated themselves together, reinforcing their own shipped OTP. Kyo Jin felt a bitter bubble reverberating in her stomach for just a second, before she shook it off, masking her pained disappointment through a facade of giddy jeer.

Secretively, she caught a glimpse of Onew, watching him bob his head happily to the background music as he waited for his other collective members to come out. She tore her eyes away, and blew a strand of hair from her face, resting the palm of her hand against her bosom. Lee Kyo Jin.. you need to get yourself together.

"And welcome to... Battle of the Idols!"

Let the games begin.