- - -

Producer: Why did you decide to audition for Show Me the Money 4? 

He felt his own fingers tap against his leg, pondering the question for a few seconds before responding confidently, "I wanted to prove that I am my own person, I'm tired of living in my younger brother's shadow." Taewoon nodded to himself, satisfied with his own answer.

"...and cut! Thank you for your time."

Taewoon sighed, taking in a long overdue breath, he would most likely be paying for that later. He stood and bowed politely to the PD in charge of the interview, before a familiar voice rang through his ear.

"HEY HYUNG!" 

Taewoon turned, only to be greeted with his younger brother's smiling face, waving back and forth trying to grab his attention. Besides him stood both his girlfriend, Miyoung, and Jiho's, Dari. The three of him waved Taewoon over, and he couldn't help but smile if only slightly.

As he approached the 3 that he considered family, he slung his arm around his younger brother's shoulder, scolding him playfully. "And who said that you could come and watch my interview punk??" Taewoon proceeded to put him in a headlock, leaving both Dari and Miyoung to laugh and roll their eyes respectively.

"Heyheyheyheyhey watch the hair hyung!" Jiho squirmed underneath his brother's grasp, leaving Taewoon to laugh his spectacular laugh and the staff staring. 

"Taewoon," his girlfriend chided, "let go of Jiho, he still needs to finish his interview."

"Yeah, what she said!" Jiho yelled out. 

Dari laughed and playfully nudged her best friend's shoulder. "Just let him get in a punch or two." 

"W-what?? DARI WHY DON'T YOU LOVE ME," Jiho cried, causing the three around him to laugh, before Taewoon finally let him go. 

Jiho quickly attempted to regain his composure, as the entire staff was staring in their direction, and straightened himself out with a simple "ahem." 

"Go finish your interview dummy," Taewoon rolled his eyes and gently took his girlfriend's hand. He then gave a pointed look to Dari, "Make sure he's well behaved alright?" 

Dari shrugged, folding her arms over her chest. "Jiho? Well behaved? That's a tall order but I'll try my best." 

Jiho gapped, in shock at what was unfolding in front of him. 

"Jeez since when did you guys get so rude?" 

Dari and Taewoon snickered, leaving Jiho to huff and pout like a child. "Yeah yeah well, at least my future sister in law still loves me right?" He smiled sweetly, leaving Taewoon and Miyoung to shuffle further away from each other while blushing furiously. 

A large smack! rang throughout the room, proceeded by a loud "OUCH!"

Dari's tone was exasperated, "stop teasing them and go finish getting ready for your interview!" 

Jiho gave her a feign hurt look and walked away, mumbling to himself, "why can't I ever have any fun with Hyung..." 

Dari then turned towards Taewoon and Miyoung, "So where are you guys going now?" 

Miyoung was the first to respond as Taewoon was still embarrassed over his brother's earlier comment. "Well, Taewoon needs to film for the interview back at Mom's house, and then we'll probably head back here for the prelims."

Taewoon nodded wordlessly, nervous at the thought of the preliminary round. This year there were 4 teams, Team YG with Tablo and Jinusean, Team AOMG with Jay Park and Loco, Team Brand New Music with San E and Verbal Jint, and last but not least, Team Buckwild and Hi-Lite with Jiho and Paloalto.

His stomach was churning as he reviewed his rap in his mind once more.  

His girlfriend looked preoccupied as well, her eyes shifting further away, looking for any signs of Jiho appearing. Miyoung then leaned forward, whispering to Dari, "Did you already get your number?? And were you planning on telling him anytime soon?"

Dari waved Miyoung's worries off, responding back coolly, "He'll find out when the show airs." She paused before continuing, "I mean, it'll be a fun surprise right? If I pass anyway." Nervousness crept into her voice, it wasn't as easy as it looked to get past prelims, it would be a miracle if both her and Taewoon got through.

"Oh come on!" Miyoung smiled endearingly at both Taewoon and Dari, grabbing the both of their hands in her own. "You and Taewoon have been working so hard for this! Not to mention that you're both extremely talented. Don't worry about it okay? I'll be there in the audience, cheering you both on." 

Dari and Taewoon shared worried looks, before breaking out into nervous yet excited smiles.

"She has a point," Taewoon teased.

Dari nodded, feeling more hyped up by the second. She squeezed her best friend's hand, and looked towards the interview set.

"I think it's almost my turn, so I'll see you during prelims alright?"

Miyoung and Taewoon nodded as Dari turned and walked away, waving behind her.

"GOOD LUCK DARI!!" Miyoung called after her, Dari throwing a bright smile before sitting in front of the camera. 

"Let's go Miyoung," Taewoon smiled and tugged her hand gently, earning a smile back. 

"She'll do okay, right?" Miyoung felt nervousness, regardless of the speech she just gave. 

"Of course she will. Now let's go finish that interview, huh?"

The main PD walked up to the two, followed by two camera men. 

"Are you ready?"

Taewoon let out a confident smile. 

"Let's go."

- - -

Producer: How long have you known Taewoon, and the others?

"I've known Jiho, Taewoon, and Dari almost my entire life. Dari and I have been friends since middle school, and I grew up next door to Taewoon and Jiho."

Producer: When we asked Taewoon why he was auditioning, he told us that it was because he was tired of 'living in his younger brother's shadows.' Why do you think he said this?

"Taewoon and Jiho are both amazing rappers. But because of Jiho's popularity in Block B and other factors, most people tend to overlook Taewoon's abilities. More than anything, he wants to be recognized for his own talents and his own abilities. Not as "Zico's hyung," but as Taewoon. I think that through Show Me The Money, Taewoon will be able to show a completely new side of him. Watch for him."   

Producer: Do you think both Taewoon and Dari have what it takes to win Show Me The Money?

Miyoung let out a confident smile.

"Of course."

- - -

"It's almost time for prelims!" Dari could feel the energy buzz through her.

Both she and Jiho were standing around in his waiting room, watching the clock tick by. It was getting closer and closer to prelims, she noted, she would have to sneak out a little earlier than Jiho's standby call to make it onto the floor on time. She paced back and forth, before turning to her boyfriend.  

"Are you ready Jiho?"

Jiho smiled confidently, pumping his hand against his chest, "I was born ready." 

Dari chuckled and wrapped her arms around his waist, giving him one last stern reminder. "Now remember, don't go easy on Tae but don't be too hard on him either. Be FAIR. Okay?" 

"Ughhhhhh," Jiho groaned, circling his arms around her, gently rocking them back and forth.

"Again, why am I the only one who can't have any fun with Hyung?"

Dari let out a lighthearted laugh, squeezing him tightly. "You can have your fun later. This is a serious competition though, so make sure that you don't act so childish."

"...don't pass by him just because of the chicken incident."

"Hey!" he pulled her back and gave her a defensive look. "He's the one who punched me in the face over chicken!"

Dari rolled her eyes and lightly patted his face, "play NICE okay? Miyoung's words not mine."

She placed his arms off her shoulders and started to grab her things. "I'm going to go meet up with Miyoung okay?" She felt a slight twinge of guilt as she lied to him, but she continued nonetheless.

"Remember. Play fair. I'll see you later okay? Text me when you're done so we can go eat with Miyoung and your brother."

She placed a light peck on his lips, before heading towards the door. Dari smiled at Jiho, leaving him breathless. 

"I'm leaving!" She waved goodbye and walked out the door, leaving Jiho in a fit of boyish giggling. He placed a hand over his chest, falling onto the sofa. 

She's so perfect, he thought, as he closed his eyes and waited for his cue.

- - -

Miyoung and Taewoon sat on the bleachers in the auditorium, waiting for Taewoon's call. Down on the floor, she could see Dari rush into her assigned spot, a few minutes before the first judges were scheduled to come out. Taewoon was schedules for the second call of his contestants, so as for now, he sat with Miyoung to cheer Dari on. 

"I hope for Dari's sake that Jiho isn't the one judging her section..." Miyoung murmured. 

Taewoon squeezed her hand and smiled reassuringly. "She'll be okay. Shouldn't you be worried about me being judged by him??" 

Miyoung laughed lightly, giving him a playful nudge. "You'll be fine. Are you going to rap about how Mom loves you more?" 

His grin grew, and he playfully winked. "Only because it's true."

The two continued to laugh, before a few people a few rows in front of them spotted Taewoon. 

"Hey," the man questioned, "you wouldn't happen to be Zico's hyung would you?"

Taewoon's laughter faded, and he gave the man a polite, yet strained smile, "Yes, that's me."

"Wow, that's so cool! You know you're brother is the best! Zico has always...."

Taewoon listened politely, but inside, he couldn't help but feel annoyed. 

Here we go again.

- - -

Dari began to bounce in her assigned spot, her eyes darting to and from the stage. She was so nervous that Jiho would come out from behind the stage, calling out for a judge change.

At the moment, San E was working down the end of the second line, slowly inching closer to her.

5 more people, she counted in her mind.

She tried to calm herself down with deep breaths, and in the distance, she could see Miyoung and Taewoon waving at her. She waved back nervously, and continued with her inhales and exhales.

2 people left.

She squeezed her eyes shut, and went over her rap one last time.

"Oh. Hey."

She snapped her eyes open, only to see San E standing a few feet away. She bowed respectfully, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Hello, my name is Kim Dari."

San E nodded, about to tell her to begin when he realized, "Oh wait! Aren't you Zico's girlfriend??" he said this quietly so no one else could hear. "Do you want us to call him out he-?"

"Nonononono!" Dari shook her arms furiously, "You don't have to do that, I'm fine with you judging me." She smiled at San E reassuringly, causing the older to laugh lightly.

"Alright alright cool," he stated in English, "Show me what you got then!"

Dari closed her eyes and took one last breath.

You can do this.

She began. 

Yeah. Hey. 

When you bite your lips twice and blink once, your lips always spill the same lies

The moment you called her "just another friend," you became another hoe, just listen

San E listened to her rap calmly, nodding only slightly. Dari thought to herself, screw it, and looked straight at him, her eyes fueled with determination.

You'll never be able to get rid of that habit of yours, and I'm not playing detective anymore, no

I gave you a chance and you just blew it, watch now, this is how I'm going to you up!

You said you were tired, you said you were going to bed, and I knew something was up

How long did you think I would be fooled? You must have thought I'm stupid as hell,

but I'm out so have a nice life! This is like some song lyrics

You and I have no way out now, if you were honest once, I would have let it all go but

You dragged me to my worst, so

you hoe I don't want you back, I don't want you back no more  

Dari ended her rap with confidence, panting after the last lyric. San E looked at her emotionlessly. She began to panic, did she say something wrong? Was she not good enough?

San E smiled.

- - -

Taewoon continued to send worried glances towards the bleachers, each time being comforted by Miyoung's smile and nod of encouragment. He replayed the last few words she said to him. 

"Go show them what you're made of. I believe in you, do your best and it' be okay."

He nodded to her in the bleachers, before turning back to the front. He wondered how Dari did. He and Miyoung couldn't tell as to whether she had passed the round, let alone participated, because the moment San E headed her way, Jiho was walking down the stage.

By the time they had turned back to see whether she had passed, she was gone, and it was Taewoon's turn to stand on the floor.

He tried to remain as calm and composed as he could, unsure if it would be Jiho or another judge, heading his way.

You can do this Taewoon. Like Miyoung said, show them what you're capable of. Just stay confident.

The seconds continued to tick by, and eventually, Jiho's face popped up in front of his own.

"Hi hyung."

He smiled and snapped his fingers in front of Taewoon, trying to get his attention.

"Are you ready?"

Taewoon his lips nervously, it seemed as if the entire arena was staring at them. Yet he still managed to muster enough strength for a cocky smile, and responded back, "Are you ready? I don't know if you can handle what I'm about to throw at you little bro."

Jiho scoffed, "Little?? By 5 minutes! That's literally it! Wait til-" he cut himself off and attempted to regain his composure.

Right. Dari told me to play nice.

"Please begin."

Taewoon nodded, he could feel his heart drumming in his ears.

It's now or never.

Yo.

Zico

I'm not Zico

 Yeah, I'm Woo Taewoon

Woo Tawoon's talent. 3 years since I started to rap. Monster

Taewoon's development speed, in that process Rhymer hyungnim sends me a surprised emoticon on KaTalk

Zico's fandom. Along with designer clothes and shoes, now he's stylishly having a nerve war with the top senior rappers. 

I can't be not jealous of him but he has become a driving force

A monologue to show that it's hard to go up without malices 

I'm just proud of him. 

Our family boasts about him yet I'm the eldest, since I've built up my hatred for 'fun.'

But I've changed since I was on mic, it was my desire ever since I held onto it.

That's right, I want to carry it since I'm the eldest, and remove the dead skin,

Due to 'your' show Zico, I feel uncomfortable at the same time too,

There is one way I should 'go to the top'

Then the people under me will forever 'can't help but accept me at the top.'

Taewoon let out a final belated breath, staring straight into his brother's eyes. He could have been wrong, but it felt as if the entire arena was looking at the two of them.

Jiho just wordlessly stood there, taking it all in.

Taewoon was so focused on both his brother and his rap, that he didn't notice Jay standing right behind him. It was only until Loco started clapping, that he turned his attention away from his brother.

"Damn!" Jay laughed, "that was one strong diss."

Taewoon's heart continued to pound, he had put his heart and soul into that rap. Jay placed a hand on his shoulder, "You honestly didn't think that we would let your brother judge you right? That's an unfair advantage."

Jiho let a small smile fall across his face, "Yeah but he gave it all he's got and I don't think anyone disagrees when we say.."

"You're in."

- - - 

Taewoon ran out of the arena as quick as he could, trying to get to Miyoung.

She stood a few feet away from the entrance, smiling brightly. 

Taewoon lifted her off the ground and spun her in a circle, laughing. 

"I ACTUALLY DID IT."

Miyoung held onto him tightly as he put her down, beaming. "I told you that you would do great." 

He smiled, disbelief evidently still on his face. 

He turned around, looking for Dari. "How did she do? Do you think she pa-"

"Ahem."

Dari stood a few feet away, her face serious. The couple looked at her, curious and worried.

She then broke into a large smile, pulling out the "Show Me the Money" necklace.

"Nailed it."

Miyoung ran to her friend and screamed, she hadn't been this excited since she ran into Kyuhyun at Kona Beans. Dari screamed alongside her, she couldn't believe she actually passed. 

"I TOLD YOU YOU COULD DO IT!"

Dari laughed and jumped alongside her best friend. This was the greatest moment of her life.

Miyoung pulled Taewoon into their hug and squeezed them tightly. 

"I believe in you guys!"

"Here's to the trophy!"

"You can have the trophy, but I want the belt."

"We'll see about that." 

- - -