Chapter Text
The mirrors in the rehearsal studio were streaked with fingerprints and sweat, lights bouncing off the glass in too-white glares as the girls ran the routine again.
Eleven left. Six would debut.
Yoonchae’s voice rang out clear from the speakers. “One more time from the top!” she called, even though she wasn’t officially in charge. None of the trainees argued; she was already in Katseye, a lock. And when you’re a lock, you get listened to.
Manon wiped her neck with her sleeve and took her mark again, chest rising with shallow breaths. Her dark brown goddess braids were pulled back into a high ponytail, sweat curling the edges. Her thighs burned from overuse. Her fingers trembled just slightly at her sides.
She could feel eyes on her. One pair in particular.
Sophia was watching her again.
Not with interest.
With judgment.
Manon didn’t look directly at her, but she could sense the scrutiny like a glare through glass. She already knew what Sophia thought of her. Everyone did. She was the pretty girl who got scouted on TikTok. The "wild card.” The girl who hadn't been trained in a studio seemingly from birth like the other girls. The one with the face but not the resume.
And maybe that was true. But it didn’t mean she wasn’t working just as hard.
They ran the routine again. And again. When it was over, everyone collapsed to the floor like dominos.
Sophia stood, arms crossed, sweat glistening on her collarbones under her sports bra. Her long black hair was tied back in a clean, high ponytail, her bangs barely sticking to her forehead despite the heat. Somehow she still looked composed.
“She’s still not hitting the downbeats,” Sophia murmured, not even hiding her voice.
“Okay,” Manon snapped without looking at her, tossing her towel into her lap. “Then maybe give me a second before you start critiquing.”
Sophia blinked, then gave her a dismissive look and turned to grab her water.
No apology. No correction. Just that usual chill.
Yoonchae glanced between them and gave a knowing smile. “You two are gonna have to sort this out before debut.”
“I’m not worried,” Sophia said simply.
Manon didn’t respond, jaw tight.