「We are makers, girls who will shine brightly. I'm sure all of you are aware of this line— it's the first line of the theme song. And that's going to be the concept of the second mission.」

!!!

「As an idol, it's a must to have the ability to make an unknown song blow up. Well, rationally, it's not needed. But it increases the chances of your group gaining as much popularity as possible.」

While those words flashback into Minjeong's mind, inside what seemed like a pitch-black abyss. Two windows were floating before her eyes.

She couldn't help but gulp and gaze at the intriguing choices. A permanent skill? That could benefit her greatly, depending on what skill she would earn.

But what's with the Ent. Goddess, all of a sudden? Something was up since she rarely reached out like this to offer a permanent skill. Minjeong's gut felt terrible, and she didn't like it.

「So, to choose an almost unknown song among the unpopular groups, your primary mission is to blow it up. To shine brightly, those who have the most votes globally. Will win this round, good luck!」

Scratching the back of her head, Minjeong sat down on the black barrier-like floor and stared at the windows for a long moment. Then, she began to think of the possibilities. Two things appeared in her mind.

One, if she were to accept the offer and win the challenge. Then, depending on the skill, there's a might that she could use it for the competition— like a cheat card. This thought caused Minjeong's lips to curl up.

Whereas, two, the smile on her face instantly disappeared. If she fails the challenge, there's a big chance that the penalties wouldn't be as easy. Maybe revoking four levels? Could be anything.

But then again, what made the Goddess reach out to her like this? Could the mysterious entity be playing with her? Minjeong groaned as she stood up and eyed the [No] option reluctantly.

"Damn, okay. Screw it."

Covering her eyes with a hand yet looking through a small gap, Minjeong pressed the [Yes] option and watched the windows dissipate into the black air in replacement of a mission window.

[I'm The Best ]
Upon completing the challenge, the player will receive a random S-tier skill.
+ Condition: Win the second round's mission or individual votes.
+ Penalty: Chosen stat will reset to F- rank.

F rank?!

Isn't that a bit too much? Now it has become real. If she loses this one, she may have to give up a stat from her current to F. It was a dangerous gamble because earning experience was getting harder the more she levels up.

Well, that sucks. Minjeong scratched her cheek inhabit and breathed out a sigh of discomfort. There was nothing she could do. Nevertheless, she bore the challenge, and it was only fair to face the punishment.

The minute it vanished, the plain abyss began to shatter like glass, and Minjeong found herself back inside the bathroom within the blink of an eye.

And after gathering her proper thoughts, she looked at herself in the mirror, fixed her hair, and stepped out to meet with her teammates in the living room. They were in the middle of discussing what concept to take and match with the song they received.

"What did I miss?"

Minjeong asked as she sat next to Ryujin, who offered her so. To her left, Yeji appeared to be in a state of complexity and dropped her head on Minjeong's shoulder.

"Mindeongie, we're in big trouble. We can't seem to find a concept that would fit the song."

"Yeah, the others probably have an idea of their own now." Ryujin nodded her head in agreement, "We need to win! Or else it'll be a mockery since we're high rankers."

"Ah, I see."

That was all Minjeong could say. Then, while she looked around the room to observe her teammates hanging their heads in deep thought, she raised a hand.

"I have an idea if y'all willing to take the difficulty..."

And everyone immediately raised their heads to look at Minjeong. All eyes were on her, and the latter could sense herself feeling a bit embarrassed. But remained unfazed.

Yuna's eyes lit up as she loved to take any challenge on, "How hard?"

Yizhuo chuckled nervously, "Just a heads up, I'm not the best dancer out there."

"Well..." Minjeong broke her expressionless face and smirked, "Can any of you play the flute?"

Everyone looked at each other in confusion as almost all of them shook their heads aside from Yuna. Then, with a smile of curiosity, she asked, "What for?"

"How about you and I make a short trip to the instrument room?"

✩

10:20 p.m

Next in line was changing the arrangement of the song. It was to suit Minjeong's idea, and the one who will be helping her with that is Yizhuo. As a pro gamer, she had a lot of experience in tech. Thus, making it easy to fiddle around with the recording equipment.

Since music was also her thing, she had knowledge of creating songs, which was a relief. And it was unfortunate that everyone else on the team was good to nothing regarding this type of stuff.

"Gah! We're blessed!" Ryujin was overreacting as she clasped her hands together in relief.

Yeji laughed as she gave the latter a soft punch on the shoulder, "Don't be happy just yet. This is only the beginning of what we're about to slam with." she nodded toward Yuna in the corner. "Look, our maknae is having a hard time with the flute."

Everyone glanced over to Yuna, who was indeed having a hard time. They all couldn't suppress themselves but laugh (except Minjeong), which in turn, Yuna smiled and rolled her eyes.

She continued to practice the sheet Minjeong gave her while the others proceeded to make a few arrangements for the original song.

Minjeong pointed at a sound effect on the monitor's screen, "Add some gongs."

Doing what she's been told, Yizhuo smirked in interest. "How are you able to come up with such good ideas?"

Minjeong shrugged, "I'm smart?"

Giving Minjeong a slight push, Yizhuo chuckled. "Pfft, I guess. Thanks to you, we wouldn't have to worry about thinking too much-"

"I got it!"

Yeji suddenly yelled, causing everyone to flinch and look.

Minjeong tilted her head, "Got what?"

Yeji fell into a grin as she motioned everyone to gather. When they did, she explained everything she had recently thought of and asked if they could put it into the performance.

"Woah, that's going to be confusing! But fu—dging cool!" Almost spouting a swear word, Ryujin looked at the camera in the corner of the room and apologized mischievously.

"So, are you guys up for it?"

Everyone gazed at each other for a moment before nodding their heads. Seeing this, Yeji pumped a fist and stepped out of the recording room to walk toward the stylists' room.

"Well, any volunteers?" Yizhuo asked.

Ryujin bowed, "Ryujin, at your service~"

Yuna snickered, "Can I be the one to push her off?"

"No, anyone but you!" The short-haired girl was quick to protest.

Yuna frowned her lips as she and Ryujin began to bicker like eight-year-olds. Meanwhile, Yihzuo could only watch them in silence while she and Minjeong sat back to continue their work.

Minjeong was still expressionless, though soon snickered when she witnessed Yuna whacking Ryujin with the flute.

"Ow?!"

✩

Out of ten days of preparation, it was now day three.

Minjeong and her team had already distributed the lines fairly; they had to practice the choreography now.

The arrangements for the song were currently being finished by Yizhuo inside the recording room. Therefore, explaining why she wasn't present inside the dance studio. The girl was a fast learner, so everyone found no problems.

Two teams were present inside the studio, which was a total coincidence. Both were grouped opposite from each other. So, that was enough privacy if they were to discuss something regarding their mission.

And that mentioned team just happened to be Minjeong's first group.

This occurrence made Minjeong feel a bit distracted for some reason. There was just this strange feeling she kept on sensing. As if someone was watching her— weird. It was weird. But at least it wasn't a bad one.

To feel stuff for no reason. Was it because of the system enhancing my physique?

She concluded while looking around and catching where the strange feeling came from. When she did find the cause, Minjeong solely gazed at the culprit blankly.

She saw Jimin glancing at her for a millisecond.

But why?

Minjeong couldn't stop herself from thinking and gazing at the taller, hoping to catch her glance at her once more. But, the longer she looked, the more she noticed how Jimin was becoming more and more bewildering.

And the moment Minjeong opened the latter's status window, her visuals went from S- to S+.

Wow, that's why.

Promptly, it wasn't too long when Jimin finally took another glance. They locked eyes briefly, causing Minjeong to feel an odd spark. The taller looked so tiny in the distance, and the shorter's heart thumped.

Studying her, Jimin had her hair down and knees up to her chest. Back against the wall and an angelic smile on her face.

Minjeong suddenly felt the need to protect her.

Jimin waves her hand as if she were a little embarrassed, making the latter want to protect her even more. It was troubling, and Minjeong was lucky enough to snap out of it and blame it on the taller's attribute and S-tier visuals.

"Uh, hellloooo? You look distracted."

Yeji gave Minjeong's head a soft smack which the latter only smiled and shook her head in return.

"It's nothing. I was just thinking of something for the mission..."

Seemingly in doubt, Yeji smirked as she looked at the other group from across the room.

Then leaning close to Minjeong's ear, she whispered, "Miss teaming them?"

"I guess...?" Minjeong had no other choice but to go with the flow to avoid any more suspicions.

"Or... is it Yu Jimin?"

Minjeong almost broke away from her calm composure and raised her brows. "Huh-"

"Hahaha! I'm kidding." Yeji playfully punched her on the shoulder, "Just something to keep you up, yeah? Unless..."

Doing her best not to react, Minjeong narrowed her eyes, "No."

"Pfft, sorry sorry~"

Taking a deep breath, Minjeong dismissed the girl's teasing remarks and focused her eyes on Ryujin, who appeared to be absorbed in creating steps for the choreography.

Minjeong felt useless watching them talk about the possible steps. So, she stood up and suggested a few scenarios.

All was well, and they made another breakthrough thanks to Minjeong. She wasn't the best dancer but had a cliff of ideas.

"Cool. Mindeongie is so cool!" Yuna raised a thumb, impressed by the countless ideas the latter gave them.

Unaffected by the compliment, after making her mind up and thinking how cool she is. Minjeong's stomach growled.

Everyone lets out a slight giggle, and Minjeong blushed up to her ears, though she remained expressionless. Not so cool after all.

"You didn't eat breakfast?" Ryujin asked.

Minjeong sighed, "Yeeaahhh... I'll go grab something in the cafeteria."

"Yes. Go. You need to eat so we could get as many brains as we can." Yuna playfully turned the hungry girl around, "Now shoo."

Everyone laughed, and Minjeong didn't even hesitate to walk out. She cursed at her stomach internally. It's for almost forcing her to crack out from her relaxed image in front of the cameras.

As the thought floated in her mind, she suddenly felt a pair of eyes on her.

There it was. Again.

Minjeong felt a presence behind her back. Therefore, turned around and saw Jimin walking toward her.

"Hey."

Jimin called, and Minjeong had to halt her steps.

"What's up?"

She needed to look around as this meeting was bound to be good footage. What would the editors think of it? It was risky talking like this.

Fortunately, the nearest camera was positioned at the very end of the hallway. Meaning that their figures would look tiny onscreen. Minjeong presumed it was fine.

Promptly, she looked at the taller from top to bottom and noticed something glitching on top of her head.

Ah...

[ !!! Status Effect Active !!! ]

Minjeong wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing. Because for all she damn knew, having that effect active on the taller would put their team into much more benefit.

But, simultaneously, she looked like she was having a hard time, and Minjeong felt a bit guilty just for thinking of ignoring her.

A moment after, she finally decided and attentively looked at Jimin. Then, hesitantly, she opened her arms and averted her eyes to avoid looking flustered.

"Need a hug?"

Jimin's eyes enlarged as the view of the shorter opening her arms wide in the offer of a hug, pierced something through her chest.

Augh, she's so adorable. Combining those upturned eyes with a slight nervous fidget is the embodiment of cuteness.

Jimin smiled and spared no time launching herself into Minjeong's arms. She hugged her so tight as she felt all the troubles inside her mind come out with a sigh of solace.

Minjeong, on the other hand, being so close to the taller and catching her scent made her heart race whatsoever. But she thought it wasn't such a big deal.

"It's weird how it seemed like you knew what I was after."

Jimin giggled into the hug, and the shorter felt goosebumps. She swore to herself that this girl had a huge effect on her; it's always troubling. The situation was getting sidetracked, and Minjeong wanted to avoid it at all costs.

Even so, in the end, they didn't separate from each other. Instead, Jimin accompanied Minjeong and grabbed something to eat with her in the cafeteria.

Their time together was soft and comfortable, if over too soon.