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I have to make Sunoo proud...I will make it to I-LAND and I'll ace this test and perform my hardest!

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TW⚠️: f4tsham!ng

Episode 3

3rd Person's POV:

The screen lit up again which means the second test will be revealed, the GROUNDERs eagerly stood up and gathered in front of the screen waiting for the announcement. 

We will announce the second test of the GROUND.

[ Teamwork ]

A familiar melody suddenly started playing. It was 불타오르네 (Burning Up) by BTS, as the choreography was shown on screen the Grounders got hyped up watching the familiar dance moves when suddenly it completely changed to a dance break with 3 people. 

And of course it grabbed the attention of the most Grounders because it's the killing part, the choreography consisted of a lot of acrobatics, which made the dance even harder then it already is. Once the video ended the announcer spoke again. 

This test will be performed on the I-LAND stage after 6 days. But if there are no members eliminated from I-LAND, the GROUND's stage will be canceled. Please decide your parts.

Aera's POV:

We need to decide our parts?..

As soon as the announcer finished we all sat down in a circle with the lyrics sheet in our hands, "First of all!" Jay began. 

"None of you have assigned part before, right" we all nodded " This is what I think. I've experienced this in I-LAND as well, but it won't work if we all try to do it together. We need to choose someone who will lead everything." he said carefully looking around. 

"Hyung, what if you lead us?" Daniel asked "Or what if you lead us, Aera?" I looked to my side with wide eyes as Hanbin just looked at me a little confused. 

"I don't mind doing it." Jay said making me feel a little uncomfortable by the sudden mood switch. 

"Aera, you really did a good job at leading us for the first test" Kyungmin added making the situation for me a little worse "I..." I lowered my head feeling Jay's eyes piercing through my skin.

Please stop looking at me like that!

It's making me anxious...

I fixated my gaze on the floor contemplating on what to answer.

Why me?!

And why does it look like this guy hates my guts?!

What the fuck did I do?

"I don't think I should lead now, I think it's better for Jay to lead us" they nodded understanding my decision which led to Jay being the leader "I think the performance is the top priority of this!" Jay said making me look up at him 

I mean...he has a point it is the top priority..

But so is teamwork

"It's about teamwork so number one, two and three's roles will be crucial, because these parts are mostly in the center and they also do the dance break together." I nodded at Sungchul's words. 

"How about we all take turns dancing, to see who would fit these three parts?" Jay suggested and like that we all started to dance to the chorus of Into the I-LAND.

Everybody took their turn dancing and soon it was Daniel and Ni-ki's turn and to be honest I was mostly focused on Ni-ki because his moves are very clean and he moves very swiftly like it's the easiest thing to do. 

I swear to god how does he do that...

And soon after them it was Youngbin and Jay's turn, I could see in Jay's eyes that he was prepared to give it his all. And I was right he danced his whole heart out to the point that I was afraid he might break the floor.

"Wah...it looks like he's going to break the floor.." I whispered to Hanbin "I know right.." Hanbin looked amazed by Jay's moves,.

As Jay and Youngbin finished it was finally my turn "Hwaiting!" Hanbin cheered for me and I stepped forward.

I have to get one of the three first parts, and I'm not planning on losing right now..

I stood there very confident and nervous at the same time the moment the music started playing I started dancing and let my body take over, as my dance was coming to an end I could see that most of them had and amazed expression, my lips curved into a small smile and my dance came to an end.

We all went back to sitting on the ground and started deciding the parts, "Okay, let us know what you want to do. Raise your hand if you want to do part one." Youngbin said. 

Should I?...Hmm..maybe not, I'll try for part 2 or 3.. 

Jake, Daniel and Jay raised their hand, but in the end Daniel and Jake gave up the part which led to Jay having part 1. "Now the second part!" Sungchul looked around to see who wanted to tryout for the part "Part two is really awesome!!" Hanbin had sparkles in his eyes while looking at the choreography from part 2. 

"You know how the dance goes right?" Jay stood up showing the move while mumbling the lyrics.

Ni-ki and Jaeho both tried out for part 2 and afterwards they both turned around as we started voting on who we think should be part two, I didn't know for who I should vote so I voted for both of them but in the end Ni-ki got part two. 

"Now part three, raise your hand if you want to do part three." Jay said and without thinking twice I raised my hand, I looked around and nobody else raised their hand so that means I get part 3. "I knew you would get part three" Hanbin said and hugged me "Your hugs are really the best, Hanbinnie!!" I said and hugged him even tighter. 

Soon everyone got their part with the help of Jay, I was clinging onto Hanbin's back and he carried me the whole time.

I didn't even notice I fell asleep on Hanbin's back until we had to start practicing again.

...

Jay taught everyone the moves and we practiced until late in the evening, everyone was tired and exhausted. 

In the middle of practice a staff member entered the practice room, Jay stopped the music and we all greeted her "I'm sorry to interrupt you guys but Aera-ssi needs to come with me for a moment." she said looking at me apologetically.

"I'll be right back, you guys should take a break the time that I'm gone so that everyone's energized when I'm back!" I tried convincing them to take a break and it looked like it worked "She's right, let's take a break everyone!" Jay said still looking at me with a serious expression.

I just ignored it and followed the staff member outside, as we were walking I noticed we were walking towards the I-land building "Uhm excuse me mis??" she turned to me confused "I'm sorry but I just wanted to ask you why we're going to the I-land building.." she looked a little nervous by my question making me even more confused.

"Your health coach, Choi Hwayoung-nim arrived here wanting to have a talk with you..."

Health coach...

Choi Hwayoung-nim...

...

3rd Person's POV

The staff member stopped in front of a door in a space that the trainees are not supposed to know of "She's waiting for you in this room, I can't come with you because I have to go help somewhere. But I wish you luck!" Aera nodded and the staff member left.

Aera nervously took a breath in and grabbed the door handle with trembling hands, as soon as she walked inside she saw her health coach sitting on the nude colored couch.

"Choi coach-nim" she called out, the coach lifted her head up ad smiled at the the girl she was expecting to see.

"Ah! Aera-ya! It's been so long!" she said walking over to the extremely nervous girl "Let's sit down, yeah?" without letting the girl answer she grabbed her arm and dragged her to the couch sitting her down.

"Y-you wanted to speak to me about s-something, right?" Aera looked up at the lady scared of her answer "Ah yes, that's true!" Aera gulped hoping nothing bad will come out her coaches mouth "I was watching the survival show and couldn't help but notice that you look like you've gained weight.."

Aera's POV

Fucking hell..

This was just the thing I didn't want her to say.

"Yea-""So that's why I rushed here, so that we can get rid of some weight now, hm?" she said with her signature smile, that fake annoying innocent smile..

"Do I rea-""No arguing! Just get on the scale over there so we can see your weight right now" she pointed at a scale on the floor at the other side of the room.

I walked over to the object feeling more nervous each step I take, I took of my shoes and carefully stepped on the scale.

52 kg (114 lbs)...

She walked over to me and checked the results, she looked back up to my face, no trace of the smile she had before "You've gained weight.."

"YOU'VE GAINED 5 KG (11 lbs)?!"

I flinched as she began yelling like every other time she did "You know that the camera adds a little weight, but.." she trailed off pinching the bridge of her nose in disappointment "But you just decided to let yourself loose and started eating like a pig!" I looked down at the numbers written.

"Coach...this is a normal weight for someone my age, and it's still a little underweight.." I tried arguing back even though I knew it wouldn't change anything.

"What?! Normal weight? YOU'RE A TRAINEE FOR GODSAKE! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO MAINTAIN THE PERFECT WEIGHT!" she kept on yelling making me even more anxious.

"Look at you..you disgusting girl.." she poked my shoulder harshly making me stumble back a little. I stepped off the scale keeping my head down as I heard my coach sigh.

"Lift up your shirt."

I widened my eyes in shock as she said tat "W-what?.."

"Didn't you hear me?!" she walked over to me and grabbed my shirt, but before she could lift it up I pulled it down.

"Choi Coach-nim! Please stop!" before I could say anything else I felt a stinging sensation on my righter cheek.

"That'll teach you to listen to your elders!" she yelled and walked back towards the couch grabbing the clipboard that was placed on the coffee table.

I felt my hands trembling as tears welled up in my eyes, I crouched down to put my shoes on.

As I finished tying my laces a tear escaped my eyes, I quickly wiped it away before standing back up "Come here." she commanded, I listened to her and quietly walked over to her.

"From now on you're only allowed to eat a light breakfast that consists of only fruit, I'll make sure the staff knows." she said writing everything down on the clipboard.

I bowed to her before turning around to leave, before I reached the door she quickly added something "Oh and before you go, you can't drink anything else but water and I'll assign one of the staffs to guide you with a 2 hour workout that you'll do everyday till the test day."

"But that's only one week and I have to practice for the test! How will I be able to do a 2 hour workout?!" I protested but she only glared at me coldly.

"It's your fault, you will lose weight until you're at least back to 49 kg (108 lbs)! And the matter about your practice has already been taken in hands, everyday when everyone goes back to the dorms you'll stay back and do your workout before you return to the dorms." she said sounding nothing like a health coach.

"But what about res-" before I could protest she cut me off "Don't argue and go back or you'll waste my time"

I turned back around feeling sad and furious at the same time, I opened the door and started walking away "Don't make me come back here!" I heard her yell as my tears started falling.

... 

I wiped my tears away as I arrived  back at the gates of the ground.

Just take a deep breath...everything is gonna be fine
I'll be fine.

I pushed the gate open and started walking towards the prison-like building that I grew to like, I rested my hand on the doorhandle taking another deep breath before finally opening the door and walking inside.

The practice room was empty so assumed they were in the hall  "Thank god.." I whispered and quickly ran to the bathroom to wash my face and make sure no one could notice that I've ben crying.

I quickly glanced at my reflection and walked out of the bathroom to the others.

"Oh, noona?" I looked to my side and saw Ni-ki walking towards the bathroom "Ah Ni-ki!" I smiled at him as he returned the gesture.

"When did you come back?" he asked now only 2 feet away from where I was standing "like 5 minutes ago. Are the others there?" I asked pointing to the direction he came from, he nodded and grinned before entering the bathroom.

I started walking hearing faint voices becoming louder and louder the closer I get.

"Oh! Aera-ya!!" Hanbin walked over to me and pulled me in a hug "Did you already eat?" he asked pulling away from the hug, I nodded too scared to say anything that might give away that I'm lying.

"Hm, that's good! Don't skip meals!" he patted my head smiling brightly.

Ah...
What am I gonna do now?.. 

"Yes yes I get it oppa!" I punched his shoulder lightly when suddenly everything got silent, I turned to my side and saw all the other Grounders looking at me shocked.

Hanbin started giggling making me very confused at what was happing "What's wrong?" I asked confused at the stares.

"It's my first time hearing you call me oppa!" Hanbin exclaimed as he stopped giggling and just smiling at me "Wah..she never called anyone oppa. Yah!! What about me?!" Jaeho looked at me in disbelief as I just nervously chuckled.

"You should do that more often, it was cute" Hanbin said with his signature smile "Ahh! Hanbinnn!!" I whined covering my face in embarrassment.

(a/n: Please don't think anything weird of this, it's just supposed to be a cute interaction. Nothing more.)

I don't call a lot of older guys 'oppa', only if I'm really comfortable with them or if I respect them.

Everyone started laughing at my red face making me even more embarrassed "I'm going to go continue practicing!!" I yelled as I fled the scene.

...

3rd Person's POV:

Practicing was also very easy and no difficulties except that some grounders physical condition is not that good and they get exhausted very easily.

During practice Aera saw Jay going outside so she decided to follow him.

Aera's POV:

I saw Jay sitting on the ground looking up at the stars. I walked over to him and sat beside him "You're probably confused on why the Grounders are so tired and it just looks like they're not putting any effort in, right?" he turned to me and looked back up not answering.

I leaned my back on the wall looking up at the stars.

We stayed silent and I got a little annoyed "Look, I know you hate my guts right now, but I'm trying to help here. And whether you like it or not we'll have to get along because we both have a part in the dance break." he looked at me a little startled before I started speaking again.

"So now you can either tell me what's wrong so that I can help you and so that you can at least try and treat me like another worthy contestant or you can just ignore me and make life harder that it already is." I finished my words and he looked rather shocked than mad.

He smiled and scoffed before finally talking "You sure have a way of talking with people that you don't know" I looked at him unamused slowly losing my patience, but before I could say something else he started talking again.

"You're partially right. I just confuses me on how they can get so exhausted so quickly when we have a limited time and the others in I-land practice so hard. I thought that here they might practice harder so that they can secure a place in I-land.." he sighed ruffling hid hair frustrated, but it didn't seem like he was frustrated with the Grounders but more with himself. 

"But what I'm the most confused of is on why they voted me off, I've been trying to find a reason and I just can't seem to find one it's so frustrating. Plus, I'm telling you that voting shit gives you fucking trust issues.." I got a little surprised at his cursing but I let him finish "It makes me question my friendship with some of them, even though this is a survival show it still hurts you know.." I could him choke up on his own words trying hard not to cry.

I rubbed his back softly trying to comfort him "And for a fact, I don't hate you. It's more like I'm trying to keep my distance so that I don't cause anything." he said as a chuckle left his lips making me smile a little "And to be completely honest, I voted for you because I thought you might cause some trouble for the group because of the gender difference.." he hid his face as I could see he was embarrassed by his confession.

I started laughing at him but that only seemed to make it worse "Sorry, I didn't mean to try or make fun of you. It's just my first time seeing someone being so honest to me. But thank you for sharing that with me." I patted his back as a thank you.

"About the Grounders, they aren't really used to this and they need a little push but right now I think they're way too exhausted. It's better if they rest for today and continue tomorrow, it's already pretty late." he nodded at my words seemingly agreeing with me.

"And I advice you to not think too much about why you're here and focus more on showing them that it was a mistake for you to even set foot in the Ground. Use that anger and frustration for the actual performance." I looked at him but he had his back turned to me.

"Yah, are you okay?" I asked worriedly "Yeah I'm totally fine" he said but I could hear in his voice that he was crying. 

I softly smiled even though he couldn't see it "I'm sorry if you don't like this but I'm still going to do it" I carefully wrapped my arms around him and hugged him softly scared I was gonna break him or something.

Jay's POV:

"I'm sorry if you don't like this but I'm still going to do it" I was confused at her words and before I could say anything I felt 2 arms wrapping around me, softly hugging me.

It felt warm and comforting, but it also made me feel some weird things. It kinda felt like butterflies...

This is isn't good...

I coughed nervously and got up "We should head back now and stop practice for today" I said held my hand out for her to grab.

We both walked back to the building and entered. 

                   𝟐 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫...                   

3rd Person's POV:

All the grounders worked very hard, Jay, Ni-ki and Aera had the dance break fully under control and knew it by hard, by practicing nonstop together they grew very close and hoped to go back together to I-land.

Everything was good except that they didn't do any of the acrobatics which are really important parts. And what they didn't know is that someone was going to pay them a visit....

Aera's POV:

Suddenly the door opened revealing Rain sunbaenim and director Doobu, we all bowed greeting them surprised.

I was lowkey freaking out because they are 2 people that I really respect and look up to.

"Let's gather over there" Rain said, we all sat in a line in front of the producer and director. "Right now, you all are too stiff. I'll say it again. What am I?" Rain asked "Our hyung" Youngbin answered making me a little confused.

Did they already meet him before???

"That's right! Now, who is the leader?" he asked straightaway making me look at the 2 guys on my left "Right now, it's Ni-ki and Jay" Youngbin answered again. 

"Ni-ki and Jay?" Rain asked making sure "Yes"

"It looks like the leaders are the ones from I-land. What are the people who were originally in the Ground doing then?" he asked "We are-" Sungchul got cut of by Hanbin "Actually since Aera led us on the first test I thought about her being the leader but she said she'd rather not be the leader this time, so now we're following Ni-ki's and Jay's lead." I turned to my right to Hanbin with a small smile at how comfortably he said that.

"You're just following them? Personally I really thought Aera would be the leader, she did a great job leading the grounders in the first test. But I'm sure that Jay and Ni-ki did a great job as well" Rain explained, we all nodded but I felt very honored and tried not to faint at the compliment.

 "Okay! I'll remember this. I'll assume you have good teamwork. I'll see when you're dancing and when you're done dancing. I'll be watching throughout you 24 hours." Rain added making us spread into our starting positions.

Before we could show our progress Jay walked up towards the producers "I'm sorry about this, but there's one part that's a bit risky so we pushed out practicing that one part. So I don't think we'll be able to do that today." Jay explained looking a little anxious. 

"Can you at least try or have you not even tried that part at all?" Doobu asked "It'll be dangerous" Jay answered, as he said that I could see a disappointed look on their face.

We all got in our starting position, as the music began we started dancing. The dance break started and it went just like we practiced, we ended our performance without performing the acrobatics. We were all panting and sweating like crazy waiting for the producers evaluation, but when I looked at them they didn't seem so pleased. 

We all stood in a line as Rain began speaking "I.." he began "I don't know what to say, you steal glances at each other, wondering 'where is my spot or what should I be doing?'." he continued disappointingly. 

"The formation is all off too, the only thing that was good was the dance break." he looked down slowly massaging his temples "Jay, you haven't even tried doing that part and you say you won't do it because it's too dangerous. What is this disrespectful behavior?" he added scolding Jay.

"I'm sorry." Jay apologized "No respect at all, no respect. Isn't it?" Rain continued scolding us "I'm sorry." Jay apologized again, I couldn't really listen. It made me nervous, I couldn't even meet the producers gaze and kept my gaze on the floor. 

Jay is taking all the blame right now, I feel really bad...

We started practicing again with their help and after a few times we were able to do the acrobatics, the producers complimented us which made everyone smile, proud of themselves.

"Let's try singing now." Rain said, we all got in a line. Rain helped everyone, he even said that my vocal range suited my part very well, which again almost made me faint;

Al though he did have a special way of helping us, when he  tried helped Jake I almost burst out laughing, causing me to bite my lip to prevent of actually bursting out when I saw Jake looking rather surprised.

(a/n: 1:08, this moment is absolutely iconic I love it sm)

Rain gave all of us a hug and I could smell his perfume, he smells expensive by the way.

The producers waved and cheered us on before leaving.

3rd Person's POV:

After the producers left the grounders started practicing  more and more, they all wanted a place in I-land. All the acrobatics went perfectly fine and they all made sure to keep motivated. It felt like a very big family.

Everyone was ready to show them their best.

              𝐃-𝐃𝐚𝐲...                

Aera's POV:

I was so exhausted I haven't had any good sleep for the past week and my body feels so sore and weak. But I couldn't show anything, I wouldn't wanna worry anyone.. 

We all practiced one last time, everyone was talking, I couldn't hear a thing. But a minute before the test the screen lit up which made everyone quiet down and look at the screen anxiously.

The I-land test will begin shortly.

The screen showed us the I-landers in the practice room cheering before walking towards the gate and up the stage, the stage that decides everything.

They all stood firmly with confidence boosting from their body as the light started flickering red, If members of I-land are eliminated, the position will be filled by members from the ground. Let the test of mutual destiny begin.

If someone doesn't get eliminated, we practiced for nothing and all our hard work would have been for nothing....

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Word Count: 4260

I'm back after a very very long time and I'll try to update you guys frequently and maybe even try to finish this by the end of the month.

- Sunshinee