As soon as she woke up, Aera reached for her phone to call her father—only to find that he had called her first.
"Hello, Dad? I was just about to call you."
"Sweetheart, I'm going to watch you today. Don't get nervous, okay? I've already told the doctors and nurses who are helping me that you're my daughter and asked them to support you."
Aera laughed softly. "You sound better today."
"Yeah, today's a good day. I'm so proud that I get to see you on stage. I just wish I could be there."
"Me too… but your health is more important. I won't keep you long—just promise to call me if you feel bad or anything happens."
"Alright, alright, don't worry about me. Just show them all what you're made of. Fighting!"
She smiled as she ended the call—but the moment the screen went dark, panic began to rise inside her. She had never sung in front of such a large group before. What if she made a mistake?
"I'm so excited for tonight," Jackie said with a wide grin. "I know you'll be amazing. You're going to mesmerize everyone."
Aera elbowed him.
"Ah! What was that for?!"
"Because I'm excited. And scared."
"Then why hit me?!"
"I don't know."
...
When she opened the door to leave the room, Jess was standing right in front of her.
"Good morning," Aera said. "Did you need something?"
"Uh... I..." Jess hesitated, then held out the cup she was holding.
"I drink this before every performance. It calms the nerves. I made some for you, too."
Aera stared at her, surprised. She hadn't expected this.
"There's nothing bad in it," Jess added quickly. "You don't have to drink it, of course. I know we didn't get off to a great start, so it's natural that you wouldn't trust me."
She turned away slightly—then took a sip from the cup herself.
"Wait! It's not that—I mean... I just didn't expect it, that's all," Aera said quickly.
She grabbed the cup from Jess's hand.
"I already drank from it, so I can make you a new one if you'd like."
"One sip won't kill me. Thank you... really."
"Good luck today," Jess said softly. "I'm going to go finish getting ready."
The morning had started surprisingly well, and for once, Aera allowed herself to believe that maybe—just maybe—the rest of the day would go just as smoothly.
After finishing the drink Jess had made, she grabbed her gayageum and headed toward the dressing rooms. When she stepped inside, everyone was already busy getting ready.
She quickly dropped off her things and headed toward the changing booths to get dressed. She had taken too long that morning trying to calm herself down, and now, along with her stage fright, a new panic had set in: What if I don't make it in time?
Putting on the outfit was a struggle. It took her a long time and a lot of effort, but she finally managed to get dressed. Then she looked around for an empty seat for hair and makeup—but all of them were full. She needed to hurry; she was the fourth performer on the lineup.
Her heart pounding, she waited impatiently for one of the chairs to free up.
"Aera, I'll be done soon. You can take this spot," Bong Cha called out.
"Thank you so much!" she said, hurrying over.
As her hair and makeup were getting done, she watched the other trainees. They all looked cheerful and relaxed, probably because they had more experience.
Finally, she was ready, and the live broadcast was just moments away. She sat down with Ji Hye and the other girls as they chatted about the day. Or rather—they chatted, and she just listened.
Suddenly, Taec-Yeon and the other judges walked in.
Taec-Yeon?!
He approached them to give a motivational speech, but the only thing Aera could focus on was how much more handsome he looked in person.
"Sunbaenim, you look even more handsome in real life than on screen."
Jackie and Chuwon shot her death glares, but she didn't care. Taec-Yeon responded only with a smile.
While Chuwon continued to glare, Jackie started muttering complaints under his breath.
"What, so he's more handsome than me now? Why didn't you react like that the first time you saw me? Or any time you saw me?"
Aera didn't answer—there were other girls around—and that only seemed to make Jackie more frustrated.
And then she saw him.
Jackie's body was standing right there. He was so close. Aera turned to look at Jackie's spirit, but he had already backed away to avoid being sensed by the dark entity inside his body.
…
The live broadcast had begun. Taec-Yeon stood proudly on stage.
"Right now, viewers all over the country are tuning in to see who will debut in our new girl group. Each of our young trainees has worked incredibly hard for this moment—and in just a few moments, they'll take the stage."
Hannah was the first to go. Aera secretly hoped her performance wouldn't match her bullying talent—she had seemed very professional when she was picking on people.
She had chosen "Gashina" by Sunmi.
Aera didn't comment, but the other girls were clearly impressed.
"Woah! So much energy."
"She must've practiced that move a lot—it's perfect!"
Aera didn't want to watch, but she couldn't help it. Hannah was really good.
When the performance ended, the applause was loud and immediate. Then the judges started giving feedback.
"It's clear you practiced a lot. You've grown a lot—congratulations."
"You clearly took our advice and improved yourself."
Aera felt even more disheartened. While Hannah received glowing praise, she was crying on stage, thanking everyone. So crocodile tears are real after all, Aera thought bitterly.
Next up was Ji Hye. She had chosen a song that truly reflected her personality, and Aera had high expectations for her.
She was performing "Love Whisper" by GFriend.
From the moment she started, she completely owned the stage. That sweet, fluttery smile of hers could make anyone's heart race. When the performance ended, the audience rose to their feet in applause.
"She was amazing."
"She really knows how to use her voice."
Another trainee went next—another standing ovation.
And then… it was her turn.
When Taec-Yeon called her name, she froze like ice.
Jackie reached for her hand.
"Just focus on me," he whispered.
She nodded and stepped onto the stage.
Taec-Yeon looked at her with his full, commanding presence.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Uh… y-yes, I'm fine! I'm a huge fan. Just a bit nervous, hehe…"
Taec-Yeon let out a loud laugh at her comment—and so did the audience. Jackie, however, looked like he was about to murder Taec-Yeon with his eyes. What? Like he's never had a crush on someone before?
"We're excited for your performance," Taec-Yeon said warmly.
Right. The performance.Snapping back to reality, she quickly walked over and sat down in front of her gayageum.
She started playing first—her fingers gliding over the strings as the notes flowed effortlessly from her hands. Then, slowly, she stood up and began walking toward the center of the stage.
As the music began to play, she kept her eyes locked on Jackie. Just Jackie.
This was the song she had chosen—because there was no other song that could describe them more perfectly.
Not fragile... just a ghost that lived. Still got a heart that dares to give. You can feed the dark and kill the flame... Or call it back... and rise again. 고스트처럼 살아남았어 (I survived like a ghost) 하지만 이 심장은 아직 뜨거워 (But this heart is still warm) I fade through mirrors, never seen Screaming soft in silent dreams The world forgot I used to shine But shadows still remember mine . 불길을 삼킬까? (Should I swallow the flame?) 차라리 어둠과 타락할까? (Shall I fall with the dark?) 아니, 이 심장을 다시 불러 (No… I'll call this heart back) 내 안의 불씨를 깨워 (Awaken the spark inside) -Im not a ghost, Im reborn in fire 내 심장은 포기 안 해 (My heart won't give up) You killed the light, but I held the wire 이 어둠 속에도 살아있어 (Even in this darkness, I survive) Burn or bloom — I make the choice My silent heart still finds its voice.Dead in their eyes but I never dropped They pulled my soul but I never stopped Heart on ice, but not erased Pain is ink—my names retraced -ou can dim the flame, but you can't erase The fire that chose to stay in this place I'm more than the ashes, more than the fear My heart is loud — even no one's near --- I'm not weak, I'm the ghost with heat 고스트 하트, 다시 뛰기 시작해 (Ghost heart, starts to beat again) Kill the dark, don't feed the grief 이 불씨는 날 다시 살려내 (This spark brings me back to life) I choose the pain, I choose the start This ghost... still has a... (You can Listen on youtube- Busunako - Ghost Heart)
Everything was over, and a deep silence lingered in the air. Then suddenly, applause erupted in the auditorium.
Even Taec-Yeon, who rarely gave feedback, shared his thoughts.
"That was a goosebump-inducing performance."
"Other performances were well-executed representations, but you didn't just present something ready-made. You added a piece of yourself—it was truly impressive."
Her legs were trembling, and if she had stayed standing any longer, she would have collapsed on stage. After thanking the judges, she returned backstage.
Everyone in the waiting room was congratulating her one by one, praising her incredible performance. She thanked each of them before finding a quiet corner and sinking onto a couch. It was such a strange feeling—but she had actually done it.
"Do you remember that day?" Jackie had come up beside her.
"The day we watched those street performers—the dancers moved just like that."
"I wanted to surprise you."
"You did so much more than I ever expected, Aera."
Everything was going perfectly. She was sure—today they would save Jackie. They waited for the last few performances to end. Finally, the last girl finished.
Taec-Yeon walked on stage and began to speak again.
"We've seen many wonderful performances today. As you know, 50% of the debut group decision is made by the judges, and the other 50% by you, the audience. You have ten more minutes to vote for the trainee you want to see debut. Once voting ends, we'll announce the trainees who are one step closer to their dreams."
Everyone was waiting for the results, hearts pounding. She couldn't lie—she was just as excited as the others. She had always wanted this, but never had the courage. After standing on that stage, everything had changed.
Taec-Yeon spoke again.
"Voting is over, and I will now announce the top six. Starting with number six: with 452,518 votes, the sixth place goes to trainee Nabi. Congratulations!"
"Fifth place with 530,739 votes goes to Bong Cha."
He went on to announce the third and fourth places: Chan Mi and Iseul.
"With 627,719 votes, second place goes to trainee Jess."
People whispered that Jess should've been first as everyone congratulated her. Only two names remained.
"Now, I'll announce the final two names."
Everyone held their breath.
"Our first finalist is trainee Hannah."
She walked to the stage, crying. If she ends up first, I swear I'll cry too. She made it into the ranking? Seriously?
"The second finalist is trainee Aera."
"Aera, that's you!"
"Congratulations!"
They were nudging her toward the stage. She wasn't even aware of what was happening.
Hannah, who used to bully her, extended a hand with a smile. Aera forced a grin and took it. I know you're crying inside. Ha!
"The first place trainee received 1,233,421 votes—an overwhelming lead. Sixth place had 411,567."
"With the highest number of votes, the trainee taking first place is Kang Aera! Congratulations!"
The crowd erupted into cheers. She had never expected this. Before she could fully process her victory, someone had already handed her a microphone.
She locked eyes with the audience for a moment, then began to speak.
"Hello, I'm Aera—but you know me as the girl who sees ghosts. Honestly, I never expected so much support. I didn't think I'd make it this far. I don't know if I came here with talent, but I know I got here because of the hundreds of people who supported me. Thank you all so much. I love you!"
She felt stronger. Grateful.
...
The show had finally ended, and she was waiting outside Jackie's room, holding a drink.
Stay calm. You know what to do. Act natural—don't let him suspect anything.
She nodded quickly and knocked on the door.
"Jackie sunbaenim, your manager had to leave urgently. He gave me this to bring to you."
"What is it?"
"I'm not sure. He said it was just painkillers."
"Alright, just leave it there."
"Please drink it now—I have to return the glass."
He looked slightly annoyed, but downed the drink in one go. Then he handed back the glass with a wave, signaling her to leave. Outside, Chuwon was waiting for her.
She held up the empty glass.
"It'll take effect soon. Did you bring the blindfold?"
She untied the sash from her waist. "This should work."
"Aera, I've been looking everywhere for you. What are you doing here?"
"Sunbaenim, what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to congratulate you—I've been looking all over."
"You shouldn't be here."
"Why? What's going on?"
"I can't explain, but if you trust me, please go."
Just then, a thud came from inside Jackie's room. Their eyes met—and they rushed in.
"If you won't leave, then help me."
She had to tie Jackie to a chair, but she wasn't strong enough to lift him.
"W-what are you doing? This could get us in serious trouble. We should call an ambulance."
"I told you before—I have to save Jackie. If you won't help, at least don't stop me."
She was struggling with his weight—he was too heavy.
"I'm really going to regret this."
Chuwon helped lift Jackie into the chair and tie him down.
"Sunbaenim, if you're scared, you can leave. I can handle the rest."
"No, no—I can't leave you alone."
"Alright."
She looked at Jackie. "Are you ready?"
"I'm ready."
She tied the sash over her eyes and pulled out the moonstone. Holding it to Jackie's forehead, between his eyes, she waited.
The dark spirit inside his body began to scream in agony. The stone was drawing it out like a magnet.
"Jackie's really weak right now—this is the perfect moment."
A loud thud behind her broke her concentration.
"Sunbae? Are you okay? Say something!"
"He just fainted. Aera, focus—he's almost dying."
Jackie's voice pulled her back, and she refocused. Moments later, the energy gathered in the stone burst, and the dark spirit vanished—completely destroyed by the moonstone.
She untied the blindfold from her eyes and looked around the room. Chuwon sunbae was lying unconscious on the floor, and Jackie was slumped over in the chair, equally unresponsive.
First, she checked their pulses to make sure. Thankfully, both of them were still breathing. Then she examined their bodies for any remaining traces of the dark spirit, but found nothing. They were both free.
She waited for about five minutes for either of them to wake up, but they remained unconscious. Knowing she wouldn't be able to explain this situation, she quickly untied Jackie's arms and laid him on the ground, then ran to find security.
"Please help!"
"What's wrong?"
"I went to thank Jackie sunbaenim in his room and…"
To make her story more believable, she started crying.
"And I think he and Chuwon sunbaenim had a fight. They're both passed out. I came straight here. Please, call an ambulance!"
Security followed her, and they rushed toward Jackie's room. Chuwon sunbae was still lying on the floor, but Jackie was beginning to regain consciousness. Aera kept a close watch on him, careful not to raise suspicion in front of security.
"Mr. Jackie? What happened? Please don't move. Do you remember anything?"
He held his head, groaning. "My head hurts so much… What happened to me?"
They locked eyes for a moment, but she couldn't read anything from his expression.
"Sir, the ambulance is on its way. Please remain still."
Soon, the ambulance arrived, and both Jackie and Chuwon were taken to the hospital. Aera wanted to go with them, but their managers didn't allow it.
That night, she couldn't sleep at all, wondering how Jackie was doing. First thing in the morning, she planned to visit him at the hospital.