Chapter 107

Second week of activities.

Tuesday.

First music show <One Show>.

Already the fifth pre-recording session.

A schedule that starts and ends in the early morning every day.

Everyone was exhausted.

Still, not a single person showed any signs of fatigue as they all smiled brightly.

Because today we’re one of the top candidates for first place.

Ah, except for Kim Seo-yoon who’s gripping my hand tightly, sweating like crazy. Of course.

“Should I give you a calming pill?”

I prepared them just in case. How thoughtful of me.

“I’m not nervous at all!”

“Then let go of my hand and say that.”

“But I’m not! I’m totally calm!”

“Sigh…”

This chick is hopeless.

Meanwhile, Kim Ye-eun Unni seems pretty chill about everything.

“…huff huff huff huff.”

Hmm… Maybe not so much.

“Dohee, I was nervous too… hehe…”

Sara Unni leans over and whispers this.

“Buy your own if you want some.”

“Hmph…”

Hana Unni speaks up.

“Alright everyone, don’t be nervous! I believe in our members!”

“Why the sudden formal tone? Creepy.”

“Real talk. What’s with her?”

“…I’m not leading anything.”

“Ha-rang Unni, Dohee… Can we please just get along?”

Amidst the chaos, the production staff pokes their head through the waiting room door.

“Seven, five minutes until airtime! Please standby!”

The stage footage has already been pre-recorded earlier this morning. All that remains is the live broadcast, and after that—the announcement of the winner.

“Alright, let’s do a cheer before we go out there! Gather your hands!”

At Hana Unni’s call, the members gather their hands together in the center.

“One, two, three!”

“Make the heaven! Wake the Seven! Fighting!”

“Can we change this chant sometime?”

“It’s supposed to be cute.”

…Fair enough.

***

“Blue, blue, blue echoes spreading.”

Sara Unni’s clear voice rings out.

The heat from the lights feels unusually intense.

The cheers of fans blasting through our in-ear monitors.

The glowing light sticks and colorful banners below the stage.

Even though I’ve seen this scene every day last week, today’s stage feels longer because every emotion feels fresh again.

New emotions color everyday life, and information overload slows down time—yet paradoxically, the stage ends in an instant.

And then, the 1st place announcement begins.

The crowded stage with all performers is chaotic as usual. Following staff instructions, everyone finds their spot.

Our group stands proudly in the front row.

Our main competitor: last week’s champion, Paramax.

Of course, we’re confident, but my heart pounds nonetheless.

If we win today, it’ll be the shortest debut-to-first-place record for any girl group.

Another trophy added to the collection.

My chest tightens with anticipation.

The male idol MC takes the stage after receiving the signal from the producer.

“Paramax versus Seven! Who will take home the ‘The One’ Special Weekly Crown for the second week of November?! Let’s reveal the results now!”

***

After the music show ended, Dohee posted something on Instagram.

=======================

@icandohee

My heart is pounding from our first win!

‘SAVEN-U,’ thank you so much.

I’ll continue working hard!

(A picture of Kim Seo-yoon with swollen red eyes)

(A perfectly fine selfie of Dohee)

#SAVEN #Jedo3 #Dohee #TheOne #LeeDohee #イ・ドヒ #Dohee

=======================

-Seven, fighting!

-Congrats on your first win, Dohee!

-You disappeared right after yesterday’s live stream, didn’t you? Haha, good job.

As soon as the student saw the post, they burst into laughter and left a comment.

“Hahahaha, Seoyoon looks adorable when she cries. But why are you the only one looking fine, Dohee? You should’ve cried too!”

With their first win secured, Seven achieved the fastest-ever girl group debut-to-first-place record.

The Seven fan cafe erupted in celebration.

And another topic gaining traction besides the win…

-Everyone, let’s watch the live broadcast of ‘Idol Zone’!

-They said they’d showcase Dohee playing the piano for the first time today… I can’t wait!

The episode of <Idol Zone> recorded last week had everyone buzzing with anticipation thanks to its teasers.

The student had also tuned into the channel broadcasting Idol Zone.

“It’s starting!”

On-screen, the subtitle reads: <The girl who makes your summer exciting is here!> followed by the members performing their hit song ‘Crushed.’

***

<Idol Zone>

A program designed to introduce the chemistry, personalities, and especially the songs of idol members, so the broadcast aired without much editing, keeping it raw.

First up: member introductions.

[First, we have our visual center and youngest rabbit! Lee Dohee from Ion Sweat!]

Dohee glides gracefully into the center of the set, flipping her long hair back with a stylish pose.

[Hello! I’m Lee Dohee, responsible for coolness and charm!]

Her attempt at a sassy demeanor contrasts hilariously with the on-screen caption:

<She’s actually super cute and adorable!>

[Aww~ She’s the cutest tool!]

[Lies! Stop lying!]

The teasing from her fellow members sparks laughter among the audience.

“Oh man, she’s really cute.”

***

Laughter never stopped throughout the broadcast.

Fans couldn’t help but think Seven had what it took to be great variety idols.

Chemistry between the seven team members was undeniable.

And the most controversial moment…

[Dohee claims her talent is being cute?]

It started with Dohee’s cuteness segment, which naturally led into her piano performance.

<Caution: May cause heart palpitations due to excessive cuteness.>

After hesitating under constant encouragement, Dohee finally lets loose.

[Ding dong dang! So cute! Too cute!]

-Haha, she’s such a sweetheart.

-Of course we’re watching! Why wouldn’t we?

-Lee Dohee is adorable~

-Adorable~~~~~

Of course, this “controversial” scene was only controversial to Dohee herself.

The production team was thrilled with the attention-grabbing ratings boost, the members were gleefully plotting pranks, and the fans were delighted by her cuteness.

[Alright, let’s move on to the real solo act!]

[I’ve heard about this too! The 19-time grand prix-winning piano prodigy idol, Lee Dohee! They say no broadcast has ever showcased her skills yet—isn’t it time we verify that?]

In response to the MC’s question about what piece she would play, Dohee answers confidently.

[I’ll play Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz.]

Clips of famous pianists playing the Mephisto Waltz appear alongside explanations of the piece.

<The pinnacle of piano technique>

<Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz>

Dohee begins her ten-minute performance, edited into highlights for broadcast timing, with the full version promised on YouTube.

Despite the edits breaking the flow, the melody and Dohee’s skill create an aura of sophistication.

When she lifts her hands from the piano at the climax…

-Wow…

-She really plays well.

-Even though I know how hard this piece is, she makes it look effortless while adding feeling… incredible.

-Even if I don’t know much about piano, I get why she won awards.

-Please upload the full version ASAP!

-Why does she look so mature while playing? It’s elegant…

The reaction was scorching hot, both on-screen and off.

If only Dohee hadn’t grinned or spoken afterward, her image might have shifted away from cuteness.

[Hmm… Why am I so cool?]

<!!!>

However, her whispered words, dripping with self-satisfaction, flipped the script instantly.

-Hahahahaha seriously? She’s SO CUTE! Hahahahahaha!

-Why are you so cute, Dohee? Hahahahahaha!

-Yeah, you’re cool alright! Hahahahahaha!

-Man, I don’t even know why I’m laughing so hard.

-Haha, it’s funnier because she’s not trying to be funny.

[But wasn’t I really cool? I was amazing!]

The more Dohee protests, the stronger the impression sticks.

[Exactly! You were amazing! Solid gold!]

-Haha, yeah, she was amazing! Hahahahahaha!

-She has no idea why people are laughing, and it’s hilarious.

-Ah, my stomach hurts! Hahahahahaha!

Then comes Seoyoon’s explosive revelation.

[Dohee is just a narcissist, okay?!]

[Why? What do you mean?!]

[She’s got tons of examples. Just one—for instance, her phone wallpaper is HERSELF!]

<Evidence presented>

The screen shows Dohee’s phone wallpaper—a close-up shot of her during the ‘Crushed’ performance.

Dohee’s face turns bright red in embarrassment.

[No… That…]

Then Ha-rang joins in with more revelations, mimicking Dohee practicing various expressions and poses.

[No, I haven’t gone THAT far!]

[I was just practicing expressions! You guys keep misunderstanding!]

[I swear on my idol career—it’s 100% true!]

[Yes, folks! Totally true!]

Up to this point, it could still pass as scripted entertainment.

However, immediately after <Idol Room> concluded, a video uploaded to Seven’s official YouTube channel sealed the deal.

[SAVEN Seven ‘Rose Nebula’ MV Reaction]

[Dohee, stop staring at yourself and play it already!]

[Oh, there she goes again, just staring at her own face.]

[What are you doing? Play it quickly!]

[What? Why did it stop?]

[Ah, why did Lee Dohee pause it?!]

[There she goes again, staring at herself.]

[Ugh, stop it already, Lee Dohee.]

[Dohee is cute, so it’s okay…]

[Dohee, it’s my turn next… I want to see myself too…]

Dohee’s self-absorption became official.

Her recent Instagram comments section reflects this.

=======================

@icandohee

My heart is pounding from our first win!

‘SAVEN-U,’ thank you so much.

I’ll continue working hard!

(A picture of Kim Seo-yoon with swollen red eyes)

(A perfectly fine selfie of Dohee)

#SAVEN #Jedo3 #Dohee #TheOne #LeeDohee #イ・ドヒ #Dohee

=======================

-Hahahahaha she’s so cute, Dohee! Hahahahahaha!

-Hahahahaha why are you saying it AND feeling embarrassed? Hahahahahaha!

-Dohee’s charm could conquer the universe! Hahahahahaha!

-She’s so cute I commented for the first time ever! Hahahahahaha!

Dohee’s comment section is flooded with teasing remarks.

***

Meanwhile, back at the dormitory, Dohee buries her face in her pillow, whining.

“Ah, what am I gonna do now…”

Dohee’s entire face—and ears—are blazing red.

Meanwhile, Kim Seo-yoon, Jeon Ha-rang, and Hana Kwon are laughing uncontrollably, while Park Ye-eun smiles softly.

Eun Se-ra gently pets Dohee’s head.

“Guys, stop laughing. I’m serious.”

Of course, the laughter doesn’t stop.

“I quit. No more activities!”

“Hahahahaha, don’t say that!”

And finally…

“Ah, go bother someone else… I need sleep…”

Today is tough for Chae-rin too.

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