With a bright smile, Daniel began speaking rapid-fire Korean for a minute straight. Then, taking a deep breath, he began speaking slowly and carefully in English.

As Daniel handed the microphone back to the MC, Ryan Leary patted his back before laughing, "Wow. This is the second person who’s thanked contestant Ariel. I’m honestly a bit jealous and want to be on your team the next time, too. What do you think, contestant Ariel?"

Please leave me out of your speeches. I beg of you.

Unfortunately, it seemed that the universe was ready to play a huge prank on him.

Carlos: "I really enjoyed being in a team with Ari, and getting to do things like singing the guide for the demo, and even using my past experience in the choir to teach others was enjoyable. Let’s do it again."

Levi: "Shout out to the team leader, Ari. Solid all-around effort and performance. Would do it again."

"The contestant in 3rd place and the fifth person to fall within debut ranks is James Jones III. Please come to the stage."

"Oh? You make it sound like you’ve made another song with contestant Ariel before? With your talent, I’m sure it will be good. When can we hear it?"

"Jamie, I feel like you’ve become a bit more mischievous than before. What’s causing this?"

Why the hell are you mentioning me? I’m not even on your team.

Focus on yourself!

"Rah!"

"Mr. Moore, what do you have to say today?" Ryan Leary asked as he asked the Charming British boy.

"Finally. We’re down to the last two people, but we only have one spot remaining. Jin, Ariel. Both of you, please come forward."

The two of them shook hands before walking to the stage and standing on either side of Ryan Leary, waiting for the announcement that would change their lives.

He didn’t think he had done anything particularly egregious to warrant being dropped to be eliminated, and if someone like William could return and be within the top 14, then he was definitely fine.

"And the contestant coming in 1st place is.....Ariel Matisse. Contestant Ari, congratulations. Contestant Jin, I’m so sorry. Please go ahead and say a few words."

As Jin took the microphone stand, Ari stepped back and allowed him to have his moment.

***

Ryan gave him a hug and patted his back aggressively before beginning to ask his questions.

Ari thought it over for a second before replying honestly.

He would have been fine as long as he was in the debut ranks, since that’s what he needed to do to become part of the team and also get paid.

It was surprisingly quite nice.

"We had quite a lot of contestants express their happiness to be on your team and to have you as a leader. What do you have to say to them?" Ryan Leary quickly added.

"I’d say that, firstly, everyone is overreacting with the praise. Each of us contributed more than was shown, and they should stop underselling themselves because the performance wouldn’t have come together without everyone helping to make it so. Secondly, I’d tell them that I enjoyed being on a team with each and every one of them, so if anything, any praise they send my way reflects what they offer in return. Thirdly, please give a round of applause to Jelissa for being an indispensable pillar of support. Without her advice and coaching, I don’t think we would have gotten as far." Ari said simply.

If he had to do everything alone without his teammates’ help, not only would it have taken forever to conceptualize the performance, but it also wouldn’t have looked as good as it did, and, to be honest, he might have just given up or become lazy.

"Wow. What a way with words. As expected of our valedictorian contestant. I really, really want to be on your team next time so that I can hear such amazing things being said about me. Now, onto your fans. Do you have anything to say to them? I believe they’re called the angels, correct?" MC Ryan Leary asked with a smile.

"Wow, contestant Ariel, I believe this is the first time you’ve spoken so much during a ranking ceremony. We even got a cute hand sign from you this time. What changed? Is the pressure getting to you?"

"With a fanbase like yours, I’m sure they will. Is there anything you would like to say before you take your seat?"

Ari’s microphone was cut off.

"...Thanks."

"And with that settled, please give a round of applause to our contestants who didn’t make it. These young men worked extremely hard, but unfortunately, the dice did not roll their way. We wish them the very best and will be on the lookout for their future success."

At the MC’s words, claps rang out in the studio as everyone, from the judges to the MC to the staff members who were filming, gave the eliminated contestants a standing ovation.

And as the applause died down, Ryan Leary began speaking once more.

At the MC’s words, the blonde man who had accompanied William into the studio slowly climbed up the stage and took the outstretched microphone from the MC.

"Hello, ladies, gentlemen, and contestants. I’m Wilford Forbes. I’m a director on the board of this program, and I’ll be the one in charge of managing the debut group in the future. Pleasure to see you all."

At the introduction, Ari’s facial expression immediately became cold.