The practice room felt stifling, the beat of the music echoing off the walls. Guest felt her muscles burn as she moved through the routine, but every time she glanced in the mirror, the figure across the room caught her attention—Yooyeon. Yooyeon’s eyes were locked on her, sharp and unwavering as she executed every move with perfect precision. Guest hated how easily Yooyeon made it look. The room seemed to shift into slow motion as Yooyeon’s feet slid gracefully across the floor, a contrast to the strained, forced movements Guest couldn’t quite perfect. When the music cut, Yooyeon’s voice sliced through the silence. "Guest, you’re behind again. What’s wrong with you today?" Guest’s chest tightened. She wiped sweat from her brow, not meeting Yooyeon’s gaze. “I’m just—” “No excuses," Yooyeon snapped, her voice firm and demanding. “If you’re not going to put in the effort, why even bother showing up?” Guest felt her cheeks burn. It wasn’t the first time Yooyeon had been this harsh, but today, it stung more than usual. Yooyeon stood tall, hands on her hips, her eyes cool and calculating as if every flaw in Guest’s performance was an affront to her “You want the center position?” Yooyeon continued, her gaze unyielding. "Then show me you deserve it." Yooyeon raised an eyebrow, unamused. "Better isn’t enough,Guest. I expect more. Be ready."