At last, the week 7 live broadcast of Project I.O.A began. On the stage unfolding before my eyes, Song Mi-Hee—who had been on my back just moments ago—stood there calmly smiling as she prepared for the first full-group intro performance.

At that moment, Kim Jung-Joo, standing at the center of the massive stage, raised his microphone and spoke.

"Before we begin, let me explain the changes for this week. Starting from this round, one team will be eliminated each week. Also, as we transition to live broadcasts, we will now have a live audience every week. Additionally, the total score has been increased from 200 points to 300 points.

"For the first team battle, 150 points will consist of 30 points from the judges, 20 points from the live audience and 100 points from online voting. Of course, the second individual battle will follow the same ratio, totaling 150 points as well. Since both battles can receive an additional bonus of 10 points each, the theoretical maximum score is 320 points. We've increased the scoring to better reflect the opinions of you, the viewers, rather than just the judges.

"For more detailed information, please check our homepage and the official app, [PROJECT : I.O.A].

"Now then, let's begin. Out of the eight teams who made it through the tough preliminaries, which seven teams will advance to next week?

"That decision is in your hands! Starting now, we open week 7 of Project I.O.A with today's group song, 'Toward the Dream!'

"Please welcome them with a big round of applause!"

As Kim Jung-Joo's booming voice rang out, the 2,000 audience members erupted into applause and cheers.

Waaah!

I had been deep in thought, trying to figure out how to protect Song Mi-Hee.

Just then, Miso, standing next to me, waved her arms excitedly. "Uncle Yoon-Ho! Hurry, clap! Clap!"

Even after finishing a two-hour live broadcast as MC, Miso still had endless energy.

"Alright."

Clap clap clap.

As I followed along, Miso beamed with satisfaction and started jumping in place, cheering for her favorite pick, Sung Na-Ra.

"Na-Ra unnie! You got this!"

Meanwhile, Kang Ha-Na, who had returned with her, looked completely drained, her arms hanging loosely.

"You got this~"

After doing a live broadcast on-site for two hours, it seemed her energy was completely depleted.

"Ha-Na, if you're tired, go rest in the waiting room or the dorm," I said.

"I was planning to watch just this stage and then head up to rest."

"Then can you take Miso with you? At this rate, she's going to run out of energy and collapse."

Like all kids, Miso had endless energy—until the moment she didn't. Then she would drop like a drained battery.

"Actually, Yoo-Jin unnie already asked me to take her when she left for Gyeongju. We'll watch this stage and then head back to the dorm and watch the rest on TV."

"Good thinking. And thanks to you, we managed to take the lead in public opinion. I really appreciate it."

Kang Ha-Na made a slightly regretful expression. "It's still a bit of a shame. If not for the news about Yoo Se-Na and Kim Reina appearing, we would've completely crushed them... we lost some momentum right before the broadcast."

"No. If it weren't for you, we would've been buried even worse."

Since Saturday, KNET had been pouring in advertisements, overwhelmingly dominating the public opinion battle. Turning that around alone was more than enough to be praised.

At that moment, the music began, signaling the start of the opening group performance.

"It's starting."

"Yeah."

I turned my gaze back to the stage and prayed again and again that Song Mi-Hee would make it through the performance despite her injured ankle.

Then, suddenly, a way to help Song Mi-Hee came to mind.

"Ha-Na, can you watch Miso for a moment?"

"Ah, yes."

Leaving Miso completely absorbed in the stage behind me, I stepped out into the hallway.

***

-I'm on my way with Doctor Kim Soo-Myung.

I was currently on the phone with Doctor Jeon Soo-Min, a Korean medicine doctor working on the first floor of Life Clinic.

Jeon Soo-Min was a hidden expert. She was arguably unmatched in the metropolitan area when it came to treating sprains and swelling from injuries like twisted ankles on stage. She was also Kim Soo-Myung's cousin, and in this life, I had gotten to know her early.

Fortunately, since Kim Soo-Myung had plans to come for the second half of Project I.O.A today, she was coming along as well.

"Thank you."

-We'll be there shortly.

Vroooom.

The sound of a car accelerating came through the phone before the call ended.

After hanging up, I immediately checked Everyday. Unfortunately, the information about Song Mi-Hee's elimination was still there.

'So it only changes after they actually examine her.'

If the two of them—top experts in treating sprains—took a look, there had to be a way.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

Buzz.

[Project I.O.A broadcast begins]

The recording had already started, but now the delayed broadcast, about five minutes behind, had officially gone live. Since there was nothing more I could do for Song Mi-Hee until Jeon Soo-Min arrived, I opened the [PROJECT : I.O.A] app and checked viewers' reactions.

[PROJECT : I.O.A]

[Subscribers: 2.07 million]

(Real-time chat)

-Finally starting. Our girls look so energetic again today.

-They said one team gets eliminated each week now. Today's going to be brutal.

-The girls from Team 7 and 8 are dancing like their lives depend on it. Especially Yoon Ah-Rin. She looks intense.

-Yoon Ah-Rin was ranked 15th last week. To survive, she probably needs to hit top 14.

-One slip and it's over.

-Hey, watch what you say. Someone might actually slip.

-Anyway, are Rank 1 Sung Na-Ra and Rank 2 Song Mi-Hee still dominating?

-You think Mi-Hee's gonna stay second forever? She's taking first today.

-I'm betting my right wrist Mi-Hee gets first place today.

-I feel bad for Go Eun-Seo. She has enough talent to be center in most groups, but she couldn't make Team 1.

-That's just how strong Sung Na-Ra and Song Mi-Hee are. They're basically already I.O.A level.

-But from the pre-broadcast, Ling Ling and Seo Hee-Joo looked even better than them.

-I didn't see it. Are they really that good?

-Insane. Talent aside, they've probably trained twice as much as everyone else.

-Watching them sing while sprinting on a treadmill was wild.

-By the way, Once Again, Idol! just started on KNET.

-Yoo Se-Na and Kim Reina are appearing. I haven't seen them in ages.

-Legendary comeback.

-Rising forces vs old guard.

...

Unaware of Song Mi-Hee's condition, fans were already fiercely debating who would take first place today. And among them, talk of the rival program Once Again, Idol! was starting to surface as well. For a brief moment, I felt the urge to just ban those users outright, but I quickly shook it off and opened the KNET mobile stream myself to monitor things.

On KNET's live broadcast, Yoo Se-Na stood on the studio stage alongside popular MC Oh Jung-Bok. At 168 cm tall with perfect proportions, clear features, and a gentle-looking impression, Yoo Se-Na was wearing a yellow dress as she greeted the camera.

-It's been five years since I last greeted you all. I wanted to come back sooner, but due to various circumstances, I couldn't, which is a shame. My Shines! Have you all been well?

'As expected... She's smart.'

Even after five years away, Yoo Se-Na first addressed her old fandom. She clearly knew who her core supporters that would vote for her were. Sure enough, KNET's live chat was exploding just like ours.

[KNET Once Again, Idol! Episode 1 (LIVE)]

(Real-time chat)

-Yoo Se-Na! It's been five years!!

-Se-Na, I missed you.

-All the Shine Club fans are here!

-Aren't the other Sunshine members appearing?

-She got even prettier, didn't she? Came back fully upgraded.

...

It felt like all the fans from her Sunshine days had gathered, as the comments skyrocketed.

At that moment, I started carefully observing Yoo Se-Na's every move. If, by any chance, she had recovered from Ménière's disease, then she would definitely perform her signature solo dance track 'SUNNY DAYS' the moment she appeared.

Just as I expected, Oh Jung-Bok simply gestured toward one of the 30 chairs set up on the stage and told her to sit.

-Alright, Ms. Yoo Se-Na, please take a seat for now, and let's take a look at how you've been spending your time.

'Just as I thought.'

Without performing even her signature song, Yoo Se-Na slowly walked over and took her seat. But the fans, unaware of the situation, immediately began voicing their complaints in the chat.

[KNET Once Again, Idol! Episode 1 (LIVE)]

(Real-time chat)

-Huh? Unnie, you're not singing 'SUNNY DAYS?'

-Is today just an intro? Where's the stage?

-She'll perform later, right? If not, I'm switching to Project I.O.A.

-Quiet and just watch. No mentioning other shows.

...

'At this rate... I think we might actually win today.'

Compared to Project I.O.A, where unpredictable, high-stakes competition was unfolding, Once Again, Idol! had started its first episode with a slow, nostalgic format. I had expected a show that gathered past stars to form the ultimate idol team again, but instead, it was reminiscing about past glory. My prediction had been spot on.

Just then, I got a call from PD Ji Yung-Sik.

-Once Again, Idol! just hit 9.7% ratings at the 3-minute mark.

"9.7%?"

That was higher than expected for a premiere. It was probably due to the massive promotion from KNET and CK Entertainment.

"What about us?"

-Don't worry. We started at 9.1% at 3 minutes.

Normally, Project I.O.A started around seven percent, but thanks to the pre-broadcast, it had jumped more than two percent. It was a record-breaking start, but still slightly behind. I felt a bit of regret, but Ji Yung-Sik's voice carried undeniable confidence.

-Still, I'm not too worried. They brought Yoo Se-Na back after five years and aren't even giving her a stage. I'm monitoring their broadcast too, and honestly, I think their format is flawed from the start.

In a matchup of the current high-stakes competition vs nostalgic retrospection, he believed we could win. And broadly speaking, I agreed with him.

If that was the case, then there was only one thing left for me to do—Make sure Song Mi-Hee finished the stage without messing it up.

"I'll leave the broadcast in your hands, Mr. Ji."

-Yes. And if anything happens, contact me right away.

I hesitated over whether to mention Song Mi-Hee's condition, but in the end, I had no choice.

"About that... Mi-Hee has a slight injury."

-What? Mi-Hee?

"Don't worry too much. She twisted it a bit, but I'm taking care of it."

Ji Yung-Sik fell silent for a moment before speaking carefully.

-If you're handling it, Mr. Jung, then I'm reassured. Alright then. I'll handle the viewership ratings, you handle the girls.

"Yes, sir!"

-Take care, and call me immediately if anything comes up.

"Understood!"

Click.

The moment I hung up, I heard the sound of the opening group stage ending.

-Thank you!

I immediately ended the call and headed straight under the stage. After all, there was someone I had to protect.

***

After finishing the intro performance, the girls began coming down one by one in a line.

Just then, Miso, who was next to me under the stage, fidgeted and pleaded. "Uncle Yoon-Ho, can I stay with you the whole time today?"

"With me?"

"Yeah! Mom went down to Gyeongju, and the Cherry Blossom unnies are all MCing and sitting in the audience. And the talent agent unnies are super busy, so I'll help you from the side!"

The Project I.O.A set, both the performance hall and dorm, was tightly secured with guards. So there wasn't much to worry about even if Miso followed me around.

Still, there was something I had to make clear. The real reason Miso wanted to stick with me today was obvious. She wanted to watch her favorite pick, Sung Na-Ra, up close.

"Miso. If you promise not to bother Na-Ra, I'll let you."

Miso flinched and stuck her tongue out. "Hehe... how did you know?"

"Is there anything I don't know about you?"

She shook her head quickly. "Nope! Nothing!"

"You won't bother her, right?"

"No! I'll just watch from far away! I promise!"

"Alright. Then you're allowed."

We hooked pinkies to seal the promise.

Excited by my permission, Miso started doing a little wiggly dance of joy, and Kang Ha-Na spoke from beside us. "Oppa, I'll keep an eye on Miso the whole time today."

I nodded. "That'd be great. But is it okay to assign that to a star who just hit 200,000 live viewers?"

Project I.O.A: Preview had just set a record with 200,000 real-time viewers before the broadcast.

Kang Ha-Na waved her hands dismissively. "Come on, that's just thanks to your planning."

"Still, I'm counting on you. I'm really swamped today."

"Okay."

Then I handed the tablet I was holding to Miso.

Thud.

"Temporary talent agent. I'm counting on you." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Yes, Chief!"

Miso jokingly called me Chief in a playful tone, hugged the staff tablet to her chest, and began scanning the area with sharp, exaggerated eyes.

Then, striking a pose like she was adjusting imaginary glasses, she pointed toward the stage where Song Mi-Hee was coming down. "Mr. Jung! Mi-Hee unnie looks a bit strange."

Miso hadn't seen Song Mi-Hee being carried earlier. And even now, Song Mi-Hee showed no sign of pain as she calmly walked down from the stage. However, Miso, with her sharp eyes, instantly noticed something was wrong.

"Mi-Hee twisted her ankle a bit earlier. That's why. Keep an eye on her for me, okay?"

"Ah, okay!"

I walked over to Song Mi-Hee as she came down beneath the stage. "Mi-Hee, how is it?"

"I'm okay."

Song Mi-Hee had endured the pain through the performance, and beads of sweat had formed across her forehead.

"You did well holding out. Just three more stages to go, so hang in there."

Out of the four stages she had to perform, the first—the intro—was done. What remained were the team battle in part one, the mid-show performance, and the individual battle in part two.

"Alright, get on my back again."

Without a word, Song Mi-Hee climbed onto my back. Miso hurried over and supported one of her legs.

After thanking Miso, I spoke in a low voice that only Song Mi-Hee could hear.

"Just hang in there a little longer. The doctors are on their way."

At that moment, Song Mi-Hee's whisper came from behind me.

"Thank you, Mr. Jung."

***

Twenty minutes had passed since Project I.O.A began.

I stood in the hallway outside the waiting room, waiting for Do Ran-Hee to return with a wheelchair for Song Mi-Hee while checking KNET's broadcast.

The competing show, Once Again, Idol!, was still building buzz by introducing former top stars, including Yoo Se-Na. It was still mostly introductions, and now even Jang Eun-Yung from Golden Road had appeared.

Just as I wondered about the current viewership ratings, a message came from Ji Yung-Sik.

[PD Ji Yung-Sik: Once Again, Idol! 20 min — peak viewership ratings 10.1%]

[PD Ji Yung-Sik: Project I.O.A 20 min — peak viewership ratings 9.9%]

Though Once Again, Idol! was still ahead, the gap was steadily narrowing.

"Come on. Let's keep pushing."

At that moment, Do Ran-Hee came runnieng in with the wheelchair. "Mr. Jung! I got it. Huff, huff, huff..."

"Good work."

Leaning on the handle, she caught her breath, then quickly asked, "Mr. Jung, how's Mi-Hee? By now the first team battle should be over..."

"She got first place with 141 points in the team battle. And her ankle condition isn't as bad as we feared. She's resting in the waiting room now, so don't worry."

Along with icing and taping, we had even set up a folding cot in the waiting room so she could rest comfortably. And every time she had to move, I carried her. Because of that, Song Mi-Hee was holding up better than expected.

"Really? That's a relief. Then she just needs to get through the mid-stage performance and the second battle."

The mid-stage performance was a celebratory stage for the audience. They would perform Sunshine's second album title track, 'Love Fight.' Teams 1, 2, 7, and 8 would sing the first verse together, while Teams 3, 4, 5, and 6 would take the second. Since each part was short, it wasn't too demanding.

"Right. And Mr. Kim Soo-Myung and Mrs. Jeon Soo-Min will be here by the end of part one, so she just needs to hold on until then."

"That's a relief. Once they're here, we should be able to manage somehow."

"Exactly."

The schedule entry in Everyday still showed Song Mi-Hee's elimination. However, I was certain it would disappear once the specialists examined her.

Then, the waiting room door swung open. Miso came running out, clutching the tablet.

Click.

"Mr. Jung, Mr. Jung! Something's wrong!"

"What is it?"

"Contestant Yoon Ah-Rin and contestant Go Eun-Seo are fighting!"

Yoon Ah-Rin was a contestant from Team 8 last week, known for her strong dance skills. Yet, due to weaker fan service and vocals, she was at risk of elimination this week. Still, she had no real connection with Go Eun-Seo from Team 2.

"Why are they fighting all of a sudden?"

Miso huffed as she answered. "It's because of Mi-Hee unnie!"

'Because of Song Mi-Hee? What kind of situation is this now?'