The sweet break ended in a flash. Back at the filming site, Hajun exchanged quick nods with familiar faces before listening to the MC’s announcement with his usual easygoing expression. Informed to choose an agency sign, Hajun picked LeTi without a second thought. Drawing ball number 72 mattered little—his Platinum badge allowed him to push into any group regardless of queue order.
When his turn arrived, the MC called out through the mic. “Number 72, contestant Won Hajun, please move!”
By then, famous agency spots stood filled to capacity, drawing tense gazes toward his movements. Ignoring Cha Eugene’s fierce stare, Hajun walked straight to the LeTi sign. Standing in that line, Park Moondae’s face shifted to a subtle look, while two Bronze contestants behind him froze.
Hajun scanned the group’s faces before dropping a bomb.
“I choose to evict Silver rank contestant Choi Wongil.”
Murmurs rippled across the room. The production staff grinned ear to ear, thrilled by the sudden drama.
His face turning beet red, Choi Wongil trembled as he stepped out of line, moving toward another sign with open spots.
Ignoring the silent rule of pushing out lowest-ranked Bronze contestants, Hajun joined the line. He acted not out of malice toward Choi Wongil, but because Choi Wongil’s open dislike for Park Moondae promised future headaches on the same team—and evicting fellow Platinum Park Moondae was off the table anyway.
As quiet settled over the room, the MC grabbed the mic once more. Once the remaining five contestants found their spots, the staff revealed a hidden mechanic.
“Press the button on top of your sign!”
The button split the 14-member group into two seven-person teams. Checking the split, Hajun clicked his tongue upon seeing every capable member assigned to the opposing side.
“Same team. Work well with me.”
Nodding toward Ryu Cheongwoo—the one capable guy on his side—Hajun stood back, watching Cheongwoo gather members and take charge. Passing off team leadership suited Hajun just fine.
“Did everyone exchange greetings? Now let’s draw songs!”
Contestant number 17 groaned and pressed the button.
The screen revealed the result: [Sangun / VTIC]
Cheers erupted from oblivious teammates, celebrating the draw. Hajun let out a sigh and rested a hand on Cheongwoo’s shoulder.
“What is it?” Cheongwoo asked.
“I’m counting on you.”
Expectations for the song ran sky-high. Right now, just two Platinums in the team possessed the skill to pull it off. Watching one Gold, two Silvers, and two Bronzes cheer without grasping the landmine they had drawn left Hajun feeling weary.
Once team planning began, the members realized their predicament.
“Uh…”
“What do we do?”
Match VTIC, and they would still look mediocre; fail, and public ridicule awaited. One Bronze member broke into a cold sweat.
Hajun crossed his arms and spoke. “What do you mean ‘what do we do’? We just sleep a tiny bit and practice.”
We’re doomed, he almost said, catching himself just in time as he recalled Alex’s guide rule on K-pop idol etiquette: use refined speech.
“We need a breakthrough… Any ideas?” Cheongwoo asked.
“Why ask me?”
Gaining victory against an opponent with four Gold ranks and clever strategists felt out of reach. Balance was broken from the start. So Hajun made up his mind: win the crowd even if they lost the score.
Survival shows ran on hype. And Hajun knew a proven method to generate buzz.
Meanwhile, a college student who had fallen for Won Hajun’s visual had set up a fan account in secret a fan account. After making high-res GIFs throughout her break, she applied for live audience tickets on Tnet, winning a seat.
Gaining entry, she touched the camera hidden in her bag, her heart racing at the thought of seeing Hajun in person.
“Idol Co-op Season 3! The first team battle begins now! Shine Your Star!”
Initial stages proved decent. The third stage gained traction as Cha Eugene took center position.
MC’s voice broke through the crowd’s excitement: “Next up… contestants covering a song from LeTi!”
October 31 delivered a solid stage, led by main vocal Park Moondae’s impressive vocals. Before the excitement faded, the MC announced the next matchup.
“Opposing October 31… Team Husky-ya! The song they covered is VTIC’s !”
Cheers shook the hall. Seeing Won Hajun step onto the stage, the college student gasped. His tall frame, sharp features, and pale skin contrasting with dark hair commanded immediate attention.
Grand drumbeats echoed as the performance opened. Hajun moved with a relaxed, effortless composure, matching his steps to the rhythm. His loose robe flutters formed bold lines with every movement.
Their claws are hella sharp Ready to tear you apart
Midway through the performance, Hajun cut into the center, tracing his fingers over his lips as he sang in a low, husky whisper.
Make me a boss
Screams echoed across the venue.
During the dance break, contestants tossed off their outer robes, performing in light inner coats. Shifting positions with Cheongwoo, Hajun reached out from an hidden angle and loosened Cheongwoo’s coat strings.
The next second, former athlete Cheongwoo’s chest and abs stood exposed to the crowd!
Drawn into the chaos, Cheongwoo reached to tie his coat back, but Hajun blocked his hand as if part of the choreography, while loosening his own coat strings with his other hand!
I won’t leave my teammate hanging.
Fans went wild at the bold display. Stage lights cast deep shadows across their toned muscles, sending camera shutters into overdrive.
Watching from the monitor room, Park Moondae shook his head. Dirty move. A guy I never want to deal with.
Backstage, Cheongwoo fixed his coat and let out a long sigh. “Telling us not to wear inner shirts wasn’t to keep movements light… You planned this from the start.”
“Wait, wasn’t that an accident?” a teammate asked.
“You guys couldn’t see it from your angle,” Cheongwoo replied, tying Hajun’s coat strings for him while Hajun stood there calm, abs still on display.
“If you had an idea like this, talk to me first.”
“My bad. Upset?” Hajun asked.
Cheongwoo shook his head. “Not upset, just caught off guard. Give me a heads-up next time.”
“Will do next time.”
There’s a next time…? Cheongwoo wiped his face, warning him about broadcast regulations. “Doing this without notice might get us scolded by the PD. There are broadcast rules.”
“Rules? We’re guys, and it’s not full exposure.”
“Don’t make that call yourself… And value your body more.”
“What? Am I talking to a health teacher right now?”
Realizing logic failed here, Cheongwoo backed off. “Right, he’s an adult, he’ll manage…”
“Hey, let’s go. Time to head back up.”
Hajun yawned, lifting his shirt to scratch his stomach. Cheongwoo watched him with a face full of concern.
“The winner of the team battle is… October 31! Score 232 to 251!”
A close match despite the lopsided team balance.
Hajun whispered into Cheongwoo’s ear. “Flashing abs worked, right?”
Getting zero response, Hajun assumed agreement anyway. Adjusting his robe, he offered a warm smile to a fan in the audience who caught his eye.
Beside him, Cheongwoo watched Hajun with worried eyes—concerned for a teammate who charmed people in real time without a shred of caution.
