Chapter 129. A Small Trigger (1)
The number of trainees who would be eliminated in the first round was a total of four.
The voting, which had started immediately after the broadcast of Episode 5, was scheduled to be tallied and the results announced in Episode 7.
[“I knew this would happen.”]
I knew I would get this immersed.
I knew it would get this painful.
Just yesterday, they showed all 17 of them having fun, laughing and playing at the sports event, and now suddenly, they drop an elimination notice. How could they do thisㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
Who could they possibly eliminate from hereㅠㅠㅠㅠNoㅠㅠㅠㅠJust let them stay in Miro Maze foreverㅠㅠㅠㅠ
Since Miro Maze had consistently portrayed itself as a “kind survival show” with a focus on the chemistry and relationships among the trainees, many of the “Destis” felt a deep sense of loss and disappointment upon hearing the first elimination notice.
But that feeling was only temporary.
[“So, who are you guys voting for?”]
My head feels like it’s going to explode.
I feel like my ultimate favorite needs the votes, but my absolute favorite is in the top ranks, so…
Should I vote for my second or third favorite insteadㅠㅠㅠ?
– Just save your ultimate favorite, no matter what.
└ 22 Don’t get complacent just because they’re in the top ranks.
└ 33 You can’t let your guard down since agency evaluations are factored in, too.
– Honestly, my favorite doesn’t seem like they’ll debut, so I’m really conflicted…
To save their favorite trainees, the Destis began to strategize fiercely.
Considering that once a trainee debuts, they’re likely to stay in the agency for a minimum of seven years or more, the Destis couldn’t help but be extremely cautious and deliberate with their votes.
Kang Hajin’s fandom also began to encourage voting with laser focus.
The somewhat clumsy and unguarded image Hajin showed in Episode 5 helped attract a considerable number of new fans.
However, the solidarity within the fandom still wasn’t that strong.
Kangdaejang @strongjin
I don’t even know where
to start pointing out issues,
so I just sigh….
If you don’t like what you see, just unfollow ㅗ
Even if I have to use Bluebird all by myself,
I’m going to make sure my baby debuts.
So please stop forcing me to vote.
It’s one thing to flood my timeline with the same post once or twice,
but by what right do you keep scolding others?
Honestly, Miro isn’t stupid;
they’re going to make sure Hajin debutsㅋㅋㅋ…
Share 48 Retweets 153
Kanghadi @kang_HD
Guys, please just vote.
Every time I see the difference
between the number of video clips and
the number of voting certifications retweeted,
I get so worried and lose my mind…
The fandom’s fatigue skyrocketed due to not only the aggro and rivalry but also from fellow fans who stubbornly insisted that Hajin wasn’t in danger of elimination, fueled by an unfounded sense of confidence.
In such circumstances, an incident occurred where a conversation between some well-known accounts was fabricated and spread.
Rossy Day @rossy_1017
At 3 AM today,
the account of Kimmakki (@makkiii)
posted a clarification and the full conversation
about the controversy involving me and some of my Bluebird friends.
The controversy is clearly fabricated,
and we have never wished for
any specific trainee to be eliminated.
Share 292 Retweets 509
They were only expressing concern about Hajin’s voting results, discussing whether he might be eliminated or if he needed to face the threat of elimination to spark a sense of urgency.
However, someone had cleverly edited the conversation, making it seem like they were hoping Hajin would get eliminated, thus causing an uproar.
Fortunately, the people involved in the conversation quickly came forward to clarify the situation, and since many accounts had witnessed the conversation in real-time, the controversy was quickly subdued.
The account that had caused the issue also deleted their account swiftly after the clarification was posted and didn’t resurface for a while.
The problem arose after that.
Kangdaejang @strongjin
REST
I’m closing this public account for a while.
I’ll come back when Hajin debuts.
Sorry.
One of Hajin’s notable fan accounts was involved in the conversation, and due to the flood of cyberbullying, they eventually had to close their account.
With the fandom already in a shaky state, this incident only deepened the fans’ sense of resentment.
[“What exactly did K*H*J fans do wrong???”]
I really don’t get why everyone keeps dragging our boy down.
I’m holding on, trying to stay patient just to see Hajin debut,
but people are so rude and mean…
I really can’t understand why we get so much hate just for supporting someone,
and even now, people are subtly dragging Hajin with their comments.
Seriously, they’re just sociopaths. It’s really upsetting.
– There, there…you’re going through a lot…I don’t even know what to sayㅠㅠ
– But seriously, I’m really curious, is K*H*J not popular??? Isn’t he mentioned the most on Tumblr???? I just thought the whole elimination conversation was other trainees’ fans being wary of him.
└ Do you really want to ask that in a thread like this…?
The natural order and law dictate that when external forces attack, the internal structure becomes stronger and more united.
However, Hajin’s fandom, having been struck down too many times, was now at a stage where even the tight-knit core group was starting to fracture and scatter.
The light fans, who didn’t want to deal with the hassle of being involved in a fan war, began searching for other fandoms. Even the core fans, who had been holding strong, started reducing their online presence or disappeared altogether.
And Hajin was aware of all these developments.
[System Notification: …Are you okay?]
‘I’m fine.’
Hajin responded calmly.
In a situation where Thirteen was more on edge than Hajin, Hajin replied as if it were absurd.
‘I’m really okay.’
[System Notification: But still…. The voting period isn’t much longer.]
[System Notification: o(╥﹏╥)o]
‘I’m really okay, for now. It’s not like they hate me because I did something wrong; it’s just one of those things.’
For now, he was truly fine.
Hajin’s assurance wasn’t mere self-hypnosis.
‘The upcoming elimination results will be based on accumulated scores from the start.’
From the first broadcast until now.
Hajin had never consistently been in the top ranks, but he had never been at the bottom either.
In the first mission, he won the team battle and received benefits, and in the second mission, he secured first place.
‘With the benefits from winning first place in the third round, there’s no way I’ll be eliminated this time. Maybe at the next elimination.’
In the third round, which would be broadcast today, Hajin’s team, Blue Flare, also secured the most votes and took first place.
Even with all these benefits, if he were still in the bottom four out of 17…
‘If I’m that hopeless, I’ll just grab the Regressor’s hand and live forever with him.’
[System Notification: Please don’t even joke about that.]
[System Notification: It’s terrifying because the Fixed Regressor might actually make it happen.]
The system window shook as if trembling in fear.
Hajin got up from his bed and stretched.
‘The real danger starts now.’
After the first elimination, all scores would be reset.
And before the final, three more trainees would be eliminated.
‘If the fandom atmosphere stays like this until then…debuting might really be difficult. It would be great if there were some kind of trigger to change the fandom’s mood.’
What could that be…
After a brief moment of contemplation, Hajin checked the time and left the room.
“Hey, hyung. Hurry up.”
“What, am I the last one?”
“No, Kyungho hyung is last. He said he went out.”
In the lounge, all the trainees except Kyungho were gathered.
Today, the trainees decided to watch Miro Maze Episode 6 together.
“Hyung, you were the one who suggested we watch it together, but you’re the last one out?”
“The main character always appears last. Move over.”
“Ah, but there’s plenty of room over there!”
“I like being in the center.”
Ignoring Taehyun’s complaint, Hajin nudged him aside and took the seat next to him.
With over ten fully grown guys gathered in one place, even the spacious lounge felt packed.
Just as someone turned on the TV and changed the channel, Wonho, Yugeon, and Doha walked in carrying bags of food.
“Alright, food’s here, everyone.”
“What? Did Eunchan use that card again?”
Chicken, pizza, jokbal, bossam—the table was loaded with a feast. Hajin’s eyes widened as he instinctively looked over at Eunchan.
Caught off guard, Eunchan shook his head vigorously, denying it was him this time.
“No, it wasn’t me!”
“Then what is all this?”
Doha, who had been quietly unpacking the food, answered in his stead.
“Team Leader Ji Suho treated us. He said we should all do three hours of cardio after eating.”
“…Should we eat this or not?”
“Of course, we should eat
. What are you talking about, Jaiden? Whether we eat or not, we’re going to do cardio anyway.”
Hajin answered Jaiden’s dilemma casually as he picked up his chopsticks.
Since the elimination notice was posted, the trainees’ tension had been gradually declining.
The reason Hajin had suggested they all watch the broadcast together was precisely because of this.
Rather than sulking alone in their rooms, endlessly scrolling through their phones and sinking deeper into despair, it was better for their mental health to gather together and chat, even if it was forced.
[System Notification: …Is that from experience?]
‘If you know, keep quiet.’
Hajin shot Thirteen a glare.
Whether it was Ji Suho or Thirteen, they were both overly perceptive.
It was clear that Ji Suho had generously provided the company card for the meal, knowing that the trainees were feeling down and that watching the broadcast together might help lift their spirits.
“What’s up, Taehyun? Not eating?”
“I was just planning to eat a salad with Siwoo hyung….”
Taehyun grimaced as if this unexpected feast was throwing off his plans.
He looked conflicted.
Usually, Hajin wouldn’t bother convincing someone to eat if they didn’t want to, but today was different.
If one person started managing their diet and refused to eat, it would make the others feel self-conscious and unable to enjoy the food properly.
‘That’s probably why he took the lead and sat down first.’
Hajin glanced over at Siwoo.
Siwoo, who had taken the lead, was already sitting at the table with chopsticks and a plate in hand. He only had one slice of pizza on his plate and was focusing on serving the others. He seemed to plan on eating moderately and controlling his intake.
‘…That hyung is really something.’
Impressed, Hajin turned to Taehyun, who was still undecided, and whispered to him quietly.
“Just come down and pretend to eat. I’ll pick out the chicken breast for you, or you can have a few pieces of jokbal.”
“…Hmm. Well, I guess, just for today.”
Convinced by Hajin, Taehyun finally got off the sofa and joined them at the table.
On Hajin’s other side, Wonho, who had just returned from washing his hands, sat down.
“Kangha hyung, can I get a slice of that potato pizza?”
“Sure, hand me your plate.”
“Thanks.”
Hajin absentmindedly placed a slice of pizza on Wonho’s plate and handed it back.
As Wonho doused the pizza with hot sauce and took a big bite, Hajin started to pick up his chopsticks when he suddenly stopped and looked back at Wonho.
“…”
“…?”
“…”
“…Ah, am I weird? (Is there something on my face?)”
“No. It’s not that.”
Seeing Wonho chewing his pizza with a puzzled expression, Hajin shook his head and thought.
‘Come to think of it, this guy….’
Why hasn’t the “Recruit Ally” prompt appeared?