𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 ―𝐝.𝐨.𝐝

Chapter 39

[ Park Moondae's POV ]

"The two teams remaining for 1st place candidates are Team Moon Rabbit and Team Husky! Please check out the results at the next ranking announcement!"

Just like I expected, our team and Ryu Chungwoo's team were called forward.

Everyone was back on the stage listening to the results of the 3rd team match. Our team bowed as others clapped for us.

"But if I don't change things up a bit, our viewers will get bored, right? So I'll announce the benefit of winning this team match now!"

I didn't expect that.

"The benefit of winning is...a guarantee to survive the next ranking ceremony! However, only one person will earn this benefit! Until the next ranking announcement, 1st place candidate teams, please think about who will receive the reward."

The production team really never gave up on the aggro. I wouldn't be surprised if they pulled something worse at the very final episode.

Either way, it wasn't an easy decision for our team.

Currently, Seungmin and I were in good standing. Although he had lots of stocks sold in the last ranking results, public opinion of him practically flipped with the comical view of a truthful alibi. His character of a 'house cat' was in revival.

As for me, I was in 3rd for purchased votes. I had the highest count in the team.

Lee Sejin B's position wasn't as secured. His bullying scandal was swiftly taken care of, so he might get more votes for sympathy, but that wasn't set in stone. And his rank was the lowest out of us all.

Kim Raebin still held the record for having the most stocks sold, but his fans were working hard. Public opinion on him was also getting better as people refuted evil editing he dealt with. Plus, I knew he debuted in the past future.

"As for Ahyun..."

I told him that public opinion would change after our stage, and that's because we did well. But that doesn't change the fact that many are probably selling his stocks, criticizing him for his unfair group reward that pushed him up many ranks.

The filming ended with participants bowing our heads toward the camera. Our team changed our clothes and gathered in the dorm to pack up our things.

"We all worked hard~" Sejin smiled while patting everyone on the back.

"Yes, thank you for your kind cooperation!" Raebin shouted in response.

Ahyun also threw in some thanks, but an awkward silence quickly enveloped the room.

Seungmin was looking out the window. Slowly, he turned his head.

"Who should we give the reward to?"

"I-It doesn't matter t-to me!" Ahyun stated. "We a-all did good...so it s-should go to someone it will help..."

"Because of the current scandal, it may be best to give it to Sejin hyung or Seungmin hyung. The internet has started to turn in their favor, but it may not be fast enough. As for Ahyun hyung, it seems the backlash of the last ranking results was also negative. Ah- I'm not trying to look down on hyungs..."

"It's fine, Raebin," Seungmin smiled. "I don't think I will need it. Moondae hyung also has the highest ranking."

I nodded my head in agreement, and I glanced at Keun Sejin.

"You guys kept me in the show," he smiled politely. "I'm in debt to you guys."

"You take it," I rejected. "All of us are in the top 10."