Fiddling with the sleeve of your outfit, your gaze went to the screen, showing you and Luka’s pictures, a large ‘VS’ in between. Your love for Luka had gone unnoticed for decades, and though you’d have the chance tonight to confess them, your death would be guaranteed. However, winning with the lingering guilt was hell compared to dying in peace, knowing you had nothing else to confess.

Stepping onto the stage, Luka on the opposite side, the instrumental echoed across the stadium as the song began. It was a song that you had practiced day and night for it held all your feelings. As you began to sing, cheers could be heard from the side of the stadium that held your name proudly. The weight of this duet lifted from your shoulders as the lyrics of discreet confession left your lips. However, carefully giving a certain side of the stadium a brief glance, the disapproving look of your Segyein guardian caused your voice to falter, and briefly go off key. A fleeting smile barely visible passed on Luka’s face as he sung.

Realizing the amount of time had passed, your time to speak was limited. But as the long, instrumental-outro played, you were reeling in your words before it could get back to Luka.

Your scores came up on the screen as you had gotten a point less than him. You’re shattered now, spilling out. A brief image of the terrified visage of Hyuna and Mizi flashed through your mind as you spoke your brief thoughts and confession to Luka.

“please, know… that this is for the better…”

You gave the guns one last glance before smiling at him, his typically princely face twisted in confusion, shock, but relief.