The silence stretched unbearably.
Did I mess this up?
Then Yuhyun's hands came together first—a single, sharp clap that shattered the quiet.
Doyun followed. Then Jinwook. Then everyone else, the applause building into something thunderous that rattled through the headphones.
Relief crashed through me so violently I had to grip the mic stand to stay upright.
They were impressed.
Actually impressed, not just politely acknowledging my existence.
Yuhyun's expression radiated warmth, his smile genuine despite the competition between us.
Doyun nodded with grudging respect, arms crossed but eyes bright with something like admiration.
Even Jinwook's stoic mask cracked slightly—the barest upward tick of his mouth.
I started to smile back, chest swelling with cautious pride.
"Alright, that's a wrap for Haunted Vocals!" The production assistant's voice cut through the moment. "Everyone back to the cafeteria."
