Like the Fan Interaction Challenge, this one will also take place in the theater. This greatly surprises me. Maybe it involves acting again. I wonder if we have to work on a play—that'd be cool. I remember that Hyanggi once mentioned that she'd like to try a musical, as well.

A staff member tells us to take place directly at the center of the stage, where two lines of chairs have been placed. I take a place in the front line, between Seoyoung (at the center) and Daha (at the right edge).

For the second week in a row, Seungsik is unable to host the live episode, which means the judges have to step up as MCs again. This time, it's Songbin and Seokgi's turn. They're regarded as the most unpleasant judges of the lot. They've targeted me and Hyanggi most of the time and now expect the audience to buy a sweeter, buttered up version of themselves.

Well, to be fair, Seokgi has genuinely softened a bit. Of course, a poor performance can piss him off again to the point that I lose my credit towards him; still, I want to close this competition on a high note, possibly winning it. It's a tough battle, I know, but there's a lot on stake in the last two rounds.

On the other hand, Songbin has become even more butthurt when I exposed her partiality, something that could've turned against me in a nasty way hadn't the production intervened at the right time. Oh, and I have to be thankful to Boyeon, as well. She can handle this kind of tramples so well thanks to the experience she gained in similar competitions.

I can't believe that what meant to be a simple point of view about scoring can be offensive to that judge. At this point, it's not like it matters anymore. We could seriously lose two contestants, but the production would rather focus on the drama. I may not like Mari or Hyewon, but them potentially having to leave the competition early is not good news.

Family and health issues are more important than a barrage of prizes, including a shit ton of cash, a makeover and good publicity. Meanwhile, the show goes on. Seokgi introduces the next challenge. "While we wait for news about Hyewon and Mari, let's introduce the theme of this round: fashion."

Saesong's eyes gleam out of excitement. This promises to be the most interesting challenge in the bunch so far. There's no time to jump up and down like little kids just yet: there's more to it. "You'll be split in two teams and have to design your own stage outfits with a limited set of materials that awaits you in the backstage. They'll be part of your performance."

"This time, you'll have more time to prepare everything: four hours instead of two," adds Songbin, who seems eager to return to her panel seat for more scathing criticism. Her amiable façade is already crumbling...

Seokgi restarts talking. "Now, pay close attention to the board. In a minute, you'll find out which team you're part of." When the 'ping' resonates on stage, I read the two line-ups: the red team and the blue team. I'm part of the first one, with Daneung, Seoyoung and Saeha. The remaining four contestants are the blue team.

While Hyanggi, Saesong and Daha seem relieved to have avoided Daneung, Songbin harshly brings them back with their feet on the ground. "The winning team will earn the full 50 points, but the losing team will only earn 20. And, at the end, the two contestants with the lowest overall score will be eliminated and won't have access to the final."

Oh my God. This is a matter of life or death now. A good performance means the world—not just for myself, but also for my family and the friends I've made here. I gather my team at a corner of the stage and we cheer one another. We shout together. "To our turning point!"

***

Before the round evaluation officially starts, Seokgi reads a statement from the production announcing that Hyewon and Mari have officially withdrawn from the competition due to health and family reasons respectively. There goes the closure I need with the latter in particular... I can only hope she shows up at the finale, or, alternatively, just let go.

No time for wallowing, though: it's mine and my team's turn to perform. At Seoyoung's suggestion, we've chosen a cyberpunk theme. For the song, we go for a classic, Survivor. We've picked it together based on our skill sets and because I think it fits the theme not only of the round, but of the entire competition.

'Sink or swim, that's not a question / No, don't you answer, there's no limit to perfection / Mastering the art of persuasion / Ready, set, go, taking action! / I'm a master survivor, woah, woah~ / I'm a master survivor, woah-oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah~' The male judges erupt in convinced applause. Sara also joins enthusiastically, while Songbin waits before clapping her hands twice and in a half-assed manner.

Saeha curls her nose. She's rightfully pissed at the judge's lack of objectivity, but can't show because things will escalate further otherwise. So, she just wears a smile and curtsies along with the rest of us, as if we want to give a "regal" impression.

Royalty is the theme of the performance by the other team, consisting of Boyeon, Hyanggi, Saesong and Daha. Their choice is a medley from Lady of the Dahlias, one of Hyanggi's favorite musicals. They all wear airy dresses—courtesy of Hyanggi and Daha—and match them with fans and flower crowns.

The highlight of their song is the high note by Boyeon in the outro. 'I'm mad for you~ Mad for you~ Mad, mad, mad for you, oh, oh, oh~ Mad for you~ All I want, all I want, is to have you still in my arms.' I see Seoyoung shed a tear over this emotional part; then, she delicately taps my left arm. She wants to talk to me in private.

The commercial break is the perfect chance for us to discuss what happened in that infamous round. "I shouldn't have laughed at you, Saesom. To be honest, I shouldn't have underestimated you." Seoyoung can't retain tears. Unlike Mari, who has been resistant to apologies, she seems to truly want to make amends for that obscene round of laughter over my pathetic pole dance.

"Look, the way you and those other two, along with Seungsik, laughed at me hurt me badly. I wasn't even sure if I could continue." I sigh. "Still, you weren't the only ones to be responsible for that disaster. That fan—if they can be called one—set me up. I should've been more prepared."

I hear another voice coming in the backstage. "Don't blame yourself, Saesom. I also laughed at you, I admit it. But, hey, you and the pole should stay as far apart as possible." Daneung. The last person I'd expect to take accountability for her actions. She has surprised me.

When the staff calls us all back on stage for the verdict, I admit I feel a little worried. Both performances have been incredible. However, as it was said earlier on, only one team can win. I cross my fingers as Seokgi turns his attention to the score board.

"The winning team is... the red team! Congratulation, girls—you'll earn 50 points and spots in the final round!" He seems truly excited. Has he finally learnt that passion and high spirits matter in the show business? Only time will tell.

What's certain is that the blue team only gets twenty points. While I'm happy for winning, I can't help feeling sorry for them. There are literally most of my friends at risk of elimination, plus Boyeon, with whom things have got better over the last few weeks.

Songbin has the duty of naming the two contestants who won't advance to the final. "Daha and Saesong, you two are the contestants with the lowest score. As a result, you are eliminated from Turning Point: Road to Stardom. Say goodbye to the others." I can see that witch grin as she realizes two girls she has never appreciated have been eliminated as she expected.

But, if I put it my own perspective, this hits harder than a punch straight on my teeth. Saesong has been my first friend on the show, Daha has also been a positive presence in my journey. They've defended me when I needed help, and I've gladly returned the favor.

This is why I look forward to them cheering louder than ever in the final night.