None of the other girls pay me any attention. I don't know if it's because they already dislike me, or they're simply busy. I'd like to believe it's for the latter. I can't bear the thought of being hated by all of them. There must be at least one who has a soft spot for me and would like to be my friend.

I know, I sound like a desperate people pleaser. But I can't help wanting to earn my competitors' approval. Without that, succeeding will be even harder—especially considering that Park Seungsik, that obnoxious host, seems to see me as the show's laughingstock.

As I start unpacking my bags with extreme care, one of the other girls starts poking her nose around. I try to clutch my belongings close to me; to my surprise, I don't hear sneers or comments of disapproval. Instead, the other girl offers me a hand. She looks younger than me, so I'm surprised she'd make the first move and greet me spontaneously.

I let go of my stuff and bow to her, which she quickly returns. Then, she offers me her hand again. "Do you need help? I'm already done with unpacking," she says.

I try hard not to laugh. "Oh, really?" My teeth are clenched, but I don't think I can keep this expression for long. As expected, I burst into laughter, only to regret it. "S-sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"You sound a lot like my cousin. He apologizes for literally everything." She changes subject almost immediately. "Oh, sorry. I'm so rude! I have to introduce myself. Kang Saesong."

At last, we shake hands. I answer. "Cha Saesom. Nice to meet you, I guess." I hesitate before asking her, "How old are you? You remind me of my sister. Age wise, of course." It's a blatant lie. My own sister is seventeen. This Saesong girl is obviously older than that, since only contestants aged 19 and older are allowed on the show.

"Oh, so many people tell me I look younger than my age. I'm 23, though. Birthday was on the 14th."

"Oh, 23? Interesting. I'm 26. Not that it really matters..." Again, another lie. I don't think Saesong is ready to understand my dislike for age hierarchy, especially when used to justify disrespectful or straight up abusive behavior from seniors. However, it's the custom, so it's not like I can do much to change it, at least for now.

"Let's not think too much about age difference. By the way, I've read all profile sheets and, wow, some of them seem nuts, big time." Saesong's voice is now a whisper. She comes close to me as she shows me a stack of papers clipped together. She hands it to me. "Read them. I found these papers in that wardrobe." She points at the door close to the exit.

"Okay, I'll start now."

As Saesong goes back to her business, I sit on the floor and start looking for her profile sheet. I wonder whether she included herself in the definition of "being nuts." According to the profile, she's from Seo-gu, Gwangju, and was the tallest in her class from kindergarten to high school. She has decided to take part in the show to make good use of her older brother and sister's connections.

Oh, it says her siblings are influencers. I wonder how big their following is. Okay, that's not important right now. Back to Saesong herself. In her profile, she wrote these hashtags: #blood_type_O, #pastel_rose and #INFP. The first and third one are easily intuitive. The second one, though... It sounds more mysterious. Maybe it's her favorite color, or one she'd feel represented by. Or, simply, she likes roses.

An alarm loudly blares in the room. Is it already time to go back to the studio? I pray not. I want some rest.

A metallic voice echoes through the walls. "Assemble, girls! It's dinner time—which means you have to follow our staff to Building 54. There, you'll find the canteen. Good luck, you'll really need it."

Park fucking Seungsik. I should've realized straight away that he'd be out for not really good intentions. Are his staff going to film us even when we eat? I hope not. This is borderline stalking.

I hear another girl scowling. "I hate this shit! Cameras up our butts even during fucking dinner! Sorry, but this is not what I signed for." Is she planning to quit already? I never thought someone would resist way less than me. I mean, I know I should believe in myself a little more... I have to stop rambling! I sound ridiculous.

At least food is good here, isn't it?

***

We all walk down the hall, following the three staff men with a red T-shirt and a hat of the same color with "STAFF" written on it in white, in capital letters. After walking for fifteen minutes—wow, Building 54 is quite far from the dorm—we arrive at the canteen. One of the staff members says, "You have an hour to eat, so make sure to be quick and not waste time, okay?"

Saesong takes the initiative and opens the door that leads to the canteen. She then moves to allow elder contestants to go in first, but someone still finds a way to push her. I help her to stand up. She smiles at me. "Thank you. You didn't really have to, you know-"

I cut her off. "No way, Saesong. They were rude. Whoever pushed you owes you an apology. They could've hurt you badly."

"Oh, you don't have to worry." She shows off her arms to prove she has no bruises. Same as her knees. I guess I can stop worrying about this now and go in, since now Saesong and I are the last ones standing outdoors, and two minutes have already passed.

Therefore, all that's left for us is scraps. A few sides, a meager portion and a half of bulgogi, some white rice and half a loaf of bread. "You can take the rice and that kimchi over there." I offer.

"Are you sure?"

I nod. "Yes, sure. Serve yourself. And, before you try, don't pull the age card. I may be older than you, but Mom and Dad taught me to be generous to everyone, no matter if they're older or not."

"Thank you so much, Saesom unnie." While Saesong plates her ration of food, I hear someone snicker not far from the buffet table. They don't even bother mincing their words or, at least, avoiding using derogatory terms.

"Oh, here comes Little Miss Generous, allowing Saesong to take her portion first. What a wuss. Like, have you even got some balls?"

I don't answer. I focus on getting my food and sitting at the only remaining spot—close to the trash can. The girl who has just taunted me continues. "Hey, you. Don't they teach you manners where you come from? At least answer, idiot!"

Another girl intervenes, getting even more on my nerves. "She must be from Daegu, or Busan, or close to there. I mean, that accent is so-"

I've had enough. Who do these two jerks think they are?

I leave my spot and reach the rest of the group, trying to identify the two girls who mocked my alleged accent. It's not even strong. Come on!

"Listen, whoever it is. Fuck off, you and your stupid comments on my accent. You don't even know me. Back off, okay?" The other girls blatantly ignore me, but I'm not done yet. "By the way, I saw one of you pushing Saesong on the ground at the entrance. Who was it?"

A girl around my age, with long black hair and purple highlights, wearing a total black outfit, stands up and gives me a threatening glare. "Mind your fucking business, little wuss."

I've just run out of patience. This stupid brat needs a lesson, now.