To prepare this challenge, we only have thirty minutes. Half an hour. This is a level of preparation only professional performers can attain without issues. Moreover, each group has been assigned a popular song to dance on, along with a theme or a set of dance moves we must incorporate.

Our team has to perform on the notes of "Paint it Blue." I think I'm lucky this time. Its choreography is one of Songbin's best recognized works, as well as one of her favorites. Moreover, she happens to be in the judging panel. I can't disappoint her.

Hyewon immediately takes charge. "Okay, girls, thirty minutes fly, so follow my lead and we won't have any issues. Understood?" Daha and I nod, and the three of us start with the basic moves.

Halfway through the practice, I remind we have to include one specific theme. "This song is about rebellion, so I think we should perform in an adventurous spirit. Our outfits could match my vibe." Hyewon listens carefully to my suggestion, but doesn't give me a feedback.

On the other hand, Daha reacts enthusiastically. "I have a few ideas! What about a backflip?" Hyewon curls her lips in skepticism. I myself am not sure if such a stunt is allowed. But Daha reassures us. "Don't worry, I can do it. Look!" She demonstrates a perfect backflip; to make sure we get a grasp of it, she repeats it.

Hyewon convinces herself. "If you can handle it, then I'm fine."

"I'll do it to close the dance break. I think it'll be a perfect transition to the bridge!"

I agree with Daha. "Yeah, it'll make a great impact. We also have to come up with a great final pose."

Hyewon interrupts us. "That's fine, but we should put our ideas to practice, we have less than ten minutes left."

Shit! Time flies. I guess we can't afford to dilly dally. We have to raise our stakes to bring in the epic performance our assigned song deserves.

***

In a surprising twist, we're the first team to perform. This leaves no room for mistakes: a poor execution of the choreography can leave a bad impression on the panel. Fortunately, that's not the case. Hyewon leads with a strong start, with Daha's dance break being the highlight of the performance.

At the end, I stand at the center and improvise a pose similar to that of a queen standing up for her people to fight off enemies. A fist raised up to the sky, a fierce, blazing glare, and my right hand making a gesture "inviting" the people (well, the audience) to join the uprising.

The judges applaud. Hyewon is surprised. She didn't expect my ending fairy. When she asks for an explanation, I dismiss her concerns. "They liked it. I'm confident we'll get a good score," I say.

She retorts. "You'd better be right, Saerom."

I'm so excited that I don't bother correcting her.

***

The other two performances take place in a rush, not allowing me to catch up on my own thoughts well enough. Still, I have an idea on who to keep an eye on for the next round. Daneung and Seoyoung's group, the clear favorites, impress as expected. Their rendition of "La flor del mal" is delicate in its complexity, showcasing a thin balance between good and evil.

Their picks are perfect. Hyanggi and Saeha complete the team like two pieces of an intricate, multi-dimensional puzzle. The final pose is pure art. I feel like they're taking me to a fairy forest.

On the other hand, the final group, consisting of Boyeon, Saesong and Mari express their fall from Heaven with "Wings." The concept is promising and the performance is neat; however, the judges are divided on it. While Songbin loves it, Dohee and another panelist think it's disharmonic and the three girls each fit different concepts.

I feel bad for Saesong. Both Boyeon and Mari throw pointed glares at her. If I were Mari, however, I'd avoid pinning the blame on others. Once again, she didn't approach the challenge with the right spirit. I believe she's a poor team player.

Seungsik calls for a commercial break to allow the jury to deliberate and pick a winning team. Meanwhile, I find Saesong on her own. She avoids my gaze, worrying me. I come closer to her. Her eyes are a well of tears.

I pull her in a huge hug. I perfectly relate to her because I know how being consistently under scrutiny is. It sucks. "Don't cry. They'll feed themselves with your tears. You're not their prey. Be assured you won't fall for their tricks."

Saesong's painful cry turns into a resolute look. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really needed this wake-up call. I'm not a weakling. I'll fight my way here. Like you." We give each other an energic high five.

We're soon followed by Saeha, Daha and, guess what? Hyewon, too. The latter says, "I may be the oldest contestant here, but this doesn't mean I can't feel emotional. I noticed commotion over here and came along with the others. Are you okay, Saesong?"

Saesong nods. "Thanks to Saesom unnie, I feel much better."

"I'm glad to know!" replies Saeha. "Come on, the last commercial is almost over. Fingers crossed!"

The episode ends with the clear favorites, Daneung and Saeha's team, being named winners. They earn 50 points for their stellar performance.

Hyewon, Daha and I come in a close second. We get 30 points. This allows me to gain two positions in the general rank. Now, I have 40 points overall. I have to keep up and do even better in the next challenges.

This leaves Saesong, Boyeon and Mari earn only ten points. Boyeon is unsatisfied because of her not so satisfying rank despite a promising start. However, she sees it as fuel to her fire. She vows she'll do better and conquer the audience's hearts again.

As a closing remark, Seungsik already gives a small anticipation for the next challenge. "In the next episode, the girls will try their hand at acting. Are you ready to see valleys of tears? See you next time! Kisses!" He makes his theatrical exit, after which this episode is officially over.

I leave the studio with Saesong, Saeha and Daha, whom I can consider my close friends now. Even if I don't win this competition, I'll end this journey with my head up high, knowing I've given my all.

"Now, I think we should raise a toast to friendship." Saesong's suggestion is perfect; however, the usual Mari has to dampen the mood with her negativity.

"Why are you celebrating, Saesong? You have a piss poor record. If I were you, I'd be ashamed," she says in a harsh manner, thinking to put her down like she tried to do with me last week.

I retort in response. "So do you, Mari. In fact, you're dead last. You are responsible for your own poor performances, so why don't you change your attitude and start showing your talent instead of plotting?"

"I'm fed up with you, unnie. You think you're all high and mighty, but, to be fair, you got carried this time. You have as little charisma as a potted plant." How dare this brat? Has she even watched me dance? Has she forgotten how Dohee praised me, and not her, last week?

Fortunately for me, Daha intervenes. "Mari, stop! Saesom has been amazing. The judges see something in each of us, which includes her, you and me. So, as she said, focus on your skills, not on pointless bickering."

Instead of apologizing, Mari stomps her left foot, crosses her fingers and turns her back at us, leaving without even saying goodbye properly.