A few days after the first part of episode five airs, all the trainees are gathered in the audition room where the seats have been re organized for the upcoming elimination.

1
2 - 3 - 4
5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9
10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15

All the girls file into a group as the cameras begin rolling.

Park Jimin (National Rep): It's been quite the competition so far national producers... how have you been enjoying it? *he pauses as if waiting for the audience to respond* I'm glad to hear it! Now... shall we see the results of your voting? I must say, you might be surprised at the results. Let's begin right away, I'm sure the trainees are just as nervous as you!

The camera angle changes to show Park Jimin standing directly to the side of the pyramid.

Let's begin with number twelve! During the next elimination, the twelfth place position would be the final position to earn a place in the finale.

In twelfth place this time we have a rapper who performed "Don't Know You" in the position evaluation....

[INTERVIEW]

Misae Nakamura (JYP // ???): So it has to be Yulhee or Hayun... i think i'm getting better at this guessing game! I think it's probably Hayun, she usually places in the middle of the rankings...

[END INTERVIEW]

12.
「 HWANG HAYUN ; INDIVIDUAL 」
258,612  VOTES
[ -1 ]

Shin Eunjin (IND // ??): Congratulations Hayun! *she gives the girl a hug as Hayun makes her way to Jimin*

The other girls express their congratulations to the girl, though no one is surprised at her rank.

Hwang Hayun (IND // 12): Thank you so much for giving me another chance to show you my best!

[ BONUS INTERVIEW! ]

(Staff Member): You have 90 seconds to introduce yourself to the viewers!

Hwang Hayun (IND // 12): Wait... why are we doing this now? The show is more than half way over...

??? (Staff Member): I'm just following instructions! Your time has already started by the way...

Hwang Hayun (IND // 12): Wait! I'm not ready... was I supposed to prepare something??

??? (Staff Member): It's too late now! You have 70 seconds remaining....

Hwang Hayun (IND // 12): Gah~ Okay! Spitting fire and singing melodies, from Paris to Daegu, I'm Hwang Hayun, one of the individual trainees on this show. *she waves with both hands to the camera* I hope you've been enjoying my performances lately! It hasn't been what I'm used to, I'd never done a cute concept before Pick Me, but if I'm honest they're kind of growing on me...

She continues randomly rambling for a few more more seconds before the staff member filming decides to help her with some of the cue cards she made in advance.

Hwang Hayun (IND // 12): *reading* What are some of my favorite things to do... Oh! I love to write songs~ if you haven't already, check out my mixtape on Soundcloud, it's pretty... how are the kids saying it these days... "lit". But you know what is more lit? The next song that I'll be probably be performing on this show: Dumb Dumb! Please support our team!

The staff gives her a 30 second warning.

Hwang Hayun (IND // 12): *reading* Who have been my favorite trainees to work with? Um... maybe Charlotte? We worked together on the last mission and she's pretty fun, also a  a really good singer and maybe Eunjin? Okay! I've got ten seconds left so I'll leave you with a powerful final message: please support Epanoui and team Dumb Dumb  and also stream my mixtape!! Thank you!

She bows to the camera as the clip cuts back to Park Jimin.

[ END INTERVIEW ]

Park Jimin (National Rep): For rank eleven... a rising rapper known for her visuals and versatility in concepts...

[INTERVIEW]

Roh Yulhee (SM //? ??): I was really hoping this would be me... even though I was in the debut line up last time, I didn't perform as well in the last evaluation... I just hope my rank didn't drop more than this...

[END INTERVIEW]

11.
「 BAE CHOWON ; INDIVIDUAL 」
258,612 VOTES
[ +6 ]

When her name is called, the girls around her immediately pull her into a hug.

Kim Herin (BigHit // ???): See! We told you that you'd make it!

Choi Seohyun (IND // ???): After that last evaluation, which you absolutely killed, you definitely earned this place!

She goes up to take the microphone from Jimin.

Bae Chowon (IND // 11): *on the verge of tears* Gosh... I even had my elimination speech all ready for this. Thank you so much for believing in me and voting for me!
I promise i won't let you down in the next mission!

The rise in rank is surprising to most of the trainees, and with Chowon's steadily increasing popularity, she might even be seen in the debut line up in the future.... but of course, that's for the netizens to decide.

[ BONUS INTERVIEW! ]

Bae Chowon (IND // 11): Ayo what's up everyone?? Annyeong~ it's your girl Bae Chowon! *she shoots finger guns at the camera* Thanks for all your support! I didn't really prepare anything so um I guess I'm just going to wing it!

To be honest I don't really think this will ever air because I'm probably getting eliminated, but if it does, I guess I have a few things to say.

First: Hey mom! Look! I made it! *she giggles*

The staff member in charge of the interviews nearly face palms. Why did Mnet not give these girls any time to prepare?

Second: I'm really grateful to be here... I've done so many things I never thought I'd do. I even sang in an evaluation! I never thought I'd do that!

I guess I should probably talk more about myself huh?

The staff member holds up a forty second warning sign.

Okay I guess I don't have that much time left so maybe I'll rap my introduction?

Alright... here goes:

Hey everyone, annyeong, it's Chowon!

Never thought I'd make it this far

It's quite a phenomenon!

Since six years old, I've been writing songs

Canada to Seoul ~ NY to Japan

I might not be an avenger

But call me superwoman

(apologies for the cringe, this took way to long to write and 0 flow but I tried)

Please support team Summer Dream! I love you guys!

She blows a kiss to the camera before the clip cuts back to Park Jimin.

[ END INTERVIEW ]

Park Jimin (National Rep): Number ten was formerly in the debut line up... known for her crystal clear vocals

[INTERVIEW]

Kim Sora (Individual // ??): Is it me? I was in the debut line up the first time... I don't know. I kind of hope it's me, but at the same time, I hope I was able to rank higher

[END INTERVIEW]

10.
「 NAKAMURA MISAE  ; JYP 」
284,589 VOTES
[ -8 ]

There's a look of surprise from most of the trainees, Misae had been ranked in second place after the group evaluation. But Misae goes up proudly to take her rank.

Kwon Choonchee (Yuehua // ???): Congratulations! *she gives Misae a high five as she passes*

Misae Nakamura (JYP // 10): Thank you so much for all your support! Even though I've dropped out of the debut line up, I promise I won't give up and will continue to work hard to improve and perform well for you!

[ BONUS INTERVIEW ]

Misae Nakamura (JYP // 10): Annyeong! Shining brightly, I'm Misae Nakamura, here to steal your hearts!

??? (Staff Member): Have you planned anything for this interview?

Misae Nakamura (JYP // 10): Just a little something...

She reaches down and puts on a pair of cat ears.

Misae Nakamura (JYP // 10): If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I'm always prepared.

Somehow, a table has also magically appeared, and Misae pulls an entire tea set from the ground.

??? (Staff Member): Wait... what is going on? Was this cleared by the producers??

Misae Nakamura (JYP // 10): After a hard day, I always have a nice cup of tea to relax and unwind.

She adjusts her cat ears with a fond smile, and begins pouring tea into the cups.

Misae Nakamura (JYP // 10): Would anyone like some tea?

Misae offers cups to the staff, and one to the camera.

Misae Nakamura (JYP // 10): I've done a lot of thinking on this show, and also a lot of singing. *she laughs to herself* But that's to be expected right? Anyway I'm really looking forward to the next evaluation. I really like the new song that we're performing, and the dance is fun as well.

Uh oh... looks like that's my 90 seconds up... Please support team Summer Dream in the next evaluation. Love you guys! Thanks for supporting me!

[ END INTERVIEW ]

Park Jimin (National Rep): Number 9... a visual vocalist from who has been steadily climbing up the rankings! 

[INTERVIEW]

Kim Sora (JYP // ???): Yes! My girl Li Mei! You deserve this!

[END INTERVIEW]

9.
「 YANG LI MEI ; YUEHUA 」
290,767  VOTES
[ +1 ]

Sora gives Li Mei a hug from the side, and Seohyun gives her a high five as she passes. Her ranking wasn't unexpected, and the trainees cheer for her as she makes her way to Jimin.

Lee Suran (CUBE // ???): Great job Li Mei!

Yang Li Mei (Yuehua // 9): Ah... thank you so so much! I'm glad that I've been able to improve so much over the last month for you. I love you guys! *she makes a heart over her head with her arms and walks up to her seat*

[ BONUS INTERVIEW! ]

Yang Li Mei (Yuehua // 9): AYO WASSUP?

The staff members block their ears, not expecting her to be so loud.

Yang Li Mei (Yuehua // 9): Everyone is expecting me to say something about being a flower or whatever, but honestly, that's not as fun as this so...

You probably don't know this, but I'm an excellent rapper. I've been practicing my rapping voice. Want to hear?

??? (Staff Member): Why is she so hyper today? She is never this hyper...

Yang Li Mei (Yuehua // 9): *to the tune of agust d* Yang to the L to the I to the M - E - I, I'll send to you to Hong Kong with my tongue technology!

Just kidding~ i'm from Beijing. Also I think i've been listening to way too much BTS lately.

A staff member says something indistinctly to Li Mei.

Yang Li Mei (Yuehua // 9): You're probably wondering why i'm so hyper today... well [company redacted] sent [trainee redacted] a gift basket to woo her to join their company after the show. She shared all the sweets with us. Also are you going to bleep out the names?

The staff member nods to her from behind the camera.

Yang Li Mei (Yuehua // 9): Well now its going to sound like i was swearing or something! Aish... editing team don't you dare bleep me! I didn't say anything wrong!

??? (Staff Member): You have ten seconds remaining.

Yang Li Mei (Yuehua // 9): Oh gosh... um... thank you for always supporting me! This is Li Mei signing off~

[ END INTERVIEW ]

Park Jimin (National Rep): Let's reveal trainee number eight... another vocalist who is rising up the ranks again after falling significantly after the last ranking.

[INTERVIEW]

Lee Suran (CUBE // ???): I was starting to get really nervous, because after Chowon and Hayun, none of the other rappers were called. What if there are no rappers in the debut line up... what will happen then?

[END INTERVIEW]

8.
「 CHARLOTTE ASHBOURNE ; SM 」
387,132  VOTES
[ +6 ]

Kang Hyunjin (SM // ???): Wooo! SM girls fighting!

There's a mixed reaction from everyone as Charlotte was very popular in the beginning, but seemed to have lost a lot of fans after the group evaluation. But after a stellar performance in Don't Know You, Charlotte is rising in rank again.

Charlotte Ashbourne (SM // 8): Whoo! We're back to the top again! Thanks everyone for not giving up on me! This has been so amazing so far, it would be sad if it ended now, but fortunately i'll get to continue to show you my best for another week!

[ BONUS INTERVIEW ]

Charlotte Ashbourne (SM // 8): It's me, your Australian fresh vocal Charlotte! It's a bit late for an introductory video, but i guess better late than never?

I guess we could start with my name. I do have a korean name, it's Chaewoun, but i prefer to use my birth name for everything. It's kind of long but I've learned to love it.

Since i'm half australian and half korean, I can speak fluent english! Yes~ i do have an australian accent when i talk regularly, but when i sing i usually just sing with an american or korean accent to blend with the others.

Surprisingly, though Charlotte has clearly planned her interview well, it's missing some of the energy of the unplanned interviews, so a staff member hands her one of the hats with the bunny ears that move up and down.

Charlotte Ashbourne (SM // 8): *playing with the hat* Ohhh this is so adorable! I love it!

What do i think my greatest strength is? My knowledge of the best memes.

Perhaps the staff member thought too soon... maybe this interview was about to become a lot more interesting.

Charlotte Ashbourne (SM // 8): Well, not necessarily at making them, but being them a meme is my strong suit. I have an idea!

She poses with one finger pointing up like she's got a light bulb above her head.

Charlotte Ashbourne (SM // 8): Screenshot your favorite part from the show, make it into a meme, and then send it to me!

Maybe i could get Park Jimin sunbaenim to show them all at the finale. That would be fun.

Uh oh... the staff are telling me i'm way overtime. Guess this is goodbye then! Peace out!

She sends a final heart to the camera before the clip ends.

[ END INTERVIEW ]

Park Jimin (National Rep): In seventh place... one position away from debut...

[INTERVIEW]

Lee Chaerin (BigHit  // ???): I feel like it's someone from the debut line up this time... but i'm not sure.

[END INTERVIEW]

7.
「 LEE SURAN ; CUBE 」
451,502  VOTES
[ +2 ]

Lee Chaerin (BigHit // ???): Woah! Didn't see that coming! Congrats Suran!!

Suran makes her way to the microphone, brimming with excitement.

Lee Suran (CUBE // 7): So close, yet so far... thank you for continuing to support me, I'm very happy to be here. But i'd be even happier if you could just push me one more seat up!

[ BONUS INTERVIEW ]

Lee Suran (CUBE // 7): Annyeonghaseyo, I'm Lee Suran, but today you can call me Professor Lee! Today I'll be teaching you all about the history of Kpop.

??? (Staff Member): Are you a certified teacher?

Lee Suran (CUBE // 7): Hush! The teacher is speaking. Let's begin with the iconic debut of SNSD on August 5th 2007. For a long time, Girls Generation ruled the Kpop scene, second to none.

She pulls out a poster, decorated with various glittery arrows and letters.

??? (Staff Member): When did you even have time to make this???

Lee Suran (CUBE // 7): Quiet! Or i won't hesitate to give you a detention!

Anyway, it wasn't until 2009 that I came on the scene, because that brought the debut of 2ne1, aka one of the best kpop groups of all time.

She points to her own smiling picture on the poster.

Lee Suran (CUBE // 7): Flash forward to the future, and 2ne1 has unfortunately disbanded, but their spirit lives on in me! Lee Suran~ the next great rapper of the third generation!

Thank you for listening to my presentation and please support team Get It! in the next evaluation!

She bows for the camera as the clip cuts back to Jimin.

[ END INTERVIEW ]

Park Jimin (National Rep): Perhaps we should spice things up a little bit. Let's skip up to first place.

Shall we reveal the top four candidates for first place? You might be surprised to see who's made the line up....

Kwon Choonchee (Yuehua // ???): No surprise that Chaerin is up there again.

Zhang Weilan (PLEDIS // ???): Woah! If Seohyun got first place, she would have gone from second to last to first in one evaluation.

Hwang Hayun (IND // 12): That's my girl Eunjin!! She's never been in the line up before!

Bae Chowon (IND // 11): That's right! It's time to stop sleeping on the talent that is Athena and start sleeping on real beds.

Park Jimin (National Rep): Let's see who's in fourth place... earning 524,562 votes...

[INTERVIEW]

Shin Eunjin  (IND // ???): I think it's me. It's an honor to be considered for first place, but seeing my competition, i'm definitely in fourth.

[END INTERVIEW]

4.
「SHIN EUNJIN ; INDIVIDUAL 」
524,562  VOTES
[ +8 ]

Choi Seohyun (IND // ???): Congratulations! You deserve it!

Eunjin squeals in excitement, tightly hugging Seohyun for a few seconds before running over to the microphone.

Shin Eunjin (IND // 4): Ah! This doesn't feel real! Thank you so much for believing in me even when no one else did. Look how far i've come! I promise i won't let you down in the future!

[ BONUS INTERVIEW! ]

Shin Eunjin (IND // 4): Its your cutie from Busan ~ Shin Eunjin! But i don't think i look too cute today, I was going for something a little more fierce. What do you think?

A staff member can be heard in the background of the footage shouting compliments to Eunjin.

Shin Eunjin (IND // 4): Aww thanks! You know, my mom said I should be a model when i was younger, but i thought she was just kidding.

But then the first time i wore heels i tripped down the stairs, and i knew i'd never be able to make it down a cat walk.

Then again, if i had become a model~ i never would have started singing.

As if this cute turned serious interview can't get any weirder, Eunjin pulls out a ukulele.

My favorite song is "Paper Hearts" by Tori Kelly. I know you guys hear me sing a lot, so i thought i could mix it up by playing as well.

??? (Staff Member): Where did you get the ukulele?

Shin Eunjin (IND // 4): That's a funny story actually! I was asking if anyone had one, and Charlotte did, so she taught me how to play this song last night. Hopefully I don't forget!

??? (Staff Member): Wait you learned last-

Shin Eunjin (IND // 4):
I hate this part, paper hearts
And I'll hold a piece of yours
Don't think I would just forget about it.

She strums along peacefully.

??? (Staff Member): That was actually really good!

Shin Eunjin (IND // 4): Did you seriously doubt my expertise? Charlotte said i was her best student so of course it was going to be good!

A bell sounds, signaling the end of the interview.

Shin Eunjin (IND // 4): We'll continue this conversation later! Goodbye lovelies!

[ END INTERVIEW ]

Park Jimin (National Rep): Rank three earned over 600,000 votes~

[INTERVIEW]

Lee Chaerin (BigHit // ???): That's already three times the amount of votes I got last time...

[END INTERVIEW]

3.
「 PARK ATHENA ; PLEDIS 」
624,534 VOTES
[ +4 ]

Lee Chaerin (BigHit // ???): Welcome back to the debut line up! Congratulations Athen!

Bae Chowon (IND // ???): Even though I've never worked with her, I've seen all the episodes of Epanoui and Athena is one of the most talented dance trainees on this show, i'm glad she got back into the debut line up.

Park Athena (PLEDIS // 3): Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much! I'm glad to be back in the debut line up again. Even though i'm ranked high this week,  i won't be lazy and will give my best every day in practice still. Thank you for your support!

[ BONUS INTERVIEW ]

Park Athena (PLEDIS // 3): Since this is supposed to be a getting to know you interview, i thought, what better way for you to get to know me than to show you my hat collection.

??? (Staff Member): These interviews just keep getting weirder and weirder...

Park Athena (PLEDIS // 3): Let's start with my lucky leopard print beret.

She pulls the hat from her bag.

Park Athena (PLEDIS // 3): It's cute huh? I wore it to my first ever audition. I was so young at the time. But if i stretch it, the beer still mostly fits so i keep it with me.

Next we have my cowboy hat~

??? (Staff Member): You just carry around a cowboy hat with you wherever you go?

Park Athena (PLEDIS // 3): You never know when you might need a sparkly purple and black cowboy hat. 

She sets the hat on the table.

Park Athena (PLEDIS // 3): Then we have my beanie collection. I don't wear these too often, but they're just too aesthetic not to have you know?

Six rainbow colored beanies now sit next to the cowboy hat on the table.

Park Athena (PLEDIS // 3): I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of my hats, and i'd like to think you know me a little better now! Please enjoy the rest of the show and support team Dumb Dumb!

[ END INTERVIEW ]

—- [ END EPISODE ] —-

「who will come out on top,
and who will be on the bottom? 」

find out on the next episode of epanoui!

——note——
i think this is a new word count record for me (3526 words) and there's still another part to go. this is unedited btw so i'm sure there's a bunch of mistakes that i'll fix in the morning. i can't believe the show is more than half way over 😢. i don't know if i'll do another survival show after this because i'll be busy after summer time, but if i did, should it be a boy / girl / or coed and would you consider joining? it's a little early to think about, but if i really want it to look aesthetic and nice i have to start playing with the format now because i don't know what i'm doing so 😂😂 ... anyway! hope you enjoyed!