AFTER a day of rest, the forty remaining contestants were gathered once more in the performance hall. The night before, an announcement had told them to be here at eight in the morning. And so, here they were.

Haneul stood between Robin and Taeyang. The three of them had eaten breakfast together and walked to the performance hall as a group. Compared to usual, the two were standing closer to him, almost boxing him in. They said nothing, but Haneul knew why. They were making sure Jeon Hyunsik didn’t have a chance to come near him. He appreciated their protectiveness, but at the same time, he started to wonder if he’d made things sound worse than they actually were. Was he acting like Park Mirae now? Making a big deal out of nothing? He shook the thought off quickly.

His discomfort wasn’t something he’d made up. He didn’t enjoy speaking badly about others, especially when they hadn’t actually done anything yet. But it was also important to have people around him who believed him and had his back. Because what if his gut feeling was right and he kept everything to himself? By the time something actually happened, it would be too late.

"Why do you think they called us all here?" Robin asked.

"They’re probably going to talk about the next elimination," Taeyang answered.

That’s right. With the dance mission finished, the next thing on the schedule would be the elimination. It would probably happen over the weekend. But Haneul had a feeling that wouldn’t be the only thing they’d announce today. Thinking back to when they were in Busan, he couldn’t help but wonder if there would be another surprise day off. He really hoped not. Because if that was the case and it would have the same format as the first day off, he’d have to go around Jeju with his dance mission team. It would be fine if it was just Eunwoo and Suho. But Jeon Hyunsik would also be there. So no. He’d rather not.

But it seemed his wish wouldn’t come true, as he would soon find out.

After a while, the PD walked onto the stage and stood at the center. He greeted the contestants good morning, and they all returned the greeting. The hall grew quiet as everyone waited for him to speak.

"First of all, I want to congratulate all of you on a successful live performance," the PD said. "You worked hard. Now, moving forward, the next elimination will take place this coming Saturday."

Since Haneul had already expected this, he wasn’t too surprised. But the announcement still made the atmosphere in the room grow tense. That was understandable. With how the missions had been going, the next one might be the last before the finale. If his guess was right, they would probably be cut in half after the next elimination.

"And one more thing," the PD continued. "Tomorrow, we’ll be leaving Jeju Island and sailing to our next destination."

Oh, so they’d be leaving tomorrow. Maybe that meant no day off, since they’d already gone to the beach when they arrived here. Haneul certainly hoped that was the case.

"But before we leave, the production team has prepared a small activity for all of you."

Haneul’s train of thought came to a halt at those words. Oh no. Please don’t let it be another day off.

"If you’re expecting another day off, you’re going to be disappointed." Haneul was about to let out a sigh of relief when the PD said that. But the next words out of his mouth made the relief catch in his throat. "But you will be going around Jeju with your dance performance team."

Shit. That was the first thought that popped into Haneul’s head. He could feel both Taeyang and Robin looking at him. They probably wanted to say something, but with cameras rolling all around, neither of them could react too noticeably.

"Don’t worry," Taeyang whispered to him. "I’ll figure out a way for my team to go with yours."

That... that could actually work. Haneul was about to whisper back a thank you, but it seemed the PD was determined to make his day worse. Because what he said next completely countered what Taeyang had just offered.

"Each team will receive a map," the PD explained. "Your map has a star drawn on it. That star marks your destination, but it doesn’t tell you the name of the place. You’ll have to follow the map and figure out where the star is leading you. Once you find the spot, take a photo with the destination clearly in the background. Then you can head back to the ship. The first three teams to return will get a special reward."

Well, that completely ruined Taeyang’s plan. Judging by the quiet curse he let out, he clearly thought so too. Haneul wanted to curse right along with him.

"Each team leader will come up to the stage and choose a map," the PD explained. "The maps will be placed face down, so no one can see which destination is marked on them. You’ll pick one at random, and whatever map you pick is where your team will go."

After saying that, the PD turned and gestured toward the table behind him. On top of it were several folded pieces of paper.

"Alright, team leaders, line up and come get your maps," the PD said.

***

"This is so exciting," Suho said, nearly bouncing on his heels. "I can’t believe we actually get to go around Jeju today."

Haneul wished he could share Suho’s excitement. Their team, along with the other contestants, was gathered on the deck. They were waiting for the staff to tell them when they could head out and start this star hunt. They were also waiting for the cameraman who would be assigned to their team to film everything.

His body tensed when he felt someone step up close beside him. He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. And he didn’t have to, because the person spoke first.

"Yes, it is very exciting."

As Jeon Hyunsik said that, Haneul could feel the other’s slimy gaze on him.