"As usual, the music you bring is always 'clean.' There's nothing more I can do for you. It's already very ready."Jacob smiled as he removed the earphones from his ears. He had just listened to the music sample that Zoe would use tomorrow for her first live performance, and as always, Loria's music was well-prepared—thanks to Wolf, of course."Alright, I'll practice some more then." Zoe nodded but also looked nervous.This was her first live performance. The previous rounds were all tapping processes, and Zoe was fine. But live performances meant there couldn't be any mistakes. This made Zoe even more nervous."Did you arrange all of this yourself? If so, maybe I need to learn from you. You're very talented, Loria. If you don't win this competition, I'd be happy to have you work for Wolf. I...""Ah, no... no!" Zoe panicked, shaking her head. She had always claimed that she arranged her own songs because that's what Wolf ordered. She didn't want his name to appear until she was truly
[Son't worry. Sing with congidencce. Thjere's no difference between singing live or tapping. Youy'll be fine."Wolf and his typo-laden messages never failed to make Zoe smile. Zoe actually had the chance to activate the autocorrect feature on Wolf's phone so that his typos would decrease, as they met yesterday. But Zoe let it be.The message wouldn't be as funny and entertaining without those typos. Though sometimes Zoe had to think a bit longer to understand what Wolf meant, she preferred the typo-filled messages. The messages felt special and could only be sent by Wolf."I actually really like this song, but Syanna doesn't allow me to sing it. She thinks my voice doesn't suit it."While reading Wolf's message, Zoe turned her attention away when Laila, one of Syanna's chosen contestants, complained to Zoe about her vetoed song choice."But so far, you've always won using Syanna's chosen songs. What she picks is always right, isn't it?" Zoe clearly didn't want to discredit Syanna, as
Everyone there was momentarily confused, not expecting someone to suddenly open the door, but it lasted only about two seconds. After that, almost everyone screamed with joy, realizing that the person who came in was Max.Even Laila, who immediately got up and rushed towards Max,."Max!""Hello... hi!"Zoe heard all the chatter, but it seemed distant and faint as her mind suddenly went blank. She was not prepared to meet Max right now—with his appearance as Loria. Yesterday, when they met at the gym, Zoe perfectly hid her identity, but now she didn't know how to react if Max were to behave the same way Billy did yesterday—trying to force recognition.They shouldn't be meeting now. This was not in her plans. Zoe tried to calm herself, took a deep breath, and stood up, trying to be as enthusiastic as everyone else. It would be odd if Zoe didn't react like everyone else upon seeing Max, who had become famous in the music world."I didn't know you would be a guest today!"No one knows who
"Zoe? Look at me. Calm down first."Wolf tried to calm Zoe as he saw her on the verge of tears. Yet, Zoe shouldn't cry. Tears would ruin her makeup and all the preparations she had done now."Calm down first... Take a deep breath, slowly. Everything will be okay."Wolf whispered while gently patting Zoe's cheeks. But Zoe shook her head while scratching her neck again. She wanted to say that she couldn't speak."Oh, calm down."Wolf, of course, panicked as well. He understood what Zoe meant, but he hid his panic and gently lowered Zoe's hand from her neck, squeezing it softly."Listen to me, Zoe. Whatever happens today, nothing will change. You will still be mine. Even if you fail here, nothing can change that. I still want you. So, there's nothing for you to fear," Wolf reassured, calming her.But Zoe shook her head and tried to scratch her neck again. She wanted to sing. She wanted to be able to sing in front of Max without any burden. Without tears or lingering feelings."Don't cry.
Zoe felt like she was half in a dream, half awake. She waited behind the stage—after receiving a scolding from the producer for disappearing—with a remarkably blank expression.When the camera switched to the waiting participants, Zoe had to display the appropriate reactions. It may have been just two or three seconds of reaction—applause or a smile—but they had been specifically briefed to maintain enthusiasm. Of course, to keep the show lively. And Zoe missed it all, to the point that Laila had to nudge her several times to keep her from daydreaming too much.Zoe also missed Max's spectacular opening performance, even though the cheers heard in the waiting room were deafening.Zoe almost missed Laila's performance and only applauded at the last moment. Her own performance was nearly overlooked until Laila escorted her to the edge of the stage to keep Zoe from daydreaming.Zoe sang very successfully live because she was on autopil
Laila explicitly explained the main points she clearly saw, unaffected by the mixed emotions Zoe experienced during her relationship with Wolf.Despite Wolf's rough and annoying nature, as well as his occasional strange behavior—or the sex—what Laila said was undeniably true. Wolf, who even rejected Sara, whom Zoe considered perfect with all her dazzling qualities, suddenly willingly kissed her twice.That means there's something there. Something different. Maybe—just maybe—Wolf wasn't just talking about his voice earlier. Those ambiguous words about Wolf wanting her, when combined with that kiss, made more sense.And Zoe's head became even noisier at that moment. It was as if something was suddenly pacing back and forth, trying to extinguish the thoughts that she had kept at bay.The repressed thoughts now seemed to race to the surface, trying to shout as loudly as possible. Saying that what she hoped for was not impossible. There
Max smiled, stroking Zoe's arm and even her shoulder, and Zoe didn't resist. Zoe tossed her long black hair a few times, laughing to cover her lips. However, she shouldn't have directed that sweetness towards Max.Wolf had to remind himself several times not to charge towards the man with the guitar. Max clearly exuded charm while flipping his slightly long hair and flashing his bright neon-like smile multiple times, creating an atmosphere of dazzling charm. Wolf wanted to unplug any socket to turn off that pleasant ambiance, but he could only watch.Wolf moved to the exit door of the parking lot, taking a detour to return to his car so as not to surprise Zoe with his appearance. He continued to observe them until his neck felt stiff and his eyes felt sore from rarely blinking.Unable to bear seeing them seemingly conversing endlessly, Wolf finally hissed and took out his phone. Contacting Zoe was necessary now since he saw her reaching for her phone from her po
Mata Zoe squinted. She couldn't understand why she had to receive such a sour reception."So, what should I do?" Zoe asked."You just need to answer my call and leave that bastard! You can use it as an excuse to leave, and...""Ah, that could work." Zoe nodded. She didn't think about that idea."But I need to talk to him because...""Do you still need to talk to him?! What else do you need to hear from him besides nonsense?" Wolf hissed."Most of it may be nonsense, but I need to listen. I intend to pretend to be interested in him. If possible, I will become his lover."CKIT!Wolf pressed the brake pedal too quickly. Fortunately, there were no other cars behind them."What? You want to be his lover? Are you insane?" Wolf turned half of his body, looking at Zoe with an angry face."You're the crazy one!" Zoe shook her head, tired of hearing Wolf's incomprehensible anger."How can you miss the major part of m