Confrontation And Challenge

s we stepped into the nightclub, a wave of noise, flashing lights, and thick perfume hit me all at once.

I don't belong in places like this.

Before I could fully take it in, Mika was already pulling me through the crowd toward someone.

Right.
Her ex.
This is what she dragged me into—to show me off.

I already regret this.

“Rei! How are you?” Mika greeted him cheerfully, acting like last week’s public breakup never happened.

Right… Sawamura Ryu.
His dad is a well-known politician. There's even a rumor that his recent success in the entertainment industry was more about politics than talent.

“And who’s this?” Ryu asked, surprised as he looked at me standing beside Mika.

“My new boyfriend!” Mika said proudly, clinging to my arm. “Stylish, right? He said he fell in love with me the moment he first saw me!”

I don’t remember ever falling in love with you.

“Really?” Ryu scoffed. “He looks like a stray mutt you picked up off the street. Just being near him, I can smell the stupidity.”

...Is this guy really a celebrity?

My fists clenched. I wanted to punch him.
But I couldn’t. I knew better. Causing a scene here could ruin everything—for both Mika and me.

“How are you feeling, Ryu?” Mika asked with confidence. “Don’t you regret breaking up with me like that?”

“No.”

Just one word.
Sharp. Cold. Merciless.
It cut deeper than a speech ever could.

“N-No?” Mika’s voice wavered.

“You want the truth?” Ryu smirked. “You’re annoying. That’s why I dumped you. This world—you don’t belong in it. It’s for the talented. Not for charity cases who get sympathy claps for their pathetic performances.”

Her expression shattered.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Her hand started shaking.
God, I hated seeing this.

“Hey,” I spoke, louder than I intended.
“Don’t you think you’re being way too arrogant? Sure, you’re talented. I won’t deny that. But that doesn’t give you the right to tear people down. Mika worked hard to get where she is. Everything she achieved, she earned. You’re the one who doesn’t deserve to be here.”

In a flash, my cheek exploded with pain.
He punched me. A hard, dirty hit.

I hit the floor, vision spinning.

“Ken!” Mika cried out, running to my side.

“Who do you think you are talking to me like that?” Ryu barked, towering over me.
“I have fans! I have power! I’m famous now. You're nothing.”

He paused.

“Actually… I have a great idea. Let’s make this more fun. I challenge you to a singing competition. One month from now—here, on this stage.”

He pointed to the small platform in the corner where a band had just finished their set.

“You will sing. Or else… let’s just say, I’ll make sure my fans on social media bury you.”

“You’re challenging me?” I stood up slowly, brushing off the pain.
“Fine. But I have one condition. We each sing an original song. Something that’s never been released before.”

“Deal.” Ryu grinned. “One month. Don’t chicken out.”