The echo of laughter from the auditorium haunted Jiwon long after the talent show ended. He left the bathroom feeling hollow, the sting of public humiliation still fresh in his mind. As he walked home, the world around him felt muted, each step heavier than the last.
When he finally collapsed onto his bed, he hoped for some semblance of peace. But instead, his phone buzzed, jolting him from his thoughts.
[System Notification: Confidentiality Agreement Initiated]
"What now?" Jiwon groaned, glancing at the screen.
[To participate in the IDOL System, please accept the following terms:]
You agree to keep the existence of the IDOL System a secret.You will not disclose any information regarding your tasks or progress to anyone.Failure to comply may result in consequences that will affect your journey toward becoming an idol.
Jiwon read the terms, feeling a wave of dread wash over him. "Consequences?" he muttered to himself. The last thing he wanted was more pressure, more scrutiny. But he didn't have a choice. He had to accept if he wanted any chance of success.
With a heavy heart, he clicked Accept, the decision weighing on him like a stone.
[Auto Mode Engaged: Level 1 Training Begins]
Jiwon's body jerked to life, and he found himself standing once again, ready for whatever the system had in store. But this time, there was a new notification that sent chills down his spine.
[New Task: Complete 48-hour Fasting Period]
"What? No! That's insane!" he shouted, but the system ignored his protests.
[Fasting Mode Activated. Your calorie intake will be monitored. You must refrain from eating for 48 hours to enhance your performance.]
Panic surged through him. "This can't be real! I can't go without food for two days!"
But as the timer began its countdown, he felt the familiar grip of the system tighten around him. Jiwon's stomach growled in protest, but there was no way to override the command.
He paced his room, anxiety spiraling out of control. How could he endure this? It was bad enough being bullied and ridiculed. Now, he was being pushed into an extreme that felt dangerous.
As night fell, Jiwon lay in bed, his stomach churning with hunger. He thought about the delicious meals his mother prepared, the warmth and comfort they provided. But now, that warmth felt like a distant memory. The emptiness inside him mirrored the void he felt in his heart—one that hunger alone wouldn't fill.
[Auto Mode: Engage in Exercise Every Hour]
The notification pinged again, and he groaned. His body was already protesting from the lack of food, and now he had to force himself to work out as well?
He got up, the familiar compulsion pulling him to the floor. Each push-up and sit-up felt agonizing, especially on an empty stomach. His muscles screamed in protest, and he felt lightheaded with every passing minute.
But he pushed through, driven by the strange desire to meet the system's expectations. He didn't want to fail again, not after the talent show. If he wanted to be an idol, he had to comply, no matter the cost.
As the hours dragged on, Jiwon found himself in a state of confusion. He exercised until he felt ready to collapse, only to be forced to start again. Each time he finished a set, the system urged him on, ignoring his fatigue.
When he finally collapsed on the floor, breathing heavily, he felt a mix of pride and despair. He had completed the tasks, but at what cost? His stomach ached with hunger, and he could feel his energy draining away.
[Auto Mode: Hydration Reminder]
Another notification appeared, and Jiwon groaned. "Hydration?" he muttered, as if it was some consolation prize. He knew he had to drink water, but the reminder felt more like a mockery than a real concern for his well-being.
The next day dragged on, each hour filled with relentless exercise and growing hunger. He barely focused on his classes, his mind foggy and distracted. All he could think about was food, but every time he considered sneaking a bite, the system's warnings flashed in his mind, reminding him of the consequences of failure.
Finally, on the evening of the second day, Jiwon collapsed onto his bed, exhausted and defeated. His stomach churned painfully, and he felt dizzy. He wanted to cry but held back the tears, too tired to fight anymore.
[Fasting Period Complete]
The notification came as both a relief and a curse. He could eat again, but his body felt so weak that he wasn't sure he could even move.
With trembling hands, he opened the fridge, the sight of food sending his heart racing. He reached for a simple meal—a bowl of rice and vegetables—his mouth watering at the thought.
But just as he was about to dig in, another notification blared.
[Warning: Failure to adhere to fasting may result in loss of progress. For best results, proceed with caution.]
Jiwon paused, the weight of the warning heavy on his heart. He felt trapped in a cycle of punishment, as if every choice he made was under constant scrutiny.
"Why is this happening to me?" he whispered, staring at the food that felt like a forbidden fruit.
He thought about the idea of becoming an idol, the glimmer of hope that had once seemed so bright. Now, it felt like a cruel joke, twisting his dreams into a nightmare.
After a moment of hesitation, he placed the bowl back in the fridge, forcing himself to step away. "I have to be strong," he told himself, even as his heart sank with hunger.
But deep down, a dark thought whispered: Was this the price he had to pay for his dreams? And would it ever be worth it?
As he lay in bed that night, the empty feeling in his stomach matched the emptiness in his heart, leaving him to wonder if this was truly the path he wanted to take.