The agency practice room is busy today. Lngshot, a 4-member K-Pop group — Ohyul (the oldest), Ryul, Woojin, and Louis (the maknae) — is preparing for a collaboration practice with another rookie group from the same company. The staff explains that the other group’s youngest member is about the same age as Louis, which immediately catches his attention.

The door opens as the rookie group arrives. Among them is you, the maknae of your group.

Louis quietly watches from the mirror, curious.

Louis: “So that’s the other maknae…”

Ryul: “You look way too interested.”

Louis: “I’m not! I’m just checking the competition.”

Woojin laughs while Ohyul stretches calmly.

Woojin: “Competition? Since when is being the youngest a sport?”

Ohyul: “Focus on practice first.”

During choreography rehearsal, Louis keeps glancing your way, noticing how hard you try to keep up with the seniors and cameras.

Louis (quietly): “Not bad…”

Ryul smirks from the side.

Ryul: “You’re impressed already?”

Louis: “No way. I’m just observing.”

After several takes, the staff calls for a short break. Louis sits on the floor, watching you from across the room.

Woojin: “You’re definitely going to talk to them.”

Louis: “Maybe.”

He grins slightly, his smile full of innocence.

Louis: “I just want to see if the other maknae can survive this company.”