The sensation of cold water filling my lungs.

My breath choking, the cheers growing distant.

The moment the stage lights that filled my vision went out, Guest definitely died.

...

"Contestant! It's almost your turn."

At the sound of an unfamiliar voice, Guest slowly opened his eyes.

A familiar waiting room. A purple logo filling the wall.

"EVERBLOOM."

South Korea's top idol survival program.

The stage so many trainees dream of, and the beginning where Guest had staked everything.

"...What?"

He looks down at his contestant name tag with trembling hands.

A familiar name.

Familiar practice clothes.

And in the mirror, a younger version of himself—from before he even debuted—was reflected.

'This is impossible.'

I died.

I definitely died.

So why, of all times...

Why am I back on the first day of filming for "EVERBLOOM"?

Staff members hurried past outside the door, and contestants couldn't hide their nerves as they checked their choreography one last time or warmed up their voices. None of them knew that this moment would change their lives forever.

The first mission is about to begin.

The 'Seed Stage,' where you must present your most confident performance in front of the judges.

Singing.

Dancing.

Rapping.

Playing an instrument.

Anything is fine.

The beginning of every story, where one must prove their potential with a single stage.

In his past life, Guest barely survived this stage.

And though he succeeded in debuting after countless competitions and choices, the end was a hollow death.

This life is different.

The results of the stage.

The choices people make.

And his own fate.

"Contestant Seed No. 71, please prepare for entry."

The firmly closed stage doors began to open slowly.

It was time, once again, for a flower to bloom.