Chapter 742: Gift System
"SIbling's Love!" Casper announced, appearing like he was happier than the contestants themselves.
June smiled to himself, feeling an indescribable happiness go through his veins.
At that point, he had been used to victories.
However, this particular one was special because he won it with his sister.
Not only that, but he felt that it served as a great closure for what they had—although Mei was still not aware of their real relationship.
"Mentor June," Jaeyong said, also looking proud. "Do you have some words to say to everybody in the room?"
June smiled and took the microphone from the stand before facing everybody.
He felt fulfilled since it didn't appear that they were questioning the result. There was some disappointment on their faces, but that was normal. June was just very thankful that they won, not because of his popularity but because of the performance they had.
"First of all, I want to say thanks to the girls on my team," he said, causing their smiles to widen.
"I know first-hand how hard they've tried, and I'm also deeply rooting for all of them. However, I'm also proud of all of you. From the auditions and now to the near end, I feel like you guys are finally ready to become idols."
"You have been an integral part of my journey," he smiled.
"All of you."
"This will be an experience that I will take with me until the day I die," he said, earning 'awws' from the listeners.
"You're going to be immortal, June!" a girl exclaimed, making the room burst into chuckles.
"That would be too lonely," June said. "I wish I would live a normal, peaceful life up until my 70s," he continued.
But that wasn't the case for everybody.
"Anyway," he continued. "This is your last mission. The next one, you would be in front of thousands of people—your future fans."
"I hope that all of you don't lose hope and continue striving until the very end of the competition."
"Not only that, but I also hope you continue striving even if you didn't fulfill your goals for this show."
"Thank you."
With that, he placed the microphone back on the stand while they clapped for his glorious speech.
"Thank you for that," Casper chimed. "Jaeyong nearly cried again," he added, making the girls chuckle at the cute idol.
"Well, we will conclude tonight's filming with the benefits that June's team will receive," Jaeyong said with a stuffy nose.
"Each girl will be given 100,000 stars added to their votes. This is a very great prize as it may change the course of the game," he continued.
The girls started discussing among themselves, feeling the gravity of the situation since the finale was coming in the following week.
"This has been Casper."
"And this has been Jaeyong."
"See you in the live finale next week!" they said in unison, signaling the end of the filming.
With that, the different teams dispersed, being comforted by their respective mentors.
June, on the other hand, celebrated with his team, even ordering them some food.
The other girls went back to get dressed, but June held onto Mei's wrist, making her halt.
She turned around with a frown.
She was about to speak, but June placed his index finger against his lips and shushed her.
"Follow me," he mouthed.
Mei was surprised, but nonetheless, she followed June, feeling like she couldn't miss out on the interaction.
They arrived at the back of the staircase—a place where cameras weren't found.
Mei frowned as they arrived at the dark area.
"What the heck?" she muttered.
"I'm not into older dudes, just so you know."
June frowned and stepped away from him.
"Don't get the wrong idea," June said. "You shouldn't be liking anybody at this point."
Mei rolled her eyes. "Why did you pull me to the side, then?"
June pursed his lips. "I have something to give you."
Mei frowned and held out her hand.
"What is it?" she asked. "Make it fast. The food is going to arrive soon."
"It's not a material thing," June vaguely answered.
Mei's frown deepened.
"What do you mean? Don't tell me bullcrap and say that it's your love or something like that."
"No," June exclaimed. "It's something...supernatural."
Mei sighed and shook her head. "You're not making sense."
"Just...just tell me that you won't get weirded out," he warned.
Mei clicked her tongue. "I'm already weirded out."
June sighed and raked his fingers through his hair.
"Alright, I understand. Then, just tell me that you're not going to freak out."
"Depends on what it is," Mei said with narrowed eyes.
"Promise me," June urged, making Mei feel like June was being very serious.
"Alright," she finally said. "I won't freak out."
"Okay," June said.
"Okay," he repeated.
He went through his potions and looked at the 'gift' button.
At that moment, he suddenly felt emotional.
[So, this is it, huh?]
"This is it," June muttered, not bothering to hide it from Mei.
Mei frowned. "What the heck? You're speaking to yourself now?"
"Shh," June said. "Don't interrupt me. Just give me a moment."
Mei rolled her eyes but nonetheless followed June's instruction.
It really did seem like he was unusually emotional.
[I'm going to miss you.]
"Don't give me that sappy shit."
June said those words, but he felt tears brimming in his eyes.
[You were the best host I could have wished for.]
"And you could have been a much, much better system," June deadpanned.
Fu ignored him and continued saying emotional stuff.
[We've come a long way.]
[You could barely dance when I first met you, and now you can fly through the roof with your dance moves.]
June chuckled and shook his head.
[I'm very proud of you, darling.]
"Darling?" June muttered.
[You might think that you didn't arrive at your current level with your own effort, but I want to tell you that it was only possible to have come this far because it was you.]
[June, you were meant to be a top idol...and now, you are one.]
[I've served you well, and I'll serve your sister well.]
"Treat her well," June said, feeling tears brim in his eyes.
He couldn't believe that he was feeling emotional from a crazy system!
[I'm ready.]
June pursed his lips and nodded, finally saying the words he had long kept.
"Gift system."