Chapter 24：Recall that feeling of dread. (1/2)

I wake up to the sound of the alarm with a feeling of dread.

Today's the day we'll be participating in that 'I Challenge You' episode.

We have no idea what type of games we'll be playing in this segment.

Of course, I tried to ask them last week, but being able to practice or prepare beforehand will ruin things.

We're totally in the dark, so it's most likely I might make a fool out of myself somehow.

I press both my palms to my face and do a muffled, high-pitched scream.

After letting out my frustrations, I get up, and with heavy steps, I lazily walk towards the bathroom to get ready.

* * * * *

I look up at the old studio building #25-E, where the show is usually filmed.

Spotting the entrance, I pull on the well used painted metal door, and the hinge makes a slight squeak.

As soon as I get inside, I see double doors, a small hallway, and some signs on the walls indicating where the toilets are.

Some security guards are posted right outside what seems to be the main entrance.

I show them my printed temporary ID. They scan the barcode and my bag; then they let me through.

* * * * *

After walking for about a few minutes, I finally see the set. There are so many people running about, getting everything ready.

Thankfully, one of the staff seems to have noticed and jogs over to me.

”Hello, Good morning! You are Ms. Therysia Raley, right?” They ask, to which I respond with a nod.

I quietly follow the person until we reach a room that has all four of our names on the door.

As soon as it's opened, I hear some laughter, which is most likely coming from Ren. Both Jett and Charles look amused as they continue to listen.

”Since my pride was at stake, I... Ah! Ms. Raley! I'm SO happy you're finally here!” Ren grins and walks over to me with his arms open wide.

I give him a death glare, warning him that he better not even attempt to hug me.

Ren dramatically wraps his arms around himself.

While trembling, he says, ”Ohh... it's okay if you won't hug me!”

”I have to admit that I am a little sad... but that passionate gaze of yours is more than enough for now.”

After saying his piece, he grins and stares at me with satisfied eyes upon seeing my annoyance.

Sighing, I roll my eyes and ignore him. It's sadly the only thing I CAN do at this point.

It doesn't help that he acts a lot more normal towards everyone else BUT me.

What I don't get is why does he have to subject me to this EVERY... SINGLE... TIME... we see each other!

Oh, what I would give to stay at home today.

I feel a large hand gently clutching onto my shoulder. To my surprise, it's actually Mr. Boet and not Jett who did that.

Jett did the same thing to Ren, but even both of them are looking at us in shock.

Probably because other than handshaking, he has never made any other physical contact with me before.

Feeling puzzled, I look into his face, and Charles smiles, ”Let's do our best today, partner.”

Partner?!

Don't tell me they just did whatever the heck they wanted before I got here??

But then, it doesn't make sense as Jett and Ren shouldn't be looking as stunned as I am too.

As if he could read my mind, Mr. Boet answers, ”I was the first one who got here, and they told me I could decide the groups. 'Special privilege', they said.”