Chapter 35 – The Dare No One Wanted
Behind the Gold: AUREUS Unfiltered – Episode 2
Dare 12 of 13
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Studio Status: Holding its Breath
The tension in the studio still lingered like fog over cold water. No one spoke. No one moved.
The camera's red light blinked softly—recording a silence that felt like it could shatter glass.
Jeon Mira (host):
(quiet, recovering)
"Let's… move on."
(She clears her throat, flipping the next card almost too carefully.)
"Dare Twelve."
The wheel spins. It ticks slowly—and lands on Rin.
Rin (visibly startled):
"...Me?"
Minjae (soft laugh, trying to lighten the air):
"C'mon. Break the tension. Please."
Jeon Mira (reading):
"Dare Twelve. Write a letter to someone you've never had the courage to speak to. You must read it aloud."
The air shifts again—but this time, not with ice. With weight.
Yeonwoo (softly):
"Oof…"
Hyunjae:
"That's rough."
Eunjae:
"I'd rather do the ice bucket challenge in Antarctica."
Rin doesn't smile. Doesn't roll his eyes.
He just takes the offered card, and a pen.
Rin (quietly):
"I'll do it."
[MINUTES PASS IN STUDIO SILENCE]
He writes, slowly. Thoughtfully. Every so often, his lips press together in hesitation.
And then, finally, he lifts his head.
He doesn't ask if they're ready.
He just reads.
Rin (reading):
"Dear Appa,
I don't know how to start this. I don't even know if I should be calling you that. But I am. Because I want to.
You probably don't remember the last thing you said to me. But I remember.
You said: 'Real men don't sing. They endure.'
I've spent years enduring. But I've also spent years singing."
(A pause.)
"I want you to know—when I perform, I'm not weak. When I cry on stage, it's not shameful.
When I pour my soul into lyrics, I'm not breaking. I'm healing.
I wanted you to see me and think, 'That's my son.'
But I've realized… I don't need you to."
(His voice trembles—not with fear. But with release.)
"I'm not angry anymore.
I just hope—wherever you are—you can hear the music."
He lowers the paper.
And for the first time in a long time—Rin smiles.
IN THE STUDIO
No teasing. No banter.
Just silent respect.
Jaeheon turns slightly. The camera catches it.
A subtle incline of his head toward Rin. Approval.
Minjae (quietly):
"That was beautiful, man."
Yeonwoo (smiling):
"We're proud of you."
Real-Time Global Chat:
@tearsincoming: not me crying after being emotionally destroyed 3 chapters in a row
@daddyissuescollectors: Rin just healed a generation
@everylanguage4her: the way even Jaeheon nodded? respect.
Jeon Mira (gentle, voice low):
"Thank you, Rin."
She places the last card carefully on the table.
"Only one dare left."