(Idol Producer) Drifting

You always have to pay back what you take from others. I've always believed that, which is why, even after I got roped into joining a talent show, I regretted ever accepting that meal. I know my own abilities, so I didn't have high hopes. But things took an unexpected turn: I somehow kept surviving round after round, and even stayed for quite a while. And when did I get so close to all of you? At first, we barely did more than nod at each other! Reader advisory: The male lead is worldly but not jaded, mature and steady (and gloomy). He won't debut. No CP, though there is a little ambiguity. Mid-length. It's been so long, and I'm still writing about idol competitions! Maybe I'll write this, maybe I won't.