The Rising Swan

Chapter 2: Dreams Carry The Agony

"One, two AND three.... Okay, that's clearer, one more time please." The instructor told them so. It's 8:30 PM, the girls are practicing at the HQ's dance room for their TV showcase, the choreography is obviously the same, but they are pushing for perfection since they want to continue the sweeping awards streak for their current comeback.

It's an understatement that they "work hard" during practices like these, their laborious work ethics always results into show wins and awards, making them "living legends of the industry" as one article articulately puts it.

"That's a lot better girls, water break for now. Thanks for always working hard." The dance instructor praises as the girls took a break after nailing again their dance number. Leaving them to rest for a bit.

"Phew that was tiring, but it was fulfilling." Jihyo told the girls as she drinks from her half-full water bottle.

"I never knew that it was this tiring, our first practices for this comeback were not this grueling" Jeongyeon said as she sat down on the dance floor facing the mirrors, catching her breath after almost an hour of repetitive dancing.

"Well at least there's 30 minutes left before dismissal" Nayeon reminded about the time while cleaning up herself and fixing her hair in front of the mirror.

Mina was near the water dispenser, drinking from it as if she traveled a long distance to be this tired and thirsty. Nayeon was right, just a push and 30 minutes would zoom past. She then leaned back on the dance room's desk as she catches her breath.

"Any cravings for dinner?" Nayeon asked everyone.

"Just order something for later, maybe a burger or something else." Jeongyeon replied.

"I agree, I hope I wouldn't pass out without eating, since this practice is too long and tiring" Jihyo said as the two agreed.

"How about you Mina? Anything you would like to have for dinner later?" Jeongyeon asked her.

"Nah, burger is fine for me too." She replied as she shook her head. The instructor then came back in and signaled them to form for their dance practice once again.

"Alright ladies, that's a wrap. Always 100% performance. Thank you and good luck for tomorrow" The instructor said as she concludes the practice. The girls bowed down as a sign of gratitude and waved back to the instructor for goodbyes.

"My. God." Jihyo exclaimed as she just dropped down to the floor. "Luckily this is our last appearance for this comeback."

"I could totally use a vacation right now; I miss sleeping and not giving a flying flamingo to what's happening." Jeongyeon told whilst checking her belongings as everyone laughed to her witty gag.

"Let's pack up already, my body is just begging me to go rest." Nayeon said as everyone rose to pack their things and prepare to leave. Mina stood up, checked her phone, and took her things as Jeongyeon and Nayeon already left the room.

Mina is silent due to her being tired and hungry at the same time, she walks down the hallway towards the main exit of the building. She's reminiscing about their performance tomorrow and afterwards their long-waited and deserved vacation.

"Mina, wait!" as she heard Jihyo from behind running towards her, she waited for her to catch up. Jihyo checked and locked the dance room that's why she was left behind.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't wait for you" Mina apologetically told Jihyo.

"Oh, it's nothing, I also checked the dance room if anyone forgot anything." Jihyo assured.

Mina just smiled but it's evident to her appearance that she is really tired. Jihyo puts her shoulder over her.

"Hey is everything fine? You seem to be really drained" Jihyo worringly asked her.