Unrequited | SB19 Stell [SB19 Series #3]

7

Stell's POV

"Let's welcome our new trainees!" Teacher Hong announced to the group with a flourish. The rest of us clapped, hollered, and whistled.

We had ten new trainees. We were a big group of thirty now. Well, not as big as what we used to be but, well, errrr... You get the idea. More people were added. We got bigger.

Josh nudged me. "See that guy over there?" he said, pointing his short finger at this tall guy at the end of the line.

Josh and I were friends again. Or at least, I think we're friends again. It was weird, going through with the silent treatment with Josh but we got over it after a few days.

"What about him?" I asked, my eyes darting to the guy Josh was pointing. He looked like the typical member of a Korean boy group. His hair was colored, he was singkit and he's too tall to be a Filipino.

"That's my friend, Justin. He's one of the members of the Got7 cover group that I joined," Josh explained.

"Ahh. Zero to Hero? Your side hustle?" I asked.

"Yep. He's our JB."

I pursed my lips. "He's got JB vibes," I acknowledged.

"He dances well too," Josh praised.

"I feel like he's your younger brother. Although, he's so much taller than you," I teased.

Josh's eyes narrowed at me.

Teacher Hong motioned for the new trainees to join us on the floor. Josh's friend, Justin, made a beeline for him.

"Hi, Kuya Josh," he said timidly.

"Hi, Jah!" Josh replied.

Me, being the friendly, extrovert human being that I am also greeted him. "Hi!" I said.

Justin smiled awkwardly. "Hi," he whispered. I was not sure if he was talking to me or the floor.

"Jah is shy," Josh told me and I nodded. I can certainly see that.

Teacher Hong clapped her hands and rubbed them together. "I am so excited because this group has so much potential." She looked at each of us, her eyes twinkling. "I can't wait to launch the groups that will change the music scene in this country," she finished and my heart skipped a beat.

I got goosebumps. ShowBT was serious about launching a boy group and a girl group. I know I had dreamt of this moment but it's like those moments are within an arm's reach now. Months of rigorous training had led me to this. Out of this group of 30 individuals, two groups will be born.

I sure hope I'm part of it.

"In the meantime," Teacher Hong continued. "You will undergo training to see who will be the last men and women standing."

Okay, bloodbath again.

Teacher Hong motioned for us to stand up and follow her- follow her routine leading to sore muscles and tired feet and aching thighs.

"What did I just get myself into?" a tired Justin mulled to Josh as soon as break time was announced. The new trainees looked.... well, they don't look good. They looked like they've been engaged in a brawl.

"I said that the first time," Josh replied. "Don't worry. It gets better," he assured Justin.

"Really?" Justin asked, hopefully.

"Sure," Josh answered confidently.

We stood there in silence, sipping on our water. Paulo then walked into our line of vision.