The Road We Walk On

196 | Questions

The day after the competition, Seokhoon and Rona had interviews to handle. They arrived at Juilliard. Prof James and Clark told them to prepare at least 2 different outfits. It seems with their debut set and winning both the Queen Elisabeth Competition and the American Protégé Music Competition has brought more attention to the couple.

There were much more international media that wanted to interview Seokhoon and Rona compared to post Queen Elisabeth Music Competition. They spent a bit of time figuring out the appropriate outfit, they needed to dress formally but also still be their age.

Juilliard School, New York

They had school today, but luckily all they had were morning classes. After a lunch break, Seokhoon and Rona returned back to school for their series of interviews. They had several interviews lined up and would only finish at around 9pm this evening. Seokhoon and Rona's first outfit was fitting for the season. Rona opted to go for a suit-dress style for the interview, this made it casual but yet formal enough for the setting. They were waiting inside one of the conference rooms that Prof Clark and James had booked for the interview.

One by one reporters would come in to interview them. In order not to overwhelm them, Clark and James decided to set a time limit to each interview, each reporter would only get 20 minutes to interview both Seokhoon and Rona. After which, they would get a quick 1-2 minute respite before repeating the process all over again.

At 1:15PM, the interviews began. Each time a reporter came into the room, Seokhoon and Rona stood up and greeted them. Majority of the questions asked by reporters were mainly about their experience in the recent two competitions, how they feel about their studies and what are their aspirations in the future.

Music has always been a constant for Seokhoon and I, so I think I can speak for both of us that our aspiration is that we hope we can bring comfort, joy or even peace to someone's life. The same way music has helped us, we hope we can help others as well.

The reporters were really impressed by Seokhoon and Rona, they were very kind, friendly and courteous throughout the interview. The media were already briefed by Clark and James to keep the questions as professional as possible. Even though Seokhoon and Rona were officially classical singers and pianists, they were still students and their private life was not to be touched upon.

The session went on and eventually there was a break from about 430-530 PM. Clark told Rona and Seokhoon to grab an early dinner and they would pick up from 545 PM till about 9 PM. Luckily Rona and Seokhoon had come prepared already, they packed dinner and so they headed to the cafterina to heat up their food and have dinner.

Will this be our life from here on out?

You mean answering questions?

Yeah and the media being interested in us?

I think to a certain extent, if there is interest in us it means we are doing good in our careers. But don't worry Rona, we will be strict on releasing anything about our private lives.

But with Eomeonideul's business, our lives to a certain extent will be exposed.

*Eomeonideul: Plural for mothers in Korea

Well we have never decided to hide our past, so if the questions come up, we will just answer as tactfully as possible. I do know that because of the good work of Shimwoo & Co and Yunis, alongside Seokkyung and I, changing our surname. Being known as Joo Dante's son and daughter has faded away from the public. I think we will be okay.

But I think it may be wise to start hiring some staff right? With regards to our careers?

Yeah, well the usual is the manager, maybe a publicist as well to help with any news and media related. We can discuss with Eomeonideul when the time comes. For now, I don't think either one of us plans to book performances right?

No, at least only after the honeymoon.

After they had eaten their dinner, they went to change their outfits for the final round of interviews. This time round Seokhoon and Rona were wearing similar outfits, with a black jacket and white shirt. When each reporter came in, they had two thoughts. Wow, what a good looking couple and Wait, are they a couple?

Seokhoon and Rona never explicitly mentioned that they were dating each other, however one reporter was fairly bold and asked if they were dating anyone. At first Rona was unsure whether to answer or deflect the question. She felt Seokhoon hold her hand, and he smiled at the reporter.

We don't like to talk about our private life, but to answer your question. Yes Rona and I are engaged to be married. Rona smiled at the reporter while her brain was still slightly shocked. Seokhoon was more than happy to answer the question, he hoped with this public declaration, it would finally keep all those potential suitors of Rona away. Rona continued to smile.

Yes Seokhoon and I have known each other since we were in high school, through the many highs and lows our relationship has grown till this stage where we are ready to commit to each other. We are both very happy.

With that the final interviews were over, Clark and James thanked Seokhoon and Rona for working so hard. The weekend is soon approaching, take this time to really rest and reset your mind. Rona and Seokhoon were picked up by Marcus and they were soon headed home. They still had another 3 days left before the end of the school week. Whatever hanky panky that Seokhoon wanted to do, would have to wait till the weekend. Rona and him were simply too exhausted for now.

Note: We are so near the end already... Insane..