Out of the Loop

Tears

"Hello?" A lady's voice came out of the phone speaker.

"Hello." the teenage boy replied to the phone, gripping it tightly.

"Hello, is this Jeon Jungkook?"

"Yes, this is him speaking!" Jungkook said a bit too excitedly for his own good. He couldn't help but feel giddy today, for this call could finally be the one to kick-start his career!

"On the behalf of the judging team here at Star Entertainment, we regret to inform you that your audition has been rejected. We recognize your talent, and we implore you to seek out other companies to sign with. Thank you for giving us your time, and for auditioning-"

"Wait! No no please, why am I being rejected?! Why do I keep getting turned down?!"

The line went silent.

"Sir," she started calmly, "Please don't feel discouraged, it's just how business works in the entertainment industry.

"If you don't like that, then maybe this isn't for you-"

He hung up on her, trying his best not to cry again.

This wasn't the first company he had been rejected from. He had tried almost everything, from small to big companies, but nothing.

His muffled sniffles were no match for his mother's hearing, or maybe it was that motherly instinct of hers that sensed something was wrong with her baby.

"Jungkook? Is everything alright?" His mother entered the room, her expression showing worry and concern. All it took was one look at the boy near the phone to know what had happened.

"Eomma I got-" he sniffled, "It happened again."

In a matter of seconds, Jungkook was wrapped in his mothers warm embrace. With every rejection came a dream-shattering jab of discouragement to his heart.

"You gave it your best attempt, baby." She consoled, knowing just how much this meant to her son.

"W-what am I doing wrong? Why can't I pass the first round?" He sobbed into her chest.

"Honey, you're so talented, it's those companies at fault. They're missing out on such a golden boy!"

"Eomma, that's not true," He couldn't help but smile at those words even when he was sad.

"You've got talent, Kookie, and if it'll help, maybe we can get you a trainer, or a manager to help you get scouted by companies-"

"Eomma! That's too much money- you can't seriously be considering that! I just need to work hard! One of these days I'll make it!"

He looked up to see his mother looking solemnly. "But baby, sometimes there are things we just can't do alone. Even if we don't want help, it's what we need sometimes to get ahead in life."

Help.

He needed that.

He never forgot those words from his mother. She wouldn't lie to him.

"Jungkook, this is Mr. Yoon, he's going to help you out with your audition troubles." His mother smiled as she introduced her son to the stranger.

The shy boy looked up at the older man who was looking down at him with a friendly smile. "Hello Jungkook-ssi, I have a lot of experience with idol auditions, and I think I can help you with your problem."