It seemed as though Emi had just arrived in Korea. Nearly 3 months filled with different guestings on various variety shows was tiring, but above all, it made her want to stay longer. A thought that crossed her mind before she was about to leave. As usual, she brushed it off and thought about the last event on her schedule: back to 1Million Dance Studio.
Teacher Lia had met with Emi and Lia about being a part of the choreography video for the latest MAMAMOO song, HIP. She had listened to the song several times to just get the feel for the song and the rebellious message it sent out to its listeners. Emi kept this song on repeat, playing it before she would leave her home. Just as a reminder that the media craved twisting stories for money, not leading its consumers to the truth.
Expecting to have to introduce herself to the members of MAMAMOO, it was the opposite. They greeted her as if they were all old friends. Moon Byul and Hwasa embraced her with such warmth. Solar and Wheein seemed to be shy around her as they had been avidly watching the Ancestors. ¨I did not realize how many people actually watched the show here. Thank you for watching. I hope to make you all proud,¨ Emi bowed as she spoke. Surprisingly, all four members asked for her autograph on a poster of her solo shot for the show.
Emi was in the back of the video that also featured Teacher Lia and Teacher Minny. The members of MAMAMOO were centered in the front. From the start of the choreography, the four members were in the front of the video. As the music moved to each member's solo parts, Emi was brought into Hwasa solo part, adding her own flare to the choreography led by Hwasa.
The filming had finished and she was eager to see the final video as it was all taken in one shot. It was thrilling to see the video. It was different from what she normally filmed with Lia and Kai, but it also felt right to be there. Showing the different sides of her growing dance style was an amazing feeling, whether it was received well or not. She wondered how long this feeling would last. The feeling of her life coming together. Making her parents proud. Living her life with her passions close by and attaining balance.
"Emi, we have the night off. Would you like to join us for some late night snacks?" Hwasa held Emi's hand, eagerly awaiting her answer. Emi nodded in excitement as she was starving, yet in disbelief that she was invited at all to have a meal with the girl group members.
Pictures were taken and immediately posted on the group members' social media accounts. Emi was too much into her meal of tteokbokki to post just yet. Stories were exchanged in between dishes being swapped for new meals coming to the table. Emi spoke about how filming for The Ancestors was such a new experience and that she had finally gotten a handle on the scheduling and pacing of the filming routine.
"It was a struggle in the beginning. I have a great team behind me and my family is always checking in with me. Me sitting here and stuffing my face would not have been possible without them," Emi wiped her mouth as she finished her sentence. Emi asked about the group's trainee days and how they managed with their growth in Korean media and their international status.
Moon Byul immediately answered, "I think you said it best, Emi. It was the team behind us. We came from a smaller music company and we were the face of the company, but the people behind the scenes are the reason we have come this far and will go even farther."
Their conversations continued as if old friends had reunited after years apart. It lasted for a couple of hours before the women called it a night. Kai was at the front of the small restaurant, ready to take Emi back to her home. Emi and the members took one more picture and went to their respective homes, contacting one another as soon as they all returned home.
"Hey Lia, we are back!" Emi yelled as she entered the front door.
"Living room! How was it?" Lia yelled back as she entered the living room from the kitchen.
YOU ARE READING
Threads and Strings
Fanfiction"I know there will be more people in your life that will be become more than someone you pass by." As a speech pathologist working with little kids, Emi Kim had been through enough in her 24 years of life that could have broke her, especially in 201...
