LONG FOR YOU |1| HYUNJIN

[ONE]

🦎Kimiko
November—2019🦎

I hurry along the crowded streets of Seoul, South Korea. The fear of being late looms over me, and with all this rushing, I might still end up being sent home.

Negative thoughts run through my head.
Beginning to act somewhat erratically, I bump into people. I offer apologies in Korean and continue running.

My parents would be upset if I missed my audition. Being in the public eye and adored by many, they would want me to have the same opportunities and experiences.

It's not my fault I'm late; I thought I had time to make breakfast just five minutes before I needed to leave.
As I continued to run, I unintentionally collided with three other people. The collision caused me to tumble, landing on the sidewalk. The person I initially bumped into also fell down.

He swiftly rose to his feet to assist me. He and his friends were wearing masks, making it difficult to see their faces clearly.

I offer an apology, but he glares at me with anger. Feeling mortified, I apologize once more and hastily make my escape from the uncomfortable scene.
I was close to the JYP building and arrived quickly, yet I was still running late. As I approached security, they checked my ID and handed me a pass, allowing me to walk in.

A woman, dressed professionally and smiling, approaches me. "Here you are; everyone's been waiting. Come with me."

She guides me into a room packed with at least 100 strangers around my age, maybe slightly younger. The sight of so many people gathered in one space is nerve-wracking, but I'm not overly concerned—they're likely feeling the same.

Determining whether I'm introverted or extroverted can be a challenge. However, I hold on to an extroverted outlook by reminding myself that others probably share similar feelings.

You might say I'm somewhere in the middle, leaning towards the 'quiet until you get to know me' side. I take a seat at the back and wait quietly for them to call us up individually.

They announced that we would first perform a song, then take a break. After the break, we would perform a dance choreography that we had been practicing. Following that, we'd be free to either explore the first floor of the building or head home.

The director begins calling out names as I mentally rehearse the song to avoid any mistakes. I only have to do my best; as my dad always tells me.

"Akiyama Kimiko, you're up next. Please step forward." The director's voice rings out, prompting me to get up. I draw in a deep breath as the music begins. Here goes nothing.

I performed exactly as I had practiced, adding a few touches to improve it. After finishing, I immediately took my seat and waited for the others to complete their performances.

After everyone had finished their performances, the lady announced that there would be a break to eat or prepare for the dance audition.

Getting up like everyone else, we all left the practice room and spread out into the JYP café like the plague.
When it was my turn to order, I opted for a light meal like healthy chips, a cookie, and cucumber water. I ate my food listening to the song I'm dancing to, practicing the steps in my head; gaze out the window to soothe my nerves.

I saw two girls approach me and take a seat with their lunches, "Hi there, my name is Choi Sunhi," One of them greeted us with a kind smile, introducing herself.

The other girl gave a shy wave, her confidence seeming to waver. "I'm Cha Hyunrin, and your singing was amazing," she complimented.

"Thank you, I'm Kimiko, but just call me Kim."

"Where'd you lean to sing like that?" Sunhi said, making me awkwardly smile, blush creeping upon my cheeks. I wasn't that good, she's exaggerating.

"My parents taught me; I also took vocal lessons as a kid. My parents are serious about music." I answered.

"I really hope we can become trainees. I joined because it looks fun, but if I could actually make it, I'd be really shocked." Hyunrin said.

"Why'd you join Sunhi?" I asked.

"I was dared by my sister. But I'm glad I did it." She said with a smile.

We share lunch, in conversation and getting to know one another. They were actually pretty interesting, and it made me feel better knowing I had nice people to talk to.

"We should stick together, help each other out." Hyunrin suggested.

I took out my phone. "Here's my number, so we can stay in contact." I handed them my phone, and they took my number.

Before we had the chance to talk more, a woman, whom I presume to be a staff member, summoned us to present our dance choreography.

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