SVT NEXT DOOR | ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ

SVT NEXT DOOR | 34

The final, lingering notes of DAY6's "So Let's Love" hung in the air, a sweet melancholic melody slowly dissolving into the thunderous applause that erupted from the audience. Our team, the vocal team, was the last act of the evaluations, and we'd taken a gamble, choosing a song by the beloved band.

As the wave of sound washed over me, I took a deep breath, savoring the moment. Each clap was a tiny victory, a testament to the weeks of blood, sweat, and (let's be honest) a few tears we'd poured into perfecting our performance. Relaxing my shoulders, I allowed myself to take in the reactions.

Positive. Definitely positive.

My gaze swept across the sea of faces, searching for familiar beacons in the crowd. There, in a row directly behind the VIP section, sat the unmistakable figures of the SEVENTEEN members. Their faces, usually stoic during the time they would sit in between practice sessions, were now split wide in grins, enthusiastic claps echoing from their direction.

A corner of the hall caught my eye. There, nestled near the edge, were Jessi and Yeri. They were practically bouncing in their seats, their cheers laced with genuine excitement. A warm smile spread across my face - their support, unwavering and bright, was a welcome sight.

But amidst the familiar, my gaze snagged in the center of the hall. Two figures stood out from the crowd, their silhouettes instantly recognizable despite the distance. A jolt of surprise shot through me. It couldn't be...could it? My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs as I strained for a better look.

There, in the heart of the auditorium, stood two figures bathed in the warm glow of the house lights. Mom and Dad. Their faces, etched with a familiar love that could pierce through any crowd, were unmistakable. A wave of pure, unadulterated joy washed over me, threatening to drown out the receding applause.

Before I could fully process this incredible surprise, the stage lights dimmed, signaling the end of our performance. The dismissal cue echoed through the in-ear monitors, a jarring reminder of the world outside this bubble of euphoria. Hands shaking slightly, I fumbled to remove the wires and earpieces, my mind already racing toward my waiting family.

Backstage, a whirlwind of activity swirled around me. Trainees congratulated each other, instructors offered encouraging pats on the back, and the energy crackled with a mix of anticipation and nervous exhaustion. But none of it registered. My only focus was on reaching my parents.

I pushed through the throng of people, their post-show chatter a dull roar in my ears. The lobby, a chaotic mix of departing audience members and excited trainees, seemed to stretch on forever. Finally, I burst through the automatic doors, blinking in the sudden brightness of the afternoon sun.

There, near the entrance, stood my parents, their figures dwarfed by the imposing building behind them. But it was Jessi and Yeri's animated gestures that drew my eye first. A small huddle of SEVENTEEN members stood nearby, their postures relaxed as they seemed to be intently focused on something... or rather, someone, in their midst.

"Eomma! Appa!" I called out, my voice thick with emotion. The sound cut through the chatter, and all eyes turned towards me. It was time for a reunion of a different kind.

All eyes fixated on me as I made my way forward, each step heavy with anticipation. The crowd of my family, friends and SEVENTEEN seemed to part, creating a pathway that led straight to the center of them. My heart thudded in my chest, the sound echoing in my ears, as I came to a halt, my gaze drawn to him.

Chanyoung.

He stood there, a poignant figure amidst them, his presence commanding my attention in a way that left me rooted to the spot. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as I took in his familiar form.