A portrait of the unseen [COMPLETE]

Chapter 8 Dream

As I scrolled through my phone, the sight of open auditions for new artists in the entertainment industry left me feeling disheartened. The opportunity seemed so close, yet impossibly out of reach. The fear of rejection gripped me tightly, suffocating any shred of confidence I had left.

Lost in my thoughts, I failed to notice Ryu's quiet presence in the room. She observed me with a silent understanding, her expression a mirror of the turmoil brewing within me.

When Ryu caught sight of the audition details on my phone, a spark of recognition flickered in her eyes. She knew what those auditions meant - a chance to break into an industry that felt like an impenetrable fortress.

Approaching me with a gentle determination, Ryu's voice cut through the heaviness of the air. "Lexa," she said softly, "I couldn't help but notice what you were looking at. Are you considering auditioning?"

Her question caught me off guard, and I looked up, surprised by her sudden interest. "Yeah, but... I don't know if I should," I confessed, my voice trembling with uncertainty. "I mean, there are so many talented people out there, and I'm just... me."

Ryu's gaze softened with empathy as she reached out to offer me a reassuring gesture. "You're underestimating yourself, Lexa," she said gently. "You have a unique talent and perspective that deserve to be seen"

her eyes locked onto mine with unwavering sincerity. "And I believe in you. If you're willing to take the chance, I'll do everything I can to support you."

In that moment, a surge of hope ignited within me, fueled by Ryu's unwavering belief in my potential. With her by my side, I felt a newfound sense of courage welling up from deep within, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

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In the weeks that followed, I poured my heart and soul into preparing for the audition, balancing my responsibilities as a college student with my newfound passion for music and artistry. It was a hectic and exhilarating time, filled with late-night rehearsals and endless hours of practice.

But amidst the whirlwind of activity, I always made time for Ryu. She was my rock, my source of strength and support during those challenging times. Together, we navigated the highs and lows of my journey, celebrating each small victory and weathering every setback.

And then, just when things seemed to be looking up, tragedy struck. My auntie, who had always been like a second mother to me, passed away unexpectedly. The news hit me like a freight train, leaving me reeling with grief and disbelief.

In the midst of my sorrow, Ryu was there for me, offering a shoulder to lean on and a comforting presence to help me through the darkest days of my life. She was my light in the darkness, my beacon of hope amidst the storm.

As I grappled with the pain of loss, I found solace in Ryu's love and support. She was my constant companion, my unwavering ally in a world that often felt cruel and unforgiving.

I couldn't even eat at my auntie's funeral, I stared at the window and saw that it was raining

my feet bring me uncontrollably outside

As the rain continued to fall, Ryu held me close, offering silent support as I let out a gut-wrenching sob. The weight of loss felt unbearable, like a heavy anchor dragging me down into the depths of despair.

"I wish I could take away your pain," Ryu whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "But please know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

Her words washed over me like a balm, providing a glimmer of comfort in the midst of my anguish. In that moment, I felt a flicker of hope amidst the darkness, knowing that I wasn't alone in my grief.