PHOENIX

Minjun

In the summer of 2011, six months had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.

Evara had transformed into a formidable dancer, her moves sharp and fluid, captivating anyone who watched.

Her rap skills had also evolved, with her English verses flowing effortlessly. However, Korean pronunciation remained a challenge. She struggled with the intricacies of the language, her tongue sometimes betraying her as she tried to perfect the sound.

Despite this, her trainers were in awe of her raw talent. They had long since given up on pushing her in vocals, deciding that she was destined to be a rapper—a powerhouse of lyrical prowess.

One afternoon, Evara was called into Bang PD's office. It had become a routine; he summoned her every week to check on her progress.

As she made her way to the small, modest office, she was unfazed. Her usual blunt and mannerless attitude was something he had grown accustomed to.

Evara was different from the other trainees, a fact that was impossible to ignore. She carried herself with an air of indifference, her unique purple-silver eyes hidden beneath a curtain of dark lashes, giving her an enigmatic aura.

Bang PD looked up from his desk as she entered, barely giving her a nod. "Sit," he instructed, his tone neutral, knowing full well that pleasantries were wasted on her.

Evara plopped down into the chair across from him, her expression as empty as ever.

She was here because she had to be, not because she wanted to be.

"How's practice?" Bang PD asked, leaning back in his chair. It was the same question every time, and by now, he expected the same dry, blunt response.

"It's fine," Evara replied, her voice flat.

Bang PD sighed internally.

It was like pulling teeth with her sometimes, but he had come to appreciate her honesty, even if it was devoid of enthusiasm. He observed her for a moment, wondering yet again what was going on behind those unreadable eyes. Then, as if deciding it was time to change things up, he leaned forward.

"I want to introduce you to someone," he said, standing up from his desk.

Evara raised an eyebrow, her curiosity barely piqued.

She watched as Bang PD walked to the door, opening it to reveal a boy standing just outside.

The boy stepped in, his posture straight and his appearance neat—dressed impeccably in a simple yet elegant outfit. His demeanor was a stark contrast to Evara's.

"Minjun," Bang PD introduced, gesturing towards the boy. "He's going to be part of the group as well, a leader and a rapper, just like you."

Minjun bowed politely, a small smile on his face as he introduced himself. "Hello, I'm  Park Minjun. It's a pleasure to meet you."

As he straightened up, his gaze met Evara's, and for a brief moment, he hesitated. His sharp eyes, fueled by his high IQ, immediately noticed something different about her.

It wasn't just her blunt manner; it was those eyes—purple-silver and hauntingly empty. They were unlike anything he had ever seen, and for a second, he was taken aback.

Evara, however, remained unfazed. "I'm Evara," she said simply, offering no further information.

Minjun's smile faltered slightly, confusion flashing in his eyes. "Just Evara?" he asked, the question slipping out before he could stop himself. There was no first name, no last name—just that single word.