Blessing in Disguise

Chapter Eight

Yunjin

6/14/2018

The drive to the Produce 48 filming site was long, stretching out into the quieter, more rural parts of Seoul. Yunjin sat in the backseat of the van, watching the cityscape slowly fade into rolling hills and green fields. The air was warm, carrying the soft hint of early summer, and the sun was beginning to lower, casting a golden hue across the road. Everything felt surreal—the idea of the competition, the cameras, and the sheer weight of what lay ahead. Her heart raced with nerves.

She glanced down at her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she unlocked the screen. Before she could overthink it, she dialed Y/N's number. The familiar sound of the call ringing soothed her nerves slightly, and after a few seconds, his voice came through, grounding her instantly.

"Hey, Jen," Y/N said, his tone warm and calming. "How's it going?"

Yunjin exhaled a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "I'm nervous," she admitted softly. "We're driving out to the site now, and I don't know what to expect. Everything feels so... big."

There was a brief pause on the other end, then Y/N spoke, his voice steady. "You've got this, Jen. I know it's a lot right now, but you're ready. You've been working so hard for this moment."

Yunjin smiled softly, letting his words sink in. "I just wish you could be here."

"I do too," he replied. "But I'm with you in spirit. You're going to do amazing, and no matter what happens, I'm proud of you."

She rested her head against the window, watching the scenery blur past as the van sped down the winding road. The trees outside seemed taller, the hills steeper as they drove further from the city. There were stretches of farmland and small villages dotted along the route, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Seoul that she was used to. The air felt cleaner here, fresher, but the quiet only made her more aware of the nerves gnawing at her stomach.

"You know," Y/N's voice broke through her thoughts, "I remember how nervous you were the first time we talked about you going to Seoul. And look at you now. You've come so far already."

Yunjin chuckled softly, her heart swelling with warmth. "You always know what to say."

"That's my job," he teased gently. "But seriously, Jen. You're ready. Just remember why you're doing this."

"Yeah," she murmured, her fingers brushing against the promise ring she still wore. "For myself. For my dreams."

As they continued their conversation, Yunjin felt the tension in her chest begin to ease. Talking to Y/N always had a way of making things feel simpler, even when everything else seemed overwhelming. He reminded her of who she was beyond the pressure and the competition. For a moment, it was just the two of them again—two kids—chasing their dreams.

When they finally hung up, Yunjin took a deep breath and glanced out the window again. The road had narrowed, leading into a more remote area. The filming site must have been close by now. She felt a flicker of excitement beneath the nerves, knowing that she was on the verge of something huge.

The van eventually came to a stop, and Yunjin stepped out, stretching her legs as she looked around. The air was warm and slightly humid, typical for early summer. The location felt tucked away from the busy city, a quiet corner of the world that would soon be filled with cameras and lights.

As she walked toward the entrance, she spotted a few of the other contestants milling about, some already chatting nervously among themselves. It was a strange feeling, knowing that these girls—her competition—were also going through the same rush of emotions she was. She scanned the small crowd and recognized a few familiar faces.