Blessing in Disguise

Chapter Fifteen

Yunjin

7/4/2018

Yunjin sat in her seat, watching as the results of the visual vote were about to be announced. The atmosphere in the room was lighter than usual, with the girls chatting and giggling amongst themselves. There was a different energy today—less pressure, more fun—but even so, Yunjin couldn't help but feel a bit anxious. Being judged on visual appeal felt strange, as it wasn't about her vocal abilities or her dancing, but something much more subjective.

All 96 trainees had cast their votes, choosing who they believed was the most visually stunning. Yunjin had voted too, her eyes lingering on the girl she thought was undeniably striking—Wang Yiren. Yiren had an ethereal beauty, her features almost doll-like, with a grace that seemed effortless. It was no surprise to Yunjin when Yiren's name was called as the winner.

When Yiren walked up to accept her title, the room broke into applause. Yunjin clapped along, genuinely happy for her. She glanced at the other girls, noting the mixture of smiles and quiet whispers. Some seemed relieved that the vote was over, others seemed unaffected by it entirely. Yunjin wasn't someone who paid much attention to her looks—she was here for her voice, her stage presence, her determination. But still, it felt nice to be acknowledged by her peers in any capacity.

"She really is gorgeous," Yunjin thought as Yiren bowed, a small smile playing on her lips. The competition was fierce, but moments like this—simple and lighthearted—were a welcome change from the usual high-stakes pressure they all faced daily.

As Yiren returned to her seat, one of the judges stood up, and the room's energy shifted once again. The atmosphere went from playful to focused in an instant. The trainees straightened in their seats, waiting for the next announcement.

"Now, as entertaining as that was," the judge began, " it's time to see your performances again. We're going to be having another group stage performance."

Yunjin's heart skipped a beat. Another group stage. Another chance to prove herself. She could already feel the adrenaline beginning to rush through her veins, her mind racing as she thought of what song she might perform.

Then the judge spoke again, and the list of songs for the upcoming group battle was revealed. Among them was a song that immediately caught Yunjin's attention—Into the New World by Girls' Generation. A classic, an iconic piece of K-pop history. Performing that song would be an honor, and Yunjin knew it was the perfect chance to showcase not just her voice, but the emotions she could pour into her performance.

Her eyes flickered toward the other trainees. She could tell that several of them had their sights set on Into the New World as well. It was a coveted song, one that required both vocal and dance precision. But Yunjin was determined. This was the chance she needed—to redeem herself after being placed back in Class C, to show the judges and herself that she could rise above the challenges.

Her heart raced, her mind already picturing herself on stage, delivering a powerful, emotional performance. She could feel the weight of the competition again, but this time, there was excitement mixed in with the nerves. She was ready to give it everything she had.

Y/N

Y/N wiped the sweat from his forehead as he finished up the team workout, his muscles still aching from the intense session. Despite the exhaustion, he felt a sense of calm knowing he was heading over to the Huh household to babysit Rachel and Yunjin's little brother. The familiar sight of their home always made him feel at ease—he'd spent so much time there that it almost felt like a second home.