Between Spotlight and Shadows (NewJeans x M!Reader/OC)

Chapter 2 - Second Wind

Hiya, I'm back with another (but shorter) chapter. I actually might be able to do this weekly so this story might actually develop lol :p

Anyways, this chapter is a little shorter but please do enjoy and all feedback is welcome <3.

~1.7k words

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July 19th 2022 4:32pm @EDICTA ENT - Taejin POV

As practice went on, the rubbing of our shoes made a loud squeak each time. This had been routine for the last few days. We'd wake up, eat, come to the company, exercise, and then join group training or individual lessons. I barely had time anymore to think about her; I was fully devoting myself to work.

Finally, we came to the end of the routine. All of us were panting, our legs barely holding after the hours of vigorous training. Our instructor clapped her hands, "Good job today, boys! Everyone seems to be working hard. At this rate, your debut shouldn't be too far!" Her words felt sincere, and she gave each of us a smile, then snickered at her comment as well. We took this as a sign that practice was over, which resulted in seven thuds on the floor as we finally gave in to the strain in our muscles.

Not long after, our CEO walked in. "Oh, what's everyone doing on the floor? I don't remember a nap being in your schedule today." He chuckled as we all quickly got to our feet. Minho was the first to speak, "Daepyo-nim, we're just finishing up practice is all, Leejung-ssi really worked us today." We all nodded in agreement, not having much energy left to speak.

Seonjin looked at each of us, a smile forming on his face as he took a deep breath. "Boys, I have something very important to tell you." We glanced at each other as Jisoo whispered to me, "Maybe we've finally gone broke." I gave him a light slap on the arm and tried to listen.

"Now, I know this will be a shock, but try to control yourselves. You've all been working hard for a long time, even our newcomer Taejin, you too."

I noticed a staff member holding a camera by the door, recording this. I nudged Jisoo, and his eyes went wide with excitement, whispering that this could be our debut announcement. His excitement was contagious, and I started to feel it too.

"To reward your hard work," Seonjin continued, "I'm giving you all a one-week break!" Jisoo and I's excitement dropped; both of us looked a little disappointed but happy enough, since breaks like this were rare. "Because after that, we need to start preparing for your debut."

Jisoo hugged me as the reality of what Seonjin said set in, and the others started to tear up, each of us processing the moment.

Seonjin smiled, his voice warm. "This doesn't mean you can start slacking once you're back; you'll need to work even harder as we move into planning."

"Daepyo-nim, thank you for this opportunity. We promise we won't let you down," I said, and the others nodded, still teary-eyed.

"I know you won't. Now, enjoy your time off, because when you come back, we'll be moving quickly, so be prepared." He turned to leave, then paused and looked back at us with a heartfelt smile. "Congratulations, boys." And with that, he was gone.

July 19th 5:00pm @EDICTA ENT - Taejin POV

As we left the building, each staff member we passed congratulated us. It was overwhelming, everyone still in shock that our debut was finally happening. Even Ryu was tearing up along with the rest of us, the gravity of years of training and sacrifice finally hitting us.

Outside, we pulled each other into a massive group hug. Minho, our unofficial dad, gave a little speech through his tears. "B-boys, I know we've all been working so hard, and we've all gone through tough times. I'm just so glad we're here together now." Then he looked at me. "Taejin, I know it's only been a week since you joined, and leaving HYBE must've been hard. But you're part of our family now."