Euphoria- Park Jong-Seong

CH:8

The atmosphere in I-LAND was thick and heavy, like a storm about to break. The trainees woke up feeling the weight of their first performance pressing down on them, nerves evident in every move they made. Anushka opened her eyes slowly, trying to shake off the unease. She got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom for a quick shower. The warm water did little to calm her racing thoughts, but she dressed quickly in loose pants and an oversized shirt, hoping to feel a semblance of comfort amidst the chaos.

As she walked into the kitchen, the tension was almost palpable. Everyone was seated around the table, eating breakfast in near silence. K noticed her and waved, his bright smile a stark contrast to the somber mood.

"Good morning," K greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning," Anushka replied with a small smile, taking a seat.

Across from her, Jay glared, his sharp gaze making her roll her eyes. She chose to ignore him, focusing instead on her food. The rest of the group seemed to sense the unspoken hostility and avoided intervening. Breakfast passed without further confrontation, the silence speaking louder than words.

After eating, the staff informed them it was time to change into their performance outfits. The boys filed into their dressing room while Anushka was directed to her separate room next door.

She entered her dressing room and opened the drawers, finding a neatly folded outfit with a note from the staff. The sleek, coordinated set of bras and pants that had clearly been tailored for her. She was examining the items when a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Did they measure them for you... or?"

Startled, she turned to see Jake leaning casually against the doorframe, a mischievous grin on his face.

She scoffed, fists clenching. "Jake, if you don't leave in the next three seconds, I swear—"

Jake didn't wait to find out what she'd do. Laughing nervously, he bolted, leaving Anushka muttering curses under her breath. She grabbed her outfit and entered the changing area, which consisted of a small room within the larger one, separated by a curtain.

She began changing quickly, removing her shirt and pants. As she reached behind her to unclasp her bra, the curtain suddenly opened.

"Ahhh!" Anushka screamed, clutching her shirt to her chest.

Jay stood frozen, eyes wide with shock, then he screamed too. He quickly turned around, fumbling to close the curtain.

"I'm sorry! I didn't know you were here!" he stammered before bolting out of the room.

Outside, Jay leaned against the wall, trying to steady his breathing. Sunghoon approached him, raising an eyebrow. "Did you seriously go into the changing room while Anushka was in there?"

"I didn't know!" Jay snapped, his face red. "I wasn't there when you decided the changing order!"

Sunghoon smirked. "Sure you didn't."

The other boys snickered, taking the opportunity to tease him. Meanwhile, Anushka stood in the changing room, clutching her shirt tightly to her chest, her heart racing.

"What is wrong with him?" she muttered under her breath, her mind flooded with angry thoughts. Doesn't he understand Korean? The boys specifically said I'd change first. Unbelievable.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to focus on the task at hand. She changed into her performance outfit, the snug material fitting perfectly. Still, her irritation with Jay lingered as she stepped out of the room, ready to face whatever the day would bring.

She got out of the room and glared at Jay as she passed by, Jay who couldn't look at her in embarrassment. 

After everyone were done with the outfits and setting of the mic, they walked towards the gate uneasily. Anushka was at the side with Jay, Niki and K Anushka looked down the whole time, she just have 1 line this time, and she has to do it perfectly. 

One mistake Anushka and you are over. 

As they reached the stage they immediately stood in their position and got ready for the performance to begin.

 The atmosphere was excited yet nervous as the trainees took their positions on the stage. The dim lighting and muffled murmur of the audience beyond the walls heightened the tension. Anushka took a deep breath, her fingers trembling slightly as she adjusted her earpiece. She glanced to her side and caught K's reassuring smile, his presence steadying her nerves.

The music began, a powerful beat reverberating through the space, and the trainees launched into their routine. Anushka moved with precision and fluidity, her every step and gesture flowing naturally. There was no stiffness, no hesitation—just raw emotion channeled through her movements. Her one line came and went effortlessly, her voice steady and clear, blending perfectly into the harmony of the group.

In the observation room, Bang Si-Hyuk, Rain, and Zico watched intently.

"She's impressive," Rain commented, nodding in approval.
"Very natural," Zico added. "It doesn't feel forced at all."
Bang Si-Hyuk smiled faintly. "She was always amazing, even during her trainee days."

The performance concluded with the trainees striking their final pose, breathing heavily as the music faded. Applause erupted, muted but still audible through the walls. Anushka felt a wave of relief and satisfaction wash over her. She had done it.

Back in the I-LAND building, the trainees gathered in the common area, their faces a mix of exhaustion and pride. Anushka found herself with Jake and Niki, both of whom were still buzzing from the performance.

"You were amazing out there," Jake said with a warm smile.

"Thanks," Anushka replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You guys killed it too."

Jake's smile faltered for a moment. "Not really... my mic fell off right before my part. I couldn't sing."

Niki winced in sympathy. "That's rough, hyung. But you recovered well."

Later, Anushka found Jake sitting in her room, staring out in space with a forlorn expression. She approached him quietly and sat down beside him.

"You know, it's not the end of the world," she said softly. "One mistake doesn't define you. You've been working so hard, and everyone sees that."

Jake's lips trembled, and for a moment, it seemed like he might cry. But he clenched his jaw and nodded instead, letting out a shaky sigh. "I guess... I just hate that I messed up in front of everyone."

Anushka sighed looking at him, he was always like that, whenever he did a small mistake in his speech or in his test he would do like this.

"You didn't mess up," Anushka insisted. "Things happen. What matters is how you move forward."

Jake managed a weak smile. "I missed hearing things like that from you. Back in the trainee days, you always knew what to say to lift me up."

Anushka chuckled softly. "We had such a complicated relationship back then. But I'm glad I could help."

They sat in companionable silence for a while before deciding to join the others. Neither of them noticed Jay, who had been in the bathroom the entire time, overhearing their conversation. Leaning against the doorframe, Jay's mind raced with questions.

"What kind of relationship did they have?" he muttered to himself, a pang of something unfamiliar gnawing at his chest.