After September 23rd

Victor's Memory Fragment

"Wasted Potential"

I sat against the wall and eavesdropped on the conversation my mother had with the director of the idol agency and my co-trainee's mother.

"Beatrice please reconsider," Mrs. Lee, spoke "Victor was born to become an idol! His career as a model took off right away! Haneul is a household name! Do you know what I would give for my son to be like yours!"

"Mrs. Lee is right; your son has the raw talent to become an idol. He is skilled in dancing, charismatic, and very passionate, making him excel in his singing and dancing classes," Mr. Kim praised, "Apart from that, he's a handsome boy so there's a definite probability that his debut will be 100% a success,"

"I appreciate the praise, and I agree," My mother began, I hugged my knees worried she would change her mind and agree, "But my son wants to quit, both his modeling and idol career,"

"What?! Beatrice, you must be joking! Victor doesn't know what he wants! He's nine for heaven's sake! He doesn't know what he wants!" Mrs. Lee shouted, "Kids change their minds all the time!"

"I know, but frankly, I wasn't too keen on the idea of my son being an idol," My mother confessed, "The industry is very cruel, right now he might not realize it but what will happen if he wants to date? Or make a mistake that doesn't appeal to his fans? Fame is a slippery slope,"

"Mrs. Courrier, our idols are well taken care of" Mr. Kim began.

"No, neither of your words will convince me," My mother was firm with her answer, "The only one who has a say in the matter is Victor, if in the future he wants to be an idol, he will,"

"I understand... Mrs. Courrier..." Mr. Kim sighed, "Victor will always have a spot in our agency if he wants,"

"You got your way, like always Haneul,"

I stood up and saw my co-trainee standing in front of me.

"In-Su, I'm sorry but I don't want to be an idol anymore," I said, "I want to be normal,"

"You left us to be normal!" In-Su glared and pushed me back, "You're a waste, Victor,"