A Backstage Love I Han Jisung x Reader

Not A Girls' Girl

Yuna raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting me to fight back. But before she could respond, Jiwon spoke up, her tone sharp. "It's a little early for the mind games, don't you think? We're just here to practice, not tear each other down."

Yuna's eyes flickered between Jiwon and me, her smirk faltering for a brief moment. She didn't like being called out, especially when it came to her manipulation tactics.

"Whatever," she muttered, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I'm just here to make sure I get in your heads before the audition. It's all part of the fun."

She gave one last look at me, her eyes filled with a mix of challenge and disdain before turning on her heel and walking out of the room.

The tension didn't immediately fade, but I felt a little more determined after that exchange. It was clear that Yuna saw me as competition, and I was okay with that. It just meant I had to prove to her and everyone else that I wasn't backing down.

"Why is she so horrible?" Jiwon muttered under her breath, glaring after Yuna.

Yoojin just shook her head, laughing. "She always knows how to stir the pot, huh?"

I couldn't help but laugh, too, though I was still a little shaken by Yuna's words. "She really likes to test my patience. But I'm not going to let her get to me."

"We got your back," Jiwon said, stepping closer with a smile. "We'll show her tomorrow who's really ready for this."

"Right," I said with a grin. "Let's show them all."

And just like that, the atmosphere lightened again. We went back to practicing, the music filling the space and helping me focus on the only thing that mattered right now: tomorrow.

The nerves were undeniable as I woke up the next morning. It was the day before the audition—the day that could change everything. I'd barely slept the night before, tossing and turning, my mind racing with everything I needed to do.

I rushed through my morning routine, too anxious to savor the usual slow pace. I grabbed a quick breakfast, made sure I had everything ready—outfit, shoes, the music I'd be auditioning to. Time wasn't on my side, and I couldn't afford to be late.

As soon as I stepped out of my apartment, I felt the weight of the day settle over me. Every step was calculated, my heart racing, but there was no turning back now. I had to give this everything I had.

When I arrived at the practice room, I was greeted by Jiwon and Yoojin, who were already warming up. Their smiles were comforting, but the tension in the air was palpable. We were all here for the same reason—to give our best and leave it all on the stage tomorrow.

Just as I started to stretch, the door slammed open. None other than JYP himself walked in, a mix of excitement and seriousness in his eyes.

"Alright, everyone," he said, his voice commanding attention. "Today's a big day. We need to see where you all stand. I'll be watching your progress closely, so make sure you leave it all here on this floor."

The room instantly grew tenser, but I could feel my focus sharpen. This was it—the moment that could either make or break us. I glanced over at Jiwon and Yoojin, who nodded in silent understanding. We were in this together.

The music started to play, and we dove into practice. Every move, every note, every step felt like it was being scrutinized by more than just JYP. It was like the whole weight of the audition, the expectation, the pressure—it was all building up inside me.

But I couldn't stop. Not now. I couldn't afford to be anything less than perfect.

It was time for the individual evaluations—where everything about us was picked apart and analyzed. Dance style, singing technique, visual appeal, and even rapping. Hopefully, I wouldn't be asked to rap because, let's face it, that wasn't my strong suit.

Jiwon was the first of the three of us to go in. We couldn't hear anything through the walls, but the faint bass of music vibrating in the floor gave us a hint. "She must be practicing her choreography," Yoojin murmured nervously. I nodded, though the silence that followed felt suffocating as we waited to be called one by one.

Yuna was next. She strutted out of the room afterward with her head high and her hair flipping dramatically, radiating arrogance. I felt my hands start to tremble as more trainees went through those doors, disappearing into their interviews. Each time someone's name was called, my stomach churned.

Yoojin must have noticed my fidgeting because she reached over and clasped my hand in hers. Her touch was warm, but her fingers trembled slightly too. She patted my back with her free hand, offering a small, reassuring smile.

"It'll be fine," she whispered.

I nodded, trying to cling to her optimism, but when her name was called and she walked away, I felt utterly alone. The anxiety swelled in my chest as I unconsciously began picking at the skin around my fingernails. My ring finger started to bleed, but I didn't stop.

That's when Jungho—my former manager—entered the room quietly.