Somin | Ateez 9th member.

First Meet: Jongho

Somin & Jonghos first meeting.

Word count: 433.

The hum of the ventilation system was the only sound in the cavernous recording studio, a stark contrast to the nervous flutter in Somin's chest. She adjusted the strap of her guitar case, feeling the weight of the moment. This was her first day as a KQ Entertainment trainee, and the studio, with its intimidating mixing board and soundproofed walls, felt like a sacred space.

The door creaked open, and a young man with a bright, open face and surprisingly broad shoulders stepped in. He had a microphone stand in one hand and a water bottle in the other. He stopped short, a flicker of surprise crossing his features as he saw Somin.

"Oh, hey!" he said, his voice a low, warm rumble that instantly put Somin at ease. "You must be new. I'm Jongho." He offered a friendly smile, setting down the microphone stand.

Somin felt a blush creep up her neck. "Hi, I'm Somin. It's my first day," she managed, feeling a bit awkward as she gestured vaguely at her guitar.

Jongho's eyes lit up as he noticed the instrument. "Cool, a guitarist! We don't have many of those around here. What kind of music do you like to play?" He walked over, his eyes scanning the studio with a familiar ease that suggested he spent a lot of time there.

"Mostly pop, some R&B," Somin replied, feeling her confidence slowly return. "I write my own songs too."

"No way, that's awesome!" Jongho's enthusiasm was infectious. "I'm a vocalist. Sometimes I feel like I just live in this room." He chuckled, gesturing around the studio. "It's a bit intimidating at first, right? But you get used to it. The sound in here is incredible."

Somin nodded, looking at the intricate console. "It's... a lot. I'm a bit nervous about the vocal training."

Jongho leaned against a tall stool, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It's tough, for sure. But you'll get there. Everyone starts somewhere. And hey, if you ever need someone to try out a harmony with, or just want to jam, let me know." He gave her a reassuring grin. "Welcome to KQ, Somin. Hope we get to make some good music together."

The initial apprehension Somin felt began to dissipate, replaced by a surprising sense of calm. Jongho's genuine warmth and easygoing nature had made the intimidating studio feel a little less daunting. "Thanks, Jongho," she said, a genuine smile forming on her lips. "Me too." The studio no longer felt like just a sacred space, but a place where new connections and perhaps, new harmonies, could begin.