Obsession

Party: JYP style

Daisy won't stop talking about it.

Doesn't she know I'm trying to get to sleep?

"Seriously, you're so lucky!"

"Mark oppa noticed you!"

"I'm so jealous right now!"

"Are you like best friends now?"

"I totally ship Maimi."

"Or does Aimik sound better?"

"Aimark?"

"Markmi!!!"

"Oh my God, shut up already!" I growl and press the pillow over my ears. I like Daisy but really, does she have to talk so much?

Daisy is actually Korean-American. She can speak Korean fluently, but she has a bit of an accent. Not that I'm one to talk, I probably have an accent too. I'm from Japan.

I moved to Korea after I passed the audition. Of course, my parents weren't too happy but they accepted it. Sometimes I miss my country, but to be honest everything here is so exciting and busy that I don't really have time to feel homesick.

"Do you think you could introduce me to him?"

"What?" I say, my voice muffled by the pillow.

"Ooh! Maybe you could hook me up with Jackson!"

I move the pillow away.
"Daisy," I say in exasperation, "I don't know Mark, I'm not friends with him, I've never even had a conversation with him. Please stop going on about it."

"So how did he know you?"

"I just spilt some water earlier today as he walked past."

"That's all?" I can hear the disappointment in her voice.

"Yes," I sigh, "Good night!"

"Nightey-night!" She chirps. I hear her turn over on the bunk above me. Soon, her breathing becomes deep and regular. The only time Daisy isn't a bundle of energy.
I stare into the darkness of the room.
I really wish Daisy wouldn't go on about it. I really wish she wouldn't because I don't want her, or anyone, to realise how much I like Mark.

***

It's as if a rhino has just sat down on me. My legs are being crushed!
Ouch, ouch, ouch...What's happening??
I open my eyes and squint into the early morning sunlight-bathed room. They quickly adjust on the girl in front of me.
"Ow, Daisy! Get off!" I shove Daisy off my bed. She falls with a thud.

"Hey," she says in a wounded tone but then giggles and leaps back on to my bed.  "Come on! Get up!"

"Let me sleep," I pull my legs out from under her. "I think you broke my legs."

"Pshh, as if!"

I close my eyes and snuggle into my duvet. Mmm, so warm. Suddenly, it's ripped off of me. Cold air pierces my bare arms.

"Argh!" I exclaim and curl up into a ball.

"Aimiii," Daisy whines as she shakes me. That's it. I leap out of bed.

"Can't you let me sleep?! What's wrong with you?!" I storm around the dorm room collecting my clothes for today. Daisy giggles delightedly. I glare at her as I tug a brush through my tangled bed-head.
Yeah, I'm not a morning person.

The day goes faster than usual. It's the same for all the trainees. Today is special. Today there's a party celebrating Mr Park's, founder of JYPent, birthday.
After vocal practice I head back to the dorm with Daisy to get ready. As usual, Daisy throws the room into a state of chaos as she argues with herself over the perfect outfit.
I'm not picky about what I wear, which probably isn't the best attitude for a wannabe kpop star, and just throw on the nearest clean clothes I have, hoping they look decent and don't clash.

"Oh, you look nice. Let me do your makeup for you," Daisy says turning around.

"No way," I immediately decline.

"Pleaaase?" She begs. She gets a mischievous glint in her eye, "What if Mark is there?"

"So what? I don't care.." I scowl. It's not like I want him to notice me. I couldn't care less about whether he's there or not.

***

The place is so crowded. A huge hall stretches out in front of me. I have no idea how I'm going to find the rest of my friends in here.
There's a mirror by the hall entrance. As I pass by, I self-consciously check my makeup. I have to say, Daisy didn't do a bad job.

I push my way through the throng to a stage where trainees are performing. They were specially selected to perform as entertainment for the party. This is a great opportunity to showcase their talents. In fact, Daisy and her group are about to perform.

I wasn't chosen.
A few months ago this would've really got me down. Now, I've learnt that there are many, many opportunities out there. I can't have all of them. There will be ones for me, I just have to be patient.

I near the stage and hum along to the song. Watching as my fellow trainees sing and dance their hearts out. The song ends and they file offstage. The next group are hopping from one foot to the other waiting to go on. But something's wrong. I can't see Daisy with them and the rest of her group are looking panicked. More than just nerves.

"Is everything okay?" I ask WooJu, a boy in the group and a friend of mine.

"No," he runs a hand through his perfectly styled hair. "Daisy is missing! We need her in our performance, she's doing GD's part."

Daisy's missing? Where could she gave gone? It's not like her to pass by an opportunity like this.
I think back. She left our room before me for a soundcheck. I don't think I've seen her anywhere since.
"Sorry, haven't seen her."

I'm aware time's running out for the group. They should already be onstage by now.

"Damn..." He clenches his fist. "I don't suppose you know all the words and choreography to 'Tonight' by BigBang?"

"Actually," I can't help but grin, "I do."