Obsession

Jimout

"Hello!" I greet the camera brightly. "We are -"

"Jackpot!" The six of us chorus and bow.

"I hope you enjoy our debut single 'Gold'. We're very excited and have been working very hard," I continue.

"Make sure to check out our MV coming out soon!" Yang Yang chimes in beside me.

"Yep. Well, that's it for now. See you soon!" We wave and bow again.

"And, cut!"

Mr Choi comes forward giving us a short applaud.

"Good job, girls. Now, we're going to film you rehearsing 'Gold' and interacting with each other, so just try to ignore the cameras and act as you would do normally."

"Okay." We nod obediently. Today it has been arranged for footage to be taken of us practicing to use in a sort of teaser for Jackpot. Our debut is only just over a month away now and everything is getting more hectic. Everyday we dance and sing our song, over and over again.

"Jimin, please smile more. You don't look very approachable on camera," a cinematographer with slicked back hair asks, frowning as he looks back over the video.

"I don't want to smile," Jimin says a little sullenly. The cinematographer and Mr Choi glance at each other.

"Jimin," Mr Choi begins gently, "I understand that you don't want to put on an act, but as a rookie you must present yourself in a certain way that is appealing to the public."

A tense silence follows as Jimin glares at Mr Choi. I feel Yang Yang shift uncomfortably next to me. Mr Choi coughs awkwardly. I'm about to open my mouth to break the silence but Jimin finally shrugs.

"Fine," she says turning away. I sense the rest of the group around me physically relaxing. Jimin isn't the most sociable of us. Her quietness isn't like JiEun, who is obviously too shy. Rather, it seems she is quiet out of distaste. I mean, I'm sure that's not the case but it does seem like she doesn't like us. Jimin rarely speaks to us and usually just stays in her room. I'm hoping she'll soon become friendlier as she gets to know us more. We are a group, after all. We're going to be spending almost all our time together so we need to be able to get along.

The director tells us to get into our dance positions so we quickly take our places in front of the mirrored wall. It takes another minute while they fiddle with the cameras. The music finally starts up and we begin to dance, moving on autopilot. We've practiced it so much I don't even need to think about where I'm supposed to move or what move is next. We're left breathless when it finishes, all staring into the lens of the camera. I'm crouching on the ground in between JiEun and Megan. Behind me pose Yang Yang, YooAh and Jimin.

We wait expectantly as the crew look back over the recording. I can hear them muttering and feel it's not a good sign.

"Um, Jimin," Mr Choi looks pained, "You don't seem to be putting much effort into the routine."

My shoulders sag in disappointment. I thought our rehearsal performance had gone well but evidently not. We all look over at Jimin who seems unconcerned.

"I'm tired," she says by way of explanation.

"I'm sorry to hear that but this is an important video. We want to use some of this footage as part of a teaser. You need to put on your best performance to showcase Jackpot's talent."

"So? Edit me out."

"That's not possible. Everyone is in one frame."

"Well, that's not really my problem, is it?" Someone behind me, JiEun I think, exhales sharply in shock. Jimin's behaviour is unacceptable.

Mr Choi is speechless. He looks a bit like a fish. Gaping for words. The camera crew exchange looks. I can tell the director is preparing to step forward, but I doubt that Jimin will listen to him.

Instead, I stand up.
"Jimin, we need you to do this for us. I know it's tiring, I know it sucks, I know you want to go home, but please put up with it for now. The more effort you put in the sooner it will be over. Please do this for us."

She stares at me, taken aback. I refuse to break eye contact. It's as if a vacuum has been created in the room and all sound has been completely swallowed. Eventually, Jimin looks away abashed. She shifts awkwardly and looks down at her feet.

"Sure," she says. Her tone is indifferent but her eyes betray bitterness.

Before we launch into our dance routine again, Yang Yang whispers to me as she walks by.

"And that is why you're our leader."

It was announced a few days ago that I would be the leader. I don't know how I feel about it. Being leader is a whole lot of responsibility. I'll have to be able to represent and speak for the whole group. I suppose I'm a little bit pleased. JYP has seen me as someone who's tolerant, understanding and patient. All qualities needed as a leader. It's a huge compliment really. I just hope I can live up to their expectations.

When filming has ended, we casually file out of the practice room chatting happily. In the corner of my eye I see Mr Choi and JYP talking quietly at the end of the hall. Mr Choi seems upset, JYP looks grim.

"Hey, let's get Korean BBQ!" cries Yang Yang.

"It's not very healthy," YooAh complains.

"Psh, who cares? It tastes delicious," Megan argues.

"Don't you care about your figure at all?" YooAh bites back.

"Order salad then," suggests Yang Yang.

"Sure, I'll order some for Megan too."

"I don't wa-"

"Jimin?" an assistant interrupts the group's bickering. "JYP wants to talk to you."

"Why?" Jimin takes out a stick of gum and pops it in her mouth.

"I'm sorry but I don't know. I was just asked to bring you."

Jimin looks down the hallway to where our manager and JYP stand. He nods to her, signalling to come over. Jimin sighs reluctantly.

"Alright, then."

"Join us at the barbeque after!" Yang Yang calls at her retreating back. Jimin doesn't reply. Either she didn't hear or she's decided to ignore her. I suspect the latter.

We talk and laugh as we grill meat, all stuffing our faces except YooAh who nibbles on a carrot stick although she eyes the meat enviously. We're all being cheerful but I can tell I'm not the only one thinking about Jimin. I'm not close to her, I wouldn't call her my friend, but I can't help but feel concerned for her. Like us, she has worked hard through her trainee years and that is why she has been chosen to be part of JACKpot. I hope JYP is just telling her to step her game up and stop being insolent, and not reconsidering her as part of the team.

She doesn't turn up at the restaurant, so we figure she must've gone back to the apartment. Yang Yang calls out to her as soon as she unlocks the front door.

"Jimin! We're back!"

None of the lights are on.

"Is she still at the JYP building?" Megan wonders aloud.

"Jimin?" I call as I walk towards the room she shares with Megan. I switch on the bedroom light. On one side, there's Megan's bed. Her makeup scattered over her bedside table and a couple magazines by the foot of the bed. Jimin's side is empty besides the furniture. I check her wardrobe with a sinking heart. Nothing. Her clothes are gone.

I turn to the others. Their expressions sombre.
"She's moved out."

★★★★★

A/N: I know there's not enough Mark. He'll be in the next chapter. I promise!
I'm trying to update at least once every week. I have exams coming up (nooooooo!!!! T_T ) but I'll try my best to stick to that. See you in the next chapter (I hope) ! :)

EDIT: So much for keeping to a schedule... I need to revise so I won't be able to update for a while :( Sorry!