Please Smile (EXO Fan Fiction)

Chapter Five.

We just finished our shooting for our music video.  The photo shoot was also a success, which we did very early this morning.  However, Hyuna and Minri were still traumatized from Shinyoung’s death so the atmosphere wasn’t so great.  After about twenty takes, we successfully filmed the music video and all managed to put smiles on our faces—even me.

                Our new manager, a very perky thirty year old woman with beautiful chocolate brown hair and a nice smile supported us through this event and gave us a new strength.  She worked very well and was always on the point.  Right now, we are eating a restaurant in private she specially reserved for us so we don’t have to deal with any other people who might overhear us.  It was late at night and we’ve been busy for about sixteen hours. 

                Park Hana, our new manager, snapped her fingers and she grabbed our attention.  She put down her chopsticks and began speaking quickly. 

                “Tomorrow, the company has set a last minute concert for you girls.”

                “But we haven’t debuted yet!” Minri cried. “I thought we are Friday.”

                “You are.” Unnie sighed. “They said they need to get you girls used to performing, so you’ll be having a mini concert at Seoul Academy.  The headmaster has already agreed to it.  You will only be singing and dancing to a few covers, both English and Korean, and they want Hyori to do her solo song. It should be about forty five minutes.”

                “Wait, wait, wait.” I held up my hand, shocked. “My school?”

                “Oh, yes.”

                I wanted to face palm but I couldn’t.  It was all so soon, but I have to expect these things.  All of Luhan friend’s know I can sing and such, but they don’t know I am a trainee.  After tomorrow, it will come to realization and how they will act towards me then is a mystery.  I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat and continued on. “And I really have to sing?”

                “Yes.” She narrowed her eyes. “Can you not do it?”

                “Oh, I can!” I jumped in my seat a bit at her stern question. “It’s just…so soon.”

                “Don’t worry.  Your friends should be supportive.  That’s why you’re nervous right?” Hana partially smiled. I didn’t respond so she gradually picked up her chopsticks. “Finish your food and I will take all of you home.”

                Twenty minutes of silence, we finished our food.  My heart hasn’t stopped beating at a painful rate at her sudden words.  I have to perform, but it isn’t our debut stage.  Maybe they won’t recognize me, because my hair will be done and I will be covered in make-up.  I will have a stage costume on and maybe the stylists will change how my eyes look—contacts maybe.

                Within a blink of an eye, I was standing in front of my house and her car was driving away.  Her words in the car echoed through my ears and I sighed.  I don’t have to go to school tomorrow, so I have to say I’m sick to Luhan.  Then she will pick me up and all three of us will prepare at a restricted part in the gymnasium.  After about two rehearsals, the whole school will be called to the gym and boom—we perform.  Nervousness ran down my veins as I entered through the gate and opened the front door.  I removed my shoes and placed them neatly on the shoe shelf.  I noticed that the only lights on where the night lights plugged into the outlets, so I assume Luhan is asleep or he’s at someone else’s house.  Either way, it doesn’t matter.  I will be “sick” anyways.