Unkind Fate: Jaebum

☑️ Chapter 2: Scouted

I was seated alone in a cafe. The aroma of coffee filled the air and the sound from the coffee machine is all I can hear. Somehow, I felt at peace.

After a year, it was the first time I came out somewhere, my first time coming back in Seoul. Riah's death anniversary made me come back here but someone is making me stay.

"Riah already left us. Why did you leave us too?", I heard Jb's voice at the back of my mind, making me cry again. Guilt is haunting me.

"Annyeonghaseyo", I was taken aback when two strangers took a seat in front of me.

I wiped my tears in a not so obvious way. I bowed to them, looking confused.

"We are the scouting team from JYP entertainment" said the guy who looks from his mid-30s, showing me their IDs with JYP entertainment at the top of it and its logo.

"Sorry but you might be mistaken. I don't have any engagement with them", I said, still clueless of what is happening.

The other guy laughed which makes my eyebrow rise. He fixed his necktie and compose himself, "We would just like to invite you for an open audition this coming Saturday."

Before I could say anything, the ahjussi cuts in, "Just prepare a 2-minute presentation and there's a high chance that you'll get in as a trainee" he smiled at me.

The younger guy then hands me their business card, "Just inform us if you're going to attend" and then they walked away.

Excuse me?

What was that? They didn't even give me a chance to talk.

After a few minutes, my brother came. Actually, I didn't notice that he already arrived. I just noticed it when he took the business card on my hand.

"JYP entertainment?" he gave me a questioning look. "I didn't know you wanted to be an idol."

"Who said I wanted to be one?" I said, raising my one eyebrow. I sneaked on the business card once again and take a gulp. "As if I have time. You know I have to go back at home. Mom needs a helping hand."

"If you're worrying about mom. Don't be. She can operate our restaurant just fine without you."

I gave him a confused look.

"I mean, stop hiding. This might be your chance to start a new life. "

"Do you think so?", I asked him.

He nodded. "Think about our parents, do you really think they are happy to see you in our restaurant doing the things you don't usually do?"

"Hey, but I enjoyed being a cashier!"

"So are you giving up your dream of being a pianist or a singer to be a cashier?"

Realization suddenly hits me. I just realized that the guilt, the fear and the pain made me escaped from reality: from who I really am and from what I really wanted to become.

He grabbed my hands, "These hands are not made for punching orders. It's made for playing piano, Hara. And your voice is not meant to be hidden, the world deserves to hear such angelic voice."

I laughed with his cheesy lines. But laughter turns into relieved smile after realizing how lucky I am to have such a sweet and caring brother. Whe depression started to overruled me, he was there to comfort me. He and my parents were the reasons why I keep on living.

"Just try out. You got my support." my brother said, smiling.

"But I don't think I can do it."

"Why not? You're musically inclined plus you're good looking like your oppa. You'll definitely get a spot."

I laughed at his joke, "It's not like you get it on your own. Our good genes came from our parents. Who else!"

He laughed.

"So what's your plan?" he asked.

"I don't know to be honest."

Part of me is saying to just try out. After talking to JB, I felt like staying here at Seoul for good. My brother also thinks it is better if I'll start my new life.

But part of me is still afraid to came out. I'm afraid the whole world will judge me of my past. I'm afraid to face Jb, whom I've hurt the most.

"Jaebum's also there. This must be fate", a mischievous smile formed on his lips.

"What do you mean?" annoyance filled my voice.

My brother loves to tease me with JB. He has this idea of me having a crush on JB because I always asked JB's whereabouts before. Although he was practically right about it, I strongly denied his claims. But he then confirmed it when I cried during their graduation and admitted that I cried because I was too unhappy with the fact that I would no longer see him around the school.

My brother can never forget that moment. And even when he knew Riah became JB's girlfriend, it didn't stop him from teasing me as if it's the only thing that will make him happy.

"Don't you miss him?"

"Stop. It's not funny."

"No, really. I'm serious. Don't you miss him? He was also your friend after all. I think fate is doing its job to rebuild the friendship that you have."

I took a sip from my coffee and let out a deep sigh.

"When's the audition?" he asked, changing the topic, wary that it might disturb me.

"This Saturday."

"Okay, I'll come with you. Now that I think of it, I realized I didn't see Jaebum for so long. I must see him."

"But I didn't say I'll go on that audition!"