I'm With The Band (EXO Fanfic)

{Chapter Six}

Part time model. Full time fangirl. 

Today was the last day of auditions. We were all waiting in the practise room for the judges. There were probably around twenty – if not less – of us left. The atmosphere seemed kind of dead to me, to be honest. I could easily tell that everyone was tired from rehearsing every single day, without a second of break for anyone of us. 

The judges finally came in after 10 minutes or so, the six men walking into the room in a line. They took a while to settle down, and once they did, a microphone was handed to Mr. Tak. 

We all watch him carefully, as he begins to speak, “Good morning, everyone. Firstly, I’d like to congratulate each and every single one of you for managing to get this far. I’ve been very pleased with all of your performances. I know how much you all have sacrificed in the past two weeks and we would like to thank you all sincerely.” 

The six of them all bow in sync, as the crowd applauded. 

“But,” he continues, tone growing more serious, “As you all know, only one person will be able to make it through. And we will be determining who that person will be today.” 

He passes the microphone to Mr. Im who greets us then continues the speech, “For your final task, you will have to compose your own ballad. You have the whole day to do so and you will be performing to the fellow competitors at the end of the day. And just to lift your spirits up, EXO will be there for the judging as well.” I swear he looks straight at me once he says this, but he turns away after a brief second. “I know most of you are exhausted, but don’t choose to give up now. You’ve worked very hard. Thank you.” 

The crowd once again applauds, as I do the same. Don’t choose to give up now.

The six judges exit the room once the speech was given, and once they did, groans erupted from everyone. 

“How are we supposed to compose a fucking ballad within one day?” Brian whines, he then turns to look at me, “Must be a piece of cake for you though.”

I flush, “What are talking about?” 

“You’re amazing and you know it. The managers must have had this planned out; it’s obvious they’re rooting for you.”

“That’s not true at all Brian,” I frown. “We may have made it to the finals but the competition is still no joke. Besides, we’ve still got you in the competition.”

Brian laughs, kind of coldly, “Oh, Chloe. I’m nothing compared to you. Everyone can see you’ve got talent that’s unbeatable, especially Mr. Tak. You’ve got this in your hands, don’t deny it.”

“Stop it, Brian,” I say firmly. “Don’t ever say that.” 

“It’s the truth, Chloe,” he shrugs. “Besides, I’m rooting for you too, Chloe. I want you to win.” 

“But it’s not fair if I do, Brian. This is your dream too.” 

“It was my dream,” Brian says. “Until I met you. I’m in this for you, Chloe. I’m still here because of you.”

“Why are you so kind to me? I don’t get it. I don’t deserve any of this.”

“It’s simple, really,” he looks me in the eyes. “You inspire me, Chloe Jenkins. Your integrity is something I have never seen before. I want to help you achieve this instead. Never say you don’t deserve this because this is the least that you respect. You’re incredible, Chloe.”

“Brian...” there were so many things that were swirling in my head – so much that I wanted to say to this guy that had practically saved my life – but nothing came out. It seemed as if my tongue was no longer connected to my body.