Risk is the Spice of Life

Chapter 7

We were all in the group kitchen again. The counters smelled of fresh cleaner and utensils shone under the LED lights; a cute and inviting scene under normal circumstances. But this was not a normal circumstance. The air was thick with tension and apprehension as we waited for the First Trial to begin.

BTS and their reps, our judges, strolled in and the energy level spiked, but the room remained silent. The member-led activities had helped to calm the chaos whenever members were seen walking around or entering the room. We were still excited, but the excitement had changed had changed from fan-idol excitement to acquaintance-friend excitement.

Kestrel and I had attended two additional activities before the Trial. The first was photography with Suga. I'd tried to sneak some pictures of BTS being, well BTS. I got some really nice brotherly moments and some great funny moments. However, my favorite picture was taken by accident; the light was hitting Suga just right, but right as I hit the capture button on my camera, he sneezed. It was the most glorious derp face I had ever seen.

When I came across that glorious shot as I was reviewing my pictures at the end of the session, I heard laughter close behind me, which startled me so much that I dropped my camera. But, quick as lightning, a hand shot out from behind and caught the camera before it hit the ground. I turned to see who had saved it and was greeted with the sight of the Goldenboy, his eyes still crinkled with laughter.

"Suga won't like this picture" he said as he handed the camera to me.

"Well, Suga doesn't have to know about it" I responded in a conspiratory whisper. Jungkook grinned at me and I wasn't sure if he enjoyed knowing about one of Suga's funniest pictures, or if he planned on using it against me in the future.

Our second activity was Acting with V, and that was definitely interesting. He had us do weird impromptu skits, both in small groups and in front of the whole group, while giving us pointers and compliments. Antonia and a Greek boy impressed me with their intense performances; I was nearly moved to tears. A heavyset girl form England and a Japanese boy had everyone rolling with laughter, including Linnet who couldn't keep her icy facade while they performed. I wasn't good with the serious scenes, especially the dramatic ones, but V and many of the contestants were impressed with my villainous portrayals.

It had been really fun and exciting to see and experience the idols doing something they enjoyed outside of music. Of course, the other members showed up during the activities, and seeing the camaraderie being formed was heartening.

But none of that camaraderie was present now. The tension in the air was thick and the presence of several cameras filming our every word and action didn't make the situation easier. Before the doors were closed, resort servers gave each of us a thick, heavy manila envelope. Once each contestant had a folder, the staff exited and BTS stood at the center of the room.

"We have an announcement before you begin your Trial" Jin started dramatically, "this is actually your Second Trial."

"Dun, dun, duuuuuuuunnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" V's sound effect was comical, but most of us were still processing Jin's words; when had the First Trial taken place?

"It had to be at the Orientation" I said, "it was the only time we were all required to be together since the activities are optional."

"Makes sense." Corbyn agreed,

"Does that mean that the First Trial was when they gave us the option to leave?" Antonia asked.

"Had to be", Kestrel replied, "but what was the point of that? Not announcing it, I mean?"

"Maybe to determine dedication?" I suggested, "Being a famous idol isn't easy." My counter mates nodded their agreement, and by this time the speculative chatter had died down and we all looked to BTS. From what I'd heard, most other groups had come to the same conclusion. Once we were silent Jin resumed speaking.