prove it • stray kids

31 | school life

su-wei lin

[korean]

Our busking mission went so much better than I could have expected: We practiced well and handled the mistakes subtly. That being said, we have places to improve. I am currently at my early morning vocal lesson.

"Alright, Suwei, why don't you sing that song you practiced?" My vocal instructor asks.

I decided to sing Yanghwa BRDG by Zion.T.

After I finish, my instructor pushes up her glasses as she prepares to give me feedback on my singing.

"The stability in your voice has definitely improved. Some of your Korean pronunciation is a bit off, so keep practicing your Korean. Ask native speakers for help if you need it. I think a strength you have while singing is that your expressions hold emotion: Keep that up. As you keep practicing different songs, start trying songs that you are less comfortable with to expand your range."

I bow to her for all the help, "Thank you for the feedback."

She smiles, "Of course. You should get going to school."

Nodding at her, I collect my things and say a quick goodbye before exiting the room.

I meet Riley, Nyla, Jeongin, and Hyunjin as we all head to school together. Once we all get to school, we go our separate ways since we are not in the same class. However, Hyunjin and I walk in the same direction towards our next class.

"You're coming so close to the final decision of who debuts," Hyunjin notes.

I give him a small smile, "Yeah. I'm kind of nervous."

"Don't be. I think PDnim really wants to see what you three can do together."

"I hope you're right," I tell the taller boy, "I'm worried what will happen if we are not allowed to debut together."

He tilts his head in slight confusion, "Wouldn't whoever doesn't debut go back to training?"

I shake my head no, "I think Nyla and Riley would go back to California. Their parents let them come here to train, but they were reluctant. Their parents would probably want them to go back to continue their original studies."

Hyunjin looks a bit hurt, "They would leave?"

Shrugging, I reply, "I know they like it here a lot, and they really enjoy all the musical opportunities we have been able to pursue, but they would feel anxious if they were unsure if they could ever debut. As much as they would like to stay, I think they would try to be safer and find a more certain path in life."

"So they might go back in search of stability," I nod in confirmation, and he continues, "What would you do?"

I think over the question, "I would like to stay and train more. But I would also be worried about my uncertain future."

"Well," Hyunjin concludes as we reach my classroom, "None of you will have to worry about that because you are all going to debut together."

I chuckle as he brings me into a hug.

"See you later, Suwei," the boy grins before walking off to his own class.

"Bye, Hyunjin."

As I take a seat at my desk, I think over our conversation. I completely understand why people would want to play it safe and search for a stable path for their future, but I also see why someone would want to work hard for their passions and never quit despite the obstacles. Is it more important to seek stability or follow your passion no matter the struggle?

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i have no idea how the school hyunjin and jeongin attend works, so sorry about how inaccurate this probably is. also sorry about how late this update is. i will hopefully be much more active these next few weeks.