Different: A Markson Story

Chapter 2: Practice

The smell of sweat and the sound of squeaking shoes filled Practice Room 7. It was Mark's favorite room to practice in. As he had planned with Jaebum, Mark along with Yugyeom and Youngjae met to practice as they did most days after school. This time, however, they practiced much harder and much longer as they knew the auditions were the next day.

"I wish they gave us more notice for when the auditions were," Jaebum cried out as his body collapsed to the floor from exhaustion. 

"You know that's how they are, they like to keep us on our toes," Mark chuckled. 

"I swear if we dance to this song one more time I may just explode," Youngjae whined. Dancing was not particularly his forte, so he was trying extra hard to keep up. 

"Well we better finish this up I have a paper to write," Yugyeom remarked. 

"You mean the paper that was due two weeks ago?" Jaebum scoffed. 

"How are you so irresponsible?" They all laughed much to Yugyeom's chagrin.

"Who do you think the biggest competition will be?," Yugyeom asked. 

"Without a doubt Jackson and Bambam," Jaebum stated. Mark knew who Jackson and Bambam were. Jackson was in his and JB's class while Bambam was in Yugyeom and Youngjae's class. He didn't know much about Bambam, but he knew Jackson was the polar opposite of him. Jackson was your typical, popular bad boy with a loudmouth and over the top personality. You would know if Jackson was in the room because he was constantly talking. He never did homework, always started trouble and was very annoying. He couldn't be more different than Mark. Mark had a difficult time believing that such an idiot could pose such a serious threat, especially because he's never even seen him perform, let alone do anything with a brain.

"Is he really that good? We've never seen him do anything but start trouble, misbehave and slack off in class?" 

Youngjae shrugs before Yugyeom opens his mouth. "Bambam, his best friend is in our class. He says they practice all the time on weekends. He says Jackson is really, really good. Like so good that's why his parents sent him to JYP Academy from Hong Kong...on a full-ride." Mark became wide-eyed. JYP Academy was a fortune to attend, and he didn't receive a full-ride at all. 

"I've overheard some of the teachers discuss how good he is," JB adds.

Could Jackson really be competition? Mark knew he was good, but was he good enough? Was he good compared to Jackson? These questions began to run through his mind and suddenly his adrenaline kicked in. He sprung to his feet with a kip up. "Again let's run through the song again!" he demanded. Yugyeom and Youngjae let out a big sigh.

 "It's fine you two go, I'll stay and practice with him," JB kindly said. 

"Thanks, JB you are a lifesaver. I do not know if I could even do another step." The two packed up and left as Mark took his position. The music hit and he began again with JB. The sound of squeaking shoes hitting the practice room floor echoed off the walls once again.

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I'm really not in the mood to write so hopefully, these are coming out okay loves. :) I actually really like the plot for this story though so I'm trying hard :)