Hold Me Tight

Prelude

I never saw myself as being an Idol. I was bewildered when Eun-Bi approached me at my families coffee shop.

Our café was a little empty today. The competition between us and the bistro across the street was strenuous on our business. People had stopped coming to our Mom & Pop shop, and chosen the lavish, picture worthy bistro.

My parents were in the back, preparing pre-made finger sandwiches and discussing the business finances. I peaked through the swinging door to see my distressed mother & father. I sighed as I took a damp rag from the bucket on the floor next to me, and began wiping down our counter top.

The front doors bell jingled as a poised woman with long black hair stepped into our shop. She wore a black pantsuit, her stilettos clucking against our floors as she walked up to the register. I'm surprised she chose our shop, I thought to myself as I tossed the ramp back into the bucket and wiped my hands on my apron.

She removed her sunglasses, revealing intriguing purple contacts that made her iris' enlarged. She shot me a warm friendly smile.

"Annyeonghasseo," I mumbled, trying to give her a welcoming smile. "How can I help you?"

"Good morning." She hummed. "I'd like a café mocha with soy milk please"

I nodded at her request and punched her order into the cash register. "$3.50 please." She took her wallet from her pantsuit pocket, handed me the exact amount, and walked to sit at a table near the far window.

As I began making her drink, I looked up at her and noticed her gazing over at me then her fingers swiftly typing on her Galaxy. She'd stare back at me, then quickly go back to her phone. I slightly cocked my head to the side curiously.

I walked over to her with her drink, and carefully placed it on her table. "Thank you." She chimed. I slightly bowed at her, and just as I turned to walk back to the register she took my hand.

"Excuse me." She said softly with her charming smile. I turned to look at her, taking my hand from her. "I work with an entertainment industry & we've been auditioning hundreds of young women to be our first female solo idol."

"Oh, that's cool." I said a little confused at her. She motioned me to sit in the chair across her. I sat and waited for her to continue as she sipped her drink. She giggled at me.

"I don't think you're catching on." She said snickering. "Would you like to come audition?" My eyes widened at her question.

"Me?" I asked as I pointed to myself. She nodded enthusiastically. "Why would you ask me that...?" I was hesitant. What if this was some sort of joke?

"You're enchanting. Your voice, the way you move, the way you act. I have a feeling about you." She leaned back in her seat, keeping her eyes on mine. "What is your name?"

"... Y-Y/N." I said reluctantly. She smiled at me, "A name of an idol." She began rummaging through her pocket and pulled out her wallet taking a sleek, white & black business card out and placing it in front of me.

"We have auditions tomorrow. I will save a spot for you at noon." She arose from her seat and took one last sip of her drink before putting it down. "The address is on my card. I hope to see you there." She slightly bowed at me, and walked out the door. I picked up her card by the corners & stared at it for a second. What would I do? They'll probably make me sing and dance.. I thought I was a fairly good singer, when I sing in the shower, and maybe a better dancer, but only alone in my room. I shook my head at the thought & got back to work.

...

I didn't tell anyone I decided to audition. In case I got rejected, at least I'd be the only person that knew.

I walked up to the large, cement building with vast windows & took a deep breath. BigHit Entertainment. What've I got to lose? I timidly made my way into the building and began getting directions to my audition room.

I sat in a white room with light wood flooring, among other girls around my age as we anxiously awaited for the audition. I didn't even create any choreography... What am I doing here? The anticipation became too much for me. I panicked and just as I got up, they called my name.

"Y/N? We're ready for you." A tall, broad man with thin rimmed glasses said as he gave me a friendly smile. I smoothed out my white capri yoga pants, and straitened put my black adidas crop top.

I stood in front of a table with one familiar face. Eun-Bi. She excitedly smiled and waived at me. We gave our introductions and they hade begin. First, They examined me. Height, weight, skin, hair. It was so awkward to have them study me. See if I would be good enough. Then we started the performance with a song. I chose Jimin's "Lie" from their wings album. I knew it was one I'd be the best in. A little pitchy at time, but I think I did well. Then last, they had me dance. I decided I wanted to do IU's BBIBBI. It was easy, but it stood out. I tried to remain focused on myself in the mirror. Watching my half up, half down hair away at my sides, making sure my timing was perfect.

When I finished, Eun-Bi gave me a proud grin, then looked at her colleagues. "I'm really glad you stopped by, Y/N." I smiled at and quickly bowed to all of them. "Thank you for having me." I replied before walking out the door.