Attending SOPA

Chapter 6

Hajoon and I are sent back to SOPA to continue our education while also being trainees. JYP understands as high school students that, we have to get our education. So, every day after all our classes are done for the day, we have to go to JYP to do our lessons as usual. Since we have to go to SOPA from the morning into the afternoon, our classes at JYP go late into the night. It's fine though because I have always been a night owl. I can stay up until 2 or 3am if I have to. As they also want us to get a decent amount of sleep so we don't fall asleep during class at SOPA, they try not to go past midnight. I'm glad they're aware that we're still students and have to study and do other things.

*Graduation*
Today is my graduation of my junior year. This is a special occasion for me because it's my first year graduating at SOPA. I have made so many friends here, formed strong bonds with them, and now we're graduating together. This is so exciting. I have also been a trainee for about five months now. Things haven't been as hard as I thought it would be. I thankfully got my phone back because I explained that my parents are back in the States. I need my phone in case of emergencies or need to contact them for things like my graduation or my debut. I called my mom, asking if she could possibly make it over to Seoul for my graduation, and to also ask my dad. My dad doesn't like flying or big cities, but this is a huge deal. I would want them to attend my graduation. My mom said she would try talking to my dad about it. She will hopefully convince him to come. In the meantime, I have to get ready for graduation. Unlike America, we're not given robes to wear for graduation. Instead, we just wear our uniforms. That's interesting.

Around the time of my graduation, I'm getting nervous because I haven't seen my parents show up yet. I looked around where the guests are sitting and haven't seen them. I kept an eye on the door, and still haven't seen them come through the door. Okay, I understand if they can't make it. It is quite a distance to travel just for a graduation.

Soon, my name is called and I begin walking over to take my certificate. The principal hands it to me and I shake his hand. I bow to him as I was taught that is a show of respect to elders. Again, I look out into the crowd. Just in time, my parents walk in with a bouquet of flowers. They run over to me and I'm in tears.
"Mom, dad. You actually made it." I said, wiping my tears.
"We wouldn't miss your first graduation at Korean school for the world." Dad said.
"I'm so proud of you." Mom said. Dad hands me the bouquet.
"Thank you so much for coming." I said, hugging them both.
"We missed you." Dad said.
"How has it been?" Mom asked.
"I have so much to tell you, so please stick around." I said.

I take my seat with my class to watch the rest of the graduates walk onto stage. They receive their certificates and meet with family as well. After meeting with family, they take their seats. When the graduation is over, I lead my friend group to where my parents are. I tell my parents that we should go outside where there is more room and less crowded. We go outside and I introduce my friends to them one by one. The first one I had to introduce was Hajoon. He was the very first friend I made at SOPA. He helped me through tough times, and we even became trainees together. He means so much to me. I have yet to confess my feelings to him, but that's for another time. Right now, I have to get my parents up to speed.
"I made it, mom. I became a trainee at JYP Entertainment." I said.
"What?" Mom asked. She doesn't know much about this industry.
"I am training to become a singer, and Hajoon might be a singer and guitarist with me." I said.
"Oh, good job." Mom said.
"Thanks." I said.
"So, is he your boyfriend?" Dad asked. Classic dad.
Hajoon and I look at each other then back at my dad, "Well, sir. Not at the moment." Hajoon said. Great save, Joonie.
"I would love to see you together." Mom said.
"Mom." I groaned.
"You two look cute." Mom said.
"Finally, I'm not the only one." Minhae said.
"Whatever. Well, guys these are my parents. My mom is Filipino. My dad is American. Now you see where I got my mix from." I said.
"That's why you're so pretty." Minhae said.
"Ah, stop." I said.
"No, you are." Hajoon said.
"What?" I asked.
". . . Um, nothing." Hajoon said, looking down at the ground.
"No, I heard what you said. You're not so sneaky." I said, pushing his arm. He giggles.

After visiting with my parents, my friend group decided it's the best time to take them to our favorite restaurant. My parents have to experience true Korean food. Like, that stuff is the bomb. From kimchi to tteok-bokki, Korea has got it all in terms of delicious food. We go to Ossu Seiromushi, which is Jin and his brother's restaurant, and a Japanese restaurant, but they also serve Korean food. It can also be a little spendy, but it's so worth it. As a group, we can get a big box of smoked meat, traditionally made the Japanese way. I informed my friends a while ago that I don't eat pork because of my religion. They told me I would be missing out on a lot of great Korean food, but I wasn't about to go against my religion. In respecting that, my friends ordered my family a box of smoked beef and bulgogi. My parents have idea the treat they're about to get.
"Welcome to Korea, mom and dad." I said.
"This is great food." Dad said.
"Right." I said.
"Really good." Mom said.

We finish eating, and walk outside, it's already the evening. Hajoon and I have to go to JYP, so I tell my parents I have to go. I told them that SOPA has a place for visitors where they could stay. I hug and kiss them goodbye, then Hajoon and I hail a cab to JYP. My parents comment on how much I'm growing up and taking up huge responsibilities as I'm a trainee. I mean, I see how famous I would be over night, but I ask for my privacy, extreme privacy. I don't want any information about me out except for the fact that I would become an idol. That is to be worried about later, right now Hajoon and I will be going to our daily vocal and dance classes.