Attending SOPA

Chapter 9

That next morning, Hajoon and I went back to SOPA as usual. I am so excited to tell all my friends that I get to debut in less than five days. Today, we're supposed to work on our second song for our mini album. Each day, we'll be learning new choreography and songs. Brilliant-minded songwriters have written the rest of our songs for us, so we don't have to worry. I'm excited to see what kind of songs we'll be debuting with. I wonder if it will really like Dark & Wild of BTS, or will be unique to us. After hearing our first title song, it reminded me of that album. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I ask my friend group to meet me in the main library for an important announcement. They were all excited, wondering if I got to debut yet. Well, not yet but soon. When they all arrive, I sit them down on the coach and stand in front of them. Hajoon is standing next to me, smiling cutely.
"Okay, guys. I have a HUGE announcement." I started.
"Tell us." Jun said.
"I'm debuting!!" I exclaimed.
"Really? Oh my gosh, I'm so happy! Congrats!" Minhae said.
"Yes! I will totally go to your debut stage." Tae said.
"Group hug!" Jun exclaimed.
In an instant, my whole group surrounds Hajoon and I in a group hug. All my friends are super excited for our debut. 4EVER is going to be one of the best K-Pop groups, not to be biased or anything, but I'm just predicting it.

I continue on my school day, attending dance class and vocal class. Not all my classmates know of my debut yet, in fact I want to keep it a secret to surprise them. When our debut airs on TV, they will definitely be shocked seeing me in a legit group. Becoming an idol while also trying to finish school at the same time will be a little stressful on me, but good thing I can always consult my school counselor. When times of being an idol and stresses of school come up, I would need to open up about my concerns. Now, I can't be worrying about that now, I need to focus on my debut. I went to every class of today, then got a taxi to JYP Entertainment. Every day until our debut, we will be working our butts off to perfect every choreography, every line of our song. We won't stop until it's reach it's peak perfection. By the end of our dance practice, I am like dripping in sweat and exhausted. It was never this hard while I was a trainee. I guess they are getting serious now. Nevertheless, I know all our hard work will pay off once we debut and start performing on stage.

Later that same night, after all the work was finished, I collapsed onto my bed. I'm breathing heavily, and have barely ate a thing. Sure, I had lunch at school, but since then never had a chance to eat dinner. Rehearsals take up that time when we're supposed to eat dinner. I hear my stomach growl loudly and my heart beating quickly. Hajoon notices me in distress and rushes to my side.
"Your temperature is high. Have you eaten?" Hajoon asked.
I groan, "Not since lunch."
"Shel, you can't skip meals like this. I'll fetch you some Dak Gomtang." Hajoon said, anxious to get me something to eat.
"Hajoon, you really don't have to. I'm fine." I said, grabbing his hand.
"Clearly, you're not. I'm bringing you food." Hajoon said, leaving the room.

I put my hand on my forehead and feel all the sweat on it. I wipe it away and feel it again, I am pretty warm. Huh, I can't be getting sick can I? I just skipped one meal, maybe it's my body trying to tell me; 'are you dumb, eat something.' Hajoon soon comes back with warm, tasty smelling soup. He helps me sit up, then moves the bedside table in front of me so I have a place to eat my soup. I pick up a spoon and blow on it gently, then begin eating the delicious soup. I smile at Hajoon, showing him that the soup is amazing and tasty.
"Good, you feel better. I hate seeing you like that." Hajoon said.
"I really thought I could make it through dance practice and rehearsals without dinner." I said.
"Your body wasn't ready for all that physical stress. You need to take care of yourself first." Hajoon said.
"I know. . ." I sigh, "I should of known better than to skip dinner."
"Please don't do that again. Don't end up pulling a Jimin where you have one meal in hmm like ten days." Hajoon said.
"I love you too much to make myself suffer." I said.
"Do it not only for me for yourself too." Hajoon said, kissing me.
"I will certainly do that, I'll take care of myself." I said.
"Good, good night baby." Hajoon said.
"Good night." I said.

I finish my bowl of delicious chicken noodle soup, then move my bedside table to where it should be. I take my bowl to the kitchen where I wash it and put it away. Then, I go back to my dorm room and go to bed. I should of really thought that through before going through with skipping dinner. If I wouldn't have, I would have more energy to finish recording our second song. From now on, I will try not to skip a single meal. I love food way too much to try doing that again. Now, I need to focus on my future career. I'm so excited to be debuting, I may of not been a trainee for long, but I know I worked hard to be where I am now. Technically, I'm still a trainee. I'm not an official idol until I debut and grow in fame. Not like fame matters to me, it doesn't matter to me at all. In fact, I'm super shy and I don't like a lot of attention on me. That has to change if I want a cool stage presence. I know my coaches will get me where I want to be before debut.