ch. 6

"open your eyes."

-crescent

"fuck this shit, i'm out."

"come on eunbi-nie. we have to do this."

"you can't make me."

"i'll get you 5 bags of your favorite snacks after this."

"... dammit, this food slut can't decline the offer."

hand-in-hand, eunbi and siyeon walk towards the waiting room.

today, is the day of the evaluation process where students get judged based on their talent and get placed into their class level; millions of people worldwide watch online or come to attend the event. although the audience is excited to see future idols perform, it's a nerve-racking day for the participants.

settling themselves in two empty seats, the vocalist props her elbows on her thighs and rests her head on her hands while the dancer observes her competition in the room. they may seem unfazed by the number of people participating in this event, but in reality they can feel goosebumps travel along their skin.

so many talented people in one room...

terrifies them.

siyeon's confidence continues to decrease as she watches students practice their dance routines, in awe of their smooth movements. she looks at her small hands, reflecting upon her dance, and lets out a sigh.

"hey."

the girl turns her attention to her friend, who's patting her shoulder. "stop worrying, you're going to be fine."

"i wish i can, but i'm so nervous." she lays her head on eunbi's shoulder. "there are so many talented people here... and there is just me."

"yah!" eunbi smacks siyeon's head, earning a painful groan from the girl. "i told you to stop worrying! i've seen you dance, and you are way better than these fools here okay? even yunho would tell you that!"

she giggles at her comment as her confidence slowly builds up. "thank you eunbi, for cheering me up."

"don't thank me," the said girl remarks. "now then, let's watch the opening performance yunho and his friends are participating in."

siyeon nods and lifts her head to watch the opening of the event on the television.

on the other hand, eunbi has not left her gaze on the floor. in the back of her mind, she continues to recall a specific quote from the headmaster.

"well then, if you want to start at the bottom, you'll have to be good enough to be at the bottom."

at first, she wanted to purposely have a bad performance to avoid being in the same class as yunho despite the different departments. with being in a different class, she can meet new people and eventually move on; that's her main goal.

but is she willing to take the risk?

after spending some time with his friends, she is unsure of her decision. she initially thought that she was going to be left alone since yunho would be chasing after siyeon; however, his friends got her mind off of them. they filled the emptiness between her and her only two friends.

and besides, she's not going to move on completely if she doesn't face reality.

but in the back of her mind, fear gnaws on her decision.

will she really be able to move on?

will she be able to handle the pain that goes with it?

will she regret her decision?

will she be truly happy?

despite her fears, she decides to do her best in her performance.

the vocalist warms up her throat and does some voice exercises as softly as possible, not wanting to attract attention toward her. when she feels ready, she quietly rehearses her chosen song.

numbers of students walk on and off stage with expressions of happiness, sadness, and neutrality.

and sooner or later, it is siyeon's turn on stage.

eunbi engulfs her friend in a big hug when she hears a familiar number being called. "good luck out there! you're going to do great out there!"

"i'll perform my best for you!" the dancer gleams, returning the hug, before running on stage.

after her disappearance from the waiting room, the brunette falls back into her chair. she can feel her heart pulse beating insanely fast, along with her breathing. anxiety tangles her thoughts and she closes her eyes to rid all nervousness.

you will be fine, she soothes herself. you will be fine.

she eventually calms herself down and forces her head to watch siyeon on the television, a smile spreading on her face. her beautiful movements captivate her focus and she forgets all her worries as the judges compliment her friend for her elegant performance.

siyeon then walks off stage after bowing to the judges and rushes towards eunbi with a set of red clothes in her hand. she squeals in happiness, grabs her hands, and they both jump in circles. "eunbi-nie, i got into class a!"

"i told you so!" eunbi exclaims. "you were amazing out there!"

they hug one another for a few seconds before releasing each other, knowing that it was time for the other girl to perform. "do your best out there!"

"i'll try."

ending the quick conversation, eunbi takes her first step on stage.

thousands of people clap their hands at the appearance of another future idol while she nervously walks towards the microphone. she takes the small metal stick from its stand and moves the stand to the side.

she can see the judges observing her from afar, which quickens her heartbeat, as they finish writing notes on the previous participant. seeing that they were occupied for the moment, she uses the opportunity to look for her friends.

eunbi eventually spots them in the middle of the crowd since mingi's unnecessary jumping was not hard to miss. she gives them a small wave, receiving a loud shout from wooyoung and san. yeosang flashes her a small smile and mouths 'fighting' to the nervous girl.

then, the judges finish wrapping up their business and cue the music to begin with a nod. the piano medley flows into life, getting everyone into the mood of the song.

where's yunho? she wonders while listening to the instrumental.

and she instantly makes a mistake when she spots him.

in the back of the audience, yunho has his arms around siyeon, who has a bouquet of sunflowers in her hand. they both rock one another in a comforting manner as they laugh at a joke that yunho cracked. their eyes make contact with each other and stare in a loving matter that can't go unnoticed.

and as if they were in their own world, yunho caresses her cheek softly before cupping her jaw...

and pressing his lips onto hers.

eunbi can feel bile traveling up her throat as her eyesight becomes blurry, slightly gripping her microphone harder than intended. her free hand makes its way to her heart, where it hurts so badly, and grabs her white blouse roughly.

the headmaster's voice whispers in her mind once again. "well then, if you want to start at the bottom, you'll have to be good enough to be at the bottom."

a bittersweet smile pulls on her lips as a tear slips onto her face.

without further thought, she brings the microphone close to her mouth...

and screams at the top of her lungs.