Let's Fly

I was sent right up to the second floor the moment I arrived. I'm now in a room full of girls singing their heads off, or dancing to loud music. I've been trying to find a quiet corner to think for the past few hours, but we're basically all squashed in here like sardines. I can't even practice with my guitar. They're are a bunch of people watching us like hawks, guarding every doorway. Are they scared we'll escape or something?

I decide to use the restroom as an escuse to get some peace. I casually walk up to one of the doors, where a short and narrow lady is watching me from the doorway.

"Just need to use the restroom." I say.

She raises her eyebrows, but then moves to the side for me to pass.

"You better not be looking for the boys." she hisses as I pass.

What is it with everyone here? Why do they all think I'm here just for B1A4? I'm honestly here only because of my true passion for singing and dancing. I don't care about this kpop group. All I'm here for is a chance to succeed in my life.

I step into the hallway, and feel a rush of cold air. I didn't realize how hot that room was. Maybe it's because of nerves. Anyway, it's nice to be able to cool down. I turn to the right and begin to search for the restroom. I pass multiple dance rooms and offices on my way. The hallways are really bright and clean. It's nice.

After turning another corner, I finally see a restroom sign. I enter the ladies room and walk into a stall. I put the toilet lid down, and pull out my phone and earphones after taking a seat. I press the play button on my earphones and close my eyes as the music starts.

This music is one of my most treasured recordings of all time. I recorded it back in eleventh grade with Jung Hwan. It was something we composed together. I smile as he begins to sing, remembering how he used to be so happy whenever he did anything related to music. I was too. Then, my own eleventh grade voice starts singing and I cringe. I don't neccessarily sound bad, but I just feel awkward listening to my own voice. It's a strange feeling that most people expierience. This is the song I'll be singing today, except this time it'll be on my own.

When the recording ends, I get up and exit the stall. I check the time.

2:16pm

I need to get back soon. My audition starts at 2:20.

I wash my face and hands, and breathe slowly to calm my nerves. Then, I begin to walk back to the room. I can hear the loud noise coming from the waiting room already. I'm kind of dreading going back in there, but I have no choice. The moment I step in, my name is called.

"Number two-hundred seventy, Park Soyul? It's your turn."

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Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe–

Forget it! I just feel my heartbeat speeding up.

Auditioning in person is way worse than auditioning online. The judges look at me expectantly, and I clear my throat. I've been practicing Seoul dialect for a while, but decide to just drop it and use my natural Busan accent.

"Hello, my name is Park Soyul. I am nineteen years old, and I'll be auditioning for vocal and dance." I say loudly. Whoops, too loud.

I feel a nervous rush in my body, and shiver. There are three judges, and they all look completely burnt out. The man in the center motions for me to begin. I grab my guitar, and take a seat on a stool they set up for me. Then I begin to play.

The moment I hear the familiar melody of my ballad, I calm down and close my eyes. Might as well. It's not like looking at them will do any good for me. I erase my surroundings and begin to sing, imaging Jung Hwan singing with me. It's a happy thought, and I smile as I sing. Nothing can bother me now.

When I finish strumming the last few chords on my guitar, I open my eyes again and snap back to reality. The judges are staring at me with strange looks on their faces. The one in the center speaks first.

"You said you prepared a dance too, right? Please show us." he says.

I move the stool to the side, and then hear my homemade soundtrack begin to play. Then, I just start dancing to my heart's content. Of course it's not just random dancing. I prepared a whole routine beforehand, so that I wouldn't risk anything. It's a very quick dance so when the music ends, I'm once again greeted by silence.

The judges smile, and then say that I can leave now. I guess that's it. Now I just go back to waiting and waiting and waiting...

Notes