JYP left Jisoo with the Minjae, 2PM’s manager to sort some things and bring her to the boy’s dorm just she could be familiar with the place. Her dorm unit was just beside this one.

“So… Welcome to JYP family” The manager welcomed awkwardly. He tried to be warm but failed miserably. Even he was having a hard time accepting the new kid. If it wasn’t for the demonstration earlier, he might be having the same thoughts as the idols. He couldn’t understand why JYP chose to add a new member when things are really bad. Unfortunately, he was just an employee. What he thinks doesn’t matter.

The group’s manger was not well-built like 2PM but he looked capable. Jisoo even wondered how he managed to keep the boys in line. She was sure managing 6 grown men isn’t as easy as they look on television.

Oh.

She almost forgot. Minjae hyung used to watch out for 7 GROWN MEN. Having her would be just like before. Sort of.

Jisoo followed her now manager in silence. She wasn’t sure how to act in awkward situations like what she’s having that moment. The only thing she knew how to do best was smile politely and let things go where they’re supposed to be.

All members had training that afternoon, including her. She only came by the dorm to get her things settled. According to her schedule, she had vocal training and piano lessons.

Minjae, now her manager, left her alone to do some errands for JYP. She was to go back in the company to continue her training.

She was a little late but her instructor didn’t mind. Her instructor’s assessment gave her a positive review. Her voice had improved fitting the male role she was to fulfil. Compared to her first session, the difference was good.

It was already 8 in the evening when she finished her vocal training. Jisoo couldn’t contain her anxiety as soon as she realized that from this day onwards, she would no longer be residing with CC. She would be living close with the other members.

Minjae, the group’s manager picked her up. The trip was quiet. Both didn’t know how to conquer the awkwardness. By the time she arrived, the rest of the members were already back.

All her things were already inside her new dorm. As stated in her contract, she was given her own unit. She made a quick change of her clothes to freshen herself up before she went to the main dorm unit as instructed by her manager. It was agreed upon the she will join them for meals in order to improve their relationship.

The newbie was extremely anxious. For the first time, there was no CC to support her. This is the first time she would be alone with the group. No one would be able to help her when she messes up. The thought of it scares her. It was a different type of isolation altogether.

Jisoo tried her best to calm herself. Getting nervous would only make things worse she told herself. She repeated these words a lot trying all she could to protect herself. Minutes passed by before she could walked back to the main dorm and knocked. It felt like forever but one of the members eventually opened the door.

Chansung opened the door and was greeted by the new guy. His expression fully showed his disdain. Jisoo could only smile and greeted, not forgetting her manners. “Good Evening hyung”

The old maknae let the new manknae without a word before going back to his usual seat in front of the television. Not in one bit did he like Jisoo’s presence in the dorm. Just by the smile on the young one’s face made him burn up for no reason. Jisoo reminded him of the missing presence of their strong leader, whose room remained unoccupied.

For a short while, the young one followed him quietly, but stopped to look for their manager. Minjae was in the kitchen, busy preparing their supper. It was a takeout. Their manager was the one putting them out of their cartons and serving them on plates.

The other members except for Wooyoung and Chansung were in their own rooms doing their own business. This was the everyday ritual ever since Jaebum went to Seattle. Nothing was the same, the moment he left the members. Everyone had lost their spark.

He greeted the large male. “Good Evening Minjae hyung.”

“Is there anything that I could help you with?” The young one offered.

“Prepare the table, will you? The utensils are on the compartment near the refrigerator” Their manager was glad to have an extra hand.

Jisoo nodded and went off to prepare the table.

It didn’t take long before their food was ready. Minjae, their manager then called the rest of the members.

One by one, they went out of their rooms and took a seat.

When everyone was settled, Jisoo remained unseated. Apparently, there were only enough seats for 7 people.

The manager looked confused. “Hey guys, there’s supposed to be 8 seats. Where’s the other one?”

Not one replied to their manager and started eating. They couldn’t care less about the guy. Chansung snickered and mentally thanked himself for hiding the extra seat they had.

“Uh… I think I’ll eat in the kitchen” Jisoo avoided making trouble and silently ate in the kitchen.

Minjae glared at every member at the table. Wooyoung looked unaffected and so are the others. Junsu looked smug and contented that Jisoo wasn’t eating with them. Even just by looking at the newbie was making his blood boil. Junho ate quietly while Nichkhun and Taecyon conversed in English.

“Why did JYP hyung have to add the twerp into the group? He’s just another problem” Nichkhun grumbled.

“We hate the guy but JYP doesn’t seem to care. Let’s just make his life miserable until he quits” Taecyon simply answered the prince without guilt.

“Oi! Speak Korean. No one can keep up with you except Thai boy” Junho interrupted the two and looked at the tallest straight in the eye.

“You’ll know it eventually so out and eat.” Nichkhun rolled his eyes and told him in Korean.

Junho glared at him but spoke no more. He merely returned his attention to his food.

Nichkhun then turned back to Taecyon and talked in English once more.

“He better break before I lose my patience”

Taecyon gave him a toothy smile. “He will.”

Supper ended quickly and the members with the exception of the newest went back to their usual routines. Jisoo volunteered to help out in washing the plates in which Minjae was grateful for.

It was only when Jisoo finished with the dishes, did she bid goodbye to his manager and the two idols- Wooyoung and Chansung who were in the living room. The two didn’t bother looking in her direction.

Just as she was about to leave, she couldn’t help but look back. The group’s dorm was small. It was filled with stuff everywhere but there was a certain portion of the unit that was kept in order. From where she was standing, she saw the name plate by the door saying ‘Park Jaebum’. They’ve kept the place unoccupied and she was sure all the remaining things their leader left was still where it was. Jisoo couldn’t help but feel sad for her co-members. It has only been a few months since the leader left and yet someone shows up looking like he’s going to fill up the empty space of a most beloved brother. Somehow she understood their anger.

Somewhere inside her, she wondered if her presence would make a difference on the members’ lives. These men were hurt to the core that her very presence was an insult to their missing leader and a painful reminder of what they lost.

Jisoo could only hope that in the future, things would get better. With nothing left to do, she retired to his room and slept.

Two days after settling beside 2pm’s main dorm, Jisoo had become accustomed to the usual disregard by the members. The worst part of being ignored was whenever they think she wasn’t looking they would look in her direction with hate. It was only Wooyoung who would look at her with an empty expression on his face, as if he felt nothing.

The following week, a press conference was prepared in officially introducing a new member of 2PM. The media was curious about the mysterious addition to an already successful group. Different assumptions arose about the new member. Fans were outraged and protested on the day of the conference. The security was tight, catching a few hardcore fans trying to sneak in and planning to ruin the event. No one knew who Jisoo was except for 2PM and some of JYP’s trusted employees.  

The said conference became a headline for a few top entertainment sites for both locally and internationally. Representatives from different channels were present and patiently waiting at the event.

The original members were briefed of what has to be said. No one protested and just agreed to go along. They hated Jisoo, there was no denying that fact but for the sake of their careers and strong brotherhood, they were willing to endure. In short, faking a good relationship with the new member was needed.

The ride towards the conference was quiet. Still, the old members ignored the youngest. Jisoo was seated in between Chansung and Taecyon. Being seated with the largest members of the group wasn’t as pleasant as she wanted it to be. For the whole duration of their ride, both males were glaring at her. It felt like she was being watched by predators that were waiting for the right moment to jump in. Jisoo shivered once in a while because of fear but managed to act normally. Deep inside her head, she wished that they would arrive as soon as possible.

People came swarming around the van as soon as it was in sight. Security personnel came rushing around the van to prevent any mishaps and controlled the crowd. Jisoo was overwhelmed by the attention the event was getting. Fans were pushing their way towards the vehicle in which the bodyguards have prevented. Clearly, they weren’t happy at the news of an additional member to the group. Most of them were holding placards that contained their protest. As the new recruit, Jisoo, saw the scene she looked at her co-members and saw the passive expressions they had as they passed the crazed crowd. No one bothered to smile and only looked ahead. The van didn’t stop in front of the building and proceeded at the back entrance. There were less people waiting though, they were as out of control like the ones at front entrance.

Jisoo could no longer watch the hatred the people towards her and hung her head low until they were finally safe inside the building. She avoided any hostile glances at her and maintained a calm expression on her face.

All members including her waited inside one dressing room large enough to accommodate them. Just like a week ago, the coldness of the members towards Jisoo was still the same. They may have agreed to get along with the guy but it doesn’t mean that they would kind enough to acknowledge her. Today, they will pretend DURING the conference but not BEFORE. It was how it was like when they put on their idol smiles and look at the crowd, only this was way worse.

Jisoo sat quietly in one of the chairs the stylists had provided for them. She quietly let CC, the only stylist allowed to prep her. She was lucky that she had CC as support. She was the only one among the few who was friendly towards her. Everyone else were either rude or ignored her existence. The stylist knew her secret and swore to protect the rookie in any possible way she could.

“Nervous?” she asked the young one as her hands worked her magic on her face.

“It would be a lie if I said no.” There was humour in Jisoo’s voice, but she could sense the fear in it. “It feels like I’m gonna be eaten there.”

“Don’t worry. Noona will protect you” she couldn’t help to tease, just divert her attention to something else.

Jisoo understood what she was doing and back. “Be careful noona. Other people might think we have a thing for each other. JYP will kills us if a scandal about us broke out. ”

“Like that will happen.” CC made a face. “Blek! Sorry I don’t swing your way.” This time she whispered on her ear as if telling a secret. Both of them smiled at their private joke.

The wait was nerve-wracking for the newbie. Her cheerful expression didn’t betray her even when she was feeling the pressure. Only through years of practice that she could maintain the façade even at the difficult situations.

During the wait before the conference, all the remaining 6 members isolated themselves. Junsu had his music player and was lost in his own world. Taecyon was huddled together with the only foreigner in the group, Nichkhun. Wooyoung remained silent as he was when Jisoo came. Junho took a nap while Chansung chatted with their manager.

Since Jisoo was presented after the start of HEARTBEAT promotions, it was impossible for her to join. There was nothing she could participate in the promotion except show up when needed. In fact, her case was similar to U-KISS’ Kiseop.

The wait was long but nevertheless the conference commenced later than they had all wanted it to be. The delay was caused by the protesters outside and a couple of antis making a scene.

All 7 members went on the stage in a single file. Jisoo was in the middle in between Junsu and Taecyon, the most intimidating among the bunch. JYP was at the right end of the table together with the group’s manager.

Camera flashes didn’t stop the moment they went up the stage. The worst part was everything that was going to happen was being filmed live. The thought of looking like a specimen for people to see made Jisoo had her feeling queasy on her seat.

JYP began the conference by welcoming everyone. The kind gesture he had when they first met was nowhere to be seen. In fact, he had this scary aura around him. His presence was more authoritative like how Lee Soo Man of SME was perceived by the public.

“As you all know, just a few months ago one of 2pm’s members took a break from his activities.” He paused for a moment, allowing everyone to listen to every word he was saying.

“Through this conference, I hope to make the rumours to cease and to enlighten everyone about my decision.”

“My reason of adding a new member to the group is to lead the group in a new direction. I believe that his presence would help the group.” These words were true to heart. Jisoo’s presence was for that purpose: to help the group and divert the public’s attention.

He eyed the new member before continuing. “As of today, I will formally announce the new addition to the 7-member group, 2pm.”

The new member stood up just like what JYP and her manager instructed, a few hours before. She stood there calmly with a gentle smile on her face. Jisoo knew too well that this moment was an important aspect of her career. If she messes up, it would be difficult to repair her image. So with full confidence, she stood in front of the crowd hiding all her fears and bowed as a sign of respect.

The remaining 6 members sitting beside her, looked nothing like when they’re away from the public eye. Everyone looked pleasant and not as intimidating as they usually were.

“Park Jisoo is the youngest member but he is as experienced as the others. Therefore, he will be added as a rapper and dancer in the group. He also inclined in playing the piano and fluent in at least 3 languages. Other information about him will be posted on our website.”

Some of the people present were impressed but majority unsatisfied.

“To clarify more about our new member – Jisoo as said to be a replacement, he, himself wanted to clear up the issue” JYP looked at the youngest in the eye, giving her his cue.

She just stood there for a moment before starting. Everyone looked like any time, they would be eat her alive.

“I’m not trying to replace anyone.” she stated. The clicking continued as she resumed her speech.

“I am simply a new member introduced as part of 2PM. I AM NOT HIS REPLACEMENT. There was never a plan of replacing him. We all know that each member of the group is important. Park Jaebum is still a part of 2PM. He IS the leader which he proved to everyone that he deserved it. I can never fill the shoes he had left and there was never an intention in taking his part.

Our group is having a hard time but we will persevere. Park Jin Young gave me this opportunity to debut with 2pm. To prove my worth, I will try my best to meet his expectations for me. My words today may be of no worth for most of you, but I speak with a sincere heart.

I promise all of you, No one can replace 2PM’s Park Jaebum. For, I, too believe that he will come back and 2PM will be complete once again. Someday, I want to be able to meet him and welcome him back. Please be patient on his return and please continue to support 2PM.” She bowed.

After her speech, a reporter immediately raised his hand and asked a question. ‘Is it true that your current relationship with the rest of 2PM is rocky?’

A small smirk suddenly rose from Junsu’s face, but not obvious to the others. He thought the question was the perfect opportunity to place the rookie in a bad situation. The public would sympathize with the remaining six but not for the new one. Jisoo was in a sticky situation.

Even Jisoo himself, froze on the question. She perfectly knew that she wasn’t on speaking terms with all of them. Telling everyone that she’s on good terms with everyone would only create suspicions. Right now, a lie will not soothe the public’s thirst. Honesty is the most important thing to establish, especially in his position.

2pm’s manager was about to answer the question himself when JYP stopped him.

“Let Jisoo do it himself”, he whispered.

“It’s dangerous to let a rookie to handle the situation”, the manager whispered back.

JYP acknowledged the manager’s point. Rookies are the ones who make the biggest mistake most of the time. But, Jisoo, he believed may be one of the few rare cases that could actually do the opposite. “Believe in him.”, he simply said.

“Okay” the manager reluctantly agreed to his boss’ wish and watched the new boy intently.

It was an odd thing for JYP to put his trust on a stranger he just met in less than 2 months ago. He was a man who makes decisions based on logic and rarely on risks. Jisoo was a risk; a great risk, but there was something about that person that wanted him to believe in the impossible.

Jin Young looked at Jisoo and watched quietly.

The young rookie had a composed face in front of everyone although her heart felt like exploding inside her. Jisoo could feel that all eyes were on her which included the member. It took her a moment before she could put on a more cheery expression.

“Sir, you must have forgotten that I have only been with them for less than a month. Of course, there would still be an awkward atmosphere between us. Change isn’t an easy thing on anyone. This does not only apply on non-celebrities but also to the celebrities as well. It would take a while before people warm up to each other, don’t you think?”

Everyone nodded in agreement. JYP smiled at was proud at his new talent. Even Junsu, who had hoped on the maknae’s downfall, admitted the logic in his reasoning.

After that, all the questions were handled by either JYP or 2PM’s manager. Some of the questions were also answered by the rest of 2pm. For now, the young rookie was safe from the hungry wolves wanting to destroy her before she could even make a step forward.

Jisoo was forbidden to speak more about her casting, and details about her contract. She understood that it was safer this way.

The rest of the questions that came after were easier to answer. The media looked a little satisfied for the time being. As for the fans, they flow where they want to go.

After the conference, their CEO, JYP told the boys to take the day off for the rest of the day. All seven members went back to the dorms quietly with their manager closely behind them.

The ride home was silent. It was too quiet for what Jisoo have gotten used to, when she first came. Usually, even when they ignored her presence, someone would try to busy himself with someone else in the van. Chansung would usually ask someone whether they have brought food with them or pester anyone inside excluding her. Junsu would listen to his mp3 player and sang along with it. Taecyon usually conversed with the foreigner in English and talk about almost anything. Junho would busy himself with his phone. And finally, even Wooyoung talks to the rest and concentrates his time elsewhere.  

They arrived at their dorm without any trouble. All original members left the van first, leaving the newbie without any care.

Jisoo followed the members with concern.

“Hyung? Is there something wrong?”, she couldn’t help himself to ask. The curiosity of the worsening atmosphere daunted her.

By the time someone answered her question, they were only a few feet away from their unit.

Minjae-hyung, their manager opened the main dorm and went inside. The other filed in and entered. The manager didn’t need to open up the door for the Jisoo since the rookie have an extra key that she always brought with her.

“NO. Nothing’s wrong! Everything’s great!” Junho answered her. His voice was laced with sarcasm and venom, clearly showing his unchanged perception of the man in front of him.

Before she could answer with another question, the door was slammed on her face and she was left alone outside.

A sad expression formed on her face.

For a moment, she thought her relationship with the guys would somehow be better. She hoped that even in the tiniest amount, they would somehow give her a chance to prove herself. What she said back there, in the conference was not only addressed to the public but to the members as well.

It seems that her hope of a better tomorrow was still miles away from her grasp.

Her hand touched the main dorm’s door tenderly, as if it was fragile and human. “I hope you will give me a chance” she whispered to the door, as if hoping it would reach someone’s ears inside.

With a heavy heart, she retired to his dorm. She spent most of her time sketching, just like when she was living as herself. Drawing was one of few hobbies she had before she found peace in dancing. Drawing sketches made Jisoo distracted and before the day ended, she unconsciously drew one of her co-members.

Junho, drawn with a painful expression in his face.

I want to hear what you guys think of my story~
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!