Busan, South Korea

2000

‘Donghae-ah, don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll pass the audition’

‘You think so noona?’

Sandara nods at the 14 year old Donghae and gave him thumbs up.

‘Of course! You’re a great singer and dancer. I will be rooting for you! I know you can do it. Fighting!’

He beamed at her brightly and stared back at the piece of paper that he is holding.

It was an invitation from SM Entertainment. They are scouting for new talents for their upcoming ‘boy group’ project. With their financial situation right now, Donghae is already thinking of ways to help their family.

At a young age, he was already working as a part-time delivery boy of fresh milk and newspaper. Although there were times wherein he wanted to play with other kids, he needed to work in order to bring food to their table.

It really catches Donghae’s attention regarding the invitation was the allowance that SM Entertainment will give to chosen trainee. This may not mean much but it will surely help their family. All he has to do is to work hard -100 percent harder than his father and debut as an Idol.

‘I’m really happy that you were here today Dara noona. Komowa’ Donghae gave him a toothy-grin.

Dara chuckles.

‘So how’s the Philippines noona?’

It is not a secret to him that when her father was not able to make end meets, they were forced to move to the Philippines with high hopes of rebuilding his business. With heavy heart, Sandara left Busan, her home town, her school especially her friends, and move to a foreign country in which they don’t know anyone.

‘Philippines, it’s warm there’ she timidly smiled.

‘Really? I want to go there too! Someday of course when I am capable already’ Donghae excitedly chirped.

South Korea is experiencing heavy snow fall right now which makes it more difficult for Donghae’s family to live with.

‘I bet you have lots of friends there Sandara noona. Tell me how was it?’

Instead of answering, she let out a heavy sigh and gave him a tight smile.

‘I was lonely there Donghae-ah. No one could understand me and I cannot understand them. Sometimes I wish I am here in Busan. My friends are here. You are here’

A smile creeps from Donghae’s lips. He knows that what she said warms his heart.

‘But I cannot be selfish. You know our finances too. We need to move to the Philippines to help my father’

He felt the sadness from her voice. But knowing his Sandara noona, she put up a brave face and determined smile.

‘Don’t forget about me when you debut Donghae-ah. I will be cheering for you even though I am far away from here. I am your number one fan from Busan’ she chuckles

‘Hul! Of course not! Don’t worry noona, when I debut and save enough money I’ll go the Philippines and I will treat you. I will buy you beautiful things. And when I have more, I will make sure that you will spend your whole life here in South Korea, in Busan’

‘You promised?’

‘Yes I promised!’

‘Pinky swear?’

‘Pink swear!’

Both of them laughs.