Thump. Thump. Thump.

My heart beat is racing and sweat is running down my forehead. I hold the final position and stare at my panting self in the mirror on the wall. I have just finished dancing Sunny Hill's "The White Horse Is Coming". I grab my water bottle and a towel. 

"Mi Sun, turn this racket down!" shouts my younger brother, Hyun Ki,  as he comes into the room. I turn to him after taking a gulp of water and grin.

"That's not you'll be saying when I'm performing on stage." I pause the next song. "So what's up?"

"Umma just went to the market. She was muttering to herself what she did to deserve a daughter like you." Hyun Ki laughs as he sits down on my bed.

He leans his handsome face up on his knee. That's my brother for you. He continues to laugh.

"Ya! I'm doing fine in school and going to more classes after school. Anyway, umma said she doesn't care about it as long as I get into a good university." 

A silence then follows. I stare out the open window at the blowing white curtains. Sunlight shines through and birds chirp cheerfully. The sounds of passing cars silences the quietness inside the room.

"Eonni, why do you want to be a k-pop star?"asks Hyun Ki.

I pause shocked because he rarely calls me Eooni but don't let him see. He must be asking a serious question.

"It's not even likely that you'll become a trainee," he adds his face full of worry.

It's not like I don't already know that. A sharp pain stabs my heart but a smile remains on my face.

"I know, but that's not going to stop me." I give him a sad smile

"Just watch and see, Hyun Ki, I'll show the world just how bright I shine."

I wipe the sweat off and start the music once more.

Hyun Ki only sighs and leaves the room.

"I'm not sure the world will see your brightness, Mi Sun." he silently says as he walks out the door.

"Just wait. I'll be a star." I whisper. 

To be continued...