Don't fall in love with me

Chapter 12

Hannah walked up the stage slowly, afraid her legs will give way anytime. Each step is excruciating. And when she finally reached the center of the stage, she looked up to see Siwon, directly accross her. Everything is empty except his seat and he's looking straight at her.

What will she do now...

"I can't do this." said Hannah in a whisper. But Siwon heard her saying something.

"What did you say?" asked Siwon

"I...don't think I can do this." said Hannah in a louder voice

"You're already up there. It's a waste if you just go down here without trying." said Siwon

"I...can't." said Hannah...her voice cracking.

Siwon stood up.

"Look Hannah...tomorrow...on your performance...this entrie studio will be filled with people...people who are either anticipating your performance or waiting to find a mistake to point out. And they will be harsh...they will bash you to a great extent...and it will go on for days or weeks online. And we can't let that happen if we can prevent it right?" asked Siwon

Siwon took a deep breath as he put his hands on each side of his waist.

"I know what I am asking is not easy. I know you are on the brink of a breakdown right now with what I'm doing to you. But I promised right? I promised not to laugh if you go offtune, I promised to ignore it if you ever fall because your legs can't take it. I promise to watch you...bear your nervousness...until you get comfortable on that stage...until you are ready for tomorrow's performance....All Right?" asked Siwon

Hannah wiped the tears now falling from her eyes.

"All...right." said Hannah

Siwon sat down again.

"I'm ready when you are." said Siwon

Hannah took her phone out and played an instrumental version of their song. It's the Dance Track.

Hannah closed her eyes as she tried to recall the steps. And then when her part came, she took the first few steps and tried to sing...but her first try wasn't good...her voice was shaking a lot....almost out of breath with each stanza...and there are moments when it might be offtune.

Siwon tried to bear it controlling his reactions. If he was one of the audience watching this on a real performance, he will see how nervous Hannah is even if he was not an idol himself.

Hannah did not stop. She is convincing herself that this is a real performance...that she can't stop even if she makes a mistake. She has to continue as if she did well...

And when the excruciating song ended, Hannah fell to the ground making Siwon stand from his seat. But Hannah halted him by raising her hand.

"I'm fine...my legs are just shaking too much...but I'm fine...let me just give it a few minutes." said Hannah while her eyes closed...

She looked defeated.

"You did well...but there are a lot of things to still improve." said Siwon "You have to repeat that number."

Hannah stood up opening her eyes. "Yes."

Hannah replayed the song and went to the original position again. But this time, when her part came, her voice wasn't shaking anymore...and it seems her movement is less lousy too.

It seems she's getting used to the stage.

It was less excruciating...it was bearable...almost like it would pass if Siwon were to give a grade.

"That's better." said Siwon

"No. It isn't. I made 3 mistakes in the choreography. I will repeat it." said Hannah

Huh? But isn't she tired? She just came form a strenous practice right? And she's perspiring already.

Hannah started the song again and this time, her voice is already at the level that Siwon wanted. It now almost sounded like her recordings.

And Hannah's dance is also good. The movemnets are sharper and softer on the right timings. Who said she can't dance?!

And then the song ended and Siwon was ready to give his praise, But Hannah replayed the song.

Why?!

Hannah went on doing the song 3 more times, each time, Siwon was not given even a second to comment.  And then she laid on the stage in exhaustion.

"Are you all right?" asked Siwon

"How did I do Oppa?" asked Hannah still catching her breath

"You...did...well...I mean really well...the last 3 performances were...great. Even Boa would agree." said Siwon

Hannah raised herself up on her elbows. "Boa will not agree. My ability is still far from hers." said Hannah

That's true but...Hannah is not bad...she's also good.

"Maybe mentioning Boa is a bit overstated, but I am truly impressed. You are really good, Hannah." said Siwon

Hannah stood up.

"Let's try the ballad."

Huh? Did she get enough rest already?

"I think you need to rest first." said Siwon

"It's 11:30 Oppa. I'm sure you have a schedule tomorrow. I don't wnat to keep you." said Hannah "I've already troubled you enough."

"Umm..no...actually I can sleep the entire morning tomorrow, so don't worry about it. Rest for a while...then try the ballad." said Siwon

"Can I get off the stage?" asked Hannah

"Yes." said Siwon

Hannah went down the stage and sat beside Siwon. Siwon took out a bottled water from his bag and handed it to Hannah.

"I was about to say I need to buy one." said Hannah

"I came prepared." said Siwon

"Thank you." Hannah opened the bottled water and drank from it with gusto.

Some of the water dripped from to her chin down . Siwon's eyes followed the path where the water trave