“Your fans are disappointed.” Rina said the moment you came out of your room. You went back to your Aunt’s home last night after the show. 
“Good morning to you too, Rina.” You told her and opened the fridge to get some fruit juice. 
“It’s good afternoon.” She said sarcastically and waited for you to sit on the stool in front of her. “I thought you wanted YG. Why did you suddenly choose SM?”
You looked up to her with wide eyes, wearing a shocked expression. “What happened? Did SM fire you? I thought you’re their PR manager or something.” You asked her, biting your lip to hold your laughter. 
Rina rolled her eyes. “You just baffled me.” 
You reminded her of what BoA said on the judging panel. “She said on national television that they’re keeping my musical identity as it is. I just got scared when YG said that I have to be responsible when writing my songs. I know he has a point but I have this feeling that even if he allows me to write my songs, he’s going to want to control what I write. Or probably reject most of them until he finds something to his taste.” You voiced out your concerns. You didn’t mention that you chose what you thought your heart wanted. You don’t want people to think that you’re that soft. The only person who knows that you used your heart to make that decision is Taeyeon. Damn. 
Rina took a deep breath. “We’ll see. Have they contacted you already? When are you going to meet Lee Sooman?” She asked you.
“Tomorrow.” You said. 

$$$

Your mother and Rina came with you to the SM Entertainment building in Cheongdam. Rina took a day off from work and your mother filed a one-month leave from her company. She’s a Biochemist and is currently researching about macro-algae as a source of energy that is funded by the National University of Singapore. She became a full-time housewife after she got married and when she and your father divorced, she signed a contract for this research to make herself busy and so you and her could start over away from your father and his...
Nope. You’re not going there again. There’s a new chapter in your life and you’re not going to waste your time over a ty tragedy in the past.  
An SM staff welcomed you after you got out of the car. She ushered you all to the boardroom. You’re looking forward to meet everyone. You’re not nervous. What most people like about you according to them is your confidence and tenacity. Your experience made you more dauntless and a little intimidating; which to you, is a good attribute even when some said it isn’t. You like it when you intimidate people; especially boys. You like seeing the look on their faces when they make a double take at you and then steps back afterwards. 
When you entered the boardroom, there were quite a lot of people in suits waiting for you. They must be the board of directors and stockholders of SM. You smiled when you saw a familiar face in the long round table. 
It seems like BoA is a stockholder. You now understand why she’s the one in the judging panel and why she could say and make promises like she did during the show as if she has a certain amount of power to make it happen. BoA turned to you after talking to a very familiar looking bespectacled man on her side. Lee Sooman. He smiled when he saw you and together with BoA; all of the board members stood.
You bowed to all of them once again. BoA was suddenly right beside you and started introducing you to every single person in the room and lastly to Mr. Lee. 
“She’s very pretty in person.” Mr. Lee said, smiling at you. 
BoA agreed so proudly. “She’s an eye-candy, isn’t she?” She said.
“Kamsahamnida.” You said. They’re all looking at your face and your jaw already hurt from the continuous smiling. This is how it is in Korea, you have to keep bowing with a smile on your face as a sign of respect to all of your seniors. “Annyeonghashimnikka. I’m Mikaela Bennett. Please call me, Kaela.” You said. You also introduced your mother and cousin.
Mr. Lee offered his hand for shaking after you bowed at him again. “Nice to meet you, Kaela-sshi.” He said. You didn’t feel any fear or nervousness with him. He’s just another person to you, only with a higher position and income. Lol. Actually, you always think like that so you don’t get controlled by anxiety. It’s you who should control it. “I like the sound of it. Kaela...” He repeated, testing the sound of your name on his mouth. Then he turned to BoA beside him and to the other men around his age behind BoA. That’s fine. Kaela is your nickname and you preferred to be called by that so it’s not a problem. “She can use that as her stage name. Mikaela is too long. A lot of people here in Korea are used to pronouncing two-syllabled names.” The others agreed then he turned back to you. “Thank you for choosing SM. I know you chose our company because of BoA but I can assure you that everything she’s said is true. I want someone like you in my company. So let’s work well together, okay, Kaela?” 
You smiled. You already heard what you need to hear. All is well. 
Hopefully.
After you got seated, the ‘meeting’ has commenced. 
This experience is so amazing, they’ve planned your career in such a short time. They’re not even sure until two night’s ago that you’re going to choose them. They discussed the terms of the contract and that it will be for five years. Said they’ve already assigned a team for you. They called out someone; a girl named Yon Suri. She’s twelve years older than you and she’s going to be your manager. She joined in the discussion and everything you’ve heard afterwards so far is really pleasing to your ears. Especially because they’ve discussed how your song; Wake Up, is still currently in the top spot in all music charts and that indicated that your fans like your music and they might not like it as much if they found out that the music you sang in your album is not yours. They only stipulated that all songs would need to be decided properly and still needs approval to be included in the album. The only guarantee is that you still get to write your own songs.
“Yesterday we received a call for an endorsement.” Says one person; you already forgot his name. “It’s from McDonalds.”
“Whoa, they’re fast.” Commented another one. 
“Mikaela-sshi is very popular with children and teenagers. They wanted to come meet with her team to discuss the endorsement plan but we told them to wait because she hasn’t signed the contract yet.” Everyone laughed. Someone even commented that you might change your mind and go to YG. That comment made you flustered. They clearly knew that they’re not your first choice but the thought that they are able to make it into a joke now and Lee Sooman is even laughing his heart out means that it’s not a big deal anymore. 
They mentioned that their plan is for you to debut by November which is seven months from now. That sounds good. You told them that you have composed songs with melodies already. They wanted to hear it next time. They also told you about plans for your own variety show before your actual debut so people will get to know you more. You don’t like that idea, you’re not even comfortable with Kpop Star recording you off-stage. But you told yourself you have to. It’s part of the business.
“In next week’s SM Town in Busan, you’re going to perform your own song. It will be your first stage with SM and your introduction stage to the SMTown Family. We will process the royalty fee for that song since SBS have already filed a license and they’ve copyrighted it under you before they made it available after your performance.” Says another.
The discussion next is very technical, talking about the talent fee and such. The company will also provide a car service and apartment for you to stay in with which you have to share with your team. Even before you asked a question, they clarified that you can go home on your day-offs. You only need to stay in the apartment if you have a schedule the next day, just to make it easier for you and your team to get to the location of your activities. BoA assured your mother that they’re going to take care of you and she doesn’t have to worry. 
After all the parts have been discussed, you already signed the contract. Everyone applauded and individually shook hands with you once again, officially welcoming you to the company. 
To be honest with yourself, you expected the worst. SM scandals really left a bad impression on you. But after today, it seems like it’s not so bad. You understand that their first priority is to make money, entertainment industry is business after all. They are only protecting their source of income, it should be a give and take situation. Artists should also do their part and you won’t make them regret having you. 

$$$

The apartment is very homey. You moved-in today. Suri said that SM really made sure that it would look more like a home than a house so you won’t feel homesick. 
Your team is composed of five people. Suri is your manager, Yunsoo is your personal assistant, Nawoon; you personally requested her after she did your make-up during SM Week, is your make-up artist slash hair-stylist, Juwon is your driver and Songmin is your security. However only the three girls are going to live with you while the boys are on-call. 
While your mother is still in the country, she’ll stay with you in the apartment; you’re going to share your room with her and everytime she’ll be in the country in the future. 
Two days after you signed the contract, the apartment was already set with everything. Your first appearance after winning Kpop Star would be on the SMTown Concert in Busan together with all the other SM artists. You’re excited to meet the others and see if they’re as warm and welcoming as BoA and Taeyeon. But you’re more looking forward to performing again. It’s like you’ve been deprived for so long when it’s just been four days since you last sang on stage. But you want to feel it again. It’s like a drug to you, performing on stage and loosing yourself to music. 
Back to when you were still in the competition, you had to sing everyday to practice for the final stages. This has been the longest you’ve not been able to sing since the contest.
Tomorrow, you’re going to SM again to meet with the representatives from McDonalds. 

$$$

While they were doing the presentation of the concept for the commercial, you were wincing on your seat. There’s going to be dancing. Great. 
You already told them that that is your weakness but they assured you that the steps are not complicated at all. They convinced you that it’s not a hip-dance nor a y dance that involves you flirting with the camera like a normal kpop girl-group dance. The inspiration of the dance is the Disney movie High School Musical. It’s meant to be easy for the kids to be able to copy and dance it easily. 
It’s not just an endorsement, but also a campaign.The campaign is about introducing vegetable patty burger especially to children. The Health Department will also be backing and promoting it. 
You’ll be singing the song as well. The commercial will be more like a dance music video. Your endorsement contract won’t stop after the shoot is over because there will be a national event afterwards. Apparently, McDonalds is going to hold a dance competition for kids and you’re going to tour several cities to judge the contestants and the winners will appear on the next commercial with you. 
A member of the board of directors attended the meeting and he also joined in convincing you. Why not when they’re talking about half a million dollar deal?
Eventually you signed the contract. Not just because of the money but because of the campaign itself. Admittedly, you’re not a healthy eater yourself. You love a greasy-fatty-unhealthy burger like yeah. So it would totally be great if you could still eat a burger that still tastes like meat but is actually vegetables. Win-win situation right there. 
“Unnie, can I go to the restroom first?” You asked Suri as soon as you’re out of the conference room.
“You want me to come with you?” She asked, even when she’s in the middle of calling someone over the phone. 
“Ahniyo. I’m fine, I’ll be back immediately.” You said.
“Ok, I’ll wait for you here. Uh, yeoboseyo?” She pressed her phone closer to her ears. “Oh, yeoboseyo sajangnim, this is Yo Suri-” 
Ow, she’s reporting to Lee Sooman. So you walked away and started looking for any signs that would lead you to the restrooms. You’re on the 3rd floor and you’ve never used the restrooms here, but it should be here somewhere...
You continued walking around until you’re pretty sure that you’re lost. You decided to just go back and use the ones on the first floor that you’ve already used before when you finally found it. You’ve never felt this happy to see the silhouette of a girl in a dress hanged on the door of the ladies’ room. 
You heard voices of girls inside and you’re just about to push the door when you suddenly heard your name being mentioned. 
“-Mikaela Bennett earlier.”
You paused. You don’t want to surprise them while they’re talking about you. “Gurae? Seems like she’s sajangnims’ new favorite.” The other girl commented, and you could hear contempt in her tone. 
“I heard she’s going to debut on November.” Says another one.
“What’s so special with that foreigner? I don’t understand why SM still joins Kpop Star when they have us, working our asses off and waiting for a debut.” That came from the first voice you heard. 
You stopped a gasp that bubbled in your throat by covering your mouth with your hands. They called you a foreigner. 
“She gets to debut before us and we’re going to have to wait for who knows how long again for another chance.” 
Someone groaned. “Three more years and I’m here for a decade already. It’s so unfair. We trained so hard and we’re rotting here.” 
What?! That long?
“That’s true. If it were that easy, I should have joined that contest too. At least I can dance better than Mikaela Bennett.” Says the other.
Ouch. You suddenly felt so bad. You know about this kind of system here in Korea but you forgot because you’re too focused on the competition and your own dream. Then you heard someone sobbing. 
“Don’t cry Jiyun-ah.” 
“I can’t help it. I’m already twenty-three. If I don’t debut soon, I won’t be able to debut at all.” Says the same girl who trained for seven years now, based on what you heard and her voice. 
You bit your lower lip. You feel so sorry for them. The girl cried even more and you can’t move on your spot for some reason. Oh yeah, there is a reason. You never liked seeing and hearing a girl cry. It reminds you of whenever you mother does before. And now, you felt a little involved with why she’s crying. It’s because of you that their debut is delayed. 
One of them said that they have to go back to the practice room now. They’re going out. You don’t want them to see you. You stepped back but you hit something. Something softer than a wall for it to actually be a wall and when you turned, you saw a familiar face sympathetically looking down at you. 
The tall person suddenly pressed his index finger on his lips; which is a telling indication that he wants you to keep quiet while his other hand settled on your arm. Next thing he did was pull you inside the men’s room. The men’s room!
But you didn’t have the time to deal with your shock and anger at this person for manhandling you like that because you heard the creaking sound of the ladies’ room’s door opening and then closing and the voices of the girls you heard are nearer now and then eventually fading as they walk further away to the point where you could no longer hear them. 
“Don’t blame yourself.” Says that voice that made you remember where you currently are. You’re leaning on the closed door; making sure that the girls have already left and the person who saved you from being busted for eavesdropping on someone else’s conversation about yourself, is standing right behind you. 
You sighed first before you turned to face him. But the moment your eyes met, he averted his gaze by looking at something interesting on the wall beside the door behind you as if he could see through it. “Don’t take responsibility over what you heard. It’s not your fault.” He added.
You wanted to focus on what he’s saying but you’re also trying to figure out why he’s familiar. You’ve seen him somewhere. Then realized something based on what he said. “You also heard them?” 
The boy scratched the back of his head, still not looking at you in the face. His plump lips pursed a little. “I noticed you standing there when I went out and they were very loud.” He answered. His voice feels good to the ears, it’s deep and warm and there’s some softness to it.
Nodding, you continued looking at him. You’ve seen him. You’re sure of that. Those defined jawline looked really familiar and now that you’re looking closely, you could also see that he has a cleft chin. He’s handsome though. You must admit. Of course you still know how to acknowledge beauty when you see one. Just because you’re a man-hater; oh no, scratch that, it’s too strong, you’re just not fond of them. Hah. Just because you’re not so fond of men doesn’t mean that you’ve lost the ability to appreciate their kind.
When you noticed him fidgeting, you became aware of what you’re unconsciously doing to him. You’re staring at him and it’s rude. You bowed. “I’m sorry for staring. It’s just that you look familiar.” 
“Chincha?” The boy smiled. His sleepy eyes suddenly looked so alive and you thought you even saw them spark. “I’m Kim Jongin, EXO’s Kai-imnida.” He said and bowed to you. He has a boyish smile, the kind that when people see, it makes them smile too. 
That’s when you remembered the music video. He’s that boy you chose as one of the two who captured your attention because he dances really well! He’s your senior. You bowed to him once again. “Oh, mianhamnida. I’m Mikaela, it’s nice to meet you.” You smiled as soon as you looked up at him again. 
You noticed his mouth hanging open as his eyes finally settled on your face. But he was quick to recover. “Ne. Mannaseo bangapseumnida, Mikaela-sshi.”
“Please call me Kaela.” You told him. 
“Algessumnida. Kaela-sshi.” He said.
“Thank you for helping me earlier, uhh-” Here you go again. You don’t know how to call him. But you remembered that BoA told you the last time when you didn’t know how to address Baekhyun. “Ka-Jo-..” Damn. Are you going to address him using his real name or his stage name? 
He burst out laughing. “Kajo is fine but most people call me Jongin, Kai is only when I’m on stage.” 
His smile and laughter are so hearty and contagious that you found yourself laughing after him. 
“Arassoyo. Jongin-sshi.” You tried. “Thank you for earlier.”
“No problem.” He smiled sheepishly this time and he’s back to scratching his head and looking at anywhere that is not your face again. You find it cute that he has this fierce and confident image on stage but in real life he’s just like a shy little boy. You can tell that he transforms when on stage because this person in front of you isn’t the same person you saw in the music video who exudes so much self-confidence and appeal. This Jongin in front of you can’t even look at you in the eyes while Kai looks like he went to the University of Playboys and have mastered the degree in flirtation. 
You feel that he’s just like you in a way. Both of you loves performing so much. “Forget about what you heard, okay?”
When he said that, you were reminded of what those girls said earlier. Made you wonder, “How long did you train, Jongin-sshi?” 
“Five years.” He answered cautiously, probably thinking if his answer would help or worsen your guilt-tripping. 
You’re amazed. Wow. You suddenly developed a deep respect to all of those artists who persevered and never gave up their dreams, just like those girls earlier. Of course you don’t blame yourself about their circumstance. Life isn’t always fair. Hard work doesn’t always guarantee success. You think in order to succeed in the entertainment industry, you need to have a bit of everything; talent, confidence, passion and so much more. 
When suddenly, someone pushed the door behind you. Thanks to Jongin’s fast reflex, he was able to pull you to him by your arm and his other hand settled behind your head, aiming to protect it from getting hit by the door. 
“Huh?” It was Jongdae who looked so surprised. He went out again and then went back in laughing afterwards. “I thought I entered the girl’s bathroom.” He said, that answered why he went in and out. He probably checked the signs again. “But then I wondered why Jongin is here.” 
You pulled away from Jongin because you saw Jongdae’s curious looks. Who wouldn’t be curious when you’re almost hugging the boy? And the fact that you’re both alone here inside the men’s room is just suspicious. 
“It’s a long story. But it’s nice to see you again Jongdae-sshi.” You bowed and smiled to him. “Jongin-sshi helped me with something and we were just talking.” You looked around and waved your hands. “Hah, and the best place for a chat session is the men’s room.” You couldn’t help laughing. “But I have to go now.” You said. 
“Arasso, you must be very busy. Nice to see you again, oh and congratulations; welcome to the SM family.” He said raising his clenched fist and you knew exactly what he wanted so you bumped your fist on his, both of you laughing all the while. He still remembered how you greeted them the first time. 
“Kamsahamnida, let’s work well together.” You said and turned to Jongin. You caught him staring at you and when he realized that you’re now looking at him, he shyly smiled at you. You raised your fist, he stared at it for a second and Jongdae’s already chuckling; so you took Jongin’s right hand and taught him how to fist-bump. “There!” You smiled at him. “Don’t worry, Jongin-sshi... I won’t blame myself.” That was the last you told him and then you went out of the men’s room before another one catches you hanging out in there. They might accuse you of being a . 
But you were still able to hear when Jongdae said, “She’s so cool, right?”
You ended up using the rest room on the first floor, telling Suri that you got lost when she asked what took you so long. 

$$$

When the car parked right outside Gimpo International Airport, you immediately noticed how many people are waiting by the entrance and it seemed like there are more people inside. 
“Huh? Why are there a lot of people, unnie?” You asked Yunsoo. 
“Because they know that a lot of SM artists are flying to Busan today.” She answered, already starting to get busy with checking and counting your luggage while Songmin is already outside in an instant. 
“Look! You have fans in the crowd too, Kaela.” Says Juwon.
You looked outside the window and saw some girls and even guys holding a cardboard where your name is written in Hangul and English. “Wow. Daebak.” You uttered. Amazed that people would really bother coming over just to see you even for a short time. 
“You’re taking the same plane with SHINee today, so you’re going to meet them inside.” Says Suri who’s always holding her planner. Actually that’s technically your planner because those are your schedules in there. In your team, you think the one with the hardest job is Suri. She’s always on her phone and is always talking to a lot of people. She’s even the last to sleep and the first to wake up. She told you once that before this managerial position, she used to be an apprentice to SHINee’s managers and worked with the boys for two years. 
“Oh chincha?” Nawoon commented beside Yunsoo. She looked so excited. 
You made a face at her. “Yah, Nawoon-unnie has a crush on a SHINee member!” You said. 
Red-faced, Nawoon tried to convince you to keep your mouth shut because she’ll be all the more embarrassed. But Yunsoo started teasing her as well. The car suddenly became so noisy because of your loud voices as you and Yunsoo joined forces against poor Nawoon. You only wanted to hear the name but she just wouldn’t give it. 
“Stop it, you three. We’re cleared, we can come out now.” Says Suri from the front seat. She’d been talking to someone over the phone. Juwon opened the door for you three to come out. The moment you stepped out of the car, you heard someone scream your name and then people started shouting and calling you and you could see a lot of cameras that looks like bazooka’s aimed at you. You smiled and waved at them. They deserved that for making an effort for coming here to show their support. You’ll never forget your supporters because if not for their votes, you wouldn’t probably win Kpop Star. 
After the SMTown concert, you’re going to be very busy according to Suri. Next week, you’re going to appear in an interview along with the other Kpop Star top 10 contestants. You’re going to start recording some of the songs you want for the board and the musical team assigned on your album to listen to. You’re also going to record a studio-version of Wake up in English and Hangul which will be released afterwards for digital download. 
“Kaela, don’t stop okay? It will be difficult when they get pushy, stay inside the circle. We’ll be right behind you. As soon as you enter the check-in area, there won’t be fans there anymore.” Suri said. The circle that she meant was probably the four big Men in Blacks that have surrounded you now. Everyone in your team started to look worried and you don’t understand why. Then you suddenly felt your heartbeat accelerate like something bad is going to happen. 
But what harm could possibly happen to you in an airport? 
“Kaja!” Said Songmin who is leading the security team. “Stay right behind me, Kaela. Okay?” He said.
“Algesumnida, oppa.” You answered and when he started moving, you followed closely behind him. You thought that you’re safe inside the circle but you thought wrong. 
“Mikaela!”
“Omo!”
“Yeppudda!” 
“Kyaaa!”
With all the screaming on your left and on your right, you thought you’re gonna go deaf. But that’s not the worst part. You haven’t even entered the entrance of the airport yet and the fans have already started pushing; wanting to get as near to you as possible and there were so many hands trying to reach you and touch you. In the beginning, you tried to reach for them and shake as many hands as you can until you felt a hand on your collarbone. All of your senses got alarmed especially when you realized that it was a boy’s hand. Your eyes widened and you automatically reached to push his hand away but he suddenly moved his hand up to feel your neck and you felt goosebumps all over your body. Your senses are screaming in anger, you feel so violated.
You were about to scream but someone screamed first.
“Don’t touch her!” It was a girl’s voice. She probably saw it. And then the others reacted too; by shouting as they call out the boy.
The security guy behind you noticed it so he screamed at the boy and reached to collar him but when he did, the boy didn’t let go of you that easy because he held on to your neck using his nails and you groaned in pain when he dug his nails on your skin and he managed to scratch your neck before he was successfully pulled away.