I couldn't help but feel a tad disappointed. Though I knew I shouldn't have expected anything else. It wasn't like I was the only one that auditioned for the company; the Joo Won guy could hardly be expected to remember me just because I had auditioned last year as well. And the two years before that too, actually, but I don't remember seeing him then. But more importantly, I can't believe that I've finally made it! I have surpassed the stupid freestyle round that gave me freaking nightmares and moved on to the final round! I'm as good as a trainee now since I know I'm going to nail the modern dance routine in the final round. Routines are what I do best after all, and I have been preparing for it for ages now. Years, really.

         A bright grin spreads across my face as I prepare to walk out of the company building where the auditions had been held. There's a mass of people around me, all the people who had been waiting for the results to be displayed on the TV screens everywhere. A few people are crying, a few scary mothers are screaming at the poor preteens and barely teens that didn't make the cut, and a few friends are consoling each other. There's also a few people who look like Christmas has come early. I probably have the exact same expression on my face.

        Walking out on to the road, I turn on my cell phone and call Sung Jae Oppa.

        "I made it!! I am going to be a trainee! Can you believe it?!" I scream into the phone, scaring an old lady who was walking next to me. I bow quickly as a form of apology, but nothing can wipe the grin from my face.

        "Congratulations!! I knew you could do it!" he cheers, "But wait, isn't there a final round after this? The modern dance routine, right?"

        "Well, yeah, but I've been practicing that routine for two years already… I think I'm as good as in!" I reply confidently.

        "Jung Min-ah, I don't want to bring you down but I've seen more talented dancers than you mess up at the crucial moment because of overconfidence. I don't want you going down the same path. And it's not just about the dancing. The final interview is where you have to impress the bigshots and show them you've got what it takes to make it as an idol. Confidence is crucial but overconfidence can be dangerous."
        The grin on my face falters.

        "You're right, Oppa. I will be careful and practice hard! I can't let this golden chance get away from me. Especially since I doubt that a miracle like this will happen again… Though I have no idea what to expect from the final round other than the dance part."

        "I'm glad to hear that. I know you've been working on that routine forever, and I'm sure you'll blow their minds away in the next round! Anyway, what did the judges say about your performance? Did you get any special comments?"

        "It was…" I pause, remembering the nervousness I had felt as I waited for my turn to be judged. 

        The four judges had turned to me at the same time, making the move look choreographed almost. One of them told me that I had managed to impress him with one of the more difficult moves that was usually preferred by the male dancers. The only female judge told me that while my performance was good, I would have done well to put in some of the more ier moves that are the trademark for most girl groups. The Oh Joo Won guy had commented that I should work a little more on my facial expressions while I was dancing. The last judge merely told me that it was a good performance, and I'd sighed in relief as they all moved on to the next person.

        "Hello? Are you still there, Min-ah?"

        "Ah, yeah, sorry, I spaced out. The performance was okay and the judges must have liked it too, since they passed me… They did say I should have added some y moves and to work on my facial expressions, though."

        "Hmm, that would make sense. You probably made that weird face you make when you're concentrating on the steps… Thank god you don't do that for the dances with routines, or we would never have gotten you past the first round!"

        "Hey, now, I worked hard to get where I am, Oppa! Don't make fun of me! You know it's only because freestyle makes me a little uncomfortable."

        "Jeez, chill, missy! It's your fault for making teasing you so easy!"

        "If you say so. Anyway, I am heading to the studio now. Will you be there?"

        "No, I'm at In Na's house. It's her birthday tomorrow and I'm planning an event for her at midnight today. With candles and flowers and everything!"

        "Good for you! And lucky her, I guess. I'm just going to practice my routine for the third round. It's only 4 days away and I want to try to get in all the practice I can."

        "Good idea. Make sure to focus on your expressions as well, and the transition between movements and the overall flow."

        "Sir, yes, sir!!"

        "You little brat," he chuckled, "Don't forget to go home on time. I don't want you walking on the streets too late at night."

        "I know, dad!!" I whine. He tells me the same thing every other day. Jeez!

        "Yah! I'm not that old yet, okay?! I'm not even married yet, don’t call me your dad! That’s too weird!"

        I laugh and hang up with a "Merong~!"