The rest of the day continued with us dancing, dancing and even more dancing for hours on end. By the time the session ended it was 9pm, my stomach was growling with hunger and my bones ached to no end. Huffing with my hands on my knees, I glanced up to see Shin seonsaengnim, wearing a disapproving frown as she did a once – over on our slumped forms.

I followed her line of sight. Somi-unni was wiping rivulets of sweat down her face. Haru – unni was breathing so hard, I was afraid her lungs might burst. Even Feng Jiu – unni looked worn out and she was the best dancer among us! Shin seonsaengnim clapped her hands and we all gathered over her.

“That’s it today, ladies. Good work. But we really have to work with your endurance. When you debut you won’t just be dancing, you’ll be singing and dancing at the same time.” She looked at each of us in the eye. “For tonight, I want you to eat and rest properly. The next time we meet, training will be even harder and more intense, so I want you all to be fully prepared. Which reminds me, please don’t forget to bring heels the next time we meet.”

Heels? I don’t OWN heels! Heck, I don’t even LOOK at heels! They’re a MENACE! I thought with panic as I stared at my unnis who were as confused as I was.

She gestured for us to step back. “Now we’ll do our cooling down and then you can all go home.”

Minutes later, we arrived home, slowly limping toward our small kitchen. I went over to the fridge foraging for food, while my unnis slumped around the table.

“Boy was that intense.” Somi – unni breathed out.

“Very. I don’t think I’ve ever danced that hard before. I’m not even a dancer!” Haru – unni grouched.

“Well ladies, we better get used to it soon because this is our life now. And it’ll get even harder from here.” Feng Jiu – unni emphasized.

Rising from fridge and going to the pantry to grab some ramyeon, I piped up. “Feng Jiu – unni’s right. Plus, this is our dream right? We just gotta work even harder for it.” I gave my unnis an encouraging smile to which they gave smiles of their own.

“Even if it means I have to do it in heels. Sigh. This .” I cringed with a big frown, making the other members laugh in amusement.

“Right. Cause heels are an abomination for the hoodie-wearing-sweatpants – clothed-strictly-sneakers-only Maknae.” Somi – unni teased.

“You don’t own heels do you?” Haru – unni jokingly asked.

I shook my head in defeat and another bout of giggles was heard.

“Well don’t worry. I own a ton of heels. And I think we’re about the same size, so I’ll lend you a pair.” Feng Jiu – unni said with a wink.

I gave her a grateful smile. “Gomawayo, (Thanks) unni.”

 

Feeling a bit relieved, I held up the ramyeon I grabbed earlier. “Now that we have that covered, do you mind having ramyeon for dinner? I could cook a full meal and all, but then I thought you all are probably hungry and just want something to eat fast.”

They shook their heads.

“Okay then. Ramyeon it is.” I decided and set to cooking then proceeded to reheat the leftover rice from breakfast.

“Anyway, meeting Bangtan today was really fun! I was nervous at first but they’re really down to earth.” Somi – unni shared.

“That’s so true! I was paired up with J – Hope so I was really worried he’ll be real strict, being such a good dancer. Surprisingly, he was very considerate of me and kept pace with me. He even joked with me at times.” Haru – unni squealed.

“I guess that’s what makes them so loved by all. They’re really famous now but they’re still so nice. I was grouped with RM and Jimin and they’re such lovely, warm people.” Feng – Jiu unni added.

I was putting the ramyeon into the boiling pot when Somi – unni called me out. “Speaking of which, how about you Y/N? How’d your time with V and Jungkook go?” I flinched and dropped the noodles abruptly, splashing hot water everywhere and recoiling back in surprise. My unnis looked at me in suspicion.

Somi – unni continued, undeterred. “Also what was that about the whole byeontae thing with Jungkook. That was weird. Spill. Now.” She ordered. Quickly wiping the mess and covering the pot, I turned to my unnis and sighed. There was no going out of this.

Leaning against the countertop I began my story. When I was finished, my unnis were staring at me in shock, their mouths wide open. I hung my head in embarrassment. Silence stretched out until Somi – unni finally spoke.

“Oh my god. That was soo awkward. I feel for you.” She comforted me, shaking her head.

“I wouldn’t even have survived that! I would have knelt there the whole day begging for forgiveness!” Haru – unni exclaimed.

“Still, I applaud you Y/N. You got guts. At least you had the sense to walk out there with your dignity intact. Hopefully.” Feng Jiu – unni said by way of consolation.

I threw my hands up in frustration. “It was so awkward I could die! I need to learn Korean fast. I don’t want anything like that happening ever again. Not with the risk of running into the other members in the men’s room!”

I sighed and checked to see that the ramyeon was cooked. I carried the pot over to the table, fetched the rice then strode to get bowls and utensils. Then I sat down, grabbed some chopsticks, ready to dig in, when I felt my unnis stare at me. I matched their stares.

“So what now?” Haru – unni asked me.

I set down my chopsticks. “Now, Jungkook hates me and thinks I’m the biggest ert. He’s probably telling his hyungs how big of a ert I am as of this moment.” I grumbled.

Somi – unni placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry, if worst comes to worst, we’ll be there to defend you. It’s all a big accident. And after all, you did apologize right?”

Feng Jiu – unni grabbed my hand. “That’s right. We got your back, Maknae.” She confidently beamed and I gave a shaky grin in return.

“All right! Now let’s eat! I’m hungry!” Haru – unni announced, grabbing a pair of chopsticks.

We chuckled and began to eat our simple but very filling dinner.

 

Jungkook’s POV

After another very tiring but very fulfilling day, I dragged my feet and sat down in the spacious living room. The other members slumped on the other couches as well. Throwing my arm over my eyes, I was about to nap for a bit, when V – hyung sat down on me.

“Hyung!” I yelled in irritation.

“Kookie – ah! What was up with you earlier? You seemed distracted during the live broadcast.” He inquired.

“It’s nothing.”

“Nope. Something happened today, I know it.” Namjoon – hyung added, walking over to us.”

“Oh! Was it about the byeontae thing with that Y/N girl? What happened anyway?” Jiminie – hyung prodded as he plopped down on my left.

“It’s nothing, I said.” I protested.

“You kept on glaring on her the entire time, Kookie, like you wanted to murder her or something. That’s not nothing.” Jin – hyung observed, sitting on my right.

Hoseok – hyung growing curious with the way the conversation was going, walked to us and leaned on the headrest behind me. “Wahh. Kookie has a secret!” He teased.

I glared at him.

Suga – hyung stepped in front of me, with his arms crossed and his signature mean look and said. “You’re hiding something, Jungkook – ah. Tell us. Now.” He commanded.

There was no use arguing with Suga – hyung when he was like that. So with a deep sigh, I relayed my very humiliating experience with the biggest byeontae on earth.

When I was done, I looked over to my hyungs hoping to see their reactions but was met with blank faces instead.

An awkward silence ensued and then.

“HAHAHAHAHA. HOLY CRAP. HAHAHAHA.” Namjoon – hyung burst out laughing as the other members roared in laughter as well.

“Kookie – ah. You will forever remain the Baby Bunny if you act like that.” Jin – hyung inserted in bouts of glee

“But – “

“Seriously, Kookie she apologized after right? I don’t see what the big deal is all about. “Jiminie – hyung added, wiping the tears in his eyes.

“But hyung, she saw this!” I yelled in outrage while gesturing at my leather clad crotch.

The act made the members howl in laughter again and I covered my face in shame and frustration.

Chuckling, Suga – hyung laid a hand on my shoulder. “Correction, she saw your blue, pink – bunny covered, crotch. Which means, she saw nothing. Get over it, Kookie.” Then he hit me by the side of my head. Hard.

“Ow!” I bellowed in pain.

“Yeah give her a break, Kook. She doesn’t know Korean. At least she was decent enough to leave immediately.” V – hyung interjected.

Then he turned to the other members. “Anyway, she’s really pretty! Don’t you guys think she’s pretty?” he gushed.

“Really pretty. Kind of exotic looking, isn’t she?” Hoseok – hyung surmised.

“Yeah. Like a Hollywood actress or something.” Jin - hyung agreed.

“Well she’s Filipino so maybe that’s why. “ V – hyung revealed.

“Wah. Interesting. She’s pretty, although she’s not really my type.” Namjoon – hyung countered.

Wait, wait. How did this turn into a topic about girls?

I waved my arms in irritation. “Why are we talking about girls now? Anyway, what pretty are you talking about. She’s not pretty! She’s a byeontae! I argued.

Jiminie – hyung sighed loudly. “We’re past that subject now Kookie. Suga – hyung’s headslap was a signal to end it. Drop it.”

I grumbled, folded my arms and decided to shut up. There was no fighting back my hyungs now.

“Well, to be fair all of the new trainees are pretty. But it goes beyond that. They’re extremely talented and hardworking. Really good people, too. I can see now why Bang PD – nim chose them.” Suga – hyung murmured.

“That’s true. I was paired up with Haru – ssi earlier and I could tell she wasn’t much of a dancer. She kept apologizing for messing up but she still persisted on learning. By the end, she really improved.” J – Hope said.

“Well, Y/N – ssi was a great dancer! Kookie – ah was being an to her earlier but she focused on learning the routine instead. When we ended, she danced like hell and handed Kookie his on a silver platter. He was blushing so hard, I couldn’t stop laughing at him!” V – hyung teased me.

Another bout of laughter was heard and I sank deeper into the couch.

Was this Golden Maknae Teasing Day?

“Anyhow, they’re trainees now and we’re their sunbaes so it’s our job to take care of them. Which means no messing with them, including Y/N – ssi, are we clear on that, Kookie – ah?” Nam – joon hyung looked me in the eye, enunciating each syllable, a clear warning in his gaze.

Whatever. I was gonna get my revenge, either way without my hyungs knowing.

I nodded solemnly. “Understood.”

V – Hyung clapped his hands. “Now that it’s settled, I want you guys to know that I’ve asked Y/N – ssi to teach Jungkook – ah some English. She said she taught before and since Kookie wants to know English badly, I thought it a good idea to ask her a favor.” He revealed to everyone gasping in surprise. “By the way she starts tomorrow. Do you mind if we have the tutorial sessions here at home?” He asked in permission.

Jin – hyung put a hand to his jaw. “No, I don’t mind. Plus, the other guys can join in to if they want. We can also get to know her better this way.” He turned to the other members. “What about you guys?” They murmured their consent in response, to V – hyung’s evident delight and my utmost dread.

“Ok. It’s agreed then. I’ll let her know tomorrow!” He whooped.

“Hey guys, sorry to burst your bubble but it’s getting late and we gotta start early tomorrow. We better go to bed.” Namjoon – hyung reminded us. One by one each member got up, murmured good night and went to sleep. I went to my room as well, plopping face first on my bed.

Ugh. I hate tomorrow and the tomorrows after that. I thought as I slowly drowned into sleep.

 

Y/N’s POV

I stretched my arms out to my head while looking down at my work. I managed to finish one page of translating English words into Korean.

Only twenty more to go. I breathed as I thought back on how my day began.

It was the usual, with me cooking then Mi – Kyung unni picking us up at 6. The only difference was we weren’t dancing today, as we expected. Instead we were led to a classroom – esque room with a tall, middle – aged, bespactacled woman standing at the middle.

Then, Mi – Kyung unni handed us our supposed schedules for the year, with dance practice three times a week, every other day and language classes and vocal lessons the remaining days, happening every other day as well. Apparently, Sunday was our only rest day.

Immediately she left us to meet our language teacher, Lee Da Hee seonsaengnim, who started us off with introducing ourselves in Korean. I was able to do it without much effort but then we went on to share facts about ourselves all in Korean and I began to struggle. I spoke mostly in Korean but I had to use some English words, much to the dismay of Lee seonsaengnim.

Shaking myself from my reverie, I continued the task of translating the words, when I felt Lee seonsaengnim hover over me, tutting in disapproval.

She pointed out a mistake I made, and I hurriedly corrected it. Hours later, when I felt like my vision swam with hangul, our session ended.

Don’t get me wrong. I love learning, especially new languages. In fact, in college, I took up Spanish and French as a requisites. But learning a language for more than three hours straight? It can lead to brain overload.

Sighing, I stood up and went to Lee seonsaengnim to get the homework due next meeting. Then giving her a bow, I followed my unnis outside to where Mi Kyung – unni was waiting, ready to us to our vocal lessons next.

Soon, we were escorted into a moderately big music room, which I noted in awe, led into a recording studio, complete with a vocal booth equipped with a mic and headphones and opposite it, a control room with all sorts of equipment. Twisting my head back towards the grand piano in the room, there stood a blonde – haired European woman. We walked towards her, and gave her a bow in greeting.

“Annyeonghaseyo.” She greeted us in perfect Korean with a warm smile.

“Annyeonghaseyo.”

“I’m Jennifer Smith seonsaengnim. I’ll be your vocal teacher from this day forward.” She switched to English laced with a thick British – accent.

Wow. All the people here in Big Hit are freaking multi – talented and multi-national!

We proceeded to introduce ourselves as well.

After all introductions were done, seonsaengnim headed to the grand piano, sat down then turned to us. “For now, let’s start with vocalization.” She pressed on a piano key. “I’ll be playing a series of keys, and I want you to hum it afterwards.” We nodded in understanding and moved to stand around her.

“Alright, let’s begin.” She said and played the first keys.

We went about twenty or thirty sets of humming the same keys over again, when Jennifer seonsaengnim switched to playing do re mi. “Okay good. Now I want you to sing, while matching each key of do re mi. Remember to open your mouth properly so you’ll produce a deeper, louder sound. Arasseo?” (Understood)

“Ne.”

And so we switched to singing do re mi and it was fine at first. But then as seonsaengnim slowly went to a higher key, I noticed Haru – unni beginning to struggle with her singing. Seonsaengnim went one key higher then another. And now Feng Jiu – unni started to have difficulty singing as well. She went up again. Then another and another after that, and by this time I noticed that Haru – unni and Feng Jiu – unni were no longer singing and were breathing deeply. Only Somi – unni and I were the only ones singing and we gave each other worried looks, then stared at seonsaengnim hoping to catch her attention. Apparently oblivious to us, she kept on playing even higher keys that unni and I had to use head tones and even falsettos. Finally, she played (in our opinion) the highest key, with Somi – unni and me singing the best we could, feeling our face scrunch from the effort. Seonsaengnim played the closing keys, then faced us, who were all visibly exhausted and out of breath.

“As you may have noticed, this isn’t just a vocal exercise. This was also a test to determine you range and your vocal ability.” She explained.

She turned to Haru – unni, who was slightly fidgeting. “I noticed you stopped singing when I started to go higher. You have a deep, earthy voice. You’re more comfortable singing lower, aren’t you?”

“Y-yes.” Haru – unni replied.

“That makes you a contralto, which is the lowest female voice.”

She then focused on Feng Jiu – unni, who looked her in the eye. “You on the other hand, have a higher range than Haru. You can go high, but I noticed you were stronger in the middle. Although, your tone was certainly deeper than Somi’s and Y/N’s. You also sounded very contemporary. ”

Feng Jiu – unni pondered on this.

“You’re a mezzosoprano. You have the middle female voice, which means you can go higher or lower, although you’re stronger in between. Would you agree?”

Feng Jiu – unni slowly nodded in realization.

At last she assessed Somi – unni and me. “Now you two, are most definitely sopranos. You can both go crazy high, but that’s where all similarities end.” She glanced at Somi – unni. “You have a very breathy, airy, light pitch something a bit like Mariah Carey’s, but not quite.” At this, Somi – unni beamed in pride. Then she looked at me. “As for you, you have a high voice too but more rounded, slightly deeper and a hint sweeter.”

I reflected on this for a bit. I would’ve never described my voice as this.

My mom always told me I had a “beautiful, simple” voice and that was it. I guess in a vocal coach’s perspective, classifying voices would be more specific. It definitely told me a lot more about what voice I possessed and what more I could do with it.

Finishing my brief self-evaluation, I noticed seonsaengnim looking at the four of us, evaluating us a whole.

She crossed her arms in concentration. Then she sighed. “All in all, you’ve each got amazing, unique voices that go perfectly together. I can absolutely see the potential Bang PD sees in you.” Then she murmured to herself. “But in just two years? I seriously can’t understand what goes into that genius mind of his.” Clearing she addressed us again. “Anyway, that notion that only high voices are beautiful? Forget that. Instead focus in becoming better singers by training your own voice. And on that note,” she grabbed something from the table a few paces away from the piano then went back to us, handing us sheets of paper.

“Here are some songs for you. I’ll give you just 30 minutes, to practice and master the song by heart. After that, you’ll be singing and recording the song at the vocal booth over there, with everyone else watching.” She pointed to the booth. “When the recording is done, we’ll be listening to it and I’ll be giving my critique on your performance. At the end of our session, you can bring your recording home so you can further practice with it. So, any questions?”

We shook our heads.

Jennifer seonsaengnim looked at her watch then said. “Ok then. Time start’s now!” and went back to the piano to play some songs.

The four of us gathered together, showing each other’s songs.

“So what song did you guys get? I got I Miss You by Soyou” Somi – unni queried.

“Mine’s Be with You by Akdong Musician.” Feng Jiu – unni shared.

“I’ll be singing Hopefully Sky by Eunji.” Haru – unni piped up.

Meanwhile, I was gaping at my song sheet, disbelief over my face.

Patay. Ibang klase din tong si seonsaengnim ha? Ang alamat talaga pakakantahin sa akin? Hanep ang pressure. (I’m dead. Seonsaengnim is really something else. I’ll be singing a legend’s song? Talk about pressure.)

“How about you maknae? What song were you given?” Haru – unni excitedly asked.

“Y- you Are My Everything by Gummy.” I tittered.

“Whoa. Gummy, huh. Talk about big.” Feng Jiu – unni crooned.

“Don’t worry. You can do it. We all can. Now, let’s get practicing!” Somi – unni cheered.

“Yeah!” we chorused then I excused myself as I went to the restroom. This time, I took the extra precaution of double - checking the sign twice (I encountered the hangul for male and female during language class earlier and memorized it at once.), before entering. Immediately, I went to the sink to wash my face in hopes of calming myself down. No dice. So I looked at the mirror, while breathing deeply, thinking back to the time when Mi Young literally shoved Descendants of the Sun on my face after I told her I haven’t seen it yet.

Being the K – Pop/K – drama nerd that she was, she considered it her “noble” duty of making me marathon the entire series. I never did admit it to her, but I did enjoy it very much that I even had You Are My Everything stuck in my head a week after watching. It was probably the first Korean song I ever memorized by heart and I’ve been a secret fan of Gummy since then. But now that I thought about it, I only sang the song in the shower or while doing chores. And I sang it the Gummy way, not the Y/N way.

Would I even give the song justice?

I bit my lip worriedly and saw my reflection do the same. Then I thought of my mom, of what she would say to me right now.

I could see her now, with her hands on her hips and a confident smile on her face.

Anak, kung hindi mo susubukan, paano mo malalaman kung gagana? Subukan mo lang. Kung nabigo ka, eh di subukan mo ulit. Sa ganoon na paraan lang naman nakakamit ang tagumpay diba? Ika nga nila, try and try until you succeed! Saka nandito lang naman si Mama na laging nakasuporta sa ‘ yo. Go lang!

(Dear, if you won’t try how will you know if it’ll work? Just try. If you fail, then try again. It’s the only way anyone ever succeeded right? As they say, try and try until you succeed! Remember that Mama is always here to support you. Just go try!)

Feeling a great burden being lifted from my body, I expelled a breath. Then I slapped myself lightly.

Kaya mo toh, Y/N. (You can do this, Y/N.) Sing the song the Y/N way. I cheered to myself as I went back to the room, my mind set on killing the heck out of that song.

Returning to the music room, I saw that my unnis had chosen secluded corners and had started rehearsing their songs. I chose my own spot as well, plugged my earphones in and listened to my song, thoughts plaguing my mind.

Ugh. Gummy is such a freaking legend. Her voice is just exceptional. And the emotions she brings is just so overflowing. How do I even make this song my own, while still giving tribute to her greatness?

I played the song again, this time singing along but in the Gummy way, while trying to figure out how to convey my own interpretation of the song.

Think Y/N. Think.

Suddenly, it occurred to me, why not dedicate this song to my family? I mean they are everything to me. It’s still love, just a different kind of love. In addition, it’ll be easier for me to sing the song with emotions if I think of my family when I sing it.

Okay. Masubukan nga. (Let’s give it a try.)

Again, I sang the song, thinking of my family back home, and just doing it the Y/N way.

As the song ended, I felt an incredible rush. I have never sang it that way before. It was liberating and incredible.

It’s truly a wonderful thing to put your own touch to things, even songs. Jennifer seonsaengnim was right.

Then having another (possibly crazy) idea in mind, I hurried over to seonsaengnim.

“Seonsaengnim?”

“Yes?”

“Is it possible to slow down the tempo of the song maybe half a step, please?” I requested.

“Hmm. I think so. But why?” she asked confused.

“I kinda have a plan. And I think it can help with my interpretation of the song. It’s not forbidden to tweak the song a little bit, right? I mean you did say to sing it in our own way.” I pleaded.

A slow grin appeared on seonsaengnim’s face. “I think I know where you’re going. Alright, fine. I’ll allow it.”

I beamed at her then bowed. “Kamsahamnida, Seonsaengnim!”

“You’re welcome. Just make sure to make Gummy – ssi proud.” She winked at me then went to the control booth to do as I requested.

I hurried back to my spot to practice again. In no time, the thirty minutes were up and we all crowded to the control booth while Somi – unni went first.

We all listened as Somi – unni sang with an ethereal abandon, engulfing the song as a whole, and I felt chills all over. Picture Mariah Carey on steroids. Her voice just matched marvelously with the song, and as it ended, we all cheered for her as she gave a small bow and a smile.

Seonsaengnim lectured her on her breathing afterwards, saying that she should time it properly as it was affecting her pitch and a bit of her timing. Other than that, she praised unni for “slaying” the song. Feng Jiu – unni was up next, and her warm, broad, yet high voice gave a unique sound to a cheerful song. She even added a few of her own runs and we whooped in delight. Seonsaengnim critiqued her on her diction and some of flat notes, but applauded her for giving a whole new “feel” to the song.

Haru – unni was about to go, when Bang PD – nim with BTS in tow, stopped by again. I inwardly winced with the thought of the punk tormenting me again, as we bowed to Bang PD in greeting. “Annyeong ladies. I happened to mention to Bangtan that you’d be having your vocal lessons today and they said they wanted to hear you sing.”

He gestured to RM. “Hi ladies. We had a bit of spare time today and since we already saw you dance, we hoped to see your other talent. I hope you all don’t mind.” RM said in an easygoing manner.

“No, not at all. Although, only Haru and Y/N aren’t done. I’m afraid you just missed Feng Jiu’s and my turn. ” Somi – unni explained, with a regretful smile.

RM seemed a bit disappointed and translated to the other members which resulted in their echoing sighs.

“Jin – hyung, neo ttaemun-iya!” (It’s because of you!) Jimin complained and Jin looked sheepish.

“Yeah, hyung if you didn’t stop by the cafeteria, we would’ve been able to observe from the start.” Namjoon supplied.

“Bianemida. My fault. We still listen. Ok?” Jin said with a guilty smile as he turned to the other members.

“Ok then. Haru you’re up.” Seonsaengnim signaled to unni.

Haru – unni went and sang her version of Eun Ji’s Hopefully Sky, giving it an earthier, homier sound with her gritty, low voice. Add that to her natural cutesy appeal, and overall it was a blend of a contemporary/country performance. We gave whistles as she finished and Seonsaengnim commented on her sharp notes and a bit of her phrasing, but still commended her on the smashing way she tackled the song. Finally, seonsaengnim turned to me and with some trepidation, I headed to the opposite booth and put the headphones on. Then I glanced up hoping to catch Jungkook’s eye to see him already looking at me but the familiar hostility absent from his eyes.

Okay, the coast is clear. This may be a good thing.

Feeling a little better, I gestured for Seonsaengnim to play music.

For my family. You are my everthing.

Then I sang.

 

Jungkook’s POV

Trying to condition myself for the day after last night’s endless teasing and humiliation, I noticed Bang PD – nim leading us into one of the recording studios. Oh right. We’ll be listening to the girls sing.

Well the hyungs, insisted. I didn’t. I didn’t wanna run into that byeontae again. Still being the maknae, I had to go with what my hyungs wanted and with some reluctance entered the booth with them.

I saw the byeontae cringe as we entered, but for some reason I wasn’t in the mood to . Haru – ssi was up next and we all listened to her. She had a good voice. Low and coarse.

Shifting my focus in front of me, I saw that Noona byeontae’s turn was up. She looked at me in worry thinking I’ll be giving my signature glare, but I just stared at her devoid of any emotion. Seeing my relaxed stance, she sighed then gestured to play music. Then she closed her eyes and started to sing.

 

cheoeumbuteo geudaeyeossjyo

naege dagaol han saram

dan han beonui seuchimedo

nae nunbicci mareul hajyo

 

It was Gummy’s You Are My Everything. But it sounded different. It was … slower.

 

baramcheoreom seuchyeoganeun

inyeoni anigil baraeyo

babocheoreom meonjeo malhaji moshaessjyo

hal suga eopseossjyo

You Are My Everything

byeolcheoreom ssodajineun unmyeonge

geudaeraneun sarameul mannago

meomchwobeorin nae gaseumsoge

dan hanaui sarang

You Are My Everything

 

It was slower and infinitely sadder, more melancholy and as the song went on, I could feel something bubbling from inside.

 

angaessoge pieonaneun

hayahge muldeureun geudae moseup

hansungane naege simjangi

meomchul deut dagawa beoryeossjyo

 

You Are My Everything

byeolcheoreom ssodajineun unmyeonge

geudaeraneun sarameul mannago

meomchwobeorin nae gaseumsoge

dan hanaui sarang

 

I could not stop watching her. She may be a byeontae, but she can sing like no one’s business. She had this high, gorgeously rounded, melodic voice that gives off a feeling of familiarity, of being grounded, as if she’s singing the song just for me.

And the hint of natural vibrato she has? Daebak.

 

You Are My Everything

sijakdo mot haessdeon naui sarangeul

ijeneun malhal su issjyo

nugudo gajil su eopsneun gijeoginde

 

 

But the best part? It was the emotion she was giving. It was similar, yet different, at the same time. She was singing about love but it seemed like a different type of love, still with the same hurt and longing.

She was interpreting the song in her own, simple way, weaving magic in the process. And everyone was obviously caught in its web, as I glanced around seeing everyone’s open – mouthed reactions.

 

You Are My Everything

tteugeoun nae sarangeun geudaen geol

gyejeori byeonhaedo nan igose

meomchwobeorin nae gaseumsoge

dan hanaui sarang

You Are My Everything

 

The last notes of the song ended and she opened her eyes again, looking a bit worried at her audience’s shocked, teary - eyed reactions.

I reluctantly applauded her performance.

Fine. It was beautiful.

But that does NOT mean, I totally approve of her. She’s still a byeontae to me!

“Wahh. She’s good! “I heard Jin – hyung say in amazement.

“Right? I even got goosebumps!” Hoseok – hyung added.

“Me too! “ Namjoon – hyung, Jimin – hyung and Suga – hyung said at the same time.

“Wahh. I chose well.” V – hyung nodded in satisfaction.

I palmed my face. My hyungs are weird.

Shortly, the byeontae entered the booth and we all waited for the seonsaengnim’s feedback.

 

Y/N’s POV

I waited for Seonsaengnim to say something, with unease, noticing her eyebrows knit in consternation. A few seconds passed and it seemed like the silence spread to eternity. Fearing the worst, I quickly bowed deeply. “Choseonghamnida, Seonsaengnim. I shouldn’t have changed the tempo. I’ll do b – better next ti- “

“You need to work on your diction. Some of the lyrics aren’t being sung properly. You were also keeping your eyes closed for most of the song. It’s ok for a recording, but for a live performance that’s a big no – no. Eye contact is very important in interacting with the audience.” Seonsaengnim scolded me sternly and I cringed.

“Aside from that, you sang wonderfully. Slowing down the tempo was a brilliant move. Gummy – ssi would have been proud.” She finished with pride, as I looked up at her in total disbelief and saw her smile warmly. All of a sudden, my unnis immediately engulfed me in a bear hug, and I struggled to keep my balance.

“Maknae!! I knew you could sing, but I didn’t know you could sing!” Somi – unni screeched at my ear, tears pooling at her lashes. “Y/N! You’re so cool!” Haru – unni squealed at the top of her lungs.

“Y/N. I bow to you. You were awesome.” Feng Jiu unni commended me as she gave me a quick bow and patted my head. I glanced towards the others in the booth. Bang PD was grinning widely while holding up two thumbs up signs. The guys from Bangtan were wearing big grins too, with Tae’s being the biggest, it looked comical. Even the punk was smiling in his own way.

Whoa. It seems I really did well.

I was doubtful of it at first, seeing their immediate reactions after my performance, and mistaking it for outrage.

Sighing and showing a bright smile of my own, I shot a silent thanks to my Mama back home.

Tama ka nga, Ma. (You were right, Ma.) There’s no harm in trying.

Bang PD – nim came over to us. “You did well girls. I wish we could’ve gone earlier. Maybe next time. Well, we’ve gotta go. I have an appointment in a bit, and the boys have to go to a shoot.”

“Yeah. I’m really sorry about that. We’ll stop by again soon, this time we’ll try to be on time.” RM reassured us. “Yaedeul a gaja!” (Guys, let’s go!) He called out to the other members who waved us goodbye as they exited the booth, leaving Tae and Jungkook behind who quickly approached me.

“Y/N, you teach Kookie tonight ok? Don’t forget.” He reminded me then handed me a piece of paper. “Address. Come here. Annyeong!” he said briefly then dragged Jungkook behind him and left the booth.

I looked at the slip of paper. Wait a minute, this was only two blocks away from our place! It’s kind of convenient.

“What was that about?” Haru – unni asked as she peered at the paper.

“Well, the other day, Taehyung – ssi asked me to tutor Jungkook – ssi in English.” I said sheepishly.

“Daebak. That’s so cool! I’m a bit jealous.” Somi – unni jokingly shared.

“I’m not. I’m actually worried for you, Maknae. What if Jungkook does something to you in revenge while you’re there?” Feng Jiu – unni admitted with concern.

“You may be right. But Taehyung – ssi asked me for a favor. Besides, I can take care of myself. Geogjeong mala, ok?” I replied with confidence and Feng Jiu – unni became at ease.

Our vocal lessons continued for a few hours more, with seonsaengnim teaching us a several other vocal exercises and some harmonization that would go well with the four of our voices. At around 7pm, our session ended and feeling tired but very accomplished, we all went home.

Before I disembarked, I asked Mi Young if she could give me a lift to BTS’s address and she gave me a big thumbs up. Grabbing my English teaching materials and my Korean homework from the dorm in a flash, I jumped back in the car again and we sped toward the boys’ dorm.

And what a luxurious building it was, complete with big gates and big walls and an even bigger pool! Even the security was big and tight.

Thankfully, Tae informed the reception desk beforehand that I’ll be visiting, so I was allowed to take the lift up to their dorms.

Breathing deeply and composing myself, I rang the bell. Footsteps could be heard from inside and the door opened revealing Tae’s familiar cheerful face.

“Y/N Annyeong! Come!” he greeted me, opening the door wider.

I bowed to him in greeting and stepped inside and at once was awed by my surroundings.

The place screamed money and opulence.

It was exactly as the pictures showed in those articles about their new place, only in person, it looked a hundred times more intimidating. Leaving my shoes by the entrance and wearing slippers as was custom in Korea, I tiptoed to the living room, while Tae went off to find the punk, and I immediately saw Jimin, Namjoon and Suga lounging by the couches watching TV. Seeing my arrival, they waved at me and I gave a bow. “Joh-eun jeonyeok imnida (Good evening), Jimin – ssi, RM – ssi kurigu (and) Suga – ssi.” I greeted them.

“Good evening, Y/N – ssi. But please just call us Oppa from now on. Ssi seems so formal don’t you think?” RM told me casually.

O-oppa? I would never have imagined myself calling an older guy “Oppa.” Hyung siguro pwede pa. Mas astig pang pakinggan! (Hyung, I can do. Plus, it sounds way cooler!)

Oppa seems so girly to me. And I’m far from girly. I’m a manly girl!

But Hyung are for guys only and I was no guy.

“Neohuideul sang-gwan eobs-eo?” (You guys don’t mind?) RM asked Jimin and Suga who shook their heads.

“You call us ‘Oppa.’” Jimin said with his usual cute smile.

“It’s ok.” Suga approved with a nod.

Oh it, Y/N.

“N-ne, R-rM – oppa, Jimin – oppa and Suga – oppa.” I said uncertainly and instantly they had these goofy expressions on their faces.

“Ah, gibun-i johda. “ (It feels nice.) Jimin – oppa exhaled.

“Yeah. It feels like a gained another yeodongsaeng! (Younger sister) Kamsahamnida.” RM – oppa gushed.

Even Suga – oppa nodded in happiness.

They are such big dorks.

“Y/N!” Tae called me and I turned to see him dragging a sulking Jungkook at his side. Rubbing my neck in worry, I twisted back to RM – oppa.

“RM – oppa do you mind joining us for our tutorial session? I know some Korean words but only a little, and I just think learning will be faster if you translate for us. If that’s okay with you?” I asked him hesitantly.

He flashed me a big grin. “Not at all! I’ll be glad to help.” He abruptly stood and positioned beside me. “We could have the session in the study at the back. There’s a table there.”

“Ok. Lead the way, Oppa.” I replied.

He led us to the back of the dorm and we passed by Jin cooking dinner at the kitchen who waved at us. I gave a quick bow in return. Soon we arrived at the spacious study and were seated around the table. I proceeded to arrange my learning materials on top. Then I looked squarely at the punk.

“Ok. Let’s begin.”

He straightened his shoulders, crossed his arms and with a serious look said with finality. “Naneun silh-eo.” (I don’t want to.)

Oh boy.