Minju was staring at the bulletin board, especially at a poster filled with whites and familiar faces. One person in that poster was her peripherals’ focus and her heart pounded just by looking at her short hair and signature smile.

Enozi U’s IZ*1 was the most famous non-academic club in the university. The club was one the university’s pride of performing arts by being a musical ensemble, specifically by being a school band. Getting in the club was hard; you needed to have an excellent voice, excellent stage presence, and you needed to know how to play an instrument.

The reason why Minju was looking at it was because the poster was about its audition. She wanted to get in so bad but being skillful in none of the criteria, she needed time to hone the skills and practice them. 

That wasn’t all. The said short-haired girl was the cause of it all. If it were given the chance that she could get close to her, she had to be part of the club.

“What are you looking at, Min?”

Minju yelped as she turned around. Seeing the familiar classmate, she sighed in relief and slapped her shoulder lightly. “Don’t scare me like that, Kwangbae~”

Kang Hyewon made a peace sign and Minju was part of her fans. Hyewon was an IZ*1 member and was famous as the bassist, even though she knows how to play the guitar and piano. 

“You’re auditioning?” Hyewon asked. 

Minju nodded lightly and Hyewon clapped. “What position would you want?”

“Guitarist.”

“What timing.” Hyewon reacted as she pointed something on the poster. “We already have one and it’s Kwon Eunbi. However, we need a second one to back her up.”

Minju cheered then whined. Hyewon chuckled of her behavior. “Come on, Min. You’re a good guitarist. We used to attend our lessons together.”

“I used to be a good guitarist.” Minju corrected. “You know I stopped since Dad passed away.”

“But if you really want to join the band, give it a try.” Hyewon suggested. “Once you join in, it won’t be that hard anymore. Eunbi’s a considerate leader when it comes to lessons, especially when members perform at their best of their calibers.”

“That’s the problem. I had gotten sloppy.” Minju sighed then whined again. “What am I going to do~?”

A familiar call was heard and the two whipped their heads to the side, seeing four girls. One of them caught Minju’s attention and she almost yelped.

Those were Hyewon’s fellow members; IZ*1 themselves. There was Kwon Eunbi the guitarist, Jo Yuri the drummer, Ahn Yujin the keyboardist…

…and the lead vocalist and Enozi U’s vocal pride, Kim Chaewon.

“Hey, Minju.” Yuri waved with her drum stick. “And Kwangbae, let’s go. We have to do our rehearsals.”

Hyewon nodded. She bids her friend farewell and got to her members. Yuri even spared another wave to which Minju waved back. But what shocked her more was that Chaewon turned back, smiling at her.

Once IZ*1 left, Minju ran towards the nearest bathroom and washed her face. Despite the cold water, Minju’s face was still red. 

Chaewon smiled at her! Her crush just smiled at her!

“I’m going to die of feels…” Minju mumbled as she tried to calm herself down.

Once the red on her face subsided, she dried it and went back to the bulletin board. She took a picture of  the mechanics and marked her phone’s calendar of the audition date.

With her whipped personality towards Chaewon, with Hyewon’s persuasion, and with her returning passion towards music, she was going to audition.

+++

Ever since the word of the audition, Minju juggled her time in her studies and in practicing her guitar skills. Some days were progressive but others were just not very inspirational. Today, IZ*1 would be performing at the square for a fundraising activity and being the supportive fan, Minju came to watch.

The band did a cover of Paramore’s Still into You. Everyone wowed how Yuri became the heart of her band with her sick beats, how Eunbi made sick riffs and backup vocals, how Yujin struck her fingers to the keys, and how Hyewon was chill in the bass’ strings.

But most of all, Chaewon delivered an angelic yet powerful voice that was the desire of music ensembles around the world, hence to why she was called the ‘Vocal Pride’. 

After all this time, I’m still into you

That line hit Minju into her feels again, especially when Chaewon’s eyes met hers. Minju returned to reality when the crowd got too pushy in trying to get closer to Chaewon – from taking a picture to holding her hand. 

Minju huffed. If she can’t beat them, she’ll join them.

And being the winner of the fan lottery, Chaewon managed to hold her hand. The contact made Minju squeal like a madman as she cheered with the crowd. All of that went on for fifteen songs and everyone loved every single one.

As the last song ended, the band got up front and made announcements about their future performances and the auditions for a second guitarist. Minju was reminded how fragile it was to retry her buried talent. As a result, she realized that learning alone wasn’t enough.

She needed help. And the best person to ask was none other than IZ*1’s bassist.

She was still on her spot, waiting for the crowd to cease. She then got to the backstage and signaled Hyewon. The bassist had keen eyes and got to her. “Hey, Min. How’s the concert?”

“It was great.” Minju added. “Kwangbae, I need to ask something.”

“What?”

“Help me with my skills.” Minju held her wrist. “I’ve been practicing but my progress is so slow. I thought that I needed a professional to help me so I decided to ask you. Come on, Kwangbae~”

Hyewon squinted her eyes out of suspicion. Minju was having none of it and continued to beg. Hyewon sighed and was flustered because she never thought Minju was this loud.

“Okay, okay.” Hyewon poked her wrist. “We can practice at my place.”

“You’re the best, Kwangbae~” Minju was about to hug her but realizing her status, she just gave a bow. “Thank you so much~”

“Be early. Come before 8. Yul will be coming too.”

Minju was shocked but as she looked at the waving redhead, she waved back and nodded at Hyewon. “Okay.”

Hyewon was called and she had to excuse herself. Minju bids her friend farewell as she decided to go home. 

In the perspective of IZ*1, Hyewon gave then a peace sign and drank water.

“Who was that, Kwangbae?” 

“A childhood friend, Celeb.” Hyewon shared. 

“Her name’s Kim Minju, Leadernim.” Yuri shared. “I expect her to audition for our band. The girl may look timid but she’s a hidden gem by being a good guitarist. At least that’s what Kwangbae said.”

“Was that the girl who Chaewon-unnie held hands with while singing?”

“She what, AhnYu?” Hyewon was shocked as the rest of the members faced the vocalist.

Chaewon raised an eyebrow and delivered a glare, making the members shrug the idea off as they decided to discuss about the audition. She looked at the spot where Hyewon and Minju talked as she was reminded about the beautiful fangirl, especially when she held her hand while singing.

Kim Minju.

Somehow, her inner conscience smiled of the name.

+++

Minju gulped as she carried her guitar and her own body towards Hyewon’s house. The place was just like how she remembered when she was a little girl – even Hyewon’s parents and little brother welcomed her like she was family.

“Kwangbae shared that you’ll practice for the auditions. Come inside.” Her mother spoke. “She and Yul are inside the room.”

“Noona~ Minju-noona’s here~” 

“Kyungwoo-ah, call your sister properly,” said his father.

Minju bowed at Hyewon’s parents again as Kyungwoo knocked on the door. Minju thanked him and got inside the room, seeing Hyewon and Yuri in a jamming session. Minju watched them and wowed of their skills. Once it was over, Hyewon got to Minju and they shared their handshakes. Minju then waved at Yuri.

“Glad you came, Minju.” Yuri said as she got closer. “Kwangbae here said that you used to play guitar.”

Minju nodded. She showed the instrument to the two and Yuri wowed at the quality.

“It’s the same instrument Min played back when we were kids.” Hyewon shared. “Min was better than me.”

“Now the tables have turned.” Minju chuckled. “Kwangbae can play any stringed instrument now, even the balalaika.”

“Nothing can beat Yuri, Min.” Hyewon shared again as she turned an extra guitar. “She knows how to play every instrument within the band plus she is a good singer.”

“I just became the drummer because only I know how to play.” Yuri added.

“Also because you’re the heart of the band, Yul.” Minju added, flattering the redhead.

“Talks aside, show us what you got.” Yuri got excited and waited.

Hyewon raised an eyebrow for her to play. Minju readied her instrument, calmed her , and played Paper Hearts. She also sang yet her voice was a little shaky. Yuri decided to accompany her, leaving Minju to be impressed and do well. The two delivered a short performance and Hyewon was there to record everything.

“That’ll go down by the books.” Hyewon grinned.

“Daebak…you’re actually pretty good.” Yuri clapped. “She should be our new member!”

“Celeb won’t allow that. It’ll be very unfair.” 

“Kwangbae has a good point, Yul. I want to do it fairly by auditioning.” Minju added, strumming some notes. “That’s why I’m asking Kwangbae for help.”

“I’ll join in to help.” Yuri returned to Hyewon’s drum set. “I’ll be the accompaniment.”

“And you won’t use your guitar, Min.” Hyewon handed her an electric guitar. “You can actually use yours for the audition but if you want to hone your skills again, playing the electric guitar will give you confidence in playing any stringed instrument.”

Minju nodded and puts the sling around her. She tested the guitar, leaving the bassist and the drummer impressed.

“That’s it, Min. Let’s start with something simple.” Hyewon plucked her bass, adding. “How about Pororo’s song? Metal version.”

Minju used to play that when she was young. She gulped and waited for Yuri’s beats before strumming. Her start was still sloppy but she managed to stay on beat. Hyewon joined after the first eight counts and the trio sung together. As the song ended, Minju was shocked that she still had the skills.

“Nice work, Min. Not bad for a start.” Hyewon said then patted her back. “Your dad would be very proud of you now.”

Minju smiled but she was teary. Yuri was curious, Hyewon didn’t want to talk further, yet Minju was willing to share before they start a new song.

“My dad inspired me to play the guitar, Yul. He was a music teacher. He passed away in car accident and I didn’t play ever since.”

Yuri felt sorry. She held Minju’s hand, adding. “I’m sorry for your loss. I hope it doesn’t hold you back from doing something you and your father loved. He would be happy to see you play again.”

Hyewon agreed. Minju knew they were right and she decided to slowly bring her confidence to play again. 

“Okay. What’s the next song?” Minju asked and got to position again.

“That’s the spirit!” Hyewon and Yuri said as they decided on Still into You.

Minju yelped on how hard it was but with Hyewon and Yuri putting their time to help her, she had to do her best.

She had to get that spot. That way, her dad will be proud in Heaven and she can get closer to Chaewon.

+++

Audition day has come. Minju was already at the court, sitting on her seat with her guitar by her side. She couldn’t believe that a lot of females auditioned for the spot. There were a whopping thousand, including herself, aiming for that one slot as IZ*1’s second guitarist.

IZ*1 have arrived and everyone cheered for their favorite members. Minju saw Hyewon and Yuri sitting at the left side and she would’ve waved at them but she had to be cool and be the normal student who auditions. Chaewon was the highlight of the event as she sat on the center, in between Eunbi and Yuri.

The auditions started as Eunbi called for the first contestant. The process was very short and smooth since interviews were very direct, contestants were only given two minutes to perform, and the selected member will be notified next week. The numbers declined as they shifted from one seat to another. There were potentials and there were really bad ones to the point that Yujin had to cover her ears.

Finally, it was Minju’s turn. She got to the stage and prepared her guitar. She was nervous as hell, even Hyewon and Yuri didn’t react. Everyone needed to be professional, after all.

“Name.” Eunbi spoke.

“Hello. My name’s Kim Minju. I’m a sophomore from Section D.”

“Minju-ssi, it is said that you’re a guitarist. How did you start? Did someone teach you?” Eunbi asked.

“I started when I was ten through touching a guitar owned by my late father. He taught me how to play for he was a music teacher before.”

“Sorry to hear that. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you on stage.” Chaewon spoke. “Please start.”

Minju gulped at how Chaewon spoke. She had no time to fangirl and focused on playing. She played You and I and even sang the song.

Everyone watching had their reactions. Fellow contestants wowed of her calm and low registers, of her stage presence and visuals, and of her skills in playing the guitar. Hyewon and Yuri approved of her piece as it was delivered perfectly. Yujin was like a puppy adoring her master. Eunbi was really keen in checking her guitar skills and Chaewon…

Chaewon couldn’t leave an eye away from Minju. There was something about her that made her stick to the performance and appreciate it. She never batted an eye away and kept her senses intact until the last strum. 

The remaining contestants applauded. Minju bowed her thanks and the IZ*1 members wrote their comments.

“We’ll be informing you if you got in. Thank you for auditioning.” Eunbi spoke.

Minju bowed again, packed her guitar, and went on her way. Eunbi called for the next contestant and the members returned to focus on the audition.

Chaewon was in between the reality. She was hearing the auditions but her sight never left the door to where Minju exited. A part of her wanted Minju to be in the band, maybe because she wanted to reassure the feeling she experienced every time she looked at her.

Minju must be the chosen contestant. She would be honored to be in a band with her.

+++

A week passed and classes went on like the usual. Minju would’ve had that share but as she passed by the corridors, all eyes were on her. They were whispering things – some even greeted her and said that she performed well on the auditions. Minju got more confused until a familiar hand pulled her.

“Yah, Kang Hyewon!” Minju yelped as the make way in the sea of fans. 

Hyewon had a large grin on her face as she took her to the bulletin board. She pointed at another paper close to the audition poster and Minju’s eyes went wide.

It had her name as the second guitarist for IZ*1.

“Yay~” Hyewon cheered as the fans at the back joined her. “Welcome to the club, Kim Minju~”

Minju rubbed her eyes to check the announcement. She never thought the best was on her side. Out of a thousand, she was the chosen one.

Appa…I got in~

“Minju the guitarist is on the IZ*1 house~” Yuri sang while clacking her drum sticks. “Nice job, Min.”

Minju’s phone was a tad late. She saw the message of acceptance and it was enough for her to believe that she got in. “It’s an honor.”

“Honors aside. Let’s go to the studio.” Hyewon guided her friend with a push. “As your first day as an IZ*1 member, you must get accustomed to our ways as soon as possible.”

“We’ll have a meeting in a few moments so let’s go go go~” Yuri sang again.

The trio walked quickly and away from the rest. They arrived at the studio and saw Chaewon, Eunbi, and Yujin sitting by their spots composed of a circled set of chairs. Eunbi pointed Minju’s spot as Hyewon and Yuri got to theirs.

“Okay. Let’s start the meeting.” Eunbi spoke. “Good day, IZ*1 and welcome to the club, Minju-ssi.”

“Thank you. It’s an honor to be here. Please take care of me.” Minju bowed and everyone clapped.

“I’m Kwon Eunbi; leader and guitarist. You and I will be practicing most of the time – that’s every Tuesday and Thursday. We have our official practices during weekends, especially if we need to prepare for concerts and events.”

“Ahn Yujin; keyboardist.” The taller lent a hand. “Your performance was the greatest. I didn’t cover my ears at the time.”

Minju shook back. She thought Yujin was adorable and is the youngest at heart.

“No need to introduce us to her. We already know her.” Yuri added.

“Follow the agenda, Yul.” Eunbi raised an eyebrow.

“Okay.” Yuri huffed. “I’m Jo Yuri; drummer. I’m the heart of IZ*1. I sang at a international competition before and I know every role in this band. I’m a little sloppy with guitar and bass, though.”

“She and I were the founders of IZ*1. Hyewon and Chaewon followed, then Yujin then you.” Eunbi added.

“And who could forget Kwangbae?” Hyewon grinned. “Kang Hyewon; bassist. And I would like to share…” She patted Minju’s back. “…that Minju and I are childhood friends. We learned how to play the guitar together.”

Everyone was impressed. No wonder Minju was skilled.

“And then there’s me…” Chaewon lent a head. “Kim Chaewon; lead vocalist.”

“Yuri may be the heart but Chaewon is the soul of IZ*1. She’s Enozi U’s vocal pride, after all.” Yujin added. “Chaewon is the daughter of a famous theater actress and a famous singer. She even appeared on TV as a singer.”

“Believe us, Min. Chaewon here lived up to the university’s name. Her voice is out of this world!” Yuri added.

“I know.” Minju shook her hand back. “Nice to finally meet you, Chaewon. I’m such a big fan.”

The band reacted as Chaewon was flattered. Their hands shook longer that Eunbi and Hyewon had to cough to resume discussing stuff to Minju. For the latter, this was going to be the start of a wonderful journey.

It will be a journey with music, friends, and Chaewon.