Ladies and Gentlemen
My Boyfriend's Best Friend
Blinding lights.
Deafening chatter.
Crushing pressure.
"SM High School of Performing Arts presents The Annual New Age Talent Exposition."
*Exposition,* Minho thought as the automated voice rang out through the packed auditorium. *That word makes it sound like a museum.*
He and the other trainees sat quietly as the most important man in their company, Lee Soo-Man, gave his introductory speech. When he finished, everyone clapped politely, anxiously awaiting the much-anticipated show.
"Presenting," the robotic female voice came back on the speaker. "The incredible first act, TVXQ!"
Ear-piercing cheers filled the large room. Minho peered around the curtain to catch a look at his hyungs about to kick off the night. Changmin turned, spotting him. Minho gave his older friend an act of support, forming a fist with his hand and mouthing "Fighting!"
The music for "Hug" came on, quieting the excited audience. Minho watched as the five boys flowed effortlessly through their performance, never missing a note or a step. He could see the years of training all coming together in a common moment. Competition was stiff. Not all the groups would end up slated to debut.
The other performances were a blur. Groups ranging anywhere from two members to fifteen. Some, like Girls Generation and Super Junior, got a better response from the audience. Other performances, however, didn't go so well. On group of four female trainees managed to forget their dances partway through, departing the stage in tears. Practice wasn't enough, you had to conquer your nerves.
Finally the announcer came back on, her computerized voice jolting Minho to life.
"Introducing our next act: SHINee!"
He found Taemin's shoulder as they walked onstage, squeezing it. It was a gesture meant to reassure his friend, though it ended up being a comfort to himself.
Jonghyun slapped him on the back, drawing energy from the crowd. He always did love a show. He waved confidently at the audience, sending them hearts and pointing at individual girls.
Onew was silent, solemn. Unlike his usually goofy, smiley self, this time his jaw was fixed in a serious expression. As the leader, he knew his responsibilities, the pressure. It wasn't for fun, it was the next step in his path to success.
Key, to Minho's left, was smiling expertly at the audience. Though pleasantries weren't his specialty, he knew the importance of fanservice. If anyone messed up, it would not be Kibum.
Minho felt his nerves rising but urged himself to be calm. Due to his lack of singing lines, he just needed to get through the dance. From in front of him, Taemin turned around and have him a smile.
A smile that meant so many things.
It was okay.
After everything that had happened, they were best friends.
And Taemin would always be there for him.
As they took centre stage, Minho glanced backstage, near the curtains. Just out of view, Sulli caught his eye and gave him two thumbs up. The gesture was meant to be comforting, but after everything she had done, it was merely distracting and confusing.
He didn't have time to ponder much because suddenly, "Replay" came on and the crowd quieted.
This was it.
The most important moment of his life.
So far...
*****
"Sulli-ssi,” a voice came up behind her, forcing her to tear herself away from SHINee’s performance. They were doing amazing though, convincing they didn’t have anything to worry about. They would definitely be chosen to debut.
The voice that had interrupted her belonged to one of the shows coordinators. “Unfortunately, f(x) will actually have to perform after last. There was an issue with the music for your performance,” he informed her.
She nodded. Of course there was an issue; she had caused it. They needed to go last.
As SHINee finished their performance, they stalked offstage. On his way by, Minho purposely looked away from her, an angry expression contorting his otherwise handsome face. Of course he was mad, who wouldn’t be?
She could still make it up to him, Sulli reminded herself.
Finally it was f(x)’s turn. In ideal world, she would be able to sabotage Krystal without consequence, but this was, of course, not an ideal world. She took a deep breath. It was strange, it wasn’t even the performance that she was nervous about.
Their rendition of “LA chA TA” was immaculate. She didn’t mess up the dance, like she had been so nervous about just weeks before. It was true, practice does make perfect. She felt calm, poised and ready.
As their part of the show ended, her confidence began to slip away.
*Now,* she told herself as the rest of her group moved off the stage. She, however, walked right to centre stage. Tapping on her mic to test it's volume, she prepared herself.
Finally, as she had been intending all night, she addressed the crowd.
"Hello?" She called into the audience. The volume went slightly down but hadn't reach her ideal quiet. Hello?" She said again, this time louder. At this point, she had the majority of the room's attention; their beady eyes pointed and focused on her.
Good enough.
"I hope you enjoyed the show," she started by saying. She could hear confused murmurs coming from backstage. The organizers were not anticipating what she was about to do. "All the trainees here at SM High School of Performing Arts have worked and trained for hours on end to bring you this show. They all deserve to be here, to have this opportunity."
So far, her speech was fairly harmless and respectable.
She continued, "Every single trainee deserves to be here except one." A murmur went through the audience like a sound wave. "Except, me."
She paused, partially for effect, partially so that she could compose herself.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have a confession to make."
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A/N: Mwuahahaha with so little time left, how could I not abuse my power to write cliffhangers? ;)
I'd love to know how you guys think the end of the story is going to play out :)
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