Seomin wiped her grimy sneakers on the gnarled doormat before she stepped into her house. Immediately, Seomin headed to the kitchen and flung the refrigerator door open. Empty shelves welcomed her home from the gym. She groaned. “Hyeyoung is not going to be happy.” Seomin opened a few cupboards before she found a bag of extra salted chips. This was definitely not part of Hyeyoung’s diet and exercise plan for the two of them. She laughed as she recalled Hyeyoung explain the dos and don’ts of their diet. Yet, despite Hyeyoung’s rigorous diet and exercise plan, Seomin had not lost a single pound. Not that she needed to, but Seomin hated the idea defeat. Her hand hesitated before she wrapped her fingers around the bag. The familiar crinkling sound in her grasp made her shrug and grin. “It’s just one bag of chips...”

As Seomin headed to her room, she slowed down at the closed bathroom door and could hear her mother hum to the radio. Perhaps this is why Seomin liked music so much. Was it in her blood? Seomin could see the silhouette of her piano under the off-white moving sheets at the end of the hall. Ever since they moved to their new house a year ago, Seomin had not been able to play her piano because of the clutter surrounding it. She walked a few steps when she felt something slippery under her foot. Seomin looked down to see the colorful paper ball she thought she threw away. She snatched the paper ball from the floor and looked in the direction of the bathroom. Did her mother see this in her trash? Seomin stole into her room and flattened it against her thigh before she brought the paper towards her face.

The creased paper in Seomin’s hand was taught. Her unpainted, chipped fingernails marked the edges of the glossy page as numerous thoughts ran through her mind. She slumped on her low bed and read the words again. A voice in her head screamed, “Just do it!” Seomin scoffed. “No way. Just forget it. There’s no chance I’ll win…” She flopped onto her back and closed her brown eyes.

 “Win what?” Her mother appeared suddenly. She pulled her thin black hair into a taut ponytail. Streaks of gray appeared on the sides of her head.

 “Nothing. Don’t worry about it Mom.”

 “It?”

“Shouldn’t you be going to work at the restaurant?” retorted Seomin. Her mother eyed her suspiciously before she left. Seomin heard her mother leave, the car engine’s cough drifting farther away. She picked up the paper again. Seomin read aloud, “International Entertainment Studios presents the Young Talent Competition. Join us for auditions on July 3rd, Saturday from 8am to 3pm. All talents are welcomed! Those who pass the audition will be offered a spot in a pre-competition training camp in Los Angeles.”

She sighed, unsure of what to do. Why was she hesitating? The only reason Seomin never fully gave up was Hyeyoung. Her friend was blatant and not afraid to push Seomin towards her dreams. She discovered Seomin’s secret when they were 15.There was a day after school where Seomin believed she was alone. After she played on the grand piano and sang in the musical hall, Seomin noticed Hyeyoung in the back of the auditorium with open. Now, Hyeyoung nagged Seomin to join music classes, perform in school talent shows, and audition for competitions. Every time, Seomin dismissed her friend with the excuse that music was just a hobby. Yet today, two reasons held her back. One, she was 18. She had hid her dreams for three years now— far too long according to Hyeyoung. Besides, high school was about to end. What would she do with herself? Second, the prize wasn’t money this year; it was a chance to get a contract with International Entertainment Studios. They weren’t a big company, but every artist that signed under them did well in the industry. She didn’t care about the fame or the money. Her eyes were set on travelling. Any job that included travelling was favorable in Seomin’s eyes. Asia, Europe, Australia – there were just so many places to visit! To sing and travel at the same time was taking two life