Part One

July 2013

SM Entertainment

Trainees started strolling out from the practice room, “Thank you, Teacher Ri In! See you tomorrow!”

“Remember to practice the techniques I went through today, I’ll be giving y’all a little test tomorrow!” Liyin called after and closed the door.

Finally…

Silence.

Life have been the same for her, waking up 9am in the morning, 10am out jogging at the park, 11am breakfast, 12pm vocal practice, 2pm vocal class with trainees and sometimes recording songs (that were never released.).

Sometimes she wonders, why do they make her record all these songs when they don’t have plans to release her new album?

Sitting alone in the room, Liyin went through her phone and was shocked by the sudden incoming call from her manager, “Hello? Yes oppa, what’s the matter? Oh sure, I’ll be there later.” She hung up and packed her stuffs, ready to head to the meeting room to find her manager.

By the time she got there, she saw people walking out from the room and immediately recognized them, the marketing department head and people who hold a high position in the company, she bowed and greeted them. They vaguely nodded their head to acknowledge her presence.

She then entered the room to find her manager oppa sitting there, looking disheartened. Her heart dropped, preparing for the worst.

“What is it oppa? Are you okay?”

“Liyin ah... I’m sorry… I failed to convince them. They have decided to push back your album again to focus on EXO for next month and then on SHINee after…”

Knowing how horrible her manager would feel, she flashed him her brightest smile, “Don’t worry, Oppa… I’m sure one day my time will come, it’s really not your fault.” She patted his back, as she said.

“Sigh, you silly girl. Why are you consoling oppa when I’m supposed to be the one consoling you. Come, let me buy you a good dinner and we will continue working hard!” He jumped from his seat, placed both his hands on her shoulder and pushed her out of the room.

Liyin knows. She knows how this manager of her’s, love her. If he doesn’t, he would stick to her when he can just opt to work for the other idols under the same label. He would be able to earn more as well. Whenever she asked him why, he would dismissed her by saying he is lazy and working for the others will mean he will not have enough sleep. But she knows the real reason.

She smiled to herself and turned to her manager, “It’s okay, Oppa. Don’t you have a date today with Eun Ha unnie? You better get going, I will be fine!” Before he is able to say something, she cut him off, “Nope, don’t even think about cancelling the date.”

He looked at her, helpless.

“Fine, I’ll get going. You sure you will be okay?” He asked again.

“Yes I will, stop being naggy and go!” She giggled and pushed him.

After he left, she made her way to washroom, holding her tears back.

--

Over an hour past, did Liyin then came out from the washroom rubbing her eyes. Sniffing and rubbing her eyes, she did not see that someone came out from the Male toilet and bumped into him.

Not wanting anyone to see her crying, she apologized quietly and quickly made her way back to the practice room.

She sat in the room and stared out the window for 15 minutes, her ‘I Will’ album playing from the speakers.

“Should I give up?” She asked herself; suddenly a knock on the door broke her train of thoughts.

‘Did her manager come back for me?’ She thought.

She warily made her way to the door and opened it. No one was outside. She looked left and right, still, no one. ‘Must be a prank.’ She thought, and saw something on the floor.

A can of Energy drink, a packet of candies and a packet of tissue with a little note on it, “Don’t cry. Let me wipe your tears away for you. J 울지마요. 제가 당신의 눈물을 딲아줄게요. J” Written neatly in Korean.

Liyin smiled lightly at the kind gesture from the unknown guest. She hugged the items close to her chest and closed the door.

A figure hiding at the corner, peeping at her, smiled and left.

--

“Yah! Kim Jongdae! What took you soo long to come back from the bathroom?!” Xiumin threw his towel at the boy.

The boy just smiled and apologized, “Sorry, I had to take a call! Let’s continue with practice! Come on!” Chen pulled Xiumin up from the floor and proceeded pulling the other members as well.

“We just danced for 10 minutes straight!” Lay complained.

And you hear a few other members grumbling but once the music starts, they were back on their feet, dancing.

--

A few days later…

Liyin sits in the practice room and went through some scores. She’s choosing songs for the trainee to learn for their evaluation. She felt better after meeting up with Zhoumi yesterday. After Hangeng and Junsu left, she’s only left with Zhoumi and Henry whose closer with her.

And what would she do without Stephanie? Her new roommate. The day she cried her eyes out, Stephanie welcomed her with a table of good food. That night, the two stayed home, pigged out and watched movies together.

A small smile spread across her face when CSJH The Grace, My Everything plays through the speakers.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door again. Curious, she put down her scores and made her way to the door, wondering if it was that kind-hearted stranger again.

She opened the door and once again saw no one. There on the floor, laid a box of chocolates and a handwritten card, “Don’t be sad, I’m sure your album will be released soon! Who’s EXO compared to you? I’m sure even the best singer in EXO can’t sing as well as you. You beat them hands down if you belt out your best R&B song! Like this box of chocolates, I will be supporting you like all your other fans waiting for you. Don’t give up. J”

This time, she laughed. She recognized the handwriting. It was the same as that little handwritten note she received a few days ago.

She smiled and said, “I don’t know who you are, but I hope you can hear me. Thank you for your support and thoughtfulness. I’m not giving up! And also, try not to bash EXO on handwritten materials. What if this gets in the hands of a die-hard EXO fan?” She giggled and made her way back to her practice room.

Once again, the hidden figure smiled and left.

--

“Kim Jongdae, where have you been to again?” Xiumin asked.

Chen smiled happily to himself and made his way to the sofa.

“Stop acting crazy, dude. We have about a week before we release Growl and then we have a series of promotions to do.” Kris nudged Chen to grab his attention.

“He’s been acting weird since this morning.” Lay shrugged.

--

That morning, Chen overheard Xiumin telling Luhan that Zhoumi Hyung cancelled on him last night because he had to meet Ri In noona.

“Did something happen? Why would Zhoumi hyung cancel on you?” Chen asked casually.

“I talked to Zhoumi Hyung abit on the phone, he said Ri In sunbae was really upset because her album got pushed back again…” Xiumin said, and sighed. He too, felt bad for Liyin…

“Oh…” Chen replied.

“I overheard Manager hyung talking to some of the staffs, it seems like because of the promotions of EXO, they decide to push back her album again.” Lay added on, “Oh man, so it’s true. Now I feel soo bad about it.”

And Chen of all; was the most affected one…
 

--
 

This fic should have 3 parts, will see where my writing brings me.

I don't know if i should continue this... I haven't write for the past 2 years OTL (and I'm rusty as hell), and I don't know EXO well enough, so I find the conversation really awkward between the boys. LOL

I'm using the advantage of timeline. Zhoumi and Liyin did meet up on 22nd July. lol

Comments would be loved!