Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters other than the original character that I'm responsible for, neither do I take credit for the pictures I have put and will put in the other chapters. The credits go to the owners of those photos.

Note: single quotes ' .....' are thoughts and "....." doubles are spoken words.

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Your POV

I double checked all the items I required for the presentation.

Design........... Check.

Presentation DVD........... Check.

Design concept report elaborating the project............. Check. I made 5 copies for the judge’s panel just in case there are more than 3. Dad used to say, “Always be prepared for any situation to the best of your ability!”  I hope everything goes well.

I rushed out the door after a hasty breakfast. I couldn’t eat much anyway, I’m too nervous not just for myself but also for the shop. When I arrived at the gates I found a couple of others have arrived. I checked my watch. 10:00 AM. Great!!! Now I have a whole hour to be a nervous wreck till my turn comes! I went inside and sat at one of the chairs in the hall that was assigned to us. The hall had a stage in the center with projector, a laptop, & a screen. Facing the stage is a judge’s table. I sighed in relief to see 4 chairs there. Surrounding the stage in a U shape were chairs lined up, some on raised platforms like in a movie theatre. I was sitting at the 2^nd row facing the stage but to the right of the judge’s table. This way I can watch the presentation and gauge the judge’s reactions.

As I waited while taking a look at the hall more minutely I noticed someone approach me.

“Good luck for today!”

It was Woojin. I smiled to him and wished him the same. He sat down next to me and looked around as well.

“This round seems to be really tough, huh?”

“Yeah. I don’t know about you or the others but I have never willingly put myself in such an uncomfortable situation!”

Woojin nodded in agreement.

Soon the hall was filled with all the interview participants. After waiting for sometime the panel of judges arrived and took their places. Seeing them I grew more nervous. The fate of the sushi restaurant is in these judges’ hands. I gripped the seat tightly with both hands as I waited for my turn to speak.

The other interview participants were giving presentations like pros, as if they’ve been doing this for years. All facts and figures in place, good arguments for questions from the judges, basically perfect in every way. ‘Will I be able to do the same?’

Technically, all of them had much more complex projects to deliver but they surpassed all expectations. It didn’t help my nerves at all.

First to speak was Jimin. Her project was to find and correct a programming error that had been found in the KN Group’s new gaming software. The chief programmer responsible for creating that software was also present to verify and understand the presentation. Jimin effortlessly pointed out the error which was a programming error which the team of programmers had failed to notice and mathematically explained it and also presented the solved program.

I was speechless. This little girl just showed a bunch of older and experienced programmers how to do their job.

‘I wonder if they’ll still have their jobs after this.’ KN Group was known for being perfectionist.

Next was Kyuhyun’s turn. I stiffened a little more in my seat. He didn’t turn to look at the audience.  After setting up the project DVD which was about composing a new song for this veteran singer who wished to release a new single to mark his comeback, Kyu faced the judges who were joined by the said singer as well. After a moment of silence, Kyu described what the song was about and then began to sing. His voice was mesmerizing. For the entire time he sang, I forgot about all the worries and butterflies in my stomach. His song was about love lost, patience and hope for a future together again. I stole a glance at the singer and found him listening attentively. At the end of the song there was a loud applause from the audience that is us and polite, reserved applause from the judges. The singer stood up and left the table. I was shocked. All of us stopped clapping as well.

‘How could someone not be moved by that song???!!!’

Kyuhyun  silently followed him with his gaze. When the singer had reached the door to leave he turned to his assistant and said something we couldn’t hear. The assistant nodded and the singer left. Now the assistant came on stage and taking a microphone said, “Please handover all materials for the song for Mr. Chong to look into. You’ll get credit as lyricist-composer.”

Another round of applause broke and Kyu looked amazed and happy although he tried not to show it too much. He handed over all the materials and went back to sit near Seoyoon and on the way glanced at me looking relieved and happy.  Seoyoon was jumping up and down her seat and praising “her Kyu oppa”. I tried not to get distracted by her voice but it was difficult since she was sitting a few seats away from me and was the loudest.

Soon it was her turn. Uggghh. Now I have to watch what she does.

She walked on stage dressed like a cheerleader slash stage performer. Oh well, she’s a dancer so she must have got something dance based. This interview is turning   into a reality show for stage performers! I felt more restless now. The next turn will be mine.

As predicted, Seoyoon was given a project to choreograph a dance routine for the latest song for BOA. She showed in her DVD and pointing out and explaining how certain steps would be performed. The DVD showed her dancing to the song and the BOA’s manager and choreographer were present alongside the judges to judge. After the presentation the choreographer also asked some questions and asked her to perform certain sections of the routine as well. I have to admit she was original and expressed the song well. It looked like things were going to go very well in her favour; the judges’ body language and expressions said that.

A phone call came to the manager in the middle of discussion and he spoke briefly, mostly nodding to whoever was speaking on the other end. After ending the call he said, “Ms. BOA is impressed with the routine and we accept it as well. Please handover your materials and provide your contact details in case we need you for rehearsals.”

The look on Seoyoon’s face was like she’d won the lottery. I guess it was something like that.

“But how did BOA watch her presentation?”

“I heard they live stream an event like this to other people so whatever she presented was watched by BOA.” Woojin said.

‘Great!!! That really was good to know. The butterflies in my stomach are back and have multiplied. Probably the entire KN Group is watching this interview!!’ I feel like I’m going to faint any second now.

Once the applause died down and Seoyoon was seated, my name was called. I gulped and got up shakily. My feet felt like they have turned into jelly. Slowly I made my way to the stage trying not to look or hear any comments Seoyoon was probably making about me. I inserted the DVD into the player and turned to look at the judges waiting for me to start. It was now or never. I have to save the shop. I took a deep breath to calm myself, took the mic and started to speak.

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Hi everyone!!!! Here's the new chappie!!! Hope its not too boring! The next chaptr is going to be a nail biter!!! Bye for now!!!