Chapter 4: Coincidence

I slowly opened my eyes and adjusted my vision to the brightly lit lights. I realized that I'm not in my practice room anymore, I'm in the hospital. That means ... someone must have carried me all the way here. But who? My body rested on the thin mattress of a hospital bed with news flashing on the TV screen that might have been left switched on, the aroma of Chinese food at my right corner placed on the table at arm's length.

I turned my head and twisted my body towards my left side, surprised by the man sleeping on a wooden chair beside my bed. It was the face of Dong-Yul resting his head on his arm, sleeping in a seating position. What happened? I tap his near hand hesitantly. He slowly woke up as he lifted his head and winced his eyes. Did he bring me here? And is it Dong-Yul in front of me right now? Or is it my crazy imagination? He noticed my sudden confusion that crossed my pale face. He shifted his gaze onto his watch. He put a spare hand on my forehead.

"Mia, how are you feeling? I went in and noticed that you were lying on the floor unconscious. Out of pity, I've brought you to the nearest hospital with my driver because you wouldn't wake up. I was worried, you know. Still, I'm sorry to intrude into your room. Our practice rooms were just beside each other but you suddenly screamed for help, I had to bring you here. "

"I'm alright. Wait – did you know that I practice in that room?!" The words slipped out from my mouth. "Are you the guy I met at the mall? I thought that you were attempting a scam on me, but now I think you just cross my boundaries. As I mentioned, I'm not interested in your offer." I replied in a bitter tone.

He looked surprised as his eyes widened. He started to explain, "It was not the response that I was expecting. Look, it was an honest mistake. I didn't know that our rooms are across from each other. I am temporarily staying here in the Philippines for our break. It was mentioned from my company's last meeting to me and my hyungs that PMF's planning to form a girl group and asked us to recommend anyone we'd like before we come back from our break, before announcing the Global Auditions."

"That's why I wanted to recommend you to them. Your advantage is that since I suggested you for the audition, they'll prioritize a little bit more on you than the other auditionees. However, they'll still judge each of you fairly based on acquired talents."

Is he serious? If 7AD were on a break, why would he recommend me?

"How can I believe in every word you say? I know the reason behind PFM's male trainees' only policy and the scandal of their previous girl group before 7AD's success. Why would they suddenly look for female trainees?"

He unlocked his phone and showed me a petite woman in formal attire. "Do you know Ka Eun? She's newly employed and a former employee of AC Entertainment. She contributed to the company's music video concepts. The news will spread soon enough. She's recruited for PFM's new girl group. Still, it's your choice to trust my words or not. Remember that you have the opportunity to turn your future around. You have the chance to audition with my help, imagine becoming a successful idol with our help."

An awkward silence filled the whole room as I avoided his gaze. "I know that it's difficult to trust a guy like me but I want to help you. I have an idea, I'll show you a video I recorded on my cell phone with my members."

He took out his phone and scrolled his screen, scanning for the video he was looking for. "Here is me taking a video of my hyungs sleeping and my thoughts on being an idol for five years. I was planning to post it, I even added English subtitles but I guess it's better for everyone that it won't be posted on YouTube or Vlive. Promise me to never tell a soul about this video, alright?"

He handed over his cellphone to me. I concentrated on the screen and carefully examined the video.

I couldn't believe my eyes. The video showed each of the 7AD members' position sleeping peacefully.

I laughed at the captions. "Hello everyone. We all know that every person has unique sleeping habits and positions. I'd like you, Reality, to analyze each member carefully and post your observations and inferences through UniVerse. I'll be waiting."

After he filmed the last member, he went to his room and placed his cell phone on its stand. "I can't believe it's been 5 years since our debut. Time went by so fast, I couldn't believe that you're still with us up until now. I still wondered why we received so much love and support from you. It's overwhelming and frightening. What if we couldn't reach those expectations you have for us?"

He fought his tears and continued, "As the youngest member of the group, I'll always consider 7AD as my family. I practically grew up with them, a hyper teenager who turned into a calm and mature adult. I know that I couldn't reach all of your expectations and pressure just keeps on intensifying every day, yet I wish that you'll stay with us 'till the end."

He laughed. "Sorry, I've been emotional for the past few days so I say deep stuff like this. Don't worry, I'll be alright. It's already late, I'll be going now. Bye Reality!" The video ended as he tapped on the screen. He showed me the date it was recorded as I tried to search for any videos of the same date in their YouTube and Vlive videos.

He is Dong-Yul.

I looked at him with a reassuring smile. "Alright, I trust you. I wanted to ask you something if it's alright."

He replied. "Sure, ask me anything."

I shook my head in dismay. "Of all the people you have met and encountered, why me? You could've picked someone so much better than I am. What do I have that the others don't have?"

He hesitated "I couldn't explain it clearly. This is just my observation so far. At the moment I've heard you sing, I know that your voice deserves to be at least a lead vocal of a group. You have a unique voice that astounds many people. Your charisma is on point. I bet a lot of fans will cheer for you as lightsticks wave back and forth like an ocean's current. Your dance moves were sharp and smooth at each transition. It was truly impressive."

My face blushed with his statement. "How could you say that? You barely even know me. I may not be the trainee you're looking for. I'm not anyone special."

"Look, Mia, I auditioned for K-Idol before, and I wasn't picked, but I was given business cards from different entertainment companies to take me as their trainee. I know the struggle of joining something I'm not familiar with. I learned dancing in the States, and I never thought that joining this entertainment became one of the greatest decisions of my life. Everyone has that special piece in a performer's heart. You have something special, I can sense it."

An inner voice repeated in my head, "This is your chance, Mia. Will you let it go? Or will you grasp it? If you do, will you survive in the industry?"

"I wanted to try but I can't just jump into auditions, expecting positive feedback. I want to become an artist in my own sovereign country but I can't. I need to fulfill the ambition my parents wanted me to finish. How can I go against my parents' wishes? They will be furious at me for the rest of my life if I do."

"Look, this is an opportunity that comes once in a blue moon. If you'll join us, then I will do my best to help you reach your dream you've always wanted to achieve. But if you wish to reject my offer, then I would understand. This is a promise I'll keep if you agree with my terms. If you will join our company, I'll try to support your finances fully. You'll have to pay back after your group's debut. I'll convince our company to offer a scholarship for you to be able to study in South Korea. The choice is up to you."

My subconscious replied to me, "You should try Mia. If you join, there wouldn't be any problem besides convincing mama and papa…"

"If I'll audition, could we lie to my parents until I'll debut or when I leave? Could we tell them that you offered me a scholarship for my "impressive" performance in my current school? We can tell them later so that we can convince them to allow me. "

Dong-Yul was left with thoughts. Could he agree with my terms? "I'll help you. However, you have to pass the auditions. It's difficult to pass the auditions but I'll make sure to try convincing them to let you in. All you have to do is trust me."

I smiled, "Don't worry, I trust you. Still, if you do anything offensive, I swear I'll make sure you that won't get away from it. I will never forgive you if you do. And I'll make sure that you'll regret it."

"I'll make sure that you'll feel safe. However, please, I need your trust. I'll help you, and I'll make sure that you'll be safe. I'll go now, congratulations on accepting my offer. I'll make sure to help you on the way."

A nurse entered and told me that I can be discharged today. It wasn't anything serious, just fatigue that made me faint. Dong-Yul will pay for their services.

Before I grabbed my things, I faced him with a concerned look. "Let me repay you soon. I don't have enough money yet so it'll take a while."

He smiled. "No need. Your health is more important. I'll leave. Please, take care of yourself more. Goodbye."

We waved back to each other before he left. Suddenly, I saw something like glitches surrounding Dong-Yul's hand. Well, I could say that my mind is already messing with me right now.

The moment I was about to cross the road, my surroundings changed. Day turned into night, busy streets became empty, and there was only one person. He held a bouquet of strange yet beautiful flowers. I have never seen that kind of flower before. It was shaped as chrysanthemums with a combination of white, sky blue, yellow, and with a bit of red hue intertwined.

As he crossed the road, a truck at turbo speed lost its control. He looked at me as the truck bumped against him with brutal force. The white headlights turned red.

I approached him but my feet were stuck on the ground. Blood was slowly oozing out from his wound on the head.

He muttered under his breath, "Ri Na, please don't leave me. Please, save me."