Chapter 18: When We First Met

Mi Ra POV

"Oh, this is where you guys hang out whenever you skip classes, right?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Yep, don't tell the teachers though. Or else, we will get in trouble and the whole group will separate. And I don't want to lose my only friends."

"Your only friends? How about us? Your classmates? We tried to connect with you but you seem to be always out of the zone. You also avoided us. Even the teachers are getting worried about your grades. Can't you tell us what's your problem?"

He remained silent and fumbled with his fingers, it seemed like I asked too many questions.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't force you to tell me your personal problems. I just want you to know that we're always here to comfort and help you. I shall leave now. Don't worry, I won't tell the dean nor our teachers."

I walked towards the door and was about to twist the doorknob open when I heard his faint voice. "If you truly care about me, you can hang out with us. But before you do, answer this: Was there a time when you felt the urge to stay in between life and death? Have you felt the urge to die yet there’s always a reason, people you love who you cannot bear to leave? If you have an answer, we may become friends.”

I twisted the doorknob and immediately left the dusty room. After submitting the assignments, I left our school and hurriedly went to the hospital for my appointment.

I wish I was like Dong-Yul, someone who still finds a reason to live. I can’t. I can’t live a long life because of this illness. He can choose to live while my days are being numbered. I want to live for the people I love but fate forbids me to do so.

***

Mia POV

I woke up in a daze because of that dream. No wonder Dong-Yul felt that way when he first saw me. There was a hint of familiarity in his voice as if there was a closeness between us. Yet I wonder, what was Mi Ra’s illness? What happened between them?

My subconscious brought me there, however, it felt like it happened earlier than the hospital scene. No wonder Mi Ra was in the hospital at that time. She had a terminal illness. Since my consciousness goes into her body, I will feel the pain she will be going through.

"That's not fair! Why can't they hold auditions somewhere nearer? Manila is too far, plus we have school during the audition period." I heard one of the roommates speak while I eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Then just skip classes for one day. Look for an excuse so that you can audition. If you truly want to grasp onto that dream, just do it."

I don't why but I cannot imagine them auditioning. I get it that they are avid fans of Kpop, however, it doesn't have to stoop to that level.

"Me? Nah, they'll eliminate me the moment I'll open my mouth. Whoever auditions there has a high level of confidence."

Pffft, as if my confidence is high. I'm going to audition because of this feeling that I should give it a chance. There is something about the audition which is drawing me in somehow. And because of Dong-Yul, I don’t want to disappoint him. If his words were true, I’ll do my best to get in. It is my dream to be a performer.

My phone buzzed again. It was a new message from Dong-Yul.

Dong-Yul: Let’s meet later in the parking lot. We have to talk about the songs you’ll sing/dance to.

I texted back, smiling a bit because I know he’ll suggest a lot of K-pop songs.

Me: Okay, sunbae.

“Have you heard the rumors? Someone said that Dong-Yul is in Baguio right now. He is actually near us!” one of my roommates exclaimed.

I tried not to gasp so loud. How are the reporters and media so fast in finding out? Plus, he is on vacation, can’t they respect his privacy? Does he know?

I immediately pressed the search tab and typed on the keyboard: Dong Yul in Baguio City. I found one website with the news: Dong-Yul was spotted walking on the sidewalks of Baguio City. I copied the URL and quickly sent it to him. I hope he’ll read it soon.

“If he’s really here, let’s go out today! Let’s search for him everywhere and get at least a picture of him from afar.”

“Hey, are you a stalker or something? No way, I’ll never do it as his loyal fan.” Brianne complained.

I shook my head and started fixing my things. As usual, I prepared myself before going to school. I don’t want to think about that rumor yet.

***

Our elective and math classes got switched today. I wonder, does sir Victor know? He’s Dong-Yul’s driver and friend after all. He just gave us seatworks to do and hasn’t discussed it. However, I caught him glancing in my direction every now and then, like he wants to tell me but can’t right now. Maybe it’s about the current situation Dong-Yul’s handling right now.

As the bell rang, sir Victor suddenly instructed as he looked directly into my eyes. “Mia, kindly collect your classmates’ seatworks and place them on my table.”

“Okay po sir Victor,” I replied.

Before he left the classroom, he winked at me (I think). Ah, I get it, it’s about Dong-Yul.

After around 15 minutes, one of my classmates finally finished his seatwork. “Sorry, I really couldn’t understand today’s topic.” he apologized while passing his seatwork.

“It’s okay. I’ll be passing these papers now, alright?”

I dashed across the hallways and went to the third floor to submit these seatworks. I twisted the doorknob and opened the door. I looked around and as expected, I saw sir Victor checking some papers.

“Good afternoon po teachers. I’m going to lend these seatworks to sir Victor.”

“Go ahead hija.” one of the teachers commented.

I approached sir Victor’s table and placed the seatworks on his desk. “Good afternoon Sir Victor. Here are my classmates’ seatworks.”

“Oh just in time. Could you help me carry these?” Sir Victor said while holding up two boxes filled with written papers. This is how much work teachers do huh?

“Yes sir. Let me help you po.”

“Great, thank you, Mia! Let’s put these stacks of papers in my car.”

Before I could reply, he stood up and immediately left the room. I tagged along from behind and fixed my hair a bit with one hand.

“Alam mo ba na inaral ko talaga ang Korean dahil sa K-pop noong college ako? Hindi ko nga inakala na magiging ganito silang kasikat ngayon. (Do you know that I studied Korean because of K-pop back in college? I didn’t know that they would become this popular.)” Sir Victor blurted out as we went down the stairs.

“Woah, that’s amazing sir. Could you do a sample, sir?”

“Sample. Hmmm, let me try. I haven’t spoken in Korean for quite a while. I was also licensed before but I haven’t renewed it yet. Annyeonghaseyo, jeneun Victor imnida. How about you? How did you learn Korean that fast? I tried learning it from K-dramas but it’s too difficult for me. Also, why did you learn Korean in the first place?”

How can I tell him that this ability of understanding Korean just happened to me out of the blue?

“I really love K-dramas sir. There are cliché storylines in some Filipino tv series. While K-dramas have a better storyline within several episodes. Sometimes, our teleseryes reach up to more than a hundred episodes.”

He giggled at my last statement. "Well, I couldn't agree more."

As we reached the car, I looked both ways before riding it. Dong-Yul was in the back seat, reading something on his phone. "Dong-Yul sunbae, I'm here."

“Ah yes, I see you,” He giggled a bit and continued, “Alright, let’s talk about your audition pieces.”

Oh, the global auditions are nearing. I have been concentrating on my studies for a while, but I have looked for songs for both singing and dancing. I even downloaded some videos about global audition tips.

“Have you taken a look at the list of songs I’ve sent you?”

“I did, I already picked three songs already for both categories.”

“That’s great, yet have you practiced?”

I listened to the songs countless times, but I couldn’t find time to practice. We had long tests and quizzes this week, plus a pile of homework. I wonder whether our teachers know how stressful these following weeks have been.

“I know you didn’t have time to practice. Sir Victor told me that his students had a long list of requirements. It’s okay, we’ll just practice at my place today. Sir Victor gave me your schedule and it looks like you have more free time today, so let’s take this time to practice more for your audition. Your audition is already set after a few weeks, and I need to speak with your parents soon.”

“Ah don’t worry, they will be here by Friday. I’m just not sure if they will let me audition, but I hope they do. I have to try.”

“Great. Also, remember that Min Shin will give you some tips for the audition? He came to visit so he’ll also help you in the following weeks until the audition.”

Min Shin? The dancer in my dream? There is something about his name. A sense of familiarity? Why do I feel happy and a bit sad after hearing his name?

“Mia, are you alright?” Dong-Yul asked.

“Huh?”

“You looked a bit shocked? Are you overwhelmed that another 7AD member will be here? Don’t be, he’s one of the friendliest members in my group.”

Min Shin, who is he in Sang Mi’s life?

“Ah really, then I don’t have to worry about anything.” I joked.

Sir Victor butted in the conversation. “I’ll start the car now. Good luck with practice today Mia.”

“Thank you, sir,” I answered back.

We listened to some calming music going to Dong-Yul’s place. I’m trying to recall that dream I had of Min Shin. His name in my dream was Yun Shin, not Min Shin, yet they sound almost similar. Is he the same person as my dream?

As we arrived at Dong-Yul’s place, I saw a figure looking at us from afar. Sir Victor parked the car. Dong-Yul immediately got out of the car and greeted the person in front of his house. I got out of the car as well and introduced myself to him

Dong-Yul introduced me to his guest, Min Shin.

“Hello! I am Mia, and I am glad to meet you. I promise that I will practice and prepare a lot for my audition.” I exclaimed.

It felt like it had been a long time since I met him. Like, it feels like he is someone I missed so much. We just met now, is this some sort of side effect being in a different universe?

“Have I seen you somewhere?”

***

Author’s Note (A/N): Hello, dear readers! I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Firstly, I would like to take this time to apologize sincerely for the very delayed update. Last year, I was preparing for college admissions so I barely had time to write. I also had to accomplish two pieces of research and I focused more on my academics since I was a graduating student during that time. This year, I encountered personal health problems which hindered me a lot. I was confined in the hospital for several weeks, so I had a ton of unfinished requirements to accomplish. I also had writer's block since several months had passed by. I know that I made a promise that I will try to frequently update this story as often as possible, but I had to face several personal struggles. I hope that you’ll still stay tuned for this story and I will try my best to update this vacation. Thank you for the endless support and unwavering patience!