Chapter 6: U-turn

POV: Min-ho

The selection process is over!

I'm elated, but very tired, because we've screened over a thousand contestants in five days.

And we'll have to go through two more selections to reach the specific number required by the Academy to begin the actual talent show.

I'm not surprised by so many young people seeking success, nor by their initiative and desire to succeed.

The foreign contestants were mostly Americans, a few Europeans, but mostly Asians. The Japanese showed off their usual musical grit, using melodies that blended various influences, while the Westerners didn't even bother to study the tones and foundations of Korean culture, arriving with their usual winner's mentality, determined to win above all else.

It was a long battle for the committee because the sponsor imposed a large number, but the honesty and preparation of our coaches, who valued only talent and creativity, prevailed.

Reviewing the various auditions, the only unknown quantity posed between the two cultures was much discussed: Jade Taylor.

I'm happy she decided to adopt her Korean name, but I noticed she has difficulty hearing that sound, like a wound always open and ready to bleed.

Yet it has a very beautiful meaning.

Lee Yeona

Lee is an ancient surname, from a noble lineage, descending directly from the imperial house, while Yeona is connected to the lotus flower. And I can confess that I've never seen a name more suited to that girl.

But for me, she remains Jade, wild and tough like the meaning of her name.

I've caught her several times, late into the night, in the rehearsal room and have been fascinated by her way of expressing emotions. Her dancing is energetic, rich in nuance; her body adapts to fluid or sudden movements, as if guided by an inner fire that accentuates her vitality. I love his rhythm, the flexibility he manages to impart to his legs and arms, reaching postures that make me wonder if nature intended such a thing.

I sigh and stretch my back muscles, while dreaming of a long, hot shower and lying in bed and sleeping.

Hours, if not days.

I didn't think it would be so intense, but above all so mentally draining.

I hear the elevator beep and observe my appearance against the shiny surface of the doors as they open.

There are some Western guys there, I think they're called Cosmos.

They quiet down as soon as they recognize me, they all move aside to make room for me, and they give me a quick hello.

No one says a word as we walk up to the cabins.

Are they embarrassed because of me?

I feign indifference and focus on my smartphone.

I reach the floor and the girl's voice stops me.

"Will you still be there for the next tryouts, coach?"

"Huh?"

"Excuse me, you're a reassuring presence, as well as a really good-looking guy," she says with a cheekiness that embarrasses me.

I forget the open doors and stare at her, perplexed, for a few moments.

"Uh... Um... yes, I mean... I'll still be there, but as a guest. You'll be joined by choreographers, musicians, and other professionals for the next episodes."

"Thank goodness. Will you come to cheer us on in the next challenges? Because we'll win, right, guys?"

The others agree loudly, and I take a step forward to leave the booth.

They're so confident, bold and courageous, so much so that I can barely contain my smile.

"I'll be happy to follow your progress," I say, bowing my head in greeting, as the elevator doors close and a cacophony of shouts and laughter erupts inside.

I shake my head, amused, and turn to head for my quarters, bumping into something.

Or rather, someone. Something very soft.

And with incredible curves.

Jade.

She's staring at me with a furrowed brow and her lips pursed in a grimace.

What happened?

I take a step back.

"Sorry, I was clumsy."

She shakes her head and passes me, muttering something I don't understand.

Watching her leave shocks me.

"Jade."

She stops at the sound of her name, but doesn't turn around.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

She nods, keeping her head down.

Her strange attitude strikes me, so I close the distance between us and stand in front of her. She doesn't look at me, and it surprises me.

"Did something happen?" I ask again.

She shakes her head again, covering her face with her long hair.

I sigh in frustration and, instinctively, place a finger under her chin, so I can study her face.

And my heart stops.

She has an expression of accusation and anger that I don't understand.

And it's meant for me.

What have I done to her?

Her pupils flash with anger.

"Jade..." I mutter, shocked.

"You told me to call myself Yeona," she says accusingly.

"Yes... I... Why are you angry?"

She shakes her head, pressing her lips together tightly.

"It's nothing, don't worry," she hisses, trying to walk away.

"You're lying."

I'm surprised myself by the emphasis I've given the sentence, but I'm hurt that she gave me such a look.

I hear her sigh and slump her shoulders.

"I'm stupid," she murmurs without turning around. "When you encouraged me to use my name and told me all those nice things, I thought... no, I hoped I was special, unique. Instead, hearing you encourage the Cosmos made me realize that you're just a selector, with no particular concern for me. I don't blame you; in fact, I'm the one who was very childish. I'm sorry."

Her voice trembles and she starts running down the corridor, disappearing around the corner.

I'm devastated.

She thought that…

It's my fault. I made her believe she was special to me, and seeing me with others triggered abandonment and jealousy in her.

How could I have been so stupid?

I wanted to compliment her, to make her understand how good, how special she is. And instead, I hurt her.

I clench my fists and want to hit myself over the head with all my might for how stupid I was.

I let the emotion I feel when I'm around her show, and that's wrong.

I return to my quarters, feeling as if the world has suddenly exploded.