Counting Stars (In A Relationship With EXO Kai)

8 | It Was Like A Slow Motion

The reason why I didn't want Jongin to know that I signed with YG was because he was my father's friend more than he was mine. And, as I sat there in front of disappointed faces of my parents, I couldn't help but curse myself for not being able to keep the information from my dearest friend.

"Oh you didn't know?" Jongin's eyes widened as he turned to me. "Why won't you tell your parents about it?"

Dad shook his head. "She never told us about signing contract with YG. I had strictly asked her to not go for that specific company," he muttered, crossing his arms against his chest.

Mum gave me a look. "Sunhee, our astrologer clearly said that something bad will happen if you joined YG." She looked at Jongin. "When people started to approach her for auditions, we went to an astrologer. He said that YG is bad for her."

I sighed. "I don't believe in that stuff. You know it. We need money. I need a career. What's the problem whether it's YG or JYP. They're all the same."

"They are not." My friend beside me shook his head. Dad was quick to jump to his side and gave me a lecture on lying to his face and going against his decision. Mum also expressed a desire for me to step back from the deal. "If she has already signed with them, there's nothing we can do. How many years of contract did you sign?" Jongin asked.

"Seven years," I mumbled.

"Seven-Seven years?" My dad raised his voice, shocked and I cringed. "That's almost upto 2020!"

"Nothing bad is going to happen. We're going to menifest this if keep saying rubbish. Can we be optimistic about it?" I covered my face with my hands. "Appa, I'm a high school graduate. I can't get a stable job to pay me enough. If others think that I'm pretty enough to be their artist, then what's wrong with it? I do modeling. I've been working as extras in dramas for an year now. Everything will be fine."

Dad looked conflicted. Ah. That astrologer really did it for him. He stood up and excused himself to the kitchen. Mum followed. I slouched on my seat, massaging my forehead. It was supposed to be a celebration night with my parents and cousin. How did it turn into a debate?

"Sunhee, anything could have gone wrong. Why would you lie to uncle and aunt about this?" Jongin turned to me. "You're not that grown up yet and need an adult supervision. This is an entertainment industry. It will swallow you whole if you don't keep your guards up. Going alone was a bad idea."

I glanced at him. Although I knew he meant good, still the thought of him spilling my hardships to my parents pissed me off. I grabbed my bag, and went out. He groaned and followed.

"Sunshine, listen to me." Jongin climbed upstairs with me. "I won't be with you always and you don't have friends." I opened the back door and walked out. He tried to grab my arm. "I wanted your family to know that you're struggling-"

"Funny how all dreams come true
nareul jikyeojul kkeoya
akkyeowatteon jageun sarangdo
Funny how I feel for you
neoye gyeote geuryeojil
kkumkkyeol gateun naye miraedo..."

We both froze in place. I relaxed when recognized the person sitting on a stone nearby. My cousin, Ae-Cha. She was singing S.E.S song, her earphones plugged into her ears as she bobbed her head, swinging side by side. It was her mother's favorite song. Raised in Australia, she wasn't much exposed to kpop, but my aunt used to listen to this song day and night. No wonder Ae-Cha picked it up.

"You see your cousin. Now imagine her entering the entertainment world, without a supervision." Jongin stood by my side. Even the thought of it sent shivers down my spine.