Blessing in Disguise

Chapter Sixteen

Yunjin

7/13/2018

Yunjin felt a rush of excitement when she saw her name on the list for Into the New World group. It was a song she had long admired—iconic and powerful—and she couldn't wait to perform it alongside talented trainees like Kim Chaewon, Yabuki Nako, Goto Moe, and Chiba Erii. From the moment they sat down to assign roles, Yunjin knew this was her opportunity to truly prove herself.

The group had voted for Yabuki Nako to be the center, which meant Nako would get the high note sections and be the focus of the performance. As the conversation flowed around her, Yunjin couldn't ignore the pull inside her chest. She wanted this—needed it, even. This performance was her chance to showcase her vocal abilities and prove to the judges and viewers that she was more than just a background voice.

Taking a deep breath, Yunjin looked at her group members, her heart racing. "Hey... I know we agreed on Nako as center," she began, her voice gentle, "but I was wondering if I could challenge for the position. I feel like I can really bring out the emotion and power of the high notes in this song. It's such a huge opportunity for me, and I want to prove I can handle it."

The room fell quiet, and Yunjin nervously waited for the group's response. She wasn't trying to be selfish, but this moment felt crucial. Her teammates exchanged glances, and Nako, ever calm and thoughtful, nodded slowly.

"I understand," Nako said kindly. "It's important for everyone to feel like they're showing their best. I'm okay with it, Yunjin. If you feel like you can give the song what it needs vocally, I'll step aside."

Yunjin blinked, touched by Nako's graciousness. "Really? Are you sure?"

Nako smiled softly. "I think it's better for the team harmony. We're all here to do well together."

With that, the group dynamic shifted, but not negatively. Everyone seemed comfortable with the new arrangement, and Yunjin felt both a wave of gratitude and the weight of responsibility settling over her. She wasn't just performing for herself—she had to do justice to the song, her team, and the center role she was now tasked with.

The next few days were a whirlwind of practice. Yunjin worked relentlessly, perfecting the high notes and ensuring that she could embody the emotional weight of Into the New World. She and her group practiced together, working on synchronization, and Yunjin was careful to maintain balance with her team, even though she was now the center.

The day of the performance arrived, and the nerves hit her hard as she stepped onto the stage. The audience buzzed with anticipation, and Yunjin could feel her heart pounding as the music started. When it was time to hit the high notes, she closed her eyes and let her voice soar, pushing herself to her limits. The feeling was electric, the connection between her and the song palpable. She poured her heart into every note, and by the time the performance ended, the audience erupted into applause.

Yunjin stepped off the stage, her body buzzing with adrenaline. She knew she had given it her all, and she felt proud of what she had accomplished. Her group gathered around her, all smiles and hugs. They had done it—together.

But what Yunjin didn't know was that, behind the scenes, things weren't as smooth. The editing of the episode hadn't captured the kindness of Nako or the team's mutual agreement. Instead, the show portrayed Yunjin's decision to challenge for center as a moment of ambition—too much ambition, framed in a way that made her seem selfish. The hate from K-netz was brewing, and Yunjin, unaware of the storm, was still riding high on the success of the performance.

Y/N

Y/N sat on the couch next to Rachel and Yunjin's little brother, watching the latest episode of Produce 48 with the Huh family. The atmosphere was light, and everyone was buzzing with excitement as Yunjin's group appeared on the screen. Y/N felt a surge of gratitude when Nako decided to step aside and let Yunjin take the center position. It felt like the perfect opportunity for Yunjin to prove her vocal abilities.