Cold || Cai XuKun

Evaluation

     "It's time for your first test!" Lay sang. If it wasn't for the fact we were having some sort of musical test, I would've said he had a nice voice. I saw from the side of my vision that Cai Xu Kun looked as composed as ever as the class freaked out. Nervous jitters everywhere. My arms were shaking. I sucked in air between my teeth (a weird habit). Cai Xu Kun gave me another look. Whatever. 

     "Ok, one at a time, I'd like each of you to come into a room with me. Don't worry, no one will be able to hear you. I'll be giving back your scores tomorrow. I hope that after today, you will have a better understanding of your ability in this class." Every year, there's a moment that makes me regret joining the music department. This is that moment. I sink into my chair.

     The first student up is Yun-Na. (Chinese pronunciation: Reen Nah) Her last name is Li, so I almost freak out. But the next student is Chloe (克洛伊), whose last name is Yang. I can't find any pattern in Lay's random calling up. Cai Xu Kun is called up, and the class seems to still. The girls around me straighten and watch him leave. His presence in this school is that strong. 

     It's silly, that even though we don't talk, his absence unnerves me. A signal saying that I could be next. I have nothing in mind, really, so I'm screwed. I play the piano, and have a few simple things I could perform, but nothing elaborate or worthy of being a performance. I'm tapping my pen against the table. Cai Xu Kun is taking a long time. He's taken at least twice the amount of time the other had, and he's still not back. I can sense the anxiety rising like a wave over the classroom.

     "Yo." A low voice suddenly greeted them. There was another man standing at the door now. He was wearing all black; from his dark leather jacket to his suit pants. Heads turned curiously. "Can I have those who haven't performed yet--come with me," he motioned. I stood up hesitantly, only daring to go when others left the door. I heard someone whisper good luck. It's so close to me that it can only be Cai Xu Kun. But there's no way he'd wish me anything. And when I look back before leaving, his face is impassive. I shrug. Maybe it was Iris. Or maybe I'm just hearing things because this is nerve-racking.

     "Which of you rap?" The man in the black asks. I see a shiny tag pinned to his jacket. It reads Jackson Wang. Many of the guys at the front of the line raise their hands, and are led to some room down the hall. Jackson is quickly replaced by another quieter man. He observes the rest of us with the funniest expression. His tag reads Li Rong Hao.  

     "Alright. I'm the teacher for vocals, and..." he glances at us again. "This should be the rest of you?" We all nod. In all my years in this department, we've never had something quite like this before. Mr. Li instructs us to wait outside for a few moments before calling me in. I feel the burning gazes of multiple eyes on me and swallow. 

     As we go inside a small practice room, I notice a piano sitting inside. Maybe I could have something to show. 

     Mr. Li seems as unsure as I am, or maybe it's just the way he looks. I chew on the inside of my cheek, waiting for him to say something.

     "Ok. You may begin. Perform anything that demonstrates your musical capabilities." I take a deep breath and sit on the piano bench. 

     "I'll sing with the piano," I tell him. He nods, showing a bit of anticipation.

     "我很期待你的表演."

(Translation: I look forward to your performance)                 

A/N: Lol ya'll prob already know where this is going. What rank do you think Irene will get?