Trust | Lee Mark

Chapter 8

<November 2021>

I was in the middle of practicing when the current SM CEO suddenly entered the practice room where the female trainees are in. We immediately stopped doing everything that we were doing, knowing the announcement that we've been waiting for would finally be revealed. 

"Hello everyone, I see that you guys have been practicing hard." the CEO started. "I'm sure most of you can guess why I'm standing here. I'll start announcing the 5 trainees that would be debuted in a group on January 2022." he continued.

Everyone started holding their breaths in nervousness. 5 trainees out of 23? That sounds like a slow chance. 

"For the 5 trainees that would be called, please join me for a meeting right after the announcement."

I played with the hem of my shirt, feeling nervous. It's finally the time I've been waiting for. The news can either make me jump in enthusiasm or cry in frustration. I wish that it'll be the first one.

"First trainee.." the CEO started, purposely making a suspense. I couldn't stand my nervousness so I played NCT's boss inside my head to make me calmer.

"Im Gaeun, congratulations." 

Gaeun immediately stood up and bowed, tears were swelling up in her eyes. I smiled at her expression, she definitely deserves it. Especially after working hard for the past 8 years.

"Second trainee.." 

Come on, Eunhye. Don't be so nervous, keep on playing the song inside your head please. 

"Ji Chaewon, congratulations."

Chaewon slowly stood up and bowed, disbelieve still in her face. I remember the performance she brought with Taeil, it was truly mesmerizing. She'll probably take the main vocal role for the new group.

"Third trainee.."

I noticed that Jieun hasn't been called yet, so I'm going to guess that the third trainee to make it into the debut line is Jieun.

"Cha Jieun."

See? I knew it. Jieun stood up with a cheery expression and bowed. Despite having such an eccentric personality the last time I talked to her, I knew her talents were no joke.

"Fourth trainee.."

The song in my head entered Mark's part, causing my head to wander to the thoughts of him. I imagined his calming voice, causing me to feel less nervous.

"Song Soomin, congratulations."

I didn't even look at Soomin this time since I was having an internal crisis. There's only one spot left. Would my parents be disappointed if I don't make it? Would Mark be disappointed in me?

"And the last member of the group."

God, I swear I would work as hard as I can if I make it into the debut line. Please give me a chance.

"Min Eunhye, congratulations to the new group!"

I wanted to cry right there but I just stood up and bowed, trying to keep my smile and tears in check. Definitely not going to do that in front of the trainees here. I accidentally look over to Sori and Minsa glaring daggers at me. But their glaring just makes the whole situation more real.

I'm actually debuting.

"Please prepare yourselves for the meeting in 15 minutes." the CEO before greeting everyone good bye. I stood up and walked outside of practice room. I was about to go to the toilet to cry for awhile but someone stopped me in my tracks.