Plup.
A soft sound echoed as I landed face-first on my bed after that whole *scouting* situation.
Should I give it a try? It wouldn't hurt much even if I failed. And if I got lucky, it might help me stand on my own and open up opportunities in the future. Though, I'm not thinking of giving up on my dream job for it.
Considering I'm... broke right now, maybe it's worth a shot.
I stared up at the ceiling, trying to make sense of things.
When it comes to talent, all I really know is how to play the piano. I also joined the church choir when I was younger, but does that even count?
Would that be enough?
I sighed, sinking deeper into the mattress.
Eventually, I got tired of thinking and grabbed my phone. With my wallet completely empty, I figured I should call Mom. There was no way I could afford daily necessities in the next few days.
Ring, ring.
The call connected.
"Hello? Viola, is that you?"
"Yes, Mom. It's me,"
I replied.
"What do you need, honey?"
"I... Can I borrow some money? I'm afraid I don't have anything left."
"What!? Didn't I just give you your allowance a month ago? Don't you have some savings left in your bank account? Where did all that go? Don't tell me you gave it away again to some bullies like last time."
Her voice tightened. I could hear the worry wrapped in her scolding.
"No, Mom, it's not like that. Something unexpected came up and I had to spend it. I know it was reckless, but I swear it was for something good. And I'm not asking for a handout... I just want to borrow some."
She let out a long sigh.
"You don't need to repay me. I'm your mother. What kind of parent would I be if I made you pay me back for helping you? Just promise me you won't waste it on useless things. Money isn't the issue. Just don't get scammed again, and make sure you're spending it on the right things."
"Okay, Mom. Thank you. Love you,"
I said, trying to sound as clingy and cute as I could manage.
"Alright. I'll send an extra five thousand to your account. But as punishment, you're not getting your monthly allowance for the next three months. Figure it out on your own this time."
"I know, Mom. I'm an adult now. I should start learning how to handle things myself."
"Take care, honey. Be careful out there."
"Okay, Mom. Bye~"
And the call ended.
The gloomy energy I had earlier melted away, replaced with a grin stretching across my face.
Hehe. I have money again.
Five thousand was more than enough. That's just how my parents are. They spoil me, and I was truly grateful for it.
But I wasn't planning to keep relying on them forever. I'm already nineteen. Soon enough, I need to figure things out on my own.
So maybe... I should really give it a try.
--
Morning came faster than I expected.
I now stood in front of a tall building, the wind brushing gently past me. After thinking things through last night, I decided to call the number on the business card given to me by Jhon Renon. The person who answered the call gave me instructions to visit JQ Entertainment at this exact time.
This is it.
I whispered that to myself.
The semester had just ended, and with the start of the break, I had the time to come here.
Taking a deep breath, I entered the building and walked up to the reception desk. I handed the lady the business card Jhon had given me, and without much fuss, she led me to an office on the fifth floor.
But the moment I stepped inside, I froze.
The room was filled with beautiful girls. All of them looked dressed up, like they were about to perform on a stage.
What's happening? I thought I was just here to talk to Jhon alone. Why are there so many people?
Then a woman approached me. She looked like she worked for the company, judging by her blazer and ID badge.
"You must be another participant. Come here so I can give you your number."
"Number?"
I repeated, confused.
"Huh? Aren't you here for the audition?"
"Wait, what!?"
Just as the words left my mouth, a man walked into the room. It was Jhon Renon. He scanned the space, and his gaze immediately landed on me.
"Oh my, it's you!"
he called out with a beaming smile.
He rushed over and grabbed my hand.
"I'm glad you came. I know this is sudden, especially since I scouted you just yesterday, but I believe in you. I know you're going to show everyone here what you're capable of. My eyes don't lie. I can recognize a star when I see one. So, good luck, honey."
Then, as if he hadn't just thrown me into chaos, he winked and walked away.
What the fudge!?
Did he just put me into an audition without even telling me?
What do I do!? I didn't prepare anything for this!
My brain went completely blank as I stood in the middle of the room. Meanwhile, the staff member from earlier gently pinned a number onto my shirt.
I was number 32.
The audition began. One by one, participants were called into the studio. From the tiny gap in the door, I could see three serious-looking judges sitting at a long table including Jhon who was at the center .
Each time a new number was announced, I felt like my life expectancy dropped a year. My stomach churned. My hands were sweaty.
Help. Help. Help.
Should I just run away?
No. That would be even more pathetic, worse than who I was before. Jhon Renon believed in me. He would hate me if I bailed now.
I shook my head.
No. I can't let it end like this. I have to do something.
My mind raced, and an idea formed but it was.....
Nah.
Screw this. I'm going to do it!
I ran over to one of the staff members, my chest heaving with every breath.
"Excuse me! Do you have a piano here?"
I asked, barely able to catch my breath.