You clutched your graduation cap, bouncing on the balls of your feet. It was finally happening. Graduation in an hour, and tomorrow… idols. You’d wake surrounded by trainees, by idols, by *everything* you’d ever wanted. Being an idol meant unleashing your talent on a nation, a world. Dancing for millions, singing stories that mattered, sharing your passion. The thought sent a shiver of anticipation down your spine.
A barely hidden grin danced across your face. You were giddy. Then, your name was called, and you practically launched yourself towards the dais. The principal handed you your diploma, shaking your hand with a warm smile. You were the first student ever scouted *before* graduation, a fact that had everyone buzzing. Your dance instructor had hoped for a company like SM, but even he was overjoyed at Big Hit’s offer. Rumors had leaked: you were the final piece, completing a trainee group poised to debut in two years.
You took your seat, listening to the principal’s speech about the college’s successes, the idols it had launched. Finally, it was over. The whole school cheered, and you, along with your classmates, tossed caps into the air.
------------------------------------------
Tentatively, you stepped from the van, facing the familiar building. You’d been here once, after being scouted, but already it felt like home. It *would* be. You’d live with your fellow trainees, learn from the top choreographers. Behind you, staff unloaded your bags of clothes and necessities. It was happening.
The building was quiet, almost empty – only a few staff members remained. It was late. You stifled a yawn, glancing at the clock above the reception desk: 11:37 PM. The staff led you to a temporary room, promising you’d be moved to a shared space with your group tomorrow morning. You collapsed onto the small but comfortable bed, not bothering to change. Exhaustion claimed you instantly.
You were shaken awake before dawn. The clock read 4:30 AM. You squinted at the staff member, groggy and disoriented.
“Y/N-ah! Wake up! You need to move to your room and start training.”
Nodding sleepily, you pulled yourself up. A quick brush through your hair, twisted into a messy bun. A shower, fresh jeans, a shirt. Bags in hand, you followed the staff to the elevator. Staff members carried your bags. The elevator doors slid open, and you slowly trudged inside.
What were they thinking, waking you up at this hour after a sleepless night? You desperately wanted eight hours, but knew better than to ask. Training awaited.
Oh right! Training!
The excitement from the previous day flooded back. Your sleepiness vanished. A smile tugged at your lips. You bounced on your feet, anticipating meeting your roommates. A knot of apprehension tightened in your stomach – you weren’t good at making new friends, let alone *living* with them. Still, you hoped they’d be kind, accepting, like the idols you admired.
The elevator dinged on the eighth floor. Staff carried your bags out. You followed them down the long hallway. Clean, quiet, filled with the muffled sounds of people preparing for the day. Doors opened and closed, people hurrying past. The staff stopped at a door and knocked. A girl, slightly older than you, opened it. Raven hair braided neatly, dark eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
“Oh! You must be Y/N! I’m Park Jae Hwa. The others are getting ready, but come in! You’ll be sharing a bunk bed with me. Kim Seo Yeon and Lee Ji Woo share another, Park Soo Jin has a cot.”
You stepped inside, your heart sinking. The room was tiny. How could five people live comfortably? The staff dropped your bags and, after a quick instruction to settle in, left. You felt Jae Hwa’s gaze, watching you. You picked up your bags, your excitement fading.
“Where should I put my clothes?”
Jae Hwa pointed to a tiny shelf on the far end of the room.
“We don’t have much space. I hope you didn’t bring too much.”
Your shoulders slumped. The shelf would barely fit three outfits. You’d brought everything. You’d have to stuff your bags under the bunk bed. Disappointedly, you arranged three favorite outfits on the shelf and shoved the bags underneath. Jae Hwa sighed.
“You’re disappointed, aren’t you?”
You nodded hesitantly.
“I just thought we’d at least have a bigger room.”
“We will. After we debut and earn money. Two bigger rooms. For now, we deal with what we have. We won’t even *be* in our rooms much. Training will fill our days. At least the bathrooms are spacious. There are three people in there right now.”
Just then, a girl stepped out of the shower. Dyed chocolate-colored hair, pale skin. She wore a plain black shirt and jeans.
“Oh. You’re the new one. I’m Park Soo Jin.”
You smiled, but she didn’t return it. Instead, she busied herself with makeup, ignoring you.
What was she thinking? Why did she seem so… cold?
You sat on the bed, waiting for the others to finish. Jae Hwa applied makeup for you while you waited. A tall girl with blonde hair introduced herself as Ji Woo, her hair cut into a flattering long bob. Last from the bathroom was Seo Yeon, petite with mint green hair cascading down her shoulders. You touched your own hair self-consciously, aware of how shabby you looked in comparison. The staff returned, reminding you and the group to hurry to the studio. You followed, exhaustion settling in.
Nothing was how you expected it to be.