Showtime

Ryujin stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her hat to a slight tilt, giving her a carefree and confident air. She wore a bright white crop top that highlighted her toned stomach, paired with grey sweatpants that hugged her legs in all the right places. Her Adidas shoes added a sporty touch to her outfit, while her hair, pulled back in a low ponytail, showcased her sharp features. The casual yet put-together look suited her perfectly as she got ready for the audition. As she glanced at her phone, her thumbs hovered over the screen, and for a moment, she hesitated. "Wait… I never got her number," she said to herself, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. Her fingers tapped nervously against the countertop, and she bit her lip, feeling a pang of frustration. She set her phone down and grabbed her jacket from the chair, shrugging it on as she headed out of her apartment. The quietness of her neighborhood contrasted with the nervous energy buzzing inside her. Outside, the evening air enveloped her, filled with the sounds of the city: cars driving by, people chatting on the sidewalk, and the distant hum of nightlife. Ryujin walked to her car, opened the door, and slid inside. The scent of her car, a mix of fresh air and her perfume, greeted her. The feel of the steering wheel under her hands was familiar and comforting. As she started the engine, her mind began to wander back to Yeji and the possibilities of what might come next. The city lights blurred past as she drove through Seoul, a mix of excitement and nerves tightening in her chest. The hum of the engine and the cool night air flowing through the slightly cracked window created a sense of calm. Ryujin gripped the steering wheel a little tighter, tapping her fingers against it in rhythm with the music playing softly from the car stereo. "Okay, just breathe. You've got this," she whispered to herself, a self-reassuring tone laced with a hint of anxiety. As she approached the JYP building, the streets grew busier, and the tall glass walls reflected neon signs, the JYP logo glowing above the entrance. People bustled nearby, some other hopefuls dressed just like her, all vying for the same opportunity. Ryujin parked her car, took a deep breath, and grabbed her bag from the passenger seat. "Yeah, right… like Yeji's gonna be here too," she whispered to herself with a smirk, a joking, casual tone. As she stepped into the JYP building, the sterile yet electric energy hit her. The sound of footsteps and muffled voices filled the air, mixed with the smell of clean floors and coffee. Ryujin walked into the audition room, scanning the faces of other trainees waiting nervously. The room was bright, with polished wooden floors and tall mirrors lining the walls. Judges sat at a long table, while nervous trainees waited their turn. The air hummed with quiet tension and excitement. Groups of trainees performed one by one, each showcasing their skills, some confident, others nervous, but all energetic. Background chatter and murmurs of anticipation filled the room. A trainee whispered to her friend while eyeing Ryujin, "She's kind of masculine, but not bad-looking." The tone was skeptical, slightly judgmental. Ryujin heard this, frowned slightly, but kept her focus. She thought to herself, "Same old story… whatever," a tone of annoyance and defiance. The panel called her name. She stood, adjusted her hat, and exhaled deeply. "Alright, showtime," she whispered to herself, steady but nervous. Ryujin stepped forward and started her dance, sharp, confident moves full of energy and precision. Her body seemed to come alive as she moved, her passion and focus radiating from every step. Just as she was getting into the zone, the door opened suddenly, and Yeji walked in, catching everyone's attention. The room quieted for a second. Onlookers murmured, "There's Yeji… wow," their tone impressed, maybe a little awestruck. Ryujin glanced at the mirror behind the judges and suddenly recognized Yeji. Her eyes widened; a small breath escaped her lips. "No way… that's Yeji!" she thought, surprised. Yeji noticed Ryujin's glance, and their eyes met in the mirror's reflection. Both froze for a moment. Yeji's thought was calm, with a hint of amusement, "Ryujin? Here?" Ryujin smiled quietly to herself, a mix of happiness and nerves. "Didn't expect to see you here… but good," she thought, her tone soft and warm. Yeji returned the smile, but it was warm and platonic, no romantic spark. Her internal thought was, "Glad to see her, but just friends." Midway through her routine, Ryujin missed a key dance move and stumbled slightly. Her face tightened with frustration. "Shit, not now," she thought, frustrated. The judges exchanged glances. Nearby, another trainee whispered quietly, "She's strong, but messed up there," their tone judging but respectful. Ryujin pushed through and finished her routine with strength and passion. She thought, "Gotta keep going," her internal voice determined. The judge called the next trainee. Yeji stepped forward, her presence fierce and sexy. Ryujin watched, thinking, "Damn, she owns this," admiring and a little impressed. As Yeji danced flawlessly, Ryujin remembered their last night together, a small smirk on her lips. "That's the girl I hooked up with last night. Wild," she thought, casual and amused.