Kapitel 34: The Rogues (3): A Resolve

Sojin tried to control her overflowing emotions. Jinhyun's words were ringing in her ears, weakening her resolve. Her heart swelled with grief and it was impossible for her to hold it in any longer.

"I'll go and check on the plants in the garden, sir," she managed to croak. Thankfully, Gojin did not notice her crumbling emotions and merely nodded as he was focused on the screen.

Sojin hurried out of the front door and ran towards a bench, completely breaking down. Her son knows! He knows that she sends him the gifts every year!

She lamented upon their cursed fates. Her son was so close and yet…yet she could not even hug him.

"I want to meet you too, my son," she cried as her teardrops fell like a waterfall.

But it was impossible. She would not be able to meet her son nor accept him openly. The choice she was forced to make all those years ago was absolute and she must stick with it. Her desire to meet him would bring upon calamities in his life. She must strengthen her resolve and protect her son from…him.

If that person found out about the secret of Jinhyun's birth, then all hell will break loose.

"We can't meet, my son," she sobbed. "Not in this lifetime."

….

Semin was waiting nervously as she paced around. She glanced at the clock. It was 10 PM. Six performances were already complete and she was up next. She picked up her guitar, her hands trembling.

"Nervous?" Yoona asked.

"Very," she admitted. "It's my first performance in front of a live audience. My hands are cold with fear."

"Don't worry," Yoona smiled. "You'll be great! Just focus on what you have practiced."

Semin gave a stiff nod. Her nerves would not calm down at all but she took a few deep breaths.

"Kang Semin!" the stage manager called her. "You're next."

Semin sprang up. "Yes sir!" she squealed. She looked back at Yoona, who gave her a thumbs up.

She relaxed her limbs and stepped on to the stage. The spotlight shone brightly above her head, almost blinding her. The crowd was cheering loudly but she could not make out their words. It was as if her ears were blocking out all hints of any sound.

Her face fell on Jinhyun who was sitting directly in front of her. His usually happy smile was masked with a poker face. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

He made no gesture towards her. Not a smile nor disapproval. He was simply there as a silent observer.

Semin inhaled deeply. She could hear the microphone echoing her breath throughout the studio.

"Hello once again!" she greeted, her voice a little shaky. "I will be singing 'Don't let me go' by Shinee."

She positioned her guitar and closed her eyes. This is it, she told herself. No looking back.

The crowd watched in anticipation. The girl was so young and yet, she was up all alone on that stage. They wanted to see what she was going to offer. If she failed, the crowd would be ruthless and humiliate her. If she made it, then they would shower her with love. There was no in-between.

Semin cleared her mind and began to sing.

"Our encounter was like a painting

We were together like

Being drawn as a watercolor…"

A mystic magic engulfed the crowd as the sweet melody of the girl's song reached their ears. Her soulful voice was stirring up feelings in them which lay dormant for many years. The feeling of a loss and the beautiful memories they had with a loved one.

"Tonight, in the dark night, above the sky

The clouds cover the sky…"

The voice hypnotized them, making them quieter. They did not dare to interrupt her singing. She was like a Lorelai, luring them towards her. And they kept on getting pulled by her.

"You took the first step and left me behind

The wordless rain wets the night"

Semin ended the song with a low note. She opened her eyes, oblivious to the effect of her voice on the audience. All she knew was that the moment she was singing, all her nervousness vanished. It was just her and her song as her brain blocked out everything else.

She looked expectantly at Jinhyun. He looked totally unaffected. His expression was still unreadable.

He leaned forward. "Semin," he said. "You chose a simple song piece instead of adding a dance to it. Why?"

He was scrutinising her. Semin was afraid he would ask this question. The other contestants before her had chosen to simultaneously sing and dance which worked in their favor. But Semin still lacked dancing skills and had to opt for song only.

"I'm afraid I still lag behind in dancing, sir," she admitted, lowering her eyes. She felt small. There was no way she would make it to the next round with this simple performance. An idol needed to have more than singing and looks. They must be all rounders and charismatic.

And the person judging her was the Idol King himself. Not only was he the best vocalist of the country but also one of the top dancers. It was nearly impossible to beat him in most areas. Only the other ex-members of EXOTIC ranked higher than him in aspects like rap and acting. Then again, all the members of EXOTIC were inhumanly talented. A group like that was rare and impossible to recreate.

What was I thinking? She moaned inwardly. I'm not gonna make it.

"You better give it all in your next performance," Jinhyun said. Semin looked up in surprise. He gave her a small smile.

"You've made it to the next round," he announced. The audience erupted as Semin's grateful face was broadcast throughout the screens. Semin burst into tears and hugged the other contestants, who congratulated her. The stage assistant came up and escorted her towards the waiting room for the shortlisted contestants.

Kang Sedong came on to the stage.

"Congratulations Semin!" he roared as the audience chanted encouraging remarks for Semin. "Now moving onto the next performer. Her confession caught us all by surprise, but her determination remains strong! Please put your hands together for Sung Yoona!"

The studio audience cheered. They waited for the music to start and their angel to appear on the stage. Her performance excited them the most. Her angelic aura and elegant charm captured their attention since the first day. It was time to see the angel in action.

They waited for several seconds, but there was no one approaching the stage. Suddenly, the lights went off. A loud murmur echoed through the audience as they were confused.

What was going on?

AUTORENGEDANKEN
Tea_Tae

Who is Sojin trying to protect Jinhyun from? What is Yoona planning? What will happen when the mother and son will come face to face? What is the mystery behind Jinhyun's birth?

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Song credit: Shinee

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