CHAPTER 19
Gee and the rest went back to the training room. Yuna noticed Gee who became quiet after they had an encounter with Yibo and Mr. Zhang.
Yuna: Ah Gee, if you're tired already you can take a rest first, you might still feeling not okey. You should head first. (smiling to her)
Gee seemed to snapped back and she shake her head and blinked her eyes rapidly, then she slapped her face. Then she released a deep breath.
Gee: No, Yuna, im sorry. Im all good. (she was smiling)
Then they continued practicing.
Meanwhile at the remedial group training room. Yibo and Mr. Zhang were having a conversation with Se Ju and the rest. They were all surprised after Yibo and Mr. Zhang spoke.
Gee and Yuna are preparing their dinner. Yuna was looking at Gee while they were both chopping the vegetables. Yuna sighed because Gee was really quiet.
Yuna: Gee, tell me, did you and senior Yibo had a fight?
Gee: (surprised) N-no
Yuna raised her right eyebrow.
Gee: (pouted and trying to smile) Ah w-we had
Yuna was shocked her eyes became wider and her mouth were open.
Gee: b-but we didn't punched each other
Yuna: (burst a laugh) I don't mean that, and why would you punch each other? Why would he punch you when he knows you're a girl.
Gee: ah haha yeah your right.
Yuna: You two had an argument? Misunderstanding?
Gee sighed and pouted her lips then she nodded.
Yuna smiled but she kept it.
Yuna: H-how did it happen?
Gee looked at her and sighed. Then she told Yuna everything that happened since their day off. Yuna was staring at her while she was telling her what happened but she was thinking of something.
Yuna: It still amazes me how did the cold and aloof Yang Yibo became so concerned about her. I mean, I know she was similar to his ideal girl. Boyish, funny and she love bicycle racing like it was too good to be true that he will find someone like her (her thoughts)
Gee: But even though I was disappointed at him, I- im still wondering why he is like that. I feel happy and thankful how we was so kind to me but I'm still sad… he is cold hearted towards other people.
Yuna: He just really like you then
Gee: huh?
Yuna: I mean, he really likes you as a friend. You see, he still keeps your secret right?
Gee: yeah because of the helmet.
Yuna: No I don't think that's the only reason, he lied for you remember?
Gee nodded.
Yuna: He even took his way just to give you the skin care products. He even gives you energy bars, and he is the one who took you to the clinic when you fainted. He ran like a flash of light from the stage and he took you from Leo who was already lifting you.
Gee: (surprised) he did?
Yuna: (smiling) he did, you two looked like a couple from a romantic drama series haha
Gee: I was not able to thank him for that. (holding her chin)
Yuna: No reaction? (she thought)
The next day, Gee was running down the stairs after she had her solo practice at the rooftop. She was surprised when the door at the 7th floor opened. It was Yibo. They were both surprised. They both looked away. Gee was somehow shy and was about to say something but she just bowed to Yibo then she continued running down the stairs. Yibo just looked at her but he didn't followed her. Gee felt disappointed at herself for not saying something. She just kicked the step and let out a big sigh.
During their practice Yuna and Maya were amazed by how Leo and Gee sound so good when they are doing supporting vocals to each other, they were both awed when Leo hit the high notes and when Gee hit the highest notes at the bridge part. They were both seem to get lost watching and listening to the two they almost forgot it was their turn to get in front. After 3 runs of practice. They were all sitting catching their breath.
Maya: (looking at Gee and Leo) you two sounded so good together.
Leo and Gee smiled at each other.
Leo: Gee's good with harmonizing, he has been teaching me and were practicing together during vocalization training. It's all thanks to him.
Gee: haha no, you are good yourself, and thanks to my mother's vocalization training when im still in choir. (she smiled but there was a pain in her eyes)
Maya: Your mother sounds like a good voice teacher.
Gee: (smiled) yeah she is
Leo: I'm just curious though, why did you quit the choir?
Yuna looked at Gee, she was worrying about her but Gee smiled.
Gee: She died due to an accident.
Leo and Maya were shocked, Yuna got even more worried she was rubbing Gee's shoulder but Gee smiled at her.
Leo: (also rubbing her shoulder)
Maya: Im sorry to hear that.
Gee: It was after the chorale competition. We were all in the bus but there was a junior member missing. Mother went out to look for him. She had a heart attack and was hit by a bus when she was trying to save a child who was running towards the bus we are riding.
The three were sad and doesn't know what to say, they were just looking at Gee. Gee looked at the three then she smiled and she stood.
Gee: Come on, let's have another 2 runs? (she's smiling)
The three tried to keep their sadness and smiled to her. Then they continued their practice.
Gee was the first to enter the training building that morning. She headed straight to the piano room. She was playing the piano when Mr. Zhang entered the piano room. Gee smiled at him. Mr. Zhang smiled back then he sat beside her.
Gee: (stood up and bowed) Good morning Mr.Zhang and thank you for letting them use the training room last time and thank you very much for your concern about me.
Mr.Zhang: Glad to see you here again.
Gee: (she raise up then went back to seat, tapping the piano) Mr. Zhang, how long did you know senior Yibo?
Mr.Zhang: Why are you asking?
Gee: I was hoping you would know, (sighed, then stopped from tapping the piano) Is he really that cold?
Mr.Zhang: What do you mean?
Gee sighed then she looked at Mr. Zhang.
Gee: We-we had an argument last time, he was questioning why I want to help them…
Mr.Zhang: You had an argument because, Yibo was trying to stop you from helping them?
Gee: (nodded)
Mr.Zhang: But what about me? I was the one who told them to forbid you from going to their remedial training?
Gee: I understand your reason for it Mr.Zhang, but why did he said that, why am I helping them even though I just met them and we were not really that close before. H-he even said that even if I help them out, or passed the remedial evaluation, they wont survive this batch, he said those in front of them. And one time, I saw how he didn't helped Emma stand when they bumped to each other. Is he really like that? I mean, is he really cold to others whom he doesn't like or they are not his friends?
Mr.Zhang: (smiled then sighed) He avoids people outside work as mush as possible. He doesn't even bother in worrying for others. He is only concern for his close friends. (serious)
Gee gave Mr. Zhang a look with asking on her expression.
Mr. Zhang: (looked at Gee) that's what I have observed about him.
Gee: But, a girl in front of him was hurt, he didn't helped her to stand, isn't a common gesture to help her?
Mr.Zhang: One of our co-actors- ah their female co-actor fell from the stairs. He was the closest to her, instead of catching her, he pulled a staff near to him and pushed him to catch her. He told me that he started to avoid doing those things after he was stalked by an actress he helped during a photoshoot. It really gave him a stress. Fans were also pairing them up when a recorded video of it was posted in the internet. His jealous fans also bothered him about it. Then he found out that the one who posted the video was also her.
Gee: ah so he thinks that girls were just trying to get his attention. I might understand that but what about his coldness towards the other people who needs help not just an attention? I don't understand. Why did he said that?
Mr.Zhang: He is just really concerned about you (he smiled looking at Gee)
Gee: Me? Concerned about me? He was concerned about me because he considers me as a friend? Im really happy about that but what about them who needs help?
Mr.Zhang: He maybe cold and aloof to others and the way he tells the truth hurts, but when it comes to his friend, he will do anything for them.
Gee: I don't understand? If he really takes me as his friend, he will help me help them right?
Mr.Zhang smiled and was about to say something when his phone rang. He took his phone from his pocket then he looked at Gee and gestured that he have to take it, then he went outside. Gee was left feeling sad.
Gee: senior Yibo, Im really glad that we got closer and how you were concerned about me, but I just don't understand why you said those things. Don't you really have any sympathy for those who truly needs help if they are not your friends? (her thoughts while remembering the argument they had)
Mr.Zhang didn't came back that is why she resumed in practcing on her own.
They had their training done for that day. They were all practicing for tomorrow's group evaluation. After 5 runs of practice while they were resting Gee asked Yuna and the others if she can visit the remedial group. Yuna and the rest smiled at her and they nodded. Gee was so happy she ran her way to the room. She knocked and Se Ju opened the door. He greeted her with a smile. Se Ju put his arms to Gee's shoulder leading her inside. The other three were happy to see her. They bro hugged.
Se Ju: so glad to see you bro!
Gee: Me too, I'm happy you seemed to be doing okey huh?
Japanese girl: yeah, you know what Gee? s-
She was about to say something when Se Ju covered her mouth. Gee was puzzled.
Se Ju: that's nothing bro, don't think about it. (he saw the time, its 6:50) Oh sorry bro but I think you need to go back and we have to resume with our practice (pushing her)
Gee: (puzzled and resisting) huh? B-but I just got here.
Se Ju: (pushing Gee) yeah sorry bro but we need to go back to our practice, and you two. We should not waste our time, we have to give our best tomorrow right? and we want to surprise you with our performance tomorrow. So you have to go back.
Gee: (puzzled and was already outside) but- haish (she was pouting her lips then she sighed)
Gee was about to leave but she peaked at the small glass window on the door and she saw they were dancing enthusiastically that made her smile.
She was walking her way when she noticed her shoe lace were untied. She sat down and was tying it when Emma and her friends were walking and Yibo who's 3 feet away from them walking towards the same direction. She didn't noticed it as Emma and her friends were kind of blocking him and she was looking down tying her shoes lace. Gee stood up and she ran her way back to the training room they are having their practice. Emma and her friends were sneaking at the small glass window of the remedial group.
Emma: ha (she smirked) these losers are still practicing huh? I can't understand why are they wasting their time giving them another chance when it's really obvious that they won't make it?
Yibo: I agree with you
Emma and her two friends were all shocked to see Yibo behind them. They were frozen for a moment.
Emma: s-senior Yibo, w-what are you doing here?
Yibo: To understand him. (he entered the room and closed the door)
Emma and her friends looked at each other, they were puzzled upon his response. They sneaked again the glass window but it was covered a paper the can't see clearly. That irritates Emma so they left.
Ms. Kim and the rest of the trainers except for Yibo and Sean visited all the groups who were practicing and they instructed them to dismiss at exactly 8:30. After their last run, all the trainees were already closing the training rooms. Gee, Yuna, Maya and Leo were walking their way to the elevator when Gee stopped. They all looking at her.
Gee: gah, I'm sorry I forgot my cap, you go ahead (she ran waving to them)
The three continued walking. Gee was back in the training room looking for her cap. She smiled when she saw it was still there. She picked it and wipe it with her hands. Then she turned off the lights and closed the door. She was fixing the cap on her head when she noticed a person coming on her direction. Yibo was combing his hair with his fingers when he noticed someone fixing the cap on her head. Their eyes met and they were both surprised to see each other but Gee looked away first and she put down her arms. She bowed then she walked first. Yibo was walking behind her. They were six feet apart walking to the same direction, the elevator.
Gee stopped in front of the elevator waiting for it. The elevator was in the 5th floor when Yibo has reached the door standing beside Gee. It was a very quiet moment. Yibo looked at Gee who's looking down. He smirked when he saw her serious face but its different from the one he saw before during their race. When the elevator door came, Yibo and Gee both pressed the button touching each others hands. Yibo took his hands first. They both entered the elevator with silence. Gee turned her cap to its front side so that she can cover her face. Yibo was about to press the button to close the door when Leo suddenly came and forced himself inside.
Leo: ah wait senior Yibo
He was able to get inside. He was standing in between them.
Gee: (looking at Leo with confused reaction) Where did you go? I thought you head first?
Leo: Ah, I I was worried so I followed you
Gee: ( laughed) I just took my cap back, I didn't went to a war.
Leo: haha yeah, ah- nevermind (he lift Gee's cap and turned its back) its already dark why are you covering your face?
Yibo took a glance and he released a breath from his nose then he pressed the button to open the door. They were just in the 4th floor but he went outside. The two were left puzzled. Leo turned his look to Gee when the door closed. He hold her in her shoulders.
Leo: Hey! Tell me, did you and senior Yibo had a fight? I've been noticing it, you are not talking to each other? I thought I was just imagining it but when I saw you earlier, you left him behind without a word I couldn,'t believe what happened?
Gee was surprised but she just gave him a smile. They reached the 5th floor then she pressed the button and went outside. She turned her back and smiled at him.
Gee: Don't think about it okey. (she waved)
Leo: (shook his head and sighed) just tell me when you feel like it (he smiled)
Gee smiled back then the elevator door closed.
Its already 8:00 am when the trainees are already in their training rooms practicing their presentation. They were asked to dismiss at 12:00. After their training they had their lunch at the cafeteria. Even if they are all nervous for the next evaluation they are still enjoying their time eating together. Gee, Yuna, Maya and her friends, Leo, Se Ju and his fellow remedial takers are eating together having their laughs. Yuna and Leo are occasionally giving Gee glances as they worry about her because of her situation with Yibo.
They were given 2 hours to rest and prepare themselves after the lunchbreak. While they are resting, the stage room is being prepared by the staff.
At 2:00 o'clock the trainees are all called at the dance training room for a meeting about the sequence of the presentation. The trainees are sitting on the floor while Ms. Nana, Ms. Kim, Ms. Geronimo and Kite are standing in front.
Ms. Nana: You will be given 1 hour before the presentation to fully prepare yourself visually. There are available costumes and make-up set in the visual room. You are assigned with your own room to prepare yourself.
Some of the trainees are excited and some were down because they doesn't know how to apply make-up including Gee who was looking down. Yuna and Leo noticed it.
Gee: Yunaa, will you put make up on me? (begging like a child to, holding her on her shoulders)
Yuna: (smiling) of course
Leo: (holding Gee on her right shoulder) Gee, don't bother her leave your visuals to me (he smiled and winked)
Gee: (eyes sparkled) waaah
Yuna: Great, now your competing with me now huh? (eyebrows raised looking at Leo)
Leo: (smiling) ah o-of course not, ah well we're both males so I think -
Yuna: Okey I get it (she smiled)
Gee was watching the two with her eyes sparkling. She and Maya looked at each other and they smiled watching the two.
Ms.Kim: That is all everyone, see you at exactly 4:00 o'clock in the stage room. Ah where is Gee?
The trainees looked at her and she was puzzled but she stood up.
Ms.Kim: Will you come with us for moment?
Gee smiled then she gestured to her friends that she'll see them later with her mouth.
Then the trainees were looking at her as she walks towards the trainers then they went outside.
When the trainers are gone, everyone was about to leave when suddenly Emma stood up with her arms crossed.
Emma: ha, looks like we already know who's gonna top the evaluation this time.
Leo, Yuna and Maya looked at her with puzzled eyes. Some of the trainees are curious and some were shaking their head.
Meanwhile, Gee and the trainers were walking when they saw Yibo and Mr.Zhang. They bowed to each other. Gee was not looking at Yibo. Yibo gave her a look. Then they continued walking opposite ways.
As Yibo and Mr.Zhang are walking heading to the remedial training room. Mr. Zhang got curious because the trainees are still inside the room. Mr.Zhang opened the door a little but he was surprised.
Emma: I told you all before right? We can never win against them, specially Gee who is a cousin of one of the board members, friends with one of our trainers and Ms. Kim and Ms. Geronimo's favorite.
Some of the trainees were showing agreement on their faces that made Emma smirked.
Emma: If he and his friends including his cousin won this evaluation, we should take some action about it. They are being unfair with their evaluation process.
Leo: Here we go again (shaking his head)
Yuna raised her eyebrow and was glaring at Emma. She released a deep breath and was about to say something when Leo and Maya hold her in her shoulder stopping her because they saw someone with a grim face behind Emma. Everyone was surprised. Yibo opened the door wide.
Yibo: He is ahead of you because of his experience and his talent. Even though he already have those, he 's still working hard. He's already awake practicing alone while all of you are still sleeping. He spends his day off practicing while all of you are enjoying yourself. He even risked his own health just to help the others. His effort has contributed to their improvement. Now tell me, how can you surpass an experienced and talented person who works harder than all of you.
Everyone became quiet, some were shaking their head looking dissapointed at Emma. Emma was so shocked she couldn't look at Yibo. Mr.Zhang was smiling secretly. Leo, Yuna and Maya were also smiling looking proud at Yibo.
Emma: Your just saying that because he is your friend (trying to keep her tears)
Yibo: (looking at Emma without any emotion) We just formally met here during the orientation, but he was able to gain my respect because of his talent and hardwork.
Everyone was surprised.
Male trainee: I thought they already know each other.
Male trainee: No, I remember Gee said he wants to be friends with him so it means they are not really friends before.
Male trainee: Ah yeah, I thought I was wrong hearing that because I thought they already know each other.
Female trainee: senior Yibo is not really friendly but Gee was able to win his respect because of his talent and hardwork.
Female trainee: And it came straight from him.
Female trainee: He was the only one who extended his effort just to help the others who failed the evaluation.
They were talking in low voice. Mr.Zhang smiled looking at Yibo then he stepped in.
Mr.Zhang: If your questioning about my younger sister, its her 3rd time joining this training, technically, its her 6th year now, she never finishes the training because she's always quitting half way. (smiling)
Yuna sighed at her brother.
Mr.Zhang: I hope this is the last time that you will be talking about someone behind his back. AMPM Ent training doesn't allow issues like this incident. If you still have any problem about the evaluation process, might as well quit our training program. (he bowed then looked at Yibo gesturing to go outside)
They both went outside and continued their way to the remedial training room.
The trainees were shaking their head looking at Emma who was looking down trying to keep her tears. They were very disappointed at her as they look at her while taking their leave. Emma's friends were rubbing her back.
Yuna felt pity over her, she was about to talk to her but Leo stopped her by shaking his head. Then they went outside.
Meanwhile, inside Ms.Kim's office.
Gee and the rest of the trainers are sitting. Gee was puzzled looking at them.
Ms. Kim: So this is the last phase of your provision right?
Gee: (puzzled) Ms. Kim?
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Hello there!
Thank you for reading and reaching this point.
I would really love to hear your thoughts on about the story so don't hesitate to leave a comment 😊
It's my first time writing a story and shared it to the public. I still have a long way to take to become a better writer in terms of technicalities and all but I would love to hear from you 😊
Thank you for adding this to your collection and spending time for reading this work of an amateur writer.
Love,
Jikurin Miyabi