CHAPTER 20
Ms.Geronimo: Mr.Zhang and the board members told us about you.
Gee was shocked.
Ms.Nana: I really thought you were a real guy.
Gee was even more shocked.
Ms.Kim: When Mr.Zhang and the board members told us about you and their plan for you once you passed the training, we thought it would be impossible but from your previous performances, we were already convinced.
Gee: (still shocked) Plan?
Ms. Kim: Even though we agreed to help in their future plan, we just want to remind you that as trainers, we are fair to each trainees. We will not favor you if you doesn't deserve it. So as your current rank, we are looking forward that you will be able to convince us again.
Ms.Nana: We are excited to see what else you can do (smiling at her)
Kite: Yibo is such a picky person, I thought you were really something because you had his attention, and the fact that you are a girl. It would be interesting if he knows about it though (he was smiling)
Gee smiled in awkwardness.
Ms.Kim: one more thing, before you go back
Gee was waiting.
Ms.Kim: Whatever the result of the remedial evaluation tonight, we hope you will not risk yourself again. We had that decision before for their own sake. But because of the determination you gave them, we decided to give them another chance.
Gee: (bowed) Thank you very much.
Ms. Kim: Oh well, we had an evaluation in just more than an hour, you need to prepare. (stood up)
Gee stood up. They all went to the door still confused on how to react about the news she heard. Gee bowed to them and headed to the training room, but she already saw them going to the visual room. She ran after her group.
Leo: Hey, what happened?
Yuna and Maya were looking and waiting.
Gee: ah (she smiled) they just told me about the remedial evaluation. (smiling but there's pain in her eyes)
Leo: ah I see (he put his arms to Gee's shoulder) hey, don't feel down we have our own evaluation to think of, don't worry about them, they'll be fine (he smiled)
Yuna and Maya smiled to her and she smiled back as they are heading to the visual room.
The visual room was filled with trainees who are walking around picking the costume they will use for their evaluation. They are being guided by their trainers but Yibo was not with them. Gee was secretly looking for someone but he couldn't see him. Kite noticed him that made him smile then he approached her.
Kite: Gee, are you looking for someone?
Gee: (startled) huh? Ah haha no senior Kite (she smiled awkwardly)
Kite: (smiled) okey (not convinced)
Leo was waving at her from their assigned dressing room. So she bowed to Kite and immediately went to their dressing room.
After a few minutes while Kite seems waiting for someone. Yibo came.
Kite: You're the one assigned with that group to monitor. (pointing to the room where Gee entered)
Yibo: okey, thanks (he tapped him in his shoulder and walked towards the room)
Kite smiled at his idea then he walked away.
Yibo was about to knock but the door was slightly open he can see what's inside somehow. Leo and Gee were already dressed up. They were both wearing pants, rubber shoes, collared sweater with sleeveless top layered with matching colors of brown, white and sky blue and their hair were slightly messed up as style.
Leo: (holding Gee on her shoulders) Bro, close your eyes okey? Don't open them until I said so.
Gee: (smiling) sure bro
Leo was putting make-up on Gee, first the foundation and others. He chose yellow orange for Gee's eyeshadow, he put a little on her eyelid. Then he was about to put lipstick on Gee but he stopped and stare at her face.
Leo: It's the first time a had a closer look at his face, its kinda weird but he looks like a girl (his thoughts)
Yibo was just observing behind the door. His eyebrows raised and crossed when Leo was staring at Gee's face. He got worried when he realized that Gee looks like a girl at close up. When Leo was lowering his face to take a closer look. He pushed the door open and walked fast covering Leo's face with his palm.
Yibo: (glaring at Leo) What are you doing? Are you gay?
Leo was surprised he was not able to react but for a moment he was surprised holding the lipstick.
Gee opened her eyes and was very surprised to see senior Yibo she was staring at him with eyes wide open.
Leo: What do you mean senior Yibo? I was just putting-
Yibo: Do you have to stare at his face?
Leo was puzzled at his serious face.
Gee: senior Yibo, he was –
Yibo glared at her and took the lipstick from Leo's hands. Leo was shocked. Yibo walked closer to her, Gee was staring at Yibo with eyes wide open.
Gee: s-senior Yibo what-
Yibo: (lifted her chin) close your eyes
Gee: b-but senior Yibo-
Yibo sealed her lips with his pointing finger then Gee melted down and closed her eyes. Leo was keeping his smile.
Leo: who's gay now huh (his thoughts)
Maya and Yuna came out from the comfort room all dressed up with their outfit. Wearing flited skirts, half vest and rubber shoes their matching colors were pink and white. They were both shocked seeing Yibo applying lipstick in Gee's lips. Yuna was keeping her smile while Maya was somehow felt jealous looking at the two.
After Yibo has put lipstick on Gee. He put it on the table and glared at Leo. Gee opened her eyes. She stood from her chair and bowed to Yibo.
Yibo: Don't put too much make-up and you should all have at least two matching colors because you will perform as a group. (he said looking at the two girls) You should change, you look too plain.
The girls were shocked even Gee and Leo. Gee faced Yibo with a glare.
Gee: Don't you have any way on how to tell someone your thoughts without hurting them?
Yibo: (turned his look to Gee) It's better to tell the truth than to cover it up.
Gee: I know, but the way you are saying it is not helping.
Yibo moved closer to her, they are glaring to each other.
Yibo: so your telling me, lying would be more helpful?
Gee: No, what I am saying is, you can say it in a nice way. You have mastered different dancing styles and your ranking top at bicycle racing but what about learning how to be kind with words?
Yibo: (smirked) Teach me then, Mr. good with words (mocking)
Gee released a deep breath then she moved forward and was about to say something when Leo and Yuna grabbed her in her shoulders. She looked at them with an expression asking why.
Yuna: we should listen to senior Yibo, he is our trainer after all and he is more experienced than us.
Leo: She's right. Let's help them with their outfit.
Gee glared at Yibo before she left walked away from him. Yibo sighed shaking his head. Then he followed them behind. The four were sorting out the outfits inside their room while Yibo was just observing them. Gee and Leo found two pairs of pants for females with same hue with their pants. They smiled at each other then they continued sorting the outfits then the girls were able to found trousers with opposite colors but in same set of colors with Gee and Leo's sweaters. They all smiled to each other then Yibo found two plain blouses with different style. He walked closer to it and picked it out, the four gazed at it then Yibo put it on Gee's head covering her face then he walked away. Gee pulled it off glaring at Yibo but she smiled when she saw it and gave it to the girls.
Gee: senior Yibo! (she shouted)
Yibo was about to go outside but he stopped when Gee called his name.
Gee: Thank you.
Yibo turned his head but not looking at them, he just raised his hand then continued to go outside. The four were left smiling at each other then the girls went inside the comfort room to change. The two were left waiting for the girls while they are fixing their hair. Leo was seriously looking at Gee like he was observing her.
Leo: Why does senior Yibo seemed to be very concerned about him, they just know each other recently but he is kind of protective over him, i remember when I pressed his number on his chest, senior Yibo grabbed him outside, then when I was about to touch him in his waist he covered him up, then he was looking at me when we are doing that routine then now, he stopped me from just putting lipstick on his face, could it be… (his thoughts while looking at Gee who was fixing her hair with her fingers down to her chest but it doesb't have any bump) senior Yibo is gay???? (he was even shocked at his own thoughts)
Gee: (looked at Leo with puzzled eyes with her fingers on her hair) bro, are you alright?
Leo: (snapped back) ah haha yeah (went back fixing his hair)
After 5 minutes the Yuna and Maya came out from the comfort room. They were both stunned. They look better than the outfit they were wearing earlier. The four stood up in front of the mirror and they smiled seeing themselves. The door opened, it was Yibo. He smirked looking at them who were amazed on their looks. The four bowed to him.
Yibo: goodluck on your performance.
Gee, Leo, Yuna, Maya: (bowing) Thank you senior Yibo.
Yibo didn't entered the room, then walked away heading out first. They stood up and were smiling at each other. They took a deep breath and walked to the door heading to the stage room.
The stage room was now filled with the trainees, staff the board members sitting in front along side with the trainers. Kite was standing in the stage. He was the emcee for that day. Some trainees were looking for Sean but there was a laptop on top of the table beside Yibo.
Female trainee: senior Sean is such a busy person he couldn't even be with us here in person again.
Female trainee: yeah, how sad, I was looking forward to see him again beside senior Yibo hahaha they look good together.
Yuna heard the two girls sitting in front of her. She got irritated she leaned her face closer to them.
Yuna: I suggest you two should quit pairing them, they are just friends and brothers. They are just being quiet about it but they don't like it. Its really disrespectful.
The two female trainees were shocked they turned their head at were even more shocked to see it was Yuna with a serious face. Gee, Leo and Maya were just quiet looking at them shaking their head out of disappointment. The two female trainees were ashamed they stood up and walked away.
Yuna took a deep breath and released it calming herself.
Leo: but what if senior Yibo was actually attracted to a guy?
The three looked at him with eyes wide open. Yuna was glaring.
Leo: b-but im not saying its senior Sean (defending himself from Yuna)
Maya: (glaring at Leo) what do you mean? He is attracted to Gee?
Gee: (burst in laughter) Hahahaha you guys stop it. I don't think he is, but I don't think he is also attracted to girls.
Yuna: (smiling looking at Gee) what if he was already liking someone?
Yuna, Maya and Leo were looking at Gee.
Gee: hahaha then that's good for him
Yuna was keeping her smile. Leo was not convinced still thinking Yibo was gay for Gee and Maya is kind of jealous.
Gee was laughing when she noticed Se Ju and the other three remedial takers at the entrance, she got excited she waved at them they were sitting at the back. They noticed her and they waved back and they ran towards them with smile on their faces.
Se Ju: hey, bro you look cool
Gee: (smiling wide) really??? Hahaha
Japanese girl: (shy) y-yeah
Remedial trainee 1: yeah, you all look cool
Gee: hahahaha thank you (tapping hard on Leo's back) bro he said we look cool hahahaha
Leo: (glaring at Gee) yeah but its better if you stop beating my back
Gee: hahahaha sorry
They were laughing and chatting when they heard Kite testing the mic. All the trainees turned their attention to him.
Kite: Good day everyone, welcome to the 2nd evaluation of AMPM Ent 24th batch training. I would like to request everyone to take a seat and listen to this day's event.
Everyone went to their seat.
Kite: There will be 8 groups performing today, and 4 individual performance.
Gee looked at the her four friends smiling at them gesturing to them goodluck. The four smiled back and nodded.
Kite: As for the group evaluation, although you will perform as a group, you will still be evaluated individually but 50% of your individual evaluation result will be from your performance as a group.
Emma glared at Gee and the rest of her group member.
Kite: So trainees goodluck!
After Kite spoke in the stage and wished them goodluck, he went down and sat beside Yibo. Then the first group to perform was Emma's. They went to the stage. Emma was full of confidence. Then the group performance started. Emma was the most energetic and most appealing among her group. The board of members were nodding and were impressed that made her even more confident. Her groupmates were trying their best to catch up with her but Emma was so confident she was standing out. She even got more lines in their song. Yibo was shaking his head.
Their performance was finished. Emma stood out in the center while her friends were trying to smile catching their breath. A staff went to Ms. Kim's table and handed a mic.
Ms. Kim: That was good performance.
Emma smiled and her groupmates.
Ms Kim: You were really good specially Emma, you stood out, you will no doubt be one of the top trainees, but as this week's evaluation is a group evaluation. If one of you raises the energy level, everyone should keep up with it, I can see that the others are trying to keep up with you and that was good, but I noticed that you had the most lines. I suggest that next time you should give the others their parts to highlight your individual strength because it seems like its not a group performance after all.
Emma was not bothered by it, but her friends felt sad about it, hey left the stage leaving her. The crowd felt the tension happened. Emma bowed and she walked down with head held high trying to keep her unbothered reaction.
Then the next group went up to the stage, it was composed of four male trainees. The group was good but there was one member who tried to hit the high notes but he went flat and lost the energy but one of his team member smiled at him at tapped his back and gave him a nod. He was losing hope but he smiled back and took a deep breath and tried to gain his energy back. Yibo and Kite were impressed.
Ms. Kim handed the mic to Yibo.
Yibo: Your performance was good but not impressive.
The crowd were shocked and felt sympathy. Gee was looking seriously at Yibo feeling disappointed.
Yibo: one of you committed a mistake.
The guy who did that lowered his head down but his friends was rubbing him on his back.
Yibo: but despite that
Gee and the others were once again surprised.
Yibo: you were able to gain back your spirit in performing as a group and I thought it was cool, im really impressed by it (smiling) you were able to finish your performance like there was no mistake happened. You should practice more on your vocals but your teamwork is there so no need to feel down.
Gee was impressed by what she heard from Yibo that it made her smile looking at him. The atmosphere suddenly changed from tense to a cheerful one. The trainees bowed to the trainers specially to Yibo and they went down with smiles on their face. Gee was giving thumbs up to the four trainees walking down the stage. Then she looked at Yibo again who was smiling looking at the trainees when their eyes accidentally met. They were both surprised. They both looked away.
Gee, Leo, Maya and Yuna looked at each other and they smiled. Gee gestured her hand "fighting" then the three followed her, even Se Ju and the others.
The four walked their steps to the stage. Yibo followed Gee with his eyes. The board members along with Mr.Zhang were having silent conversations through their gestures. Kite was smiling at Gee.
Ms.Nana: (whispering to Ms.Kim and Ms. Geronimo) his out fit looks very convincing even his make-up.
Ms. Kim and Ms. Geronimo nodded in agreement.
Then the music started. Gee was the first to sing and move, followed by Leo. The two girls were backing up their dance. The two lines were low notes, then refrain part came, the three were support vocals to Gee's part long with a walk and skip dance part of their choreography to emphasize their harmonization. Then on the chorus, it was Leo's turn. After the chorus, before the bridge part came, it was Gee's part again. Leo was able to sing the high notes on the bridge part then on the last part before the chorus part, Gee sang the high note adlibs while the three were singing the chorus. Mr.Zhang was very proud, the other board members were impressed. Ms.Geronimo's eyes were sparkling then she looked at Ms.Nana who was smiling while Ms. Kim was trying to conceal that she was impressed. Kite was nodding his head. Yibo was smirking and turned into a smile but his mouth closed. The other trainees were impressed except for Emma who was looking sharply at her.
After Gee hit the high notes she sang along with the chorus then they finished it with the three facing the back, with Yuna and Maya on the center, Leo facing the crowd and he nodded and faced the back.
Then the next music started. Maya first turned raising her right hand on the side followed by Yuna, then Gee and Leo. Then they scattered running like girls. The dance step became girly but Leo and Gee are still moving as males but they are trying to act cute. The female trainees who watching were smiling at their cuteness. Yibo smirked at Gee's acting. It was his first time to see her like that. His ears are red. Maya Sang the first part then Yuna and they sang together in the chorus while Gee and Leo were doing support vocals. At the chorus part, the dance step was a like cat's hands alternating while their hips are pointing out. Yibo was covering his mouth trying to keep his laugh at how Gee dances to it.
They finished the performance with Leo's elbow on Gee's shoulders while Gee's hands are on her front while Yuna's right hand is on Leo's shoulder while Yuna's left hand on Gee's right shoulder with her left hand with peace sign. The crowd gave them a round of applause. The board members are nodding to Mr.Zhang, the trainers were clapping and were smiling. The four were bowing with wide smile on their face.
Yibo handed the mic to Kite.
Kite: (smiling) That was cool (he gestured thumbs up) It was a like a two performance in one. Though it is, you were still a group performing.
Ms. Nana: to be honest, I was worried on how are you going to do it because you were a mixed group, but im really glad you were able to pull it off on your own.
Ms. Kim and Ms. Geronimo were nodding in agreement. The four are smiling and bowing to the trainers.
Kite: you have showcased your individual abilities but still performing as a group. I thought when the guys are performing, the girls will just back you up with dance but they were also singing that was good. You guys are dancing cool and so the girls are. And I should not forget Gee and Leo's high notes were awesome.
Gee and Leo smiled at each other.
Kite: Gee's adlibs was perfect because of the supporting vocals singing the chorus.
Yibo was nodding his head and the Ms. Gee even Mr. Zhang.
Kite: When the girl's turn I thought you guys will just go to that back because you were running. Even though it was a song and dance for females, you guys were still dancing cool and cute hahaha that was fun. During the second part the girls were a picture of cuteness and cheerfulness. You group performance was a combination of coolness and cuteness and you gave us a fun and enjoyable performance. (he gestured thumbs up and gave them another clap)
They crowd of trainees, trainers, staff and board members were also clapping except for Emma who was glaring at their group. The four bowed and saying thank you to everyone as they walk their way from the stage.
Leo went down first followed by Gee, they gave each other high five then they bro hugged. Yibo noticed it and was looking at Gee. Then Yuna stepped down followed by Maya, when Maya was about to take the last step she tripped and was falling good thing Gee was able to catch her that made Yibo's eyebrows crossed a little. Gee smiled at Maya who was blushing. Yuna immediately grabbed Maya from Gee.
Yuna: are you alright?
Maya: (puzzled) ah ye-yeah th-thanks Gee (she turned to look at Gee)
Leo noticed that Yibo seemed to be looking at them. He smiled when he came up with an idea. He went back at the steps then he stepped down and he tripped. He fell on his knees. The three were puzzled.
Gee: hey Leon, bro are you okey?
Leo: (getting himself up) why you didn't catch me?
Yuna and Maya: huh?
Gee: Haha your heavy
Leo: ah so that's it (looking disappointed)
Gee smiled, then she put her arms to Leo's shoulder.
Gee: Haha bro sorry but I just saw through your plan
Leo: yeah yeah
Yuna and Maya were laughing at the two as they are walking back to their seats.
Gee: That was fun right?
Yuna: yeah
They smiled to each other.
Yibo was shaking his head when he saw Gee was being too close to Leo. He is trying to calm himself.
Kite: hey, Yibo are you alright?
Yibo: Yeah
Se Ju and the others welcomed Gee and the others with high fives and bro hugs. Yibo took a side glance and sighed looking at how Gee was being too close to Leo and Se Ju who have their arms on her shoulders and she was just laughing with them.
Gee and the rest took their seat as the next group went on stage. Then the group performance went on. The group performances were okey. Some were impressed and nodding their heads along with the music but some looked away when some of the members had committed a mistake.
The group performance was finished. The board members and the trainers were facing each other discussing about the result. They were all holding a paper. After almost five minutes of talk, Ms. Kim and Kite went up on stage holding the papers.
Kite: Congratulations to all of you.
The trainees were surprised and were cheering.
Kite: You all passed this week's evaluation.
The trainees were cheering and the board members and trainers are clapping. They gave each other high five and bro hugs. Everyone was congratulating each other except for Emma who was standing alone in the corner with her hands crossed trying to be unaffected as no one was approaching her but Gee was looking at her. Gee walked towards her, she gave her a smile and she raised her hand asking her for a high five, Emma was surprised but she refused her. Gee sighed and grabbed her hands the she forced high five to her then she smiled. Emma was keeping her emotion and she grabbed her hand back and walked away. Gee sighed and was pouting walking her way back to her group. Leo and Yuna were shaking their head looking at her. Maya felt sympathy for her. Yibo's eyebrows were a little crossed seeing what happened.
Yibo: What is she doing? (his thoughts looking at her)
Leo: Seriously? (looking at Gee)
Yuna: She's good but she left her friends behind during their performance and I think she deserves to feel how we thinks about her.
Gee: (smiling) why? Do we have to hate her because she's like that?
The three were puzzled looking at her.
Gee: I admit that I kinda lose my temper for her once but I just remember, my mother said (she remembers her mother was calming her down when she was crying and was glaring to her classmate whom she had a fight during elementary inside the principal's office) "hate doesn't resolve anything nor it will make you the winner, being kind and humble will make your life better" (she said smiling)
Leo: but you and senior Yibo had a misunderstanding and you're not being yourself around him.
Gee: I don't hate him, I just don't understand why he said those things and I wish to know.
Leo and Yuna smiled at her, she smiled back. Maya was amazed by her looking with her eyes shining.
Ms.Kim: Before we start the individual evaluation, we will announce the group and individual ranking. We will also call the names of some of you after the evaluation and will proceed with us in the office to remind you on the things you have to do to be able to keep up with this training.
The crowd went silent. The ones who know they are included felt sad but were cheered by their groupmates. Se Ju and his friends looked at each other, they smiled and turned to Gee smiling at her.
Ms. Kim: I will read the group numbers according to your order of presentation. The first group that I will read is the 3rd and the last group will be the top group for this week's evaluation. Same with the order of the individual ranking, the first name will be the top 3 and the last one will be the top 1.
Everyone was nervous, quietly waiting for the result.
Kite: The 3rd rank goes to… group 2
The male trainees of group 2 were very shocked and they were celebrating. They gave them claps.
Kite: Top 2 goes to… group 5
Group 5 was composed of four females, two of them were Maya's friends. They were jumping and hugging each other, Maya went to them and gave them a hug.
Ms. Kim: The group who rank first this week is… group…
Everyone was holding their breath seriously waiting for the announcement except for the board members and the trainers.
Ms.Kim: Congratulations group 3!
Leo was very shocked even Yuna, Maya was covering her mouth and keeping her tears of joy. Gee was smiling wide. Then Leo and Gee bro hugged, Maya and Yuna hugged each other, then Yuna and Gee, Maya was being shy but Gee hugged her. They group hugged. Everyone was cheering and clapping for them. The board members were clapping. Mr. Zhang was looking at Gee who was very proud at her and Yuna. Yibo was also clapping and nodded to Gee when their eyes met. Gee was smiling at him. She bowed to him. Yibo smiled, he felt good seeing Gee smiling wide at him.
Emma was sulking at the corner, her friends were cheering with the other trainees who were also happy for the top 3 groups. Kite gave Gee's group a thumbs up, the top 3 groups bowed to everyone.
Ms. Kim: And for the individual ranking, we decided to ranked you in general so that means there will only be three persons who's names will be read today. The third in the list is Emma.
The crowd went silent, and they were looking at Emma who was bowing but they can see that she was trying to be confident and arrogant. Gee claps at her, then followed by Emma's friends the the board members and the trainers, even Yibo who was looking at Gee who was smiling and clapping at Emma. He smirked and was shaking his head.
Yibo: What a weird one (his thoughts)
Mr.Zhang: Her kindness is somewhat dangerous (his thoughts looking at Gee)
Leo and Yuna looked at each other and were both shaking their heads looking at Gee.
Leo leaned towards Gee and he whispered something to her.
Leo: Bro, what are you up acting so kind to her. I don't think is just out of pity or something.
Gee: (whispered back) My brother said that if you want the person who hates you come to like you, melt their hate with your kindness (she smiled)
Leo laughed at her, he messed her hair. They were laughing.
Yibo was surprised, he felt a little annoyed, he shook his head and looked away.
Kite: The person who ranks second is… Leo
The two were currently laughing so they were both surprised but Leo was kind of not expecting it but he smiled and bowed. Gee put her arms to Leo's shoulder and was messing his hair while laughing. Yibo felt even more annoyed his eyebrows were crossed he looked away, Yuna was secretly looking at Yibo and was keeping her smile. Gee and Leo were messing up each other's hair when…
Ms. Kim: and the person who ranks first this week… Congratulations Gee! (smiling at her)
Gee and Leo were both surprised they stopped playing with each other's hair that they looked like super sayan.
Gee was bowing to all but still processing the announcement while her hair was all up. Then she smiles raising her head. She was leaning to everyone.
The board members and the trainers were clapping at her, Mr. Zhang gave her two thumbs up. She nod and gave him a smile but when she looked at Yibo, she was puzzled because he wasn't smiling anymore, he was just clapping but not looking at her. She kept her reaction and smiled and bowed to everyone.
Gee: haaish, what did I do again this time (her thoughts looking at Yibo feeling confused but was still smiling at everyone who were clapping for her)