The weeks passed quickly as Ji-eun adjusted to life at university. With each day, her routine grew more familiar, but so did the challenges. She spent her mornings in lectures, her afternoons rehearsing, and her evenings trying to keep up with her studies. Some days felt like a blur of tasks, leaving little time to think about anything other than surviving until the next day. But through it all, one thing remained constant—her passion for music.
It was early one Friday morning when Ji-eun sat in the campus café, sipping her coffee as she went over her notes. The place was quiet, the hum of students' conversations filling the background. Her friends had already left for their classes, leaving her with a rare moment of solitude.
As Ji-eun scrolled through her phone, she found a message from her manager, Ji-hoon.
Ji-hoon: "The company has a new training session this weekend. Are you ready?"
Ji-eun couldn't help but smile as she typed her reply.
Ji-eun: "I'm always ready."
She hit send and leaned back in her chair, letting the warm cup of coffee comfort her. Despite the growing pressure of university life, she was excited to continue training. It felt like she was finally building the foundation for her future. But something about this weekend's session felt different. It was a big step—one that might take her closer to the debut she had been working for.
Just as she was about to reply to a few more messages, Mi-young slid into the seat across from her, her face bright with excitement.
"Hey, Ji-eun!" Mi-young greeted, her eyes sparkling. "How's everything going? I haven't seen you much lately."
Ji-eun smiled, though she knew the exhaustion was starting to show in her eyes. "Busy as always. But I'm hanging in there. How about you?"
Mi-young rolled her eyes playfully. "Same here. School, rehearsals, everything's a lot to handle, huh?"
Ji-eun laughed softly, grateful for the familiarity of Mi-young's carefree nature. Sometimes, it was easy to get lost in the whirlwind of her own responsibilities. Having her friends around was a grounding force she didn't realize she needed.
"I'm honestly still adjusting. It's just so much," Ji-eun admitted, looking down at her coffee cup. "But I'm managing. It's just... sometimes I feel like there's so much pressure to get everything right."
Mi-young leaned forward, her expression serious. "Hey, don't worry. You're doing great. You've come so far already. But I know how you feel—this is all moving so fast, and it's a lot to carry."
Ji-eun nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. "I don't want to fail. I've worked so hard for this. But sometimes I wonder if I'm ready. What if it's too much?"
Mi-young reached out and placed a hand over Ji-eun's. "I get it. But remember, you've already proven that you're strong. And you've got all of us here. You're not in this alone."
Ji-eun gave her a small smile, squeezing Mi-young's hand. "Thanks, Mi-young. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Just then, her phone buzzed again, and Ji-eun quickly checked the screen. It was Ji-hoon again.
Ji-hoon: "Don't forget, we have a session tomorrow. Be prepared. I'll meet you after class."
She typed a quick response, then looked up at Mi-young. "Looks like I've got to go. Training tomorrow."
Mi-young raised an eyebrow playfully. "You're always working. Have you even had a chance to relax lately?"
Ji-eun chuckled. "Not really. But I'll get there eventually."
After a brief conversation, the two of them parted ways, and Ji-eun made her way back to her dorm. As she walked, she found herself thinking about the future. The pressure was mounting, but so was the excitement. The dream that she had held onto for so long was starting to feel within reach. She couldn't afford to let doubts hold her back now.
The next morning, Ji-eun arrived at the training center early, her heart pounding with anticipation. The building was quiet at this hour, and the silence only made her nerves grow. Ji-hoon was already waiting for her, as always, his calm presence offering a sense of reassurance.
"You made it," Ji-hoon said with a smile. "Ready for today?"
Ji-eun nodded, trying to calm her nerves. "I think so."
They moved into the training room, where the other trainees were already warming up. Ji-eun took a deep breath, joining the group. She was surrounded by talented people—people who had the same dreams as her, who were willing to put in the same amount of effort to succeed. It was both inspiring and intimidating.
For the next few hours, they worked tirelessly—singing, dancing, and perfecting their skills. Ji-eun's body ached from the intense practice, but her determination kept her going. She could feel herself improving, but there was always that voice in the back of her head, reminding her of the stakes.
After the session, Ji-hoon pulled her aside.
"You did well today," he said, his eyes scanning her with approval. "But you need to push yourself even more. The debut stage is getting closer, and you can't afford to hold back."
Ji-eun nodded, her heart racing at the thought of her debut. "I'm ready," she said, her voice firm.
Ji-hoon smiled, but there was something in his eyes that made her wonder if he was as certain as she was. "I know you are. Just don't forget—this journey isn't only about being ready. It's about becoming the person you're meant to be."
As Ji-eun left the training center, she felt a surge of hope and fear mixed together. She was on the right path, but the road ahead was still uncertain. Could she handle everything? Would her dreams finally come true?
The future loomed ahead of her, bright and full of promise. But Ji-eun knew one thing for sure: She was ready to fight for it.