Memories From The Trainee Days

TW: MENTIONS OF BULLYING

Seungkwan anxiously paced back and forth in her dressing room, heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She reached for her phone, a trembling hand opening the video call app. With a deep breath, she tapped her father's contact and watched as his face appeared on the screen.

"Dad!" Seungkwan exclaimed, a smile breaking through her apprehension. "I just finished my first live performance! Can you believe it?"

Her father's eyes twinkled with pride as he leaned closer to the screen. "Seungkwan, my little star, I knew you would shine up there. How did it go?"

Seungkwan's voice filled with excitement. "It was incredible, Dad! The stage was electric, and the crowd's energy fueled me. I performed my solo debut song, 'Where We All Go In The End,' and the response was amazing. I felt like I was floating on cloud nine!"

Her father's smile widened. "I never doubted your talent, sweetheart. You've come so far since your days as a trainee. This is only the beginning of your journey."

Seungkwan's expression shifted, a hint of worry creeping in. "I know, Dad, but... there's something I need to tell you. Three of my former trainee mates, they debuted too, under the same label. And they've been causing trouble. Bullying me, spreading rumors..."

Her father's brows furrowed with concern. "What? That's unacceptable! Have you talked to your agency about this?"

Seungkwan nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I did, but it's been challenging. They're popular now, and their group is gaining attention. I'm afraid their rumors will tarnish my reputation."

Her father's voice grew firm. "Seungkwan, my brave girl, remember who you are and why you started this journey. Don't let anyone bring you down. Your talent and resilience will shine through. Keep your head held high, my love."

Seungkwan wiped away her tears, a determined glint in her eyes. "You're right, Dad. I won't let them break me. I'll prove my worth and show the world what I'm made of."

As the video call ended, Seungkwan took a deep breath. She knew she had her father's unwavering support, and that was all she needed to overcome the bullies and carve her own path in the K-pop industry.

The morning sun peeked through the curtains as Seungkwan groggily opened her eyes, the excitement from the previous night's performance still lingering in her thoughts. She stretched her arms, yawned, and hopped out of bed, ready to take on a new day in Seoul.

After a quick breakfast, Seungkwan slung her bag over her shoulder and stepped out onto the bustling streets. The vibrant energy of the city greeted her as she made her way through the lively crowds. Seoul was a world of its own, with its colorful shops, mouth-watering street food stalls, and the constant hum of people going about their day.

Seungkwan couldn't help but smile as she walked past familiar landmarks, each step fueling her determination. She glanced at her reflection in a shop window, adjusting her hat to shield her face from any unwanted attention. Despite the occasional passerby who recognized her, she felt a sense of comfort blending into the crowd, just another person navigating the city.

As she weaved through the busy streets, Seungkwan's mind wandered. She reminisced about her journey, from a small town dreamer with a passion for music to a rising star in the K-pop scene. The memories of grueling training, moments of self-doubt, and the unwavering support from her family and fans flooded her mind.

With every step, Seungkwan's determination grew stronger. She reminded herself that she had come too far to let anyone or anything hold her back.

As Seungkwan arrived at the entrance of the WYLDFIRE Entertainment building, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead. She straightened her posture, ready to showcase her talent and prove her worth once again.

Heart pounding, Seungkwan made her way through the corridors of WYLDFIRE Entertainment, towards CEO Lance Choi's office. As she approached the door, she took a deep breath, mustering her courage. With a gentle knock, she entered the room.

"Good morning, CEO Choi," Seungkwan greeted, her voice steady, though her nerves threatened to betray her.

CEO Choi looked up from his desk, a smile playing on his lips. "Ah, Seungkwan! Always a pleasure to see you. How are you doing today?"

Seungkwan forced a smile. "I'm doing well, thank you. Excited for another day of work."

But her heart sank when she noticed three familiar faces standing behind CEO Choi. It was them—the bullies who had tormented her during her trainee days. They were now part of a new rookie girl group called Q-TEE.

CEO Choi's voice rang out, filled with anticipation. "Seungkwan, I'd like you to meet Q-TEE, our newest girl group. These talented ladies have been training hard, and I have high hopes for them. Q-TEE, this is Seungkwan, our solo idol."

As Seungkwan's eyes met those of her former bullies, time seemed to stand still. Recognition flashed in their eyes, a mix of surprise, guilt, and something else she couldn't quite decipher. The intensity of the moment hung heavy in the air, a silent battle of past wounds and hidden truths.

CEO Choi, unaware of the tension, continued. "Seungkwan, I want you to show these talented rookies the ropes. Help them settle in and navigate the industry. I believe your experience will be invaluable to them."

Seungkwan's mind raced, her pulse quickening. She knew this would be a test, a chance to rise above the pain of the past. With a deep breath, she gathered her composure, nodding firmly.

Seungkwan's mind raced, her pulse quickening. She knew this would be a test, a chance to rise above the pain of the past. With a deep breath, she gathered her composure, nodding firmly. But as she turned to leave the office, a wave of emotions crashed over her, threatening to consume her. The weight of the memories and the fear of facing her bullies overwhelmed her, and she found herself rushing to a nearby hiding spot, seeking solace amidst a tearful panic attack.

Seungkwan's chest heaved as she tried to regain control of her emotions. Tears streamed down her face, and her trembling hands clutched tightly onto her sleeves. It felt like a whirlwind of past hurt and present turmoil colliding within her.

In the midst of her anguish, a soft, gentle voice broke through the chaos. "Hey, are you okay?"

Seungkwan's head snapped up, her tear-filled eyes meeting the caring gaze of a girl who had just walked out of the nearby bathroom. It was Lola, the shy member of Q-TEE, who had heard Seungkwan's cries.

Without a word, Lola approached Seungkwan and offered her a kind smile. She reached out, offering a tissue from her pocket, a small gesture of comfort.

Seungkwan accepted the tissue with a trembling hand, a mixture of surprise and gratitude flooding her heart. The presence of someone who had witnessed her vulnerability, yet responded with empathy, touched her deeply.

Lola's voice was soft, filled with understanding. "Sometimes, it gets overwhelming, doesn't it? But you're not alone. We all have our battles, and we can find strength in supporting one another."

Seungkwan nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you... I needed that."

Lola's eyes sparkled with kindness. "Anytime. We're in this together, Seungkwan. Let's face whatever comes our way, side by side."

Their brief but meaningful interaction offered a glimmer of hope in the midst of Seungkwan's turmoil. Unbeknownst to Seungkwan, Lola had already caught on to the fact that Seungkwan's tears had something to do with the three girls—Hyunjin, Yeonwoo, and Wanda—who now stood as her fellow group members. As they exchanged those few comforting words, a seed of suspicion planted itself in Lola's mind.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Time seemed to blur as Seungkwan immersed herself in her work, pouring her heart and soul into her music and performances. With each passing day, her popularity grew, and her dedicated fan base expanded. She found solace in the unwavering support of her fans, who had become her pillars of strength.

In a small, cozy cafe, Seungkwan sat alone, sipping her coffee, her eyes scanning the room. It had been two months since that fateful encounter with Lola, and their friendship had blossomed in the shadows, away from prying eyes.

As fans approached her with beaming smiles and requests for autographs, Seungkwan greeted them warmly, never letting her inner struggles show. She appreciated the love and adoration they showered upon her, but deep down, a part of her still longed for closure, for the resolution she so desperately sought.

Though Lola had never explicitly revealed her suspicions about the three girls who had bullied Seungkwan, her actions spoke volumes. She had silently observed the interactions, the whispers, and the glances exchanged within Q-TEE. She understood the complexity of the situation, and she was determined to be there for Seungkwan, no matter what secrets lay hidden.

In that quiet cafe, amidst the bustling sounds of chatter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Seungkwan couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope.

 Little did she know that Lola had been conducting her own private investigation, determined to uncover the truth hidden beneath the surface.

Late one evening, as Lola scrolled through YouTube videos, a recommended video caught her attention. Curiosity piqued, she clicked on it, and what she saw left her breathless. The screen displayed old social media footage, capturing moments when Seungkwan was still a trainee, enduring the torment of her three group members—Hyunjin, Yeonwoo, and Wanda.

Lola's heart sank as she witnessed the brutality, the cruel acts that Seungkwan had silently endured. Tears welled up in her eyes, and anger burned within her. She knew she had to take action, to confront the truth that lay buried within Q-TEE's past.

Days turned into nights as Lola meticulously planned her next move. With her phone in hand, she snuck into the dance room, concealing herself in a corner where she could listen and observe unnoticed. Pressing the record button, she discreetly captured the conversation of the three girls as they laughed and conversed, oblivious to her presence.

The audio recording revealed the true extent of their malicious actions, the pain they had inflicted upon Seungkwan, and the depth of their betrayal. Lola's grip tightened on her phone, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and determination. The evidence she had gathered would no longer be hidden. It was time for the truth to be exposed, for justice to be served.

Eavesdropping on their conversation, Lola felt a surge of emotions—a mixture of anger, sadness, and a steely resolve. She knew the journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was prepared to stand by Seungkwan's side, to bring the darkness into the light and pave the way for healing, redemption, and a chance at a new beginning.

With the audio recording as her weapon, Lola vowed to be the voice Seungkwan had longed for, the ally she deserved. The time for secrets and lies was drawing to a close, and a reckoning was on the horizon.

The next day, Seungkwan found herself once again surrounded by her adoring fans. Their cheers and words of encouragement lifted her spirits, momentarily pushing aside the weight of her past and the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. She smiled and posed for photos, sharing brief but heartfelt interactions with each fan who approached her.

As the day wound down, Seungkwan sought a moment of respite. Sitting alone in her dressing room, she reached for her phone, ready to indulge in a few moments of social media scrolling. But as she unlocked the screen, her eyes widened in disbelief.

A news article rumbled the world of K-pop, its headline announcing a shocking turn of events. Lola, her confidante and secret ally, had suddenly requested to terminate her contract with WYLDFYRE Entertainment, citing unknown reasons.

Seungkwan's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of confusion and concern flooding her thoughts. She clicked on the article, desperately searching for answers. The details were scarce, but the implications were significant. Lola's departure had sent shockwaves through the industry, leaving fans and colleagues alike wondering what had transpired behind closed doors.

Tears welled up in Seungkwan's eyes as she pondered the weight of this sudden development. Lola had been her pillar of support, the one person who understood the depth of her pain. The thought of losing that connection, of facing the battles that lay ahead without her ally by her side, left Seungkwan feeling vulnerable and uncertain.

"It all happened so fast," Seungkwan whispered to herself, her voice laden with a mix of sadness and worry.

Determined to find Lola and understand the reason behind her sudden departure, Seungkwan embarked on a frantic search throughout the city. She called Lola's phone repeatedly, only to be met with unanswered calls and the sinking feeling of growing desperation.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow over the dimly lit streets, Seungkwan's footsteps quickened. She sensed a foreboding presence lingering in the shadows, a lurking danger that seemed to follow her every move. Before she knew it, the three remaining Q-TEE members—Hyunjin, Yeonwoo, and Wanda—had discovered the resurfaced video, a haunting reminder of the traumatizing experiences Seungkwan had endured at their hands.

In the depths of a desolate alleyway, Seungkwan's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of fear and trepidation gripping her. The air grew heavy with an ominous silence as the three girls emerged from the darkness, their eyes glinting with a cruel satisfaction. This was their opportunity to silence Seungkwan once and for all, to erase the evidence that threatened to expose their true nature.

Seungkwan's breath hitched in her throat as they closed in on her, their expressions twisted with malice. Memories of the past flooded her mind, igniting a surge of adrenaline. She had grown stronger since those painful days as a trainee, but facing her tormentors once again, their fury unleashed in the present, was a harrowing challenge.

With a sudden lunge, they cornered Seungkwan, trapping her against a cold brick wall. Hatred seeped from their every pore, their voices dripping with venom as they mocked her, reveling in the power they held over her. The darkness swallowed her cries for help, leaving her feeling defenseless and alone.

Suddenly, police sirens wailed in the distance, piercing through the tension-filled air, as the authorities arrived on the scene just in the nick of time. The arrival of the police halted the escalating altercation, dispersing the darkness that had threatened to consume Seungkwan. Amidst the chaos, Seungkwan found solace in reuniting with Lola at the police headquarters.

With tear-streaked faces and hearts heavy with the weight of their shared experiences, Seungkwan and Lola found comfort in each other's presence. Lola confessed to leaking the video, driven by her refusal to associate with such despicable behavior. She had made a courageous choice, one that spoke volumes about her integrity and her unwavering support for Seungkwan.

In the confines of the police headquarters, they exchanged heartfelt words, sharing their experiences and revealing the truth that had remained concealed for far too long. The details of the harrowing encounter in the alleyway, the resurfaced video, and the bullying revelation spread like wildfire across the globe, shattering the façade of Q-TEE's unity and leaving the industry reeling.

As the truth came to light, the world rallied behind Seungkwan, condemning the actions of the three Q-TEE members and demanding justice. The overwhelming support, coupled with the undeniable evidence, left WYLDFYRE Entertainment with no choice but to take swift action. The dark chapter in Seungkwan's life marked the demise of Q-TEE, the group disbanding in the wake of the revelations.

The consequences reverberated beyond the confines of the entertainment industry, sparking conversations about the prevalence of bullying and the need for change. Seungkwan's bravery in facing her tormentors head-on, supported by Lola's unwavering friendship, became a symbol of resilience and a catalyst for transformation.

Six months had passed since the tumultuous events that had forever changed Seungkwan's life. Seated on a bench in front of a tranquil fountain, Seungkwan and Lola shared a box of popcorn, their conversation meandering through the depths of their souls.

The sound of cascading water provided a soothing backdrop as the sun painted the sky in hues of gold and orange. Seungkwan broke the silence, her voice laced with a mix of contemplation and gratitude. "You know, Lola, I often wonder how different things would be if we hadn't crossed paths that day in the bathroom."

Lola's eyes sparkled with wisdom as she leaned back, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Sometimes, Seungkwan, the most profound connections are forged in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Our friendship, born out of pain and resilience, has become a guiding light in my life."

Seungkwan nodded, her gaze fixed on the fountain's dancing water. "I've come to realize that our scars don't define us, Lola. They remind us of the battles we've fought, the strength we've summoned, and the growth that emerges from the darkest corners of our hearts."

Lola reached out, gently touching Seungkwan's hand, the warmth of their connection intertwining their spirits. "I couldn't agree more, Seungkwan. We've seen the darkest side of the industry, but we've also witnessed the power of unity and the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be silenced."

Seungkwan's voice grew softer. "There are days when the memories still haunt me, when the shadows of the past cast their long reach. But together, we've found strength. We've become each other's pillars of support, reminding one another that we are more than the sum of our scars."