I'M (NOT) MARRIED || YUCHAE

TWENTY-FOUR

chp. 24

"You got this! Everybody loves you here."

Yuna frowned at her friend's words, even though she was grateful that they were trying to cheer her up and steer her away from anxiety, she couldn't help but admit that their words didn't help at all.

"But Yeri, what if I embarrass myself?" Yuna sighed, running her hands through her hair with frustration. The sounds of students chattering in the auditorium filled her ears.

The other girl shot her a weird look. "You never do, and nobody considers it embarrassing if you do end up making a mistake."

"Yeah," Hyunjin chuckled. "Plus, we can go for drinks after your performance to celebrate your win!"

"How are you so sure that I'd win?" Yuna frowned once more, her fingers twitching.

Yeri and Hyunjin traded knowing glances before speaking in unison. "Because you always do."

"You guys are putting more pressure on her." Another voice butted in, causing Yuna's head to whip around.

"Yeojin!" Yuna exhaled, relief washing over her at the sight of her friend. "I thought you wouldn't come?"

Yeojin shrugged. "I had to, since it's your last performance before you move to Seoul, right?"

End of senior year, the day when Yuna would perform for the school since she was apart of the school band. But tonight her band members couldn't come, they were celebrating graduation with their family members or other friends, it was the very last day, after all.

And as for Jungwoo, Ningning, Jisu, and Jeongin, they were also doing the same, so Yuna was left with some of her friends that she made in different classes.

"Yeah, but I want to make a lasting impression," Yuna slightly smiled, and before anyone could respond, the announcer mentioned her name, catching her attention.

"I think it's your turn," Hyunjin said, she was peeking through the big red curtains from the backstage.

Yuna turned back to her friends, worry and anxiety across her face. Normally, she wouldn't feel anxious at the thought of performing, as it was already second nature to her. However, today she would be performing solo, without her band members.

It was something she had barely experienced over the years.

"Remember to breathe," Yeri shot her a thumbs up. "You're Shin Yuna! You've got this."

Yuna turned to Yeojin.

"Um..." the girl thought carefully, seemingly having trouble with comforting Yuna.

"It's okay if you don't have anything," Yuna chuckled. She was used to not getting any word of advice for Yeojin, as the girl was a bit closed off than others.

"Just," Yeojin shrugged, "imagine them in hotdog costumes."

The other three laughed at her attempt at giving advice, but Yuna couldn't help but feel a spark of amusement at the absurd suggestion.

"Hotdog costumes?" Yuna raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming on her lips. "Well, that's definitely a unique visualization technique."

Yeojin grinned, pleased that her words had brought a smile to Yuna's face. "Yeah, just imagine the whole audience in silly hotdog costumes. It might help you relax and see the performance as something lighthearted."

Yeri nodded, joining in on the playful idea. "And you can imagine yourself as the star of the hotdog show, dazzling them all with your talent!"

Hyunjin chimed in, unable to contain her laughter. "I can already see it—Shin Yuna, the Queen of the Hotdogs!"