If Only...

Part Two

It took us about 2 hours before we arrived at the destination because of traffic. The contest is held at the Makuhari Event Hall in Chiba, around the Tokyo Bay area.

I guess that was enough time for me to contemplate.

After my mom paid the fare we alighted from the cab.  The venue was filled with bright neon lights accompanied by loud music and a big tarpaulin that says the title of the competition.

I felt my heart beat faster. This is really it. I took in a deep breath and proceeded inside alongside my mom.

“Jeohnee this place is really huge.” My mom stated so amazed by the area.

“Yeah mom and I thought the place was not this grand. Now I feel like I should have prepared more.” I confessed.

My mom’s hand suddenly slapped my right arm, “You mean you haven’t prepared for this?”

I flinched a little bit and then replied, “Well, I did prepare but I don’t think it will match up to the other dancers here.”

My eyes roamed around the place, seeing a lot of dancers with fantastic costumes, and then I looked at mine… No way could I win this thing. I mentally punched myself, oh why didn’t I foresee this?

“Aigoo. Jeonhee.” My mom uttered having that disappointed look on her face. I bit my lips and glanced away.

“Jeonhee!” a familiar voice called my name.

My breathing suddenly stopped. Could it be? Could it be…?

As soon as I turned around my smiling face shifted into a frown, “Oh, Eunhyuk oppa.” I bowed my head in front of him.

“Hello Mrs. Park.” Eunhyuk acknowledged my mom first before giving his attention to me.

“So Jeonhee are you ready?” he pursued.

“Yeah I am totally ready!” I lied trying to sound very eager, but in fact I am slowly dying inside. I don’t think I am ready. Everything is just so overwhelming I could not handle it.

“Good,” oppa’s grin reached up to his ears, “I am expecting a lot from you.” he stated patting my back.

I had nothing else in mind to say so I just beamed at him.

“I’ll see you later then.” He ended the conversation and excused himself.

I gazed at my mom and gave me the he’s-counting-on-you-look. I, in return hung my head low in shame. 

While there was awkward silence between me and my mother, a voice coming from a megaphone sounded off the walls of the event hall.

“Those contestants not yet registered, please proceed at the main door and encode your name.” the Japanese lady reminded.

“You go register Jeonhee.” My mom ordered.

I nodded and slowly walked towards the table where we would register. A few people came first before I was able to sign up.

I dropped the pen and the middle-aged man handed me a number, “Here you go. You are contestant number 75.”

I bowed my head and thanked him. Before I left, the list of contestants caught my attention.

“Is there a problem ma’am?” he queried.

“Oh,” I gulped, “Is, uhm, is… Jung Yunho here already?” I questioned.

The man did not mind the paper on the table which would be more tasking, instead he checked through his laptop. He typed in Yunho’s name in Japanese and then turned to me, “I guess that is a no. He didn’t register yet.” and then gave me a smile.