Since, for some reason, I can't put headers anymore, I made my own. They look a little wonky but it's okay (':
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- Step Up Entertainment is a fictional entertainment company.
- survival show au.
- this is the EUNCHAE storyline. I plan on writing different storylines/versions for other idols.
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A sigh tumbled past your lips as you stared at the blank wall in front of you. You've been doing this for the last thirty minutes. You've been curled up in bed for half an hour now, missing home. Deeply.
You left home when you were fifteen, which was four months ago, to audition here at Step Up Entertainment in order to chase your dreams of becoming an idol (of course, with your mother's permission). You're now sixteen. And right now, since you've only just recently begun your trainees days, you're being hit bigtime by homesickness.
You miss your mother. You miss her loud laughter, her contagious smile, and her comforting embrace. You want her to be there to cheer you up and tell you that you're doing well, like she used to. You miss your father and the way he always knew how to cheer you up after a bad day, or how he would always take you to get ice cream, or the way that he and you always jokingly went against what your mother said. You miss your younger brother and the way he used to annoy you, or the times when you played video games together or read together.
You just miss everything. You're so far away from them right now, all on your own in a big city, surrounded by people that you don't know too well yet.
So here you are, sitting alone in the dark bedroom, curled up on your top bunk and cuddling a rabbit plush close to your chest.
A few silent minutes passed. Then the first tear fell, falling helplessly onto the pillow cushioning your head. One after the other, tears cascaded down, only to disappear on the fabric and be forgotten, eventually replaced by others.
A quiet whimper left your lips as you squeezed your eyes shut.
You froze, however, when the door to the bedroom creaked open, followed by soft footsteps entering the room. And then you heard a voice.
"Y/N-ssi? Are you awake?"
It was Hong Eunchae. You haven't really talked to her much; ever since you've gotten here, you've generally just stuck by Hwang Eunyeong, an older trainee who you were already friends with prior to joining SUE. From what you've seen of her interactions with other trainees, Eunchae gives off a playful vibe, which is a sharp contrast to your timidity and reserved nature. One thing you do have in common, however, is your love for dance and performing. You've always wanted to talk to her, you've just never known how to.
When you didn't respond to her question, she stepped closer to the bunk bed and peeked over the side to look at you.
"Y/N-ssi?" She called out again, this time a bit clearer.
You decided to answer her. "Y- Yes?" You squeezed your eyes shut and pursed your lips, knowing that she most likely picked up on your shaky voice. Hopefully she just thinks it's because you woke up.
"Are you okay up there?" She asked.
You flipped your body to face her and offered her a sweet smile, thanking everything that it was dark in the room. "I'm okay, Eunchae-ssi. Just tired." You explained.
She clearly didn't buy that excuse, seeing as she said nothing in response, and simply moved to climb up the ladder and join you on the top bunk. She must have somehow seen the tears on your face.
Out of the blue, she plopped down behind you, wrapped an arm around your waist, and pulled you back against her body. Your eyes widened and your face flushed. She hugged you tightly.
She held you as if the two of you have known each other your whole lives.
"It's okay to cry sometimes," She began quietly. "We all do it. It's okay. Can you tell me why you're crying, though? Is that okay?" She asked.
You felt a lump in your throat. Suddenly, you had the urge to just let everything out all at once. To just let go of your emotions. For some reason, her presence was bringing you great comfort right now, and you feel safe.
You began to weep, your hand clasped over your mouth as you cried. "I- I-I miss home." You choked out.
Eunchae sighed. "I understand. I really do. I miss my family too. How about we call home right now?" She suggested. Her voice grew brighter when she did.
You hiccuped as you wiped away your tears and looked back at her. You turned so that your body was now facing hers. She took your hands in hers and grinned at you, causing a smile to unknowingly form on your own lips, despite your tears. You nodded.
She returned the gesture. You reached out and grabbed your phone from beside you on the bed, and went to dial your mother's number.
After what felt like hours, she finally picked up the call.
"Hi, sweetie! How's my baby girl?" The excitement in her voice made you tear up again, so your own voice came out shaky.
"Eomma," You muttered.
"Oh, no, what's wrong, honey? Don't cry, don't cry. Is someone being mean to you there? Or are they not treating you well? What's wrong, sugar plum?" Your mother asked.
You saw Eunchae crack a small smile as she spoke up, knowing that you were trying to gather yourself. "Hello, Mrs. L/N, I'm Hong Eunchae, Y/N's Unnie and fellow trainee. She's safe and in good hands, but she's feeling really homesick, you know?"
Your mother made a noise of acknowledgement. "Ah, I see. Are you the one taking care of my daughter right now?" She questioned.
Eunchae nodded, even though your mother couldn't see it. "Yes, ma'am, and I plan to do so from now on, so don't worry about a thing! Hong Eunchae will take the bestest care of L/N Y/N!" She cheered enthusiastically.
You smiled softly at Eunchae's words and scooted closer. Much to her surprise, you buried your face in her neck and sighed contently.
Eunchae clicked her tongue playfully before whispering in your ear. "Y/N, don't you want to say something to your mother?"
You lifted your head and pouted, but nodded nonetheless. "Eomma," You called out again. "I-I miss you and Appa and Hyunjin. I want to see you soon. I want you to know that I'm doing fine here, and I'm surrounded by good people, mama. I love- I love you guys." You said quietly.
You heard your mother coo. "Aw, baby, we love you too. I love you. And we're all so proud of you and are rooting for you."
"Thank you, eomma."
"Now, honey, your father and I have some plans to go out, so I'm gonna have to let you go, will you be alright?" Your mother asked. Concern was evident in her voice.
Your eyes met Eunchae's. A nearly overwhelming wave of warmth and comfort crashed over your body. You've found a new friend to laugh with, cry with, make memories with, and to comfort and be comforted by. Hong Eunchae.
Without breaking eye contact with the older, you answered your mother. Your answer put a bright smile on Eunchae's face.
"I think I'll be okay, eomma. Actually, no- I'm sure of it."
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Okay, so... a couple of people suggested that I turn the two-part 100K special Neaera into a book, sooooo, your wish is my command. I've started working on it and adding stuff, and I've already made a cover for it too:
I have mixed feelings on it, but until I make something waaaay better, this is what it'll have to be 😭
Update, I made a better one, I think:
This is another cover I made that I thought came out kind of nice, but I'm not gonna use it:
What do you all think of this? Lemme know of some interesting plot points to write in the Neaera book, if you'd like !
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QOTD: what is your favorite concept (music videos, concept photos, stages, etcetera) to see in K-pop ?
AOTD: I thiiiiiiink I'm gonna have to say it's a four-way tie between dystopian/dark, expensive/lavish/royal, traditional Korean, and floral themes.