Chapter 30
"Experience is one thing you can't get for nothing"
- Oscar Wilde
Jungkook POV
When I stepped into the stage, the audience clapped louder than they did for the other contestants. Some even stood up from their seats and yelled out my name. I pursed my lips- I didn't want to get all the attention. Sure, I'm from BTS, but both Rian and Jenny worked hard too. It made me feel bad to get all the credit.
As I walked to the paino set on the middle of the stage, I glanced behind me. Unlike Jenny, Rian looked nervous. Her legs and arms were shaking as she forced herself to walk. She avoided looking at the audience. She was scared.
When Rian looked at me, I gave her a warm smile. She smiled back and finally looked at the audience. I couldn't help but to think how beautiful she looked. The stage was dark but the lighting made her look like an angel. The black dress glimmered underneath the light, making it almost impossible not to notice her. Her soft, messy curls flowed gracefully behind her back. She looked so pretty that I couldn't help but stare.
Concentrate, Jungkook. Concentrate.
I took a deep breath and sat down on the chair. It was time to play the song- there was no time to be distracted. I stretched my fingers over the keys and sneaked my vision back to Rian. Surprisingly, she looked at me with pleading eyes.
She was scared again.
"It's ok. You can do it" I whispered, smiling. She blinked and nodded, turning her head back around. I know you can do it.
I sighed and looked at the piano keys. Finally, after the audience was completely quiet, I started playing.
After a few moments, Jenny started singing. Her voice was strong, no doubt. She pulled off every note; it sounded perfect. I smiled- I was proud. When Jenny stopped singing, I glanced at Rian. She was about to sing in a few moments.
You can do it Rian. I believe in you.
When Rian opened her mouth and sang, I couldn't help but to smile. Was her voice strong like Jenny? No. Did she pull off every high note? No. But was her singing beautiful? Yes. Her singing was no doubt beautiful.
She didn't have all of the training and experience like Jenny or I had. But her emotions, her voice-they were perfect. Her voice sounded like an angel.
When she finished singing, Jenny started singing. They both then sang together in unison. It sounded amazing, the two of then together. They both were so different and had their ups and downs over the past weeks, but in the end, they did it. I couldn't have been any more proud.
Finally, after they finished, I played the piano for a few more seconds until I reached the ending of the song. Right when I finished, everyone in the audience stood up and clapped. Rian widened her eyes and covered her mouth in shock of the reaction. She looked at me and her eyes said it all- she was happy. I grinned back.
....
Rian POV
I can't believe it. I did it- I sang in front of the whole school. Without ripping Jenny's head off and embarrassing myself in front of Jungkook. I did it.
I looked at the audience and stared at the people clapping at me. Some shouted my name and whistled. I laughed. This was something I never experienced before in my life. I looked at Jenny who smiled and waved at everyone. She was used to this, so she looked more comfortable than I did. I looked behind me and found Jungkook walking towards us. He walked between us and smiled.
He let out his hand. I stared at it in awe. I held my breath, grinned, and happily took it. Jungkook did the same with Jenny, who grabbed his other hand. Then together, we bowed in front of the audience. The cheering became louder.
It was my time to shine, I thought to myself as I closed my eyes and smiled.
....
I sighed happily as I walked through the hallway. I even skipped a little as I traveled to the dressing room- I was just so happy. Jenny and Jungkook were both swallowed by people and fans who were crowding backstage, so I decided to leave them be.
"Hey, Rian!"
I spun around and to my surprise, I see Jinyoo running towards me. He rushed towards my side and grinned. "You were amazing! Everyone is talking about you!"
I widened my eyes. "Really? Wow..."
"Seriously- you did really good. And, well..." he paused and looked at my dress, "you look really nice too"
I looked down at the dress. "Ha, really? It was this random dress the teacher gave me, I don't even know who it belongs to-"
"I love you"
I blinked and looked at Jinyoo. He stared at me with intense, sparkly eyes. It reminded me of the first time I introduced myself to him; at my first day of school when I was being a jerk to him for not leaving the door open. I remember how he stared at me angrily with those rich chocolate brown eyes.
"Jinyoo?" I asked.
"I love you. I don't know what it is about you, but I think I'm in love with you"
I stared at him as my insides slowly crippled smaller and smaller. No...
"Jinyoo..." my voice cracked a little. "I-"
"I didn't like you at first, but slowly over time, I started getting feelings for you. And now I can't stop thinking about you"
"Jinyoo..."
"You don't love me back, do you?" He asked bluntly. I couldn't even look him at the eye. I was stupid. So, so stupid.
"Is... is it Jungkook?" Jinyoo whispered. I looked at him with apologetic eyes.
"Yes..." I whispered, looking back down. "I'm so, so sorry" I whispered. Jinyoo didn't say anything.
"Jinyoo?"
"It's fine" He calmly turned around and walked away. A small tear formed in my eye. What have I done?
"Jinyoo, wait!" I yelled. Jinyoo ignored me and continued to march away furiously. I stood still stupidly- should I run after him? What would I say if I do? I can't make a stupid excuse for why I rejected him.
I rejected Jinyoo.
Jinyoo asked me out.
I couldn't even think straight- it was all too sudden. Since when did Jinyoo start to have feelings for me? Am I just too naive to realize? Was it the right choice to reject him? He was my best friend. I don't want to lose him- he was the one who stood by my side since the beginning of the year. Even when I was a jerk, he stayed with me. He never left.
I didn't realize the tears running down my cheeks until one dropped onto the floor. I looked down and stared at the tiny droplet. Should I run after him? Did I make a mistake?
"Rian?"
I spun around in shock. Right in front of me was Jenny. She widened her eyes when she saw me.
"Are you... crying?" She asked. I looked down and quickly wiped away the tears.
"Why are you crying? We did an amazing job!" She claimed, raising her hands up.
"I wasn't crying" I cleared my throat, still looking down at the floor. Jenny rolled her eyes.
"Alright what happened?" She asked. I shook my head.
"No- nothing..."
Jenny paused for a moment. "You know, I saw Jinyoo walking past me. He looked mad"
I pursed my lips. "It was nothing"
Jenny groaned. "Alright, if you say so..." she spun around and walked away. I sighed. At least she helped me to stop crying. When she was out of sight, I looked up at the ceiling. I suddenly thought of my mom.
"Did... did I do the right thing?" I asked softly as I closed my eyes.
....
Hey guys! I know you all hate me, it's been a while since I updated >.<
But what do you all think about Rian's decision? Was it the right choice? Comment and let me know what you think!