The next morning started with thunder.
Rain poured down outside the dorm windows, tapping softly against the glass. Most of the other trainees were still asleep, but Lian was already awake. He hadn't slept much anyway.
Rian Vale's song still echoed in his mind. Every note, every word. It was like his thoughts refused to let go.
Lian sat up, rubbing his eyes, and pulled on a loose hoodie. The hallway lights flickered as he made his way to the practice room. The floor was cold under his feet, and the mirrors reflected his tired face.
He stood there for a long moment, staring at his reflection.
Yesterday, he had been just another nervous trainee.
Today, he wanted to be someone who belonged.
He took a deep breath. "Forget it, Lian," he muttered to himself. "He's just another idol. You have work to do."
But his heart didn't listen.
---
By sunrise, the dorms were buzzing. Everyone was talking about one thing — the monthly trainee showcase.
For most trainees, it was the biggest day of the month.
If you performed well, you could move up.
If you failed, you could be cut.
Lian tied his shoelaces and followed his friend Jinwoo to the practice hall.
"Did you hear?" Jinwoo whispered excitedly. "They said some celebrities are coming today. Maybe even Rian Vale!"
Lian froze. "You're joking."
Jinwoo shook his head, grinning. "Nope. He's friends with one of the producers. He might show up just to watch."
Lian laughed nervously, but his palms were already sweating.
Perfect. His first real showcase — and the one person he didn't want to see him would be sitting in the audience.
---
The line of trainees stretched down the hallway.
One by one, they entered the small performance room — dancing, singing, and rapping their hearts out.
When it was Lian's group's turn, he walked in beside Jinwoo, trying to breathe normally.
The lights were bright. The air smelled faintly of sweat and coffee.
At the front sat a panel of judges, and beside them — wearing a cap and black mask — was Rian Vale.
Even half-hidden, Lian recognized him instantly.
The calm posture. The quiet focus.
He looked completely untouchable.
Just sing, Lian told himself. Don't look at him.
---
Their group performed a standard trainee song. It wasn't difficult, but it demanded perfect teamwork. Lian focused on every lyric, every breath, every beat — until his eyes lifted on their own.
And then he saw Rian watching him.
Not casually. Not distracted.
It was a steady, unreadable stare — the kind that made your chest tighten.
Lian's voice trembled for half a second, but he caught himself and kept going.
He sang harder, stronger, like he was fighting something invisible.
When the song ended, everyone bowed. "Thank you!"
The judges clapped politely.
Rian didn't. He just gave a small nod, eyes never leaving Lian.
Lian couldn't tell if it was approval… or challenge.
---
After the showcase, the trainees rushed to check their scores, but Lian slipped away quietly. He didn't want to talk or celebrate.
He just needed air.
He went back to the practice room, the same one from earlier, and opened the door.
Someone was already there.
Leaning against the wall, scrolling through his phone — was Rian Vale.
Lian froze. "S-sorry, I didn't know anyone was using this room."
Rian looked up. His eyes were sharper up close, calm but curious.
"You're Lian, right?"
Lian blinked. "You… remember?"
Rian gave a small shrug. "Hard to forget someone who almost drowned the studio in bottled water."
Lian's face turned red. "That was an accident."
"I know." Rian's lips curved slightly. "Relax. I'm not mad."
He pushed off the wall and walked toward the mirror, checking his reflection. "You were in the showcase earlier."
"Yes," Lian said softly.
"You sing well."
That simple compliment hit harder than Lian expected.
"Thank you, sir."
Rian frowned. "Don't call me 'sir.' Makes me sound ancient."
"Uh… Rian-ssi, then?"
Rian turned to face him fully, and Lian almost forgot how to breathe.
He looked effortlessly perfect — tall, calm, confident. Like someone who didn't have to try to shine.
"You're different from the others," Rian said quietly.
"Different how?" Lian asked.
"Most trainees try to copy idols they admire. You don't. You perform like you're trying to prove something else."
Lian smiled faintly. "Maybe I am."
"And what's that?"
"That I belong here."
For a moment, Rian just watched him. Then he nodded, almost approving.
"Then keep going. Don't lose that."
He started walking toward the door. Lian thought that was the end — but Rian stopped just before leaving.
"Lian," he said without turning around.
"Yes?"
"That song you performed today… it suits you."
Lian blinked. "You… know the song?"
Rian looked over his shoulder. "I wrote it."
And then he was gone.
---
When the door closed, Lian just stood there, staring at his reflection.
He wrote that song?
The one that still echoed in his head, the one that made him want to sing in the first place?
His lips curved into a small, disbelieving smile.
Maybe this was fate.
Or maybe the universe was just playing with him.
Either way, something had started. Something he couldn't name yet.
---
Later that evening, Lian ran into Jinwoo in the dorm hallway.
"You okay? You looked like a ghost after the showcase," Jinwoo said, munching on chips.
"I'm fine," Lian said, smiling faintly. "Actually… better than fine."
Jinwoo squinted at him. "What happened?"
"Nothing," Lian said quickly, but the smile stayed.
Jinwoo groaned. "Don't tell me you ran into him again."
Lian didn't answer.
"Oh my god, you did!" Jinwoo gasped. "What happened this time? Did you embarrass yourself again?"
"No," Lian said softly. "Not this time."
---
That night, when the dorm lights went out, Lian lay awake again.
The rain had stopped, but the city lights outside still glowed faintly.
He thought about Rian — his voice, his eyes, the calm confidence that drew everyone in.
For years, Rian had been a dream Lian couldn't touch.
But now, he wasn't just a star on a screen.
He was real.
And he had said Lian's name.
Lian turned toward the window, whispering to the quiet night,
"Someday… I'll stand on the same stage as you. Not as a fan. Not as a trainee. But as your equal."
Outside, the city lights flickered — almost like the stars were listening.
And somewhere deep inside, something began to change.
---
End of Chapter 2 — The Showcase
To be continued…