1 Step #1

3 years ago...

I am sitting here in the training room together with my co-trainees. My palm are shaking and sweat started to form on my forehead. The whole area are also noisy because the trainees keep talking as we enter and are confused like me. There are only few moments when all trainees are gathered at one place. Usually, a party or there is an occasion everytime we gather together. I got a feeling that something important is coming.

"Psst... Ellie?" Ren lightly poked my shoulder to get my attention.

"What?" I answered her in whisper.

"What do you think is happening? Why are we all gathered here?" I just shrug my shoulder to her question. I don't even have an idea on what's going on.

"Psst... I have overheard Ms. Stefani yesterday." Me and Ren look at Deni curiously. She's the number one gossiper of the agency and there are news that she knows already in a week that we don't know. She has that talent. So I bet, she knows something about this gathering.

"What is it?" I asked her curiously and face her so she will continue what she's saying.

"I heard that Ms. Stefani told Mr. Will that the RISE Entertainment wanted to debut a 9 member girl group under their entertainment. They only have 5 girls to debut. So, they want to get 4 best trainees that our agency can offer for their collaboration." I and Ren went silent. Her news makes sense. So, we are gathered here to became a girl group? We exchange glances and she has the same smug look just like me.

"If they will get the trainees in our label, then 4 of us will be an idol at the end of the year." Ren whispered in my ear.

I can't help not to smile at her statement. Knowing that we are one of the oldest trainees here, we are trained longer and our abilities are better than newbies. Maybe, the board will consider that factor.

Just a moment passed, the door open revealing Mr. Lau, followed by the other board members. The crowd went silent as all of the high ranking members of the entertainment enter the room.

I went to my proper seat and compose myself for whatever the director has to say. I hope its about what Deni overheard yesterday.

"Good day trainees. I know all of you are confused why all of you are gathered here..."

Mr. Lau paused a bit before continuing his speech.

"The RISE Entertainment has planned to debut a 9 member girl group under their label. They only have 5 girls in line and choosen our agency to fulfill the 4 vacant spot."

The quiet room are now filled with whispering and gasp of the trainees. Shit! Its really true! Four of us will have the chance to be debut at one of the best entertainment in Asia. OH MY GOSH!

The room went back silent when Mr. Lau speak again. But my inner state is shouting with excitement. "So, the board decided that this is a one-time opportunity for our agency to be famous as well. We have decided to collaborate with them and choose 4 out of you girls that we used to train here. Yes, 4 of you will be debuting soon and conquering Asia."

My co-trainees applaud their hands but I remained stunned. I can't believe it! My dream of becoming an idol is near. I am hyperventilating at the same time shaking. I wanted to shout in excitement. I take a glance at Ren and her expression is just like me.

Since childhood, we dreamt on becoming an idol just like our favorite girl group, GFriend. They came from a small agency but they move like waves and successfully capture the hearts of the people.

"But, there is one rule..."

But? Is that a bad news after the good one? And what kind of rule is that?

"Only the trainees who trained over 3 years are going to participate on this competition."

All of us gasp at the stated rule. Many here are just newbie and some do not reach 3 years of training yet.

I saw Lei's expression changes. Her excitement turn into a disappointing face. She was a two and a half year trainee and she won't be able to participate.

"Yes. Only the three and up years of training are part of the selection. We will carefully monitor and observe the performances of the trainees who met the qualifications. Do well."

As soon as Mr. Lau and the other board members left. The room is filled with mixed emotions. First, there are trainees who are sad because they won't be included on the selection. Second, there are some like Ren, who are happily dancing with other participants.

When she noticed that I am looking at her, she immediately went on my direction.

"Whooo, do you hear that Ellie? We will be an idol, baam." Ren started to bang her head like crazy. Tssk, she usually do that when she's really happy. Well, we all are. Even my internal state is shouting too and doing a circus

"Yeah, yeah Ren. Oh, do you want an autograph now? I will be busy next months hahaha" I walk like an idol and wave at her. We do high five and laugh at the thought.

"Pfft, as if I'd want an autograph from you Ellie. You have the worst signature from what I know. Now, if we will be debuted, you need a good one. You know, for autographs."

I nodded my head as an answer to her. Yeah, idols do fan signing. I need to improve my penmanship for that.

I look around and the other trainees are still hype up. Maybe, all of us will be very competitive to grab a spot.

As for me, I'll practice even more. Harder and better. I have been a trainee for 5 years and I know that my skills are enough to win this selection. And, I am the oldest trainee here so I think, I will have an advantage over them. Well, together with Ren. This is an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime for the two of us just like what Mr. Lau has stated. I can't loose this one.