Chapter 6. Versatile Singer

The bustling city of Los Angeles hummed with positive energy and excitement as Rachel and Harper approached the venue for her long-awaited K-pop audition. The anticipation weighed heavily on Rachel's shoulders, but she kept her head held high, determined to showcase her talent and dedication. Harper walked beside her, offering silent support, her hands gently grasping Rachel's in a gesture of encouragement.

As they drew closer to the audition site, the air around the venue was filled with excitement. Koreans, Chinese, Europeans, African Americans, and even Americans had all gathered, lining up eagerly to take their turn. The sheer number of hopefuls converging on this single location was a proof of the attractiveness and popularity of the K-pop industry.

Rachel could feel her heart pounding in her chest and the adrenaline coursing through her veins. This was the moment she had been preparing for—the chance to turn her dreams into reality. With a deep breath, she squeezed Harper's hand, drawing strength from her friend's unwavering support.

Harper had taken the time to gather information from the parents of some of the early arrivals, gleaning valuable insights into the audition process. According to the news she had gathered, the aspiring artists would be asked to showcase a diverse range of skills, from singing a prepared song to demonstrating their dance prowess and even performing a runway walk and a pose like a seasoned model. In some cases, they would even be asked to deliver a compelling monologue, testing their acting abilities. If the contestants managed to impress the judges in this initial round, they would be invited back for subsequent auditions. These additional rounds would involve more in-depth performances, interviews, and even training sessions, all designed to assess the hopefuls' potential as future K-pop trainees.

"How many days will it take?" Harper asks one of the crew, She's really got the charm to attract people and make people easily open up to her.

"No longer than seven days." The crew answered in broken English; he smiled at Harper and asked, "Are you going to audition?"

"No, my little sister will; I'm here for her."

"Oh, good for her! Wish her well!" He replies again with a big smile.

"Thanks!" Before the young man can take his phone and ask for her number, Harper is already walking back to find a very nervous Rachel waiting for her turn.

After they wait in line to fill out the biodata form with pictures, they're given a number and told to wait until their numbers are called to go inside the room and do the audition. Rachel is sitting on the floor while nervously chanting something. Harper walks to her and gives her a bottle of mineral water. "You'll do great; I'm here."

"I'm so nervous, Harper."

"You're amazing, Rachel; they'll beg for you! Don't worry!"

After waiting for two hours and several episodes of Harper persuading Rachel that it's okay for her to wait with her, Rachel is finally called to get inside the audition room with four other people. Before she gets inside the room, she looks behind to find Harper smiling at her. "I'm not going anywhere; when you walk out that door, I'll be here. Break a leg!"

A group of stern-faced judges who were looking for the next K-pop sensation greeted Rachel as she entered the audition room. The room was filled with other hopefuls, each buzzing with nervous energy. Rachel will be the third person to do her audition, and while waiting, she can watch two people before she does the audition.

After a few sessions of auditions, everything was as Harper told her before: singing, dancing, modeling, and lastly, they asked the participants to do some acting. And it's now Rachel's turn to do her audition. As Rachel took her place on the stage, she could feel her heart racing. She reminded herself of the countless hours she had spent perfecting her voice and choreography and the countless sacrifices she had made to pursue her dreams.

The music started, and Rachel's nerves seemed to fade away as the familiar beats filled the room. With every movement and every note that escaped her lips, Rachel poured her heart and soul into the performance, captivating the judges with her incredible talent and magnetic presence. Her voice soared, effortlessly hitting every note perfectly. She chose to sing the Korean song first, and the judges love the way she sings; seeing the reaction makes Rachel feel even more confident in herself.

Next came the dance segment of her audition. With graceful movements and impeccable timing, Rachel effortlessly brought the choreography to life. She flowed through the steps with a combination of elegance and power, leaving the judges impressed by her versatility as a performer. And when the judges asked her to do some modeling, like walking a catwalk, Rachel did it flawlessly. Even when she's a bit rough on the catwalk, the camera loves her; she looks great on camera.

Rachel's versatility and dedication made her a formidable presence during the audition. She seamlessly transitioned between singing, dancing, modeling, and acting, giving each art form the attention and passion it deserved while still maintaining her unique identity as an entertainer. The judges exchanged looks of astonishment and admiration, witnessing firsthand the breadth and depth of Rachel's talent. They knew they had found a true diamond in the rough—a performer who could not only sing and dance but also model and act with captivating intensity, and the fact that she was still so young meant they could help nurture and cultivate her immense potential.

As Rachel finished her audition, a wave of relief and exhilaration washed over her. She had given it her all, leaving every ounce of determination and passion on that stage. With a bright smile on her face, she emerged from the room, her eyes immediately seeking out her dear friend Harper.

Harper, ever the thoughtful companion, was waiting for Rachel, a hot dog and a bottle of mineral water in hand. The moment she saw Rachel, her face lit up with a joyous grin.

"Rachel Lee? Number 203?" One of the crew members hurried out of the audition room, her voice laced with urgency.

"Oh, yes?" Rachel responded, pausing in her tracks.

"Please wait or come back to this venue at six p.m.; can you do it?" the woman asked, her eyes filled with a glimmer of excitement.

"Yes! I can do it at six p.m.!" Rachel exclaimed, her voice brimming with hope and anticipation.

"Good, we'll be waiting for you." The moment the crew member disappeared back into the room, Rachel turned to Harper, her face a canvas of pure elation. She started screaming with joy, jumping into Harper's waiting arms.

"OH MY GOD, RACH!" Harper cried, swinging her friend around in her embrace, her own heart racing with excitement.

"I know, right! Look, I got goosebumps!" Rachel said, her eyes shining with a newfound sense of confidence and pride.

"Me too!" Harper exclaimed, her laughter filling the air as she continued to hold Rachel, the two friends reveling in the moment of triumph. "Oh my God! What did I tell you? You're great!!"

"I'm hungry!" Rachel declared, her playful spirit shining through despite the intensity of the audition.

"Okay, let's get something to eat!" Harper replied, guiding her friend towards the refreshment area, their steps lightened by the promise of success.

"Oh my God, I'm so excited!!!!" Rachel's voice rang out, her enthusiasm infectious, as the two friends walked out of the venue to get something to eat.