wanderer

“Yeah, it’s definitely a lot… it’s good prep, I guess? Whenever the real debut thing happens, you already sort of know what to expect when you’ve got big cameras and lights on you,” Eli said. “I’m sure it’ll get easier the longer you’re doing it, but it’ll probably be more awkward first. I think most of us probably will be, honestly.”

“i think that’s why i’m most grateful for this opportunity,” hoa said earnestly. “i don’t think i’m going to win or anything-- the language barrier being the biggest reason..... but the stage experience, with the cameras and everything...it’s crucial.”

“laughing at me isn’t very encouraging!” she insisted with a huff, rolling her eyes. “you don’t see me making fun of your korean!”

“no, no. you’re right. i’m sorry. you’re trying your best,” hoa said, trying to compose herself. “the fact that you’re trying at all is really brave, and speaks to how smart you are, okay? i’m proud of you.”

“that shines through,” yihwa assured her. “and listen– for as long as this show goes, if you need any help with like…lyrics or anything, i’m here.”

“that means a lot. seriously,” hoa answered with a bright smile. “if i can help you with anything, too, i’m here. i’m a good dancer!” she offered

“i hope so. if i’m here for the second time and i lose, that’s gonna be fucking humiliating. like…. pull me out of the new higher group bad.”

“come on, that’s overdramatic,” hoa scolded him, shaking her head. “there’s less spots this time-- only two viable spots for you to get. and there’s good competition. not getting there is nothing against you.”

“i’m trying, but it’s not like vpop is big in korea! i just don’t want us to be a flop compared to the others,” she worried aloud.

“we won’t be,” hoa said firmly. “we have the built in fanbase, and v-pop will embrace us, okay? you’re putting bad energy into the universe.”

“well, all bodies are built different. there’s no wrong way to have a body. and this kind of outfit really seems to suit you,” she smiled.

“maybe new age’s stylists will take notice and fit me this way for future byulbit stuff when i finally debut,” hoa said thoughtfully with a smile. “i do like it. a lot more than i thought i would.”

“well, from what i understand, it’s warranted,” daewon answered seriously. “and i would hate to add to that turmoil. you have my word, i’ll be the best partner i can be.”

“i was mostly joking but...i know, daewon. and he’s been a lot happier since meeting you,” hoa said with a smile. “coming to korea was the best choice both of us have ever made.”

“i’ll work on it, but i’d be scared to put anything out there. i don’t want to be the bargain bin nathan,” he admitted with a little laugh. “jett’s a lot nicer than people expect. it’s worth an ask!”

“please-- i doubt anyone would think that. self-production is all the wave now, you know? maybe start learning and you’ll be able to do it in a few years?” she offered. “is she? i guess she must be. she just seems so intimidating..”

“Well, we’re definitely not Burnout but… we’re getting better! No major spills yet, so I’d say it’s going better than expected. So far, anyway. How about you?”

“no complaints here! we work well together and know the song,” hoa answered with a smile. “i think our biggest hurdle is that none of us have been on tv. i know thet in particular is overwhelmed on that front...”

“You’ve got a point there. Traveling is still pretty taxing, but at least it’s not traveling and the promotion schedule as well. At least, not as rigorous as the usual one, I guess,” Duri said. “I gotta wonder how much more out whack your sleep schedules are going to be with all that traveling, though.“

“and yet, thet is on the show too, when she could be working hard with her unit,” izumi insisted. “we’re all ready. that was what g-project was for. this is just selfish and a bad decision overall.”

“i don’t agree. and it’s not selfish; new age approved it and picked trainees to send,” hoa answered firmly, shaking her head. “i think you’re just upset you didn’t get a chance.”

“i think that is just more of a testament to you, though,” yihwa insisted. “they’re not similar languages, but you’re learning and maintaining them both really well. you’re a smart cookie.”

“well, thank you. it’s more hard work than anything i think but i’m trying really hard!”

“we’re in a great place, honestly,” minsuk answered. “all five of us are debuting together after the show, you know? it’s imminent. and we’ve been practicing together for years. not to mention it was a legacy song. i almost feel a little bad at how much it was kind of rigged in our favor.”

“yeah, that makes sense. i think all of you are real contenders!” hoa answered enthusiastically. “this is your second time on the show, too-- that’s gotta give you an edge...”

“oh, i guess that sounds pretty cute…” bian admitted. “you have to do good on this show though, hoa. vietnamese idols in korea just like…aren’t a thing. our unit has the least chance of doing well. we need you to blow up so people will give us a chance.”

“our unit is going to do fine, bian. have a little faith,” hoa assured her. there was a reason that they put this unit out last. they were building up a fanbase to support them-- hoa was sure of it. “i’m going to do well, but because i want to prove it to myself. i don’t need to prove it to anyone else.”

“i think this is one of the first times i’ve ever heard anyone say that,” ahmi giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. “it’s cute, though. and um… that surely helps the buttons not pull too.”

she giggled. “i mean, usually it’s not something i’d brag about, but it seems to have helped me out today,” she pointed out. “yeah, that’s always nice too. and shapeless outfits fit a little nicer.”

“i was honestly shocked that season three was going to be all gender inclusive and stuff, to be honest. it’s reassuring.”

“the winds of change are blowing. i’m just honored i get to witness it.”