Once Upon A Star: Chapter 6

"Hey, wake up!" Hung Man was in her jumpsuit. She was getting ready for her schedule.

"Emm? One more minute please," Shirley couldn't get out of her bed. It's been nearly a year and she debuted but she always has a problem from getting out of her bed.

Hung Man is her Human Alarm Clock.

"Okay, one last time. You better WAKE UP. I have my own schedule! And did Jungmo oppa said you have schedule today morning rite?"

"Yes, yes," Shirley was out of her blanket but not fully awaken.

Shirley finally got up and cleaned herself and got ready. She had mixed salad for her breakfast and waited for her manager to ring her phone.

The phone rings.

"Yoboseyo."

"Ne, Jungmo-sshi. I'm ready."

"Okay, come down. I'm waiting."

She didn't really know where her schedule was today so she decided to ask her manager when she get into her van.

"You told me to wear something sporty rite? Where are we going actually?"

"Guess."

"Eh? Err... Family Outing!? Ooh..."

He shook his head.

"Err... Running Man?"

"No."

"Uh?! Err... Dream Team?" She couldn't think of anything already so she merely gave up.

"Yes!"

"Uh? Wow... Dream Team?!"

He noded his head.

"It's a couple segment episode. I'm not sure how it works."

"Ooh... Wow!" She claps her hands excitedly.

"You know Shuyuan's the MC in the show."

"Oh! Wow! I met her before remember?"

"Yes. So have fun okay. We are here already."

Shirley got down and was led to a huge stadium.

"Well good luck!" Jungmo-sshi showed up his fist in the air in a "Hwaiting" way.

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"Welcome to Let's Go Dream Team!!!!" The MC, Shuyuan had started her witty act in front of the camera.

"Wohoho... so guys do you know what day is today? It's a special episode for couples!! This time couple show where a guy and a girl is coupled up with status a hoobae and a sunbae! So rookies will be paired up with their seniors!" There were a lot of screams and supporters in the stadium seated with banners, playcards.

"So... Let's not wait more! First let's welcome the gentlemen!"

One by one, all the male artist came out to face the camera. Screams were everywhere.

"Kim Hyung Joong!!" Screams

"The band of brothers Shining Shinee!!" More screams

"Solo singer Park Jung Min!!" Screams again

"Last The history will be made Dong Bang Shin Ki!!" Screams were louder.

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Shirley can hear screams from the crowd. The rookies were asked to stay inside the closed door while the sunbaes were introduced. She can hear the MC introducing everyone.

"Now let's move on to the beautiful girl rookies!!"

"Okay, okay, get ready," the staffs were making touch up on the artists' faces.

"Omo! I'm excited," Chaerin was bouncing and Ariel's face was showing uncertainty.

Shirley was excited and uncertain at the same time. All the girls were lined up and Shirley was after Ariel and Chaerin.

"Okay, girls move in a straight line towards the MC," one of the staff came in and instructed.

Then, the girls walked out of the place and towards the MC standing with the others. All the girls walked out with the elegant walk. Everyone clapped, awed and wooed. Some of the seniors were smiling and laughing.

Shirley's eyes met Hyun Jooong. And he winked at her!

Shirley's 1 second reaction was "surprise".

"Helloooo, beautiful ladies,"

"So we have here Shirley!" The MC's first target was Shirley.

"Oh, annyeonghaseyo naega Shirley imnida," She bowed 90 degrees.

"Annyeong!" The MC said. "Shirley's latest song has reached top in all the music stations in the first week, come on Shirley, dance us that sexy move of yours."

"Me? Oh, okay," Her song was played in the background and her body automatically starts to move to the groove.

Hyun Joong saw her flawless body move the flawless dance movement. She was into it.

Then she finished.

"Wow!" The MC was absorbed into her dance and everyone was satisfied. The crowd clapped.

"Next we have a duo here Ariel & Chaerin! They are friends since young and they debuted together in the music industry beside they were also casts in gag shows too!"

"Annyeong naega Ariel imnida," "Naega Chaerin imnida,"

"Wow, you gals look pretty."

"Next up we have a rookie actress, Hung Man with her orange jumpsuit! Looks like she's excited!"

She greeted and so the others.

"So now is the interesting part of all!!"

"Couple choosing time!"

"Woohoo!" Everyone clapped while the camera zoomed in to their reactions.

"The couple choosing is easy, you just have to be lucky. That is the girls will line in a row and the boys have to choose their partner they want. If the girl has more than one guy standing behind her, then we have another game."

"So, come one beauties, stand in a row." "So we start now."

The seniors started lining up behind the rookies. Shirley was nervous but also excited.

"Wahhh... this cannot be!" The MC exclaimed.

Shirley and the other girls had their eyes closed.

"Okay, we are done, now I want everyone to face your back girls, turn now and look at your luck!"

Ariel turned ans she saw Onew face to face, Changmin behind Onew and Taemin. Onew bowed to her and she did to all of them who chose her.

Chaerin has Park Jung Min and Minho.

Hung Man had Key behind her.

Jin Jin, a rookie from a girl group had Jonghyun from Shinee behind her.

Rin, a soloist, newly debuted artist had Yunho behind her.

Shirley had Kim Hyun Joong.

There were 4 other girls who didn't get anyone. Minah, Hye Sun, Minnie and Bom.

"Oh my, look who had the most guys standing for her! Ariel, Ya...!"

Everyone laughed and Ariel blushed.

"Chaerin has two."

"So the game is between two of this best friends then!"

Shirley was surprised to have Kim Hyun Joong but happy too. She was expecting at least him as her partner.

"Annyeong." She told him while the MC was talking about the others.

"Annyeong, nice move just now." He told her without looking at her.

"Oh, gomawo!"

Hyun Joong only had Shirley in his mind. He was happy that he don't need to compete with the others to get her.

"So, chop, chop. The rules are easy!" And it's all by luck! You must have the same answer as the other one."

"Let's start from Ariel then!"

"Ariel-sshi, what is your favorite food?"

"I like bibimbap." Ariel answered.

The guys that chose Ariel were in a sound prove glass cupboard.

"Okay..." The MC said slowly in a low voice.

"Now boys come out please!!"

"Ariel, she has a favorite food here. What do you think it is?"

"Onew-sshi, you first."

"Err... bibim... oh, ani, ani, er... deokbokki?!"

"Changmin-shi."

"Bibimbap."

"Taemin-sshi."

"Jajangmyeon?"

"Okay, the answer is Changmin-shi you are correct, bibimbap!"

"Next, Chaerin, you are next."

"What's your favorite number?"

"10." She answered.

The two guys came out and...

"10" Minho answered.

"1" Jung Min answered.

"A very close one, both of you! Park Jung Min! You are wrong, unfortunately you miss a zero at the end."

Minho sighed in surprise that he was partnered with Chaerin who had caught his eyes ever since the Star Ent. Party.

"Erg-emm, are you ready?" Hyun Joong who was standing very quiet next to Shirley asked her suddenly.

"Uh? Ye... ne! Hwaiting!" She smiled and Hyun Joong smiled too.

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The game started with the first couple.

Key and Hung Man.

Shirley cheered for her roommate loud enough.

"Go, go! Omo!" She was bouncing looking at Hung Man in the game.

While Hyun Joong was watching every reaction she made, thinking she was being herself.

Little did Shirley knows that he was watching her and not the game.

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It's Shirley's and Hyun Joong's turn right now. The leading couple for a split second difference with another was Chaerin and Minho, the sport Aces! 1 minute 31 seconds and 1 minute and 33 seconds Ariel and Changmin.

Ariel was clumsy enough to make Changmin struggle with her silly cute clumsiness.

"Well, are you ready?" This time, Shirley asked Hyun Joong.

He just nodded.

The game was easily from sitting and watching point of view.

"Hana, dul, set!" The MC said.

First task to run over a few floating balls and jump over the water to land on the ground.

Both of them landed with the help from of Hyun Joong holding her tight enough that she couldn't loose his grip at all!

"Palli, palli," Shirley assured Hyun Joong.

The next task,

Hyun Joong without even thinking, carried Shirley who was running in front of him bridal style and crossed the 50m hard mud bank.

Hyun Joong's pants was soaked with mud.

"Oh, kamsahamnida."

And they started running.

Next task,

They have to burst 10 balloons together chest to chest.

Hyun Joong took one balloon at a time and pressed it against Shirley's chest.

It was a little awkward. Hyun Joong was wondering what was Shirley thinking because he couldn't read her expression.

The 10th balloon done. Their chest hit each other when the balloon burst. Shirley can feel every part of her body beating like her heartbeat.

They held their hands together again.

The next task,

Pass 20 ping pong size balls (actually bigger than that) mouth to mouth and put it in a separate box 20 meters away. Shirley took the ball first so Hyun Joong had to take it from her mouth.

Their lips touched, brushed while passing some of the balls.

Hyun Joong had to hold Shirley's face to take it from her and the crowd went haywire, screaming.

20 balls done.

Shirley was a little surprised by the brushing carrying and touching and she felt butterflies in her stomach.

The next and last one...

They have to finish one ice-cream (with the cone) together.

They unwrapped the ice-cream and Hyun Joong took a big bite from the ice-cream.

"Wow, that was fast! 1 minute 25 seconds, 5 more see, palli, palli!" The MC was talking at the background.

"Go on, you have some," he shoved it into her mouth.

"Is this indirect kissing?" Shirley thought. "Aish! It's a competition, no tiem ot think of this."

She had the other half. Done. Now they had to cross the finish line."

"1 minute 27 seconds!"

"1 minute 28 seconds!"

A few more steps. One. Two.

"1 minute 29 seonds!"

"We have a record!!!!" The MC screamed.

The other competitors clapped and cheered.

"Wow... that was awesome." Minho told Chaerin who is now in the second place.

"We did it!" Shirley jumped up and down smiling.

"Yes, and thanks to you!"

"Thanks to you too!"

Hyun Joong hugged her and merely kissed her but retrieved from his stupid reaction.

"What was that?" Hyun Joong scolded himself.

Shirley realized it but just chuckled it out to remove the awkwardness.

Once Upon A Star: Chapter 5

In a blink, Shirley had been in Star Entertainment for a year. Training was going smoothly for her and she had become best friends with Hung Man.

"Okay, class. Thank you everyone!" Ginny said as the class ended.

"Shirley! Could you stay here for awhile?" Ginny called her as she packed her bag.

"Yes?" Shirley approached her, wondering what was going on.

"We have a meeting in five minutes. Go tidy yourself a bit." Ginny said and shoved her into the toilet.

After that, Ginny led Shirley to the 5th floor and to a door with a sign written "Meeting Room 7".

They went in and Shirley saw around 12 people in the room, gathered together and discussing.

"Sorry we're late. Shall we proceed?" Ginny said and showed Shirley to a seat.

"Do you know why you are here, Shirley?" Someone from the group asked.

"I really have no idea... am... am I in trouble?" Shirley trembled.

"You're not in trouble. You're not going to be training anymore. You're going to shine. You're going to debut." The voice turned out to be CEO Min Thing's.

Shirley was too shocked to say anything.

"...really? Thank... thank you." She could only stutter.

"Well, I'll introduce to you our team of specialists. The one there is Kira, she'll be helping you with the recordings. Did I mention that she's the one writing your songs? And next to her is choreographer, Jayme. You already know Ginny, she'll be going through with your overall performance and album cover design. We're missing someone, rite?"

"She had another meeting. She'll be arriving soon." Ginny said while checking her phone.

"Knock knock!" The door opened to reveal Hung Man. She bowed and apologized. "Mianhe, Min Thing-shi."

"No worries! Come join us." CEO Min Thing said and Hung Man went to an empty seat.

"Well, Shirley, Hung Man here is a part time composer. She's doing your songs along with Kira." Min Thing explained as Shirley felt so excited that her best friend is here.

"I forgot to tell you too. I'll be your manager, for the time being. It happens that Jungmo is involved in a project overseas. He'll be back in a few days time." CEO Min Thing was beaming.

"Well, Shirley, your schedule is going to start tomorrow." Kira said and passed Shirley her schedule.

"Meet me at Studio 3 tomorrow morning. Sleep early and make sure your voice is at it's best for tomorrow." Kira handed Shirley a few sheets of paper and the brief meeting ended.

When Shirley came out of the Meeting room. All she could think was is she still in a big crazy dream.

She started walking towards her dorm but still haven't digest the fact that she is debuting soon.

"Omo! Omo! Am I really...?" All her hard work had been paid of and she started to tear up in the middle of her walk.

She sniffed herself and still tears flowing out.

"Hey! Chukhahaeyo, dear!" Hung Man came and hug her.

"Thank you," and both of them shared a long hug.

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Shirley's debut was a success. Her album had been dominating the music charts. She received praises from the professionals, saying that she is the new generation of artist. She also had an official fan club within a week of her debut.

6 June 2011 was Star Entertainment's 10th Anniversary Function.

Shirley was getting ready in her room. She was wearing a silver cocktail dress. It was pretty and elegant.

"Omo! You're so gorgeous!" Chaerin and Ariel gasped at the doorway. Chaerin was in a soft yellow dress while Ariel was in a sea green one.

Shirley thanked them for the compliment.

"You gals really don't mind barging into other people's room, huh?" Hung Man came out in a purple dress, tying her hair.

"Whoa... Stunning..." The three girls sighed at her beauty.

"Come on, we're going to be late. Are you done with your makeup?" Hung Man asked Shirley.

Shirley put on a little lipstick and the four left the dorms.

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At the air-conditioned hall... ...

"So many people!!" Chaerin exclaimed. There were about maybe... a thousand people? CEOs from different companies, directors, tycoons, artists...

"There's Jungmo-sshi." Ariel pointed to a tall guy a few feet away from them.

"Good evening girls. I was talking to Shuyuan. Come, I'll introduce you to her." Jungmo said and led Shirley to meet Shuyuan as Chaerin and Ariel spotted Shinee members while Hung Man was not in sight anymore.

At Chaerin's side...

"Omo! Chaerin look whose here too?!" Ariel hit Chaerin's arm with hers.

Chaeri's eyes went wide when Minho's eyes meets hers and he gave a neck bow to her.

"Ooo.." Ariel made a 'ooo' sound to tease Chaerin.

"Aish! Come on, let's go find Hung Man," Chaerin pulled her away while looking eyeing Minho from the side.

At Shirley's side...

"Shirley, let me introduce to you, Shuyuan."

"Hello. Nice to meet you. I'm Shirley." Shirley made her introduction.

"Nice to meet you too. I'm Shuyuan. I'm an emcee. I've seen your performance from yesterday. And I must say, you are an amazing singer! I hope I have a chance to work with you." Shuyuan's praise made Shirley blushed.

The three had a long conversation. After awhile, Shirley excused herself and went to get a drink.

"Good evening everyone..." It was Min Thing on stage. She gave a short speech about the company's history, it's latest projects, expanding to other countries, it's future...

"...you enjoy yourselves tonight. Thank you." With that, the speech ended.

"Everyone, get a partner! On the dance floor now~" Someone called out as the music started.

"Hi, do you mind dancing with me," Someone called Chaerin when she was sitting with Ariel. When she turn around to see it was Minho. She blush but agreed and stood up.

"Er...hi, wanna dance?" Taemin tapped Ariel's shoulder lightly but gave her goosebumps.

"Oh, sure," And she made her way.

Shirley stood there, looking at the people, going to the dance floor with their partners. Min Thing was with her boyfriend. Shuyuan was dancing with Nickhun from 2PM. Kira was with Yonghwa from CNBLUE. Ginny was dancing with Key, one of Shinee's members. Chaerin was with Ariel. Hung Man was sitting at a corner, talking to someone. Shirley found Hyunjoong in the crowd, dancing with Iries, the actress he was filming with since a few months ago.

Out of nowhere, someone tapped Shirley's shoulder.

"Would you like to have a dance with me?" He was dressed in a dark blue suit.

Shirley nodded and let the guy lead.

"I'm Jonghyun." The guy introduced himself.

"I'm Shirley. Nice to meet you Jonghyun." They chatted a little.

After a twirl, the dancers changed partners. Chaerin was now with Minho, Ginny was with Nckhun, Ariel was with Taemin, Iries was with Jungmo. Unexpectedly, Hung Man was also in the dance floor.

A mysterious hand gently led Shirley and she followed. As they continued with the flow of the music, Shirley looked up... to see Hyunjoong looking into her eyes.

"Hello... We meet again." Hyunjoong smiled warmly, making Shirley blushed.

"Hmm?" Shirley couldn't utter a word.

He chuckled, "Last time at the studio..."

"O... o..." Shirley wondered... he remembered?... and forgot to dance. She accidentally stepped on Hyunjoong.

"I'm so sorry! I'm sorry... Are you okay?" Shirley got nervous.

"Never mind. I'm okay. Shall we continue?" Hyunjoong still had that smile on him.

Shirley nodded and they danced till the music ended.

As Shirley was drinking her glass of orange juice, Hyunjoong was beside her.

"You wanna get out of here?" Hyunjoong suddenly asked.

"Eh? Out of here?" Shirley asked.

"Yes. I kinda miss the food outside the company.... Would you like to join me?... I mean it's okay if you want to stay here..."

"Okay. I'll go with you." Shirley accepted his invitation.

They left the hall to change into casual clothes and then they met at the front of the company.

They decided to walk there since there will be lots of traffic at the night market. There were so many stalls on both sides of the long road. There were food, toys, clothes, shoes, lighting decorations, fortune tellers, candies...

"Let's try that one!" Hyunjoong pointed to a stall selling bibimbap.

"Okay!" The two rant towards the stall, holding each other's hand. They were not afraid of people recognizing as they were wearing beanie or scarf to disguise themselves. Besides, it's the night market, people are concentrating on what's on sale.

"Here, have this," Hyunjoong bought a Korean market dishes. He took it in his hands and showed in front of her mouth.

For a moment she just stared at him and then she took the bite.

She felt a little awkward but he was doing fine.

"Thank you. It's so tasty!" Shirley exclaimed as Hyunjoong fed her another small piece.

They slowly walked through the night market, buying a little Korean cuisines on the way. As they approached a shop selling accessories, Hyunjoong bought a necklace for Shirley. It has a star on it, sparkling and dazzling.

"Oh, whom is that for?" She asked. She was admiring the beautiful necklace in his hand.

"For you,"

"Eh? Me?" She laughed.

"Here," He gave it to her.

She took it and slowly realizing what he was doing and said, "Tha-thanks..."

He smiled and held her hands to walk.

"Kim Hyunjoong oppa?" A few teenage girls asked.

"Huh? People say I really look like him too. But I'm not him..."

"I told you, it couldn't be him..." The girls talked to each other.

"Honey! Come here and see if you like this dress." The girls' mother called and they left the couple.

"That was close." Hyunjoong said as they were a few stalls away now.

Suddenly, Shirley's phone rang and she answered it.

"Shirley, where are you? Well, never mind about that... At least you're safe. I called to inform you that you have a show tomorrow... be ready at 7.00 am... Sleep early, okay?" It was Jungmo.

"Okay. Yes, sir... Goodnight!" Shirley said and ended the call.

"Who was it?" Hyunjoong asked.

"Jungmo-sshi, my manager. He said I have a show tomorrow." Shirley said.

Hyunjoong looked at his watch, it was already 11.00 pm.

"Turns out I also have a show tomorrow. I guess we need to get back huh?" He said, pouting a little.

"I guess." The two agreed and they walked back to the company.

At the car park... ...

"Goodnight, Shirley." Hyunjoong said as they separated their ways to their dorms.

"Goodnight, Hyunjoong." Shirley whispered.

In her room, Shirley slept in her bed with a smile on her face.

She was dreaming about Hyunjoong...

Hyunjoong was dreaming about her too...

Once Upon A Star 4

"Woah...what a tiring day...," Shirley was sulking to herself

"Hey, Shirley! Me and Ariel have something else to do. So we are leaving you,ok?"

"Okay, okay! Bye..." Shirley waved at them at the corner of their practice room after coming out of it.

"Now....let's go have some rest! My room...here I come," She sling her bag over her and walk.

Shirley passed by an open studio.

She merely took a glance and she stopped there staring.

It's Kim Hyung Joong!

"Omo! Is that....I've got to see this..." she was hyped up.

"I'm sorry, Jane....I'm sorry...I love you..and you will always be in my," Kim Hyung Joong took his fist and place it on his heart,"heart," and he started crying.

For a mere second Shirley thought he really was crying!

"CUT!"

And he started smiling back.

"Wahh...that's so sweet!!" Shirley made a low jump and admire his acting skill.

Then the crew started packing and they started walking toward her.

Oh-oh! Did they saw me?! Shirley thought. Her stomach feels like she had butterfly.

Then she saw the door she was standing at.

'Exit'

Exit Door!

Then they must go through here.

She saw all of them left one by one.

Kim Hyung Joong was still talking to someone....his T-shirt printed, 'Director'

Ok, he is talking to the director.

They both were walking towards where she was standing.

When Kim Hyung Joong came closer and closer...Shirley froze.

She just stood there staring at his angelic face.

When the director left also.

He turn and looked at her.

"Anyeong haseyo," he bowed a little.

OH! "An...anyeongHaseyo!" she bowed to him.

He smiled and went away.

Still eyes wide, she couldn't believe what just happened.

She walked back to her dorm day dreaming.

"Where's my key?" "Oh, here you are," she open her dorm room and it was dark.

"Where is Hung Man?"

She went in and on the lights.

"Hello??"

No one reply.

She went to the door of Hung Man's room and she saw a sign written 'Do Not Disturb'

"O.o when was this on her door?"

"Er...should I knock? I'm hungry,"

She saw the sign again and thought maybe not.

She went to the kitchen and saw food on the table.

And a letter.

I'm sorry, I have no time to talk to give you a good service as your roommate, I'm busy but I bought you food. So, bye.

HM

Wow, that so sweet of her Shirley thought and slip the letter in her pocket.

She stuff the food in her mouth in hunger.

"Korean food is delicious!"

After having her full dinner she went back to sleep.

Once Upon A Star: Chapter 3

"Hey, sleepy head... wake up, sweet dreaming girl..." Shirley heard a sweet voice in her dreams.

"Please let me sleep a little more..." She mumbled.

"Wake up!" A thunderous voice echoed in her ears. A hand grabbed her blanket and pulled Shirley off her bed.

"Ouch! Why do you have to do that?" Shirley said while rubbing her head. She thought it was her younger brother. Then, she suddenly remembered where she was.

She looked up.

"Training starts in an hour! Get ready now. I'll meet you in Training Room 15 at the 10th floor." Ginny, the trainer was there for a second and she disappeared to the other room for the next wake up call.

"Ahhh.." Shirley stretched her body and found out that Hung Man was not in the room. She went out to the common room to search for her.

"What are you doing?" Shirley saw Hung Man sitting at a table, eating cereal.

"Hmm? Me? ...I'm looking for you. Why didn't you wake me up?" Shirley asked.

"I forgot... And your pajamas is embarrassing." Hung Man said coldly and went back to eating her cereal.

"Aish..." Shirley looked at her own pajamas. It had Spongebob Squarepants all over it. Slapping her forehead, she went back to her room and closed the door.

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After getting ready, Shirley took the map she was given and left the dorm. There was half an hour till the class starts.

She went to another building where the training rooms were. She followed the map but she still couldn't find the room.

"It's at the 10th floor rite? Why isn't room 15 here!!!"

There was still 10 minutes left! She studied the map intensely...

"O dear... I've been reading it upside down!!!" She turned the map to the right way and rushed to the training room 15.

She took a big breath, trying to calm herself down from the running.

She sneaked into the training room, hoping that Ginny wouldn't caught her.

She put her bag at the corner with the others and blended into the group of trainees.

"Miss Shirley! You are 3 minutes late." Ginny spotted her and told her to come to the front.

There were whispers from the trainees as Shirley motioned to the front of the room.

"Well, class. Let me introduce you our new addition to the family. Introduce yourself please." Ginny said.

"Annyeonghaseyo (Hello) I'm Shirley and I'm 20 years old." Shirley made a brief introduction.

"Okay, Shirley, today we'll be doing one of miss A's dance choreography. Have you ever heard Goodbye Baby?" Ginny's tone was strict yet gentle in a way.

Shirley said she only heard it once or twice, not really remembering the song.

"We're going to start slow. Now... one two three... one two three four five... turn..." Ginny recited and moved with every count. Soon, the class, including Shirley followed Ginny, besides trying to remember the steps to every count.

Ginny repeated the dance a few times, followed by the trainees. There were a lot of counting around the room and a few trainees were out of breath and couldn't keep up.

After two hours, Ginny let everyone rest for 10 minutes. Everyone was breathing hard, expanding their lung capacity. The trainees were all sweaty too.

"Chaerin, put on the radio please." Ginny said and Chaerin went to on the radio. Everyone went to their positions to stand by.

The music started and everyone tried to dance following the beat. Ginny was still at the front so that the trainees can follow. It was a lot faster than without the music and only Hung Man was doing nicely keeping up with the song. Shirley was hanging on just by a thread, being one beat slower while the others were already out of beat.

"10 minutes!" Ginny said and everyone dispersed to take a break.

After that, Ginny told the trainees to do the choreography again. This time, she didn't dance but stood at the corner, observing the class. She wanted to see how the trainees were doing.

"...Hung Man doing well.. just need a little more power in her dance moves..."

"...Chaerin... still needs a little more practice..."

"...Ariel... slacking... need to pressure her a bit..."

"...Min Thing... doing fine... wait... Min Thing? Director, may I know why are you doing here?" Ginny was surprised to see the CEO dancing with the trainees.

"I want to exercise a bit. Besides, I like your classes." Min Thing said while dancing intensely.

"Okay... " Ginny went to the other corner to see the other trainees.

"...Shirley... this girl has got pure talent... needs just a few months to debut as an artist..."

Ginny smiled while looking at Shirley. She remembered Taemin who is now an artist, he was a dancing machine and when he was training under her, Ginny was always impressed for every choreography he did.

Three hours passed by as Ginny helped the trainees in their dance moves.

After lunch break, Ginny gave a lecture about how every dance move was created and how to present them without tiring the body. She covered every detail. She also talked about the beat and tempo of the song, the lyrics and how to convey the emotion of the song into the dance.

"Thank you class. I'll see you tomorrow." Ginny bowed and the trainees bowed back, thanking her. Everyone left the training room, tired out.

Shirley walked slowly as her limbs were aching. She never had this kind of training and it was unbelievably tough.

Unknowingly, she was lost in the building and took 45 minutes just to get back to the dorms when the other trainees took only 10 minutes.

"Uhh..." Shirley lay on the floor immediately after reaching her room. She had seen Hung Man in the common room, eating her dinner and watching TV.

"I need to take a warm bath..." Shirley dragged herself to the bathroom and took a long, warm, relaxing bath.

She wore her clothes and lay on the bed, not wanting to wake up. Yet, her stomach was growling.

"Knock Knock!" Shirley heard a voice from outside. Lazily, she went to open the door.

There were two girls.

"Hey, you want to go out for dinner?" She recognize the girls from the first day she was in Korea.

"Sorry. We forgot to introduce ourselves properly." The two girls said in unison.

"I'm Chaerin and she's Ariel. So... you wanna to join us for dinner?" Chaerin smiled warmly.

"Please say yes?" Ariel continued.

"Hmm... Okay. Just wait for me awhile." Shirley took her key and purse.

On the way out, Chaerin asked Hung Man but she rejected the offer. Chaerin had a car and the three hopped into it.

"What do you like to eat?" Ariel asked while Chaerin started the engine.

"Anything." Shirley replied with a smile.

"Well, steamboat then!" Chaerin cheered and stepped on the accelerator.

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The three girls ate heartily and talked.

"May I know why Hung Man is so quiet?" Shirley asked as she was curious why Hung Man barely talked.

"To tell you the truth, she's a really cold person." Ariel took a sip of green tea and continued, "But she's really a nice girl. Just that she doesn't warm up with people so easily like our Chaerin here."

"She's been quieter when her roommate left a few months ago. Hui.J and X.Wei were her roommates but they left the company to complete their studies overseas. They'll only be back in Korea after a few years." Chaerin explained.

Shirley got to know more about Hung Man. She also decided to be friendlier to her so that they can become buddies. She also got to know about Chaerin and Ariel. They were a duo and trying their best so that they can be in the comedy industry. Because they wanted to be versatile in the entertainment industry, they ended up joining dancing, singing and literature classes.

"You know, Ginny really likes you." Chaerin said while reaching for a lettuce leaf.

"You mean the trainer? I don't think so. I was late for her class." Shirley sighed and took a piece of fish ball.

"I saw her smiling when you were dancing!" Ariel suddenly shouted.

"Calm down!" Chaerin hit her arm. The three laughed as people were looking at them with weird faces.

They ate for more than 2 hours and went back to the dorms.

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It was all quiet and dark in the common room as everyone was outside exploring the night market nearby or already asleep.

"Goodnight!" Chaerin whispered.

"Remember to set your alarm!" Ariel added and they went to their room.

Shirley made an "okay" sign and quietly went into her room.

Tucked in her bed, Shirley cheered to herself, "Hwaiting!"

Once Upon A Star: Chapter 2

When the taxi stop at a big building named Star Entertainment, she knows that, it is her destination.

She paid the taxi driver and got down the taxi with a luggage.

Shirley took a long stare a the building and a lot of things ran in her mind.

She took a deep breathe and started walking towards the entrance.

"Miss, eodiganuengeoya algo issuebnida?(May I know where are you going?)" she heard someone call after her.

She look at the side and saw a guy with uniform on him and was looking at her.

"Uh?" she looked at him. He must be the security guard.

"Where you going?" he speak a little English so she could understand.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Can I go in? I need to see the CEO," She told the security.

"CEO? No, no," He shook his head.

"Yes, yes," she nod her head.

"No, miss, no,"

"Waeyo? I come to train,"

"Train? Take train over there," He thought she was in a wrong place to take a train.

"Aniyo! Me see CEO," She ignored his denial of her going in and went it.

But the security guard got mad and thought she was a crazy fangirl wanted to meet the her idol and lied to him that she wanted to meet the CEO.

"Sir, sir, I'm serious!" The security bring her out together with her bags out of the entrance and shut the entrance gate.

Pathetically, she was confused and sat at the entrance roadside. thinking of a proof.

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"Unni, today's training was awesome right!" Chaerin was telling her friend Ariel about today's training.

"Ya, but very tiring. I think I'm going to sleep straight away when we reach our dorm,"

"Uh?! Unni, but you promise to teach me the dance moves!" Chaerin pouted.

"Me?! No, not today then,"

"What?! Aww..." Hem munched a waffle which was in her hand.

"Here's your key card," Ariel took out two ID card written Trainee,their name and dormitory number from her handbag.

"Hey, who is this girl sitting at the entrance like a..." Ariel was thinking the same as Chaerin so they just stare at each other and ignored her.

"Here you go sir," both of them showed the security guard the card and they were allowed to go in.

Shirley who was looking at the girls who just walk pass by her struck my a light bulb when she saw the card they took.

"Emm...why is it so familiar.....??" She was thinking.
"Oh! the card! The letter!" she remembered the offer letter she got from Star Entertainment and she rummage her luggage immediately.

"Where is that thing?!"

"Oh! Found it!" she quickly ran towards the entrance without packing up her bag again.

"Sir, sir! Here, here, look," she showed him the letter.

After reading, the security said,"Ok, joesong hamnida(sorry)" The security then ask her to follow him.

"Wait, wait, my bag," she was running to her bag and she saw a guy taking something from her bag.

"Hey! What the...hey! That's mine!!!!" she shouted after him but it was too late the guy ran away.

The security saw him and tried to catch him but he couldn't too.

Shirley realize he took her wallet with some Ringgit Malaysia her parents gave.

"Arrgghh!!!! It's my money!" She was down.

I'm sorry. Come follow me," The security lead her with his broken English.

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"Hello, Miss Shirley, right?" A pretty woman shook her hand.

Shirley thought she was a friendly CEO. Her name was Park Min Thing.

"Yes, yes Ma'am,"

"Miss Shirley your ID will be ready in a few days time and you will be staying at our company dorm with another trainee,"

"Oh..." she nod her head.

"Wait a minute okay," The CEO called someone using the land phone on the table.

"Hello dear, could you please come over to my office for a while?"

She kept down the phone smiling at Shirley.

"You are going to meet someone,"

Knock, knock.

"Oh, here she is. Come on in,"

Shirley turn to look around and a girl with black short hair, eyes two big with spectacles came in wearing a hoodie jacket and a baggie pants.

"Anyeong," She bowed.

Shirley in response bowed to her too.

"Shirley this is Choi Hung Man, and Hung Man this is your new friend and also your roommate Shirley,"

"Hello," Shirley shot a smile and Hung Man shot a smile too.

"Hung Man would you do me a favour by showing around our newbie this place please,"

"Yes Ma'am," Hung Man said lazily.

On the first thought Shirley thought she was going to be a hard-to-be-friend maybe she will get to know her well soon.

"Shirley you can put your back at your dorm first and follow Hung Man,"

"Yes, Ma'am,"

The CEO smiled and both of them went out of the office.

"Hey so you are a trainee too?! You speak English?!"

Hung Man nod.

"Oh, thank God I had someone who can speak fluent English!"

Hung Man didn't talk all the way to their dorm. Shirley wasn't used to it but she did manage to pull out the awkward situation.

"Here," She opened the door to the dorm," and here's your key,"

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"Oh! So this is the training hall?!"

Hung Man nod.

"Wow! It's super big!" Shirley was amazed at the size of the hall for rehearsals for artist.

"And what is this?"

"Training classes,"

"Oh...so we will be studying here?"

She nod her head again.

"Great,"

"That building are for our company's artist and this our building. They separated it to avoid stalkers,"

"It's such a big place here..."

"We are done. I'm tired. I'm going back now," Hung Man told her and left Shirley behind trailing her.

What is with this girl? Shirley thought. Is she antisocial. She never talks to me well except for showing the places.

"Hey, wanna grab dinner out? You can show me some great Korean food!"

"No!" And Shirley kept quiet too.

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After making her own dinner. Shirley was super tired and was awaiting for the next day to arrive so she went back to sleep.

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