"Welcome back from the break everyone! We are now ready to announce the 8 applicants who will be advancing to a finals of this year's I-LAND Season Two!" cheered Chu as the other hosts all clapped eagerly.

"What are your thoughts Chungha?" the younger host asked as the camera panned to the idol.

"It was quite difficult to narrow it down to only eight applicants but I think we did a great job at picking the most suitable!" Chungha spoke.

"I think the eight we decided on are the most capable of becoming the next top global girl group as well as carry the reputation of those at BIGHIT and BELIFTLAB." added Bang Sihyuk.

"Okay so without further a due, let's announce the 8 finalists!" exclaimed Sunmi as the screen displayed the applicant profiles.

Suspenseful music echoed the facility as the laser lights beamed from one corner of the stage to the other. The applicants all held their breaths backstage.

"First up, from the I-LAND, the applicants who have made the cut are..." spoke Chu as she paused for a few seconds.

"Hwang Jiwoo, Park Haewon, Kim Misun, Park Aerum, Kim Chohee and Kim Minsung!"

The announced girls' profiles' lightened up as their screams could be heard from backstage.

The hosts giggled.

"It seems like those girls are more than excited!" commented Sunmi.

"They sure are Sunmi! Now for the two GROUNDERS who have made it to the finals..."

The suspenseful music resumed as the stage lights once again appeared.

"Jung Haeun and Park Soojin!"

***

Oh my God.

Did I hear that right?

"PARK SOOJINNNN!!! WE MADE IT INTO THE FINALS!" squealed Haeun as she attacked me with a hug. Finally realising the reality of the situation, I wrapped my arms around the girl and enjoyed the moment with her.

"Soojin! Haeun! We're so proud of you!" cried one of the GROUNDERS as they all ran up to us and engulfed us in a hug. As I was snuggled up against the girls' I soon took notice of their quiet sobs. My heart sank at the sight.

These girls worked so hard for this.

They deserved this more than me.

"Don't cry guys please you're breaking my heart." I spoke as I locked eyes with the teary eyed girls.

The GROUNDERS sobbed even harder than before as they hugged each other for comfort.

"Don't worry about us Soojin! We're just so happy for you both!" one of the girl's spoke blinking back her tears.

"You guys better make the debut group alright? Make us proud!" she cheered with hope in her eyes.

"I promise."

I intertwined my pink with hers as we soon separated from the group hug.

I won't let you guys down.

I WILL make the final seven.

I promise.

•••

"Okay I-LANDER finalists, please gather in the foyer."

I placed my duffel bag on my bed and made my way downstairs with my other friends.

"Soojinnie!!! We've missed you so much!" exclaimed Chohee as she gave me a side hug going down the stairs.

"Yeah! The room has been unusually clean without you here messing it up." teased Haewon as the other girl's laughed.

Boy I've missed these girl's so much.

I hope to God they're my future group members.

Misun on the other hand...

"Yah you guys are so slow. Hurry up we're gonna miss the announcement." hissed the cold girl sitting in her seat with her arms crossed.

We all nodded reluctantly before taking our seats.

"You have no idea how much hell that girl has been putting us through." whispered Aerum into my ear.

"She would not stop flirting with the ENHYPEN members." she complained rolling her eyes.

My mind took my back to the incident a week before as I recalled the scene of Misun's lips on Jake's. My heart shattered once again at the thought.

Why does it hurt so much?

It's not like Jake is my boyfriend or anything.

I shook my head at the unfamiliar thought as I turned my focus back onto the large screen in front of us. The screen flashed a silhouette of an single idol on a stage.

"I-LANDERS, your final test will be an individual task, where you will work alone to perform a solo performance."

The applicants all squealed and gasped as they heard the announcement.

"Solo? SOLO?"

"Oh yeah more screen time for me!"

"Noooo I don't like the sound of this."

The girls erupted into chatter as they all voiced their opinions on the final test.

What am I gonna do?

Should I sing? Rap? Dance?

My mind ran wild with how to think of an idea as I bit my lip nervously.

"You will have three days to prepare til you perform for the live show. Good luck."

On command, the girls all jumped out of their seats and left to prepare their performance.

This is gonna be a long three days.

***

After my talk with Heesung, I've been trying to build up the courage to go talk to Soojin. After the announcement of her making the final 8, I made a priority to try and visit her sometime in the I-LAND. I needed to tell her how I felt.

Please tell me I'm not too late Soojin.

I peeked inside the practice rooms looking for the girl, but instead found myself disrupting the other hardworking applicants. I decided to check upstairs to see if she was in her room. To my surprise, I was welcomed with the sweet sound of a familiar voice.

I got my driver's license last week

Just like we always talked about

Captivated, I followed the voice like a puppy as I soon reached the room at the end of the hall. I carefully peeped my head inside as I met the sight of the small girl holding a guitar.

I watched in awe as her petite fingers plucked the strings of the guitar, producing a clear yet soulful sound. Her silky hair cascaded over her shoulder as her head leaned back on the bed frame. My gaze fell on her eyes that were shut gently, emoting the heartfelt lyrics of the song.

And I know we weren't perfect, but I've never felt this way for no one

And I just can't imagine how you could be so okay now that I'm gone

Falling under a trance, I listened to her every note of the song as tears began to fill my eyes. Watching her sing with so much emotion at such a young age was so inspiring.

In a blink of an eye, she sang her last note and strummed her last chord. Resisting the urge to run up and kiss her, I composed myself before stepping into the room.

"I bet you don't even have your driver's licence." I teased as I watched the girl's head perk up in a jolt.

"Yah have you not been taught to knock?" she yelled as she sat up from her bed and placed her guitar against the wall beside her.

I laughed at her remark as I made my way over to her. My smile soon faded as I noticed the expression she had on her face.

Crap.

I forgot that I haven't seen her since the Misun incident.

I chewed my lip in awkwardness as I built up the bravery to speak up.

"Soojin, I know you probably won't take me seriously but I just want you to know that what happened with Misun was nothing intimate." I spoke as I examined her unimpressed expression.

"I was feeling bummed out about Heesung seeing you and all of a sudden Misun's lips were on mine." I rambled letting my thoughts run out of my mouth.

"Can you not explain it like that. I don't want to picture that sight." she complained as she closed her eyes and placed her hand on her forehead. Analysing her expressions and gesture it finally clicked with me.

She's jealous.

Cute.

A small smile grew on my face as I melted at how adorable the girl was. Feeling more confident, I made my way over to the bed and sat down opposite her. I peeked my head under her face to try and make her look at me, but the adorably stubborn girl kept her face hidden in her hands.

"Soojin. I promise I don't like her. If it makes you feel any better, her breath smelt like salty ramen."

To my joy, I heard a soft giggle escape from her huddle. Soon enough she let go of her face and burst into laughter.

Man she really is the cutest.

"Hey don't be mean!" she chuckled as she slapped my arm teasingly. I froze as the touch of her hand on my arm shot jolts of electricity through my veins. Giving into her touch, I grabbed her wrist and pushed her down onto the bed in one motion.

Her petite figure was between my arms and legs, as I held my face close up next to hers. Without realising it, I was soon sucked into the hypnotising pools of her eyes and began to admire her soft facial features.

The vulnerable girl had a shocked expression as she froze on the spot. My firm grip on her wrist loosened as I reached to her hair and tucked a piece of her locks behind her ear.

I don't want this moment to end.

"Soojin, I have something to tell you..."

My heart pumped viciously out of chest as I fell into a love struck trance. The innocent look on her face made me want to drop everything and kiss her.

"I think I lik-" All of a sudden I was cut off when I heard a sound from the other side of the room..

To my despair, the unwanted came true as suddenly there was a soft knock on the door. We both turned our heads and met the sight of a traumatised NIKI standing in the doorway.

"U-uh uhm Jake? Our manager called us for a schedule." the young boy spoke in an awkward manner as he played with his fingers.

Dammit NIKI

I almost confessed!

Processing what the boy had said, I quickly climbed off the girl and sat up, careful not to hurt the girl. Uncomfortable by the atmosphere in the room, I turned around to the girl and spoke.

"Sorry Soojin, we'll take later kay?" I spoke in English to keep our conversation private.

The girl nodded her head cutely as she motioned for me to leave the room. I reluctantly got up and joined my fellow group member at the door.

"Okay Jake Shim! I see you! Go get your girl!" he hooted as I pushed the boy gently and shook my head at his antiques.

Holy crap

Mum, think I might've got the girl.