A Pond, A Ocean, A Sea

Grabbing the microphone, without hesitation, Soo-Ha chose ten songs at random before glancing back at the door to the karaoke room he just came in.

The door is made of glass, allowing onlookers to not only hear the sound from within but also see the performer.

It was perfectly efficient scouting area for anyone who worked at a broadcasting station.

***

[Achievement Accomplished! <Practice Makes Perfect>

Level 2 -> 3

You have obtained 1 skill point]

It was not long before Soo-Ha had completed another accomplishment.

Investing the points saved in Vocal once more, The D+ rating quickly changed into C.

The basics seemed even better this time, and when Soo-Ha song once more time to test it.

The tone colour was deeper, the volume increased and the control was better.

He once more couldn't believe the incredible growth he experienced.

While Soo-Ha was still immersed in his progress, a sudden knock on the glass door causes his focus to shift.

Facing the woman, who looks tired but whose voice is purposefully bright.

She hands him a business card, as she stretches out her hand which Soo-Ha reciprocates.

"Ryu Sujin"

"Park Soo-Ha"

"Soo-Ha," She repeats before stating her purpose, "Have you ever thought of becoming a singer?"

Reading the business card again, Soo-Ha confirms her identity once again, "Department of Entertainment Broadcasting, 'Ryu Sujin"

Answering truthfully Soo-Ha states, "I was a trainee, with MS entertainment"

"Was" She says softly as her brain begins to spin, the ideas for the editing department just seems to multiply, "I think that student Park has a real star quality."

After all, selling your story is an essential element in any survival show. Its even better when some face-slapping is involved.

Even Soo-Ha can imagine the provocative story of a former trainee, challenging his former comrades.

Each show needs an underdog, and Soo-Ha can see the writer finding her dark horse charcter.

"...Thank you." Soo-Ha answers as he pretends not to show any excitement. If he appears to eager, it may appear as if he was aiming for this situation.

The woman continues, "Mr Park, I'm going to be honest right now. You have a handsome face, although I am sure you are aware of it, your singing from what I heard, is also really good. I think you have potential to do really well if you come out on our program... Do you have time today? Would you be able to do a video test today."

"What?"

The woman was a but pushy but it was not unexpected, they say strike while the iron is hot.

"Oh yes, please contact your parents. I'm sure they would be happy if you told them that their son is going to be on a TV show."

"... I will call my mom" After a quick okay from her side, Soo-Ha pauses for a moment, before nodding in affirmation to the woman's request.

The woman's face brightens immediately.

"Oh, you made the right decision! We're right in front of the station. Follow me."

So that's how Soo-Ha achieved his first goal.

It was..... easier than expected.

***

There was nothing special about the broadcasting station Soo-Ha visited after being dragged there by the writer.

Rather it was a simple casual interview in front of the camera, whether this would be apart of the official broadcast or part of the behind the scenes promo, he didn't not know.

But one thing was certain, the role he was expected to play was clear.

The didn't ask him to dance, nor sing which should have been a formality. Rather once his visual came to the crew, almost instantly the room was in agreement.

Soo-Ha was not too concerned with their lack of procedure, he had seen favouritism play out before.

The important thing was that he got his name on the participant list.

"Sit down" Soo-Ha is instructed

Although the service is a little worrying, as no-one even offers to pour him water. Soo-Ha smiles a little as he takes a seat, facing the camera.

Suddenly, the door opens and the lady from earlier enters with an older female, whose hair was amber yellow as crashed over her shoulders.

She had saccharine sweet lips, slender eyebrows and an overall bubbly personality.

Her entire being, seems to radiate positivity, drawing one in.

"Hi, you must be Park Soo-ha" She says

"Hello... Nice to meet you." Soo-ha stands as he politely bows.

"I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Bang Geul-yi. I am the head PD of Produce."

Nodding his head, Soo-Ha waits for the women to continue.

"Sujin said you look good. I am actually quite shocked, it seems like she underplayed it" She says with an admiring chuckle. "Do you get complimented often?"

Soo-Ha plays along, "Hmm. You are right, besides handsome, I also get gentle, cute, smart, humorous and cheerful. And that was just on the way to the station today"

Amused by the teenager in front of her, "Don't you think arrogance is bad a thing, you man."

"Only if its not true."

Bang's posture changes as she crosses her hands and leans forward, taking a more offensive approach.

"What do you think is your biggest strength?"

Soo-Ha is stunned for a moment, should he answer vocal? Unfortunately, his skill was not world beating. If he says dance, he would be overestimating himself, there are trainees that he personally knows that have won world level competitions from the age of 3 years old.

After composing himself he answers, "Learning ability. My ability to learn is my best weapon. In my former company, in two years, I was able to catch up with some of the trainees who were trained since childhood. The thing I'm most sure in is my ability to grow"

"Hmm It seems that you are quite confident. Well, I guess that comes with being a former trainee, of M.S entertainment." She says before pausing waiting to see the expression on Soo-Ha's face.

"Can I ask why you left?"

"To chase my dreams"

"And what's your dream?"

"To be the most famous singer in the world?"

"And you couldn't do that at MS ?"

"No.... I will not deny that in M.S, success is almost guaranteed, but that's all there is. I don't want to walk the road laid out by someone else, I wanted too venture out of the very secure pond that I was in."

"And if you venture of out the pond, what are you looking for?"

"If you never leave the pond, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something safe, may be the reason you never get to hold onto something better"

"So Mr Park who has left the pond, and is seeking to live in the stormy ocean. I wish you the best of luck." She says with a sweet smile, which causes Soo-Ha to be momentarily infatuated before yelling

"Cut!"