Chapter 5. Sweet Celestial Voice

As Rachel and Harper stepped into the cottage-style room at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles, they were engulfed in an aura of timeless luxury. The space radiated an air of elegance, seamlessly fusing classic splendor with contemporary coziness. The room was filled with complex details that created a sense of seclusion in the midst of the vibrant city.

Their gazes immediately gravitated towards the king-size bed, standing regally against the far wall. The crisp, white linens invited them to sink into their soft embrace, promising a restful night's sleep. The headboard, carved with intricate details, added a touch of elegance and created a focal point within the room.

"It's not a twin room," Rachel asked nervously, her eyes scanning the expansive bed.

"No, they gave me this room. Why? It's a king-size bed, and you're small," Harper chuckled as she strolled around the space. Each of their steps sent a quiet echo, reminding them of the historic significance of this place. The hardwood floors created a cozy and organic atmosphere in the room, perfectly matching the surrounding decorations.

Off to the side, a fully equipped kitchen awaited, offering high-end appliances and sleek countertops. The modern amenities seamlessly blended with the room's vintage charm. Whether Rachel and Harper wanted to try out their culinary skills or simply enjoy a light meal, the kitchen had everything they needed.

Adjacent to the kitchen was a cozy dining area, bathed in soft light that filtered through the delicate curtains. The table, arranged for two, invited warm conversations or an idyllic moment of peace and quiet. Here, they could indulge in decadent meals or linger over morning cups of coffee, savoring the tranquility of their surroundings.

"Wow, they have a kitchen. We can save money on food. Let me cook," Harper replied cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"You can cook?"

"I'm great at cooking." Harper said smugly, "Oh wow, look at the terrace, Rach!"

Their initial look outside heightens the experience as they cast their gaze outside. A finely maintained courtyard surrounds the suite, its brilliant foliage providing a sense of peace. The soothing rustle of leaves and the aroma of nearby flowers tempt people to go outside and absorb themselves in nature's embrace. But the pièce de résistance is an adjacent pool, which provides a dazzling haven of leisure. Whether Rachel and Harper prefer to soak up the sun on poolside loungers or take a refreshing dive, this serene retreat allows them to unwind and escape the stresses of everyday life.

"Are you sure we can afford this room?" Rachel is asking again.

"I already paid for ten days, so don't worry. Come." Harper took Rachel's hand and held it while walking outside to see the adjacent pool. Today they will enjoy their time around the hotel and let Rachel prepare for her audition.

Tomorrow marks the start of the audition, providing Rachel with a minimum of one day to prepare for everything. The duration of K-pop auditions varies based on the company and audition method; this time, a few companies are traveling from South Korea to find talent outside the country. Typically, auditions last a few days or perhaps a week; she has already planned to go along with Rachel for ten days, and hopefully it will not go any longer than that.

They sat on the side of the pool after unpacking their bags, and Harper asked her little friend what she would do in the audition. Rachel informed her that she had already prepared three songs for the audition day, two in Korean and one in English. "Baby, baby, baby. From the day I saw you. I really, really wanted to catch your eye. Something special 'bout you; I must really like you." The calm, powerful, and familiar notes of Alicia Keys' 'You Don't Know My Name' began to fill the air, blending with the gentle splashes of water from the pool. Rachel's voice was a blend of compassion and fervor as she easily delivered the words.

Rachel's voice rippled over the courtyard, captivating Harper; her gaze never left her friend. The raw honesty and passion in Rachel's performance were palpable, and Harper felt a deep connection to the words that poured forth. When the final notes faded away, Rachel looked to Harper, her eyes shimmering with a vulnerability she rarely allowed herself to show. Harper reached out, grasping Rachel's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze, her own eyes reflecting the profound understanding that had blossomed between them.

"You're going to kill it tomorrow! It's going to be great!" Harper smiled excitedly. "I'm looking at the future of K-pop stars!"

"Ugh, you're too much!" Rachel's face blushed red, and she pushed Harper aside.

"I always love your voice, Rachel, always waiting whenever you sing a random song whenever we talk on the phone." Harper's voice softened. She looked at Rachel with pride and said, "I'm so proud of you."

"Stop it; you're going to make me cry."

"Sing another song for me! The Korean one!" Harper tries to lift Rachel's confidence. Rachel smiles and starts to take a deep breath before she sings another cute, catchy song from Jang Nara. The song titled 'Sweet Dream' was so popular in 2002.

While closing her eyes, she began to sing, her voice carrying the sweet, melodic tones of 'Sweet Dreams'. The lyrics flowed effortlessly, with Rachel pouring her heart into every word. The lyrics were heartfelt, and the melody was soothing, drawing the attention of those around the pool. They paused, captivated by the beauty of Rachel's performance and her heartfelt connection to the song. With every word, Rachel's voice reflected her determination and passion for her dreams. She poured her heart into the song, singing with a vulnerability that made her performance even more touching.

Harper stared at her with awe and adoration. "Rachel, that was truly amazing! You have such a beautiful voice; I'm your number one fan! You're going to shine at the audition tomorrow! I bet on that! That was amazing!"

Even the few people who're just passing by and the one who's already in the pool are clapping their hands for Rachel. Making her really shy and quickly standing up from the pool, she quickly bows and runs back to the room. But Rachel is very happy, and she smiled widely behind the closed door, her heart swelling with gratitude. She knew she had a long journey ahead of her, but she felt empowered and ready to take on the challenge. With Harper by her side, she felt confident and prepared to face the K-pop world and make her dreams a reality.