Audition (5)

While waiting for her turn, Aerine was calming her emotions and thinking of the lyrics in her mind. She didn't want to mess up because she suddenly forgot the lyrics in the middle. 

Although she already memorized it by heart, she was someone who always wanted to do well, to the point of being overcautious sometimes. She couldn't help it; this audition was too important for her. 

This was a way to show her competence to Mr. Devil and not be abandoned. Aerine was aware that she needed him to survive. 

Suddenly, she was woken out of her thoughts when there was a sudden commotion outside. Aerine looked at Mils with a confused gaze, her eyes filled with questions.

What was the reason for such a commotion? 

"I think it's someone famous?" Mils guessed. This audition was open to all, and Voice Arena was also a significant show from one of the biggest stations at the moment, so having attracted some established artists in the industry was normal. 

Some of the confirmed contestants were also rumored to have huge fan bases.

They didn't need to guess anymore as, in an imposing manner, a woman in a stunning dress, following her was a bunch of staff, as she strode confidently to the audition room. 

Everyone gazed at her as she passed, and she appeared pleased by it. Aerine was the same, and she also observed the woman. Although she couldn't recognize her, her status was obvious from the commotion alone. 

"It's Raine!" 

"Omg! It's really her?" 

"Tsk. What's the use of this audition if they already have someone in mind?" 

"Just look at how she presented herself; she already knew she'd be accepted." 

The whispers had become louder; some were shocked with hinted admiration, but some were annoyed and thought that going to the audition this time was a waste of time.

Aerine also began to get nervous. She was confident in her voice, but... Some humans were also gifted singers. She was having these thoughts when she heard an annoyed click of tongue beside her. Aerine turned to the side and looked at Mils. 

She did look annoyed. 

"That Raine is a rookie, but her debut song is quite a hit, so she has a fanbase of her own." Mils then lightened her tone and looked at Aerine, whispering. "How good will it be to see her defeated look when you win instead of her?" 

Mils giggled, her eyes shining with mischief. 

"I really don't like those people who get over their heads." 

Aerine was startled, but she held back a smile. For the past few days that they were together, she had begun to know Mils' personality, and she was also vocal about her opinions, which made her an open book. 

Still, she was also carefree and even borderline mischievous. Perhaps it was also her innate nature as a succubus? 

"It's okay... I'll do my best," Aerine muttered. 

Whether it was a huge competition or even if her chance was as low as 1%, Aerine would strive to give everything she had and win. 

Soon, a commotion was yet again garnered inside as the sound of applause was heard. Everyone got curious, and it was Raine who exited the audition room. 

She had a bright smile on her face; if no one knew better, they might think she already won the audition and they needed to get the hell out of there. Of course, from some perspective, this was a possibility. 

If only... There wasn't a variable; she would win for sure. After all, in the recent generation of singers, no one could deny that Raine's voice was really good, and she could back up her increasing arrogance. 

But now, a cheat had suddenly come out of nowhere, it would be interesting to see how things would turn out. 

It didn't take long, and Aerine was called. The atmosphere in the lounge was quite grim as people began to lose hope for this audition. After all, Raine was indeed someone who hung over their heads, and she was also there like everyone else waiting for the result. 

The only difference was that she was quite relaxed, and her demeanor contrasted greatly with that of other applicants. 

Taking a deep breath, Aerine and Mils walked to the audition room. She didn't notice, though, that when she passed by Raine, the woman was a bit taken aback to see her. 

Raine's brow creased immediately, but she soon relaxed after Aerine entered the room as she mumbled, "It's fine. This is a singing competition audition, not for models." 

She completely disregarded the possibility that Aerine's voice was also as good as her appearance.

When she was already inside, Aerine's hand had already gone cold, and she was sweating even with the cold temperature inside. Taking a deep breath again, she walked to the center of the room while being scrutinized by the judges inside. 

Truthfully, Aerine felt discomfort from their gazes, and she was not accustomed to stares directed at her. She still looked calm on the surface, though, which was a huge accomplishment for her days of training, keeping her expressions in check. 

"Introduction," someone from the side said. 

Everyone was looking at her at this point and watching her; she couldn't even look at her expressions because she was too nervous. 

"Hello, my name is Aerine Lee. I'm from the Free Entertainment Agency." This was a simple introduction; after all, there was also a document of her identity on their hands, so she didn't need to elaborate more. 

And this wasn't an employment interview, even if it was technically the same for her. 

They nodded at her and then stared at her. Aerine swallowed, waiting for the go signal for her to sing. However, someone from the judge, a man who looked to be in his forties, chuckled, sounding as if a mockery. 

"Miss Aerine, are you sure you didn't come here by mistake?" He asked, laughing. 

"What do you mean?" A woman by her side asked, but she seemed to be going in concert with him. 

"I'm just confirming it; who knows if Miss Aerine Lee came here thinking it's a modeling brand audition?" He laughed carefreely and seemed to not be thinking if his words might offend others. 

The woman beside her smiled, but she didn't laugh, yet she nodded. The others at the side only awkwardly cleared their throats. After all, this man was actually one of the producers of the show, so they couldn't refute him, even if he was being too much.

Aerine only stared at them; although she was offended by his words, she didn't want to let them go into her head. Her goal was still the same, and she didn't care if she was mocked or underestimated.

Her skills would speak for themselves. However, of course, Aerine not saying anything didn't mean no one would speak for her. What the man had said was not only insulting Aerine, but it also greatly offended Mils, who was standing at the side. 

Mils' brows were already knit together; if not for everyone being important for the show, she had already made her move. She was still rational and didn't do so, as this was very important for Aerine. 

"Yes, this is a singing audition; then can we start and let my artist sing?" Mils smiled, but her eyes were poisonous enough to make the man uncomfortable. She stared at the man, so intently.

With a displeased demeanor, he signaled.

"You can sing now." Someone from the judges kindly let Aerine start. 

Aerine thanked Mils in her heart and got ready to sing. While she did so, her eyes suddenly widened. Aerine had suddenly caught a distinct scent. 

She could never mistake it; after all, he was also her contractor, and their connection was also deep because of the devil's contract. 

Mr. Devil is here! 

When Aerine was about to roam her eyes in the room and look for Mr. Devil, she was reminded again to start. 

Ah, yes, the audition. 

Aerine was distracted for a moment, but suddenly she felt at ease. She was still nervous, but thinking her savior was there and watching her made Aerine want to do her best even more. 

She wanted to show him what she was best at. 

So, all of a sudden, Aerine sang not for the judges of the audition but for someone who was watching her. 

Aerine opened her mouth and began to sing. It was a song that was soulful, and some even thought that it was a difficult song because someone had to sing it with emotion; otherwise, the song might not have been delivered perfectly. 

She wanted to sing the song after hearing and reading its lyrics. While it was a love song, it was about parting ways and moving forward. Aerine thought that this song spoke about her current situation the most.

Thinking of her mother, of her new life, of Mr. Devil, Aerine sang, pouring all her expectations on the future in it. 

As she sang and Aerine's voice rang in the whole room, the room was as though time had stopped inside, and everyone's faces and expressions were suddenly at a standstill. 

Awe, surprise, shock, and all kinds of expressions were written on everyone's faces. However, one thing was for certain: Aerine's voice had carried them all into another dimension. 

It was a kind that they never thought they were pulled in, in the first place. 

There was no music, only acapella, but it seemed it made Aerine's voice shine the brightest. Giving every line a soul, carrying her own version of it. 

We will part for some time,

But we will move forward as the same. 

Aerine had brought these emotions alive, enchanting everyone with her voice.