Chapter 16 - Journey of Jeon Jungkook

YEAR: 2011

PLACE: YONGSAN, SOUTH KOREA, BIG HIT BUILDING.

NAMJOON'S POV:

Training with the team has already begun, and it has not been easy. But the fact was that we already knew we had to work hard. There was a common dream that we shared and to achieve it, we all had to contribute equally.

It had been a year since we continued our training with the company. It was not a very lavish place where we stayed. But we have to adjust.

Being the leader of the group I have to make sure, I become strong, that is how I will be able to take others there. I started writing a few lyrics for the other team which were approved and liked by the company. I have to keep practising more and more.

Hoseok, also known as hobi, was one of the finest dancers. He keeps inspiring me to hit the right moves again and again. While Yoongi keeps composing more music, I guess that is what he really likes to do.

So far we have 3 rappers and one vocalist. We need to find a few more.

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"Jungkook: Effort makes you. You will regret it someday if you don't do your best now. Don't think it's too late but keep working on it."

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YEAR: 2011

PLACE: BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA.

THIRD-PERSON POV:

"Jungguk?" His mom called for his attention to feed him. However, all his attention was now on television looking at his favourite idol, G- Dragon.

It was a few years back when he decided to learn to sing.

"Jungukie" She rang again, but he was still unbothered looking at the television.

"Aish, this kid... Sometimes I feel that you should have gone for badminton rather than singing"

"Eomma... a few more minutes, please. I want to look at this performance of G Dragon" he said almost gawking at the idol who was performing his favourite song "Heartbreaker" at that time. This was the first song that ever inspired him to think of singing.

"Can't you just finish your food and watch?" she asked once again. This time she was a little frustrated with his son who was not giving her enough attention.

"5 minutes, eomma, please" he requested.

That was how Junkook was. He was indeed a special child. He keeps getting attracted to new things and that inspires him to be the best in that particular subject.

"Wow, Debak (God), he looks really cool" he stated as soon as the performance ended.

Now his attention was back on his mom who looked a little pissed off earlier. But Jungkook being the sweetest as he is, went after her to break her anger.

"Eomma... I am sorry. You know how much I love G Dragon when he performs?" he said in his most genuine voice.

"And what about me? Don't you love me?"

"Eomma... Why are you telling me that? I love you too"

JUNGKOOK'S POV:

I know mom gets a little jealous when I do not give her enough attention. But honestly, whenever I see G Dragon performing, I feel like I am watching a real-life hero. His voice was so good. I wanted to be like him one day.

I was thinking about all this when the telephone rang. Mom hurried over as we all waited for the results to be announced.

I was a little nervous, to be honest.

I sat there chewing my lower lips in anticipation when mom hurried over with a smile.

"Jungkookie... you got to the final round" She squealed in joy.

I participated in a show named Superstar K last year. And finally, I was in the final round. I hope this turns out well. At least that's what I keep hoping for.

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I was standing nervously with the other members in the corner of the stage, waiting for the results to be out. I finally gave my final performance for the show, and now any minute they will be announcing the winner.

I looked at my mom and dad who were as nervous as I am right now. But Eomma gave a smile as soon as she saw me. She always encouraged me.

During the final show, she said, "Remember, you are more than what this show judges. Don't let yourself down. I am rooting for you."

I closed my eyes as the final name was announced. Wow, I can really listen to my heartbeat now. It was beating so fast and louder. I wonder if the judges can hear it too or not. What if they cancel my name because of it?

I tried calming down but nothing worked at that time.

And just like that, the winner's name was announced. Sadly, it was not me. I looked down almost crying holding my luck charm pendant that my mom made me wear all the time. She says this is special just like me. But I guess this didn't work today.

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"Don't worry Junkook, that's okay. Look at the bright side, you got so many offers from different companies." My dad tried to encourage me. But I was really sad today. I thought I did my best but I couldn't win. And I really don't like losing.

"Guk?" My mom asked sweetly this time. "If you say we can go visit this company and start again?"

But I don't want to start again. I want to win what I started.

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Finally, after visiting all six companies that requested my visit, we are now standing before the Big Hit building.

YG, JYP. FNC, WOOLLIM, STARSHIP, and CUBE were really big and mesmerising. Certainly, Big Hit didn't give my parents the vibe they were looking for. But honestly, I didn't like those companies at all. Somewhere I felt like I didn't belong.

"We are the parents of Jungkook. We were asked to come for a visit," My mom said to the receptionist. She bowed and made us sit in the lobby while she made a few calls before calling us once again.

"Ma'am, Sir, this way please"

She guided us to a cabin and as we entered, we noticed a man sitting in the cabin. Looks like he is one of the important people in the company.

"Mr and Mrs Jeon, please come in. Please have a seat. It was good to see you Jungkook," he said with a smile.

I nodded shyly as I sat beside my mom. I looked around the office, which was mostly filled with files.

"I saw his performance," he said across the table. "And I think he will be good as an idol."

Honestly, I have heard that from other companies and totally lost interest. I began to feel the same as I felt with other companies.

In the meantime, he had a few conversations with my parents and I skipped, looking here and there without any interest.

"How about I introduce you to the other team member who will be with you if you agree to join?" he asked gaining all my attention. This was new. Nobody had offered to let me meet the other members as they were busy asking me to sign the papers as fast as possible.

I immediately agreed with him and we came down to a room which was tagged as a training room.

He smiled before pulling the knob off the door and we all came inside. The next thing I saw made me blow my mind.

There were four members along with the other crew. And one of them performed a rap.

It was as if I was looking at him with such awe that I completely forgot there was someone else on the floor. He was rapping with such passion, I could almost feel how hard he worked to get the notes right. His accent was awesome. Wait, I know him. Not that much... But I have heard of him before.

As soon as it ended, the other members clapped for him, and without my notice, so did I.

"That is RM. One of your teams. With a small smile on Bang PD Nim's face, he asked. "It seems you liked the members already?"

I looked at him this time as I gave a smile before nodding.

For the second time, I felt the same excitement watching him perform, as I felt when I first watched Heartbreaker by G Dragon.

And that is how I started my journey without wasting any more seconds.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

JK being the cute baby he was. Awe, I really loved his look when he was just 14 years old before joining the company. He looked so innocent.