Chapter 9 - Bonding
As the members arrived at their destination, they decided to kick off their day with a friendly game of ping pong. Chaewon and Kazuha were paired up against Eunchae and Y/N. One thing was clear, this game would quickly turn not-so-friendly.
“Prepare to lose, Eunchae!” Chaewon teased, twirling her ping pong paddle in her hand.
Eunchae smirked, “Don't be too confident, unnie. Remember, it's all about teamwork.”
The game began, and the competitive spirit between the two pairs was evident. Chaewon and Eunchae exchanged playful banter throughout the game, each trying to outdo the other with their skills.
Suddenly, Kazuha attempted a swift return, but the ball veered off course and hit her square in the face.
“Are you okay?” Y/N exclaimed, rushing over to check on her.
Kazuha rubbed her cheek, chuckling, “I'm fine, it's just a ping pong ball, no big deal.”
“Oh, right. Ping pong…” Y/N awkwardly said and scratched her neck.
Outside, Yunjin challenged Sakura to a duel in volleyball. Why did Yunjin think she was gonna be good at that?
First, she fell while attempting to dig, then she hit a crew member on the butt with the ball… Sakura couldn’t stop laughing. At least they all laughed together, right?
“Yunjinnie, how about we join the others and go for the slide?” Sakura said in an attempt to save Yunjin’s athletic reputation in front of the staff.
“Hey!… Well, actually, let’s do it,” Yunjin said, faking offense and then laughing at her lack of volleyball skills.
“Ya Kim Chaewon! Wanna go for the slides?” Sakura shouted. She didn’t even get a response as four girls came running out of the house a few seconds later. Oh my god, she really was the oldest here.
After watching Chaewon fall from the slide, the staff decided it was enough games and asked the girls to go to the beach next.
Upon reaching the beach, the soft sand beneath their feet and the rhythmic sound of waves set a tranquil scene. Yunjin and Kazuha found themselves gravitating towards each other, a bond forming between them. As they walked on the shoreline, Kazuha broke the silence.
“You know I haven’t fully processed this all,” Kazuha quietly said.
Yunjin looked over to her, “Debuting? Or suddenly being thrown into … well… Korea?”
“Both. But, yeah, Korea mostly,” she laughed.
“I don’t know how you do it. When I first came to Korea, it was … something. And I AM Korean, for god’s sake. I can’t imagine how it must be for you, Kazuha.” Truth be told, Yunjin was more than amazed by her Japanese member. She was the epitome of fearless in her books. New country, new language, new dance style, yet somehow she’s doing great.
“I sometimes think, ‘am I really doing this?’. It feels so weird how I just decided to go for it. I’m…I'm glad I did, but it doesn’t feel real to me,” the ballerina said slowly.
Yunjin hummed in reply.
“It’s amazing. You just came here and now you’re about to dance away the industry… I’m so excited to watch everyone fall for you,” Yunjin said with the most genuine smile Kazuha had ever seen.
“Really? Thanks, unnie,” Kazuha said perplexed, tears forming in her eyes. Yunjin put her arm around her shoulder and squeezed her tight.
After Sakura and Y/N finished handing out hot drinks to the members, they sat down on the sand, taking the scenery in. After a few minutes, Y/N broke the silence.
“I know you’re tired of hearing it, but you’re enough, unnie,” Y/N said.
“Eh?” Sakura asked, surprised by Y/N’s sudden words.
“I know you’re not the most confident right now, but I know once you see your fans again it's gonna be different,” Y/N finished with a face of uncertainty.
“I… I hope so,” was all Sakura said in return. She was grateful for Y/N’s kind words, but she couldn’t yet shake the fear. Ironic right?
Sakura didn’t say anything, rather, she took Y/N’s hand and held it. This took Y/N by surprise, but she was glad Sakura didn’t shy away from this type of contact. This was the first time Y/N realized how comfortable her oldest member must feel around her.
A couple of feet away, Chaewon and Eunchae were sitting on a blanket in the sand. “I'm really going to miss moments like this,” Chaewon sighed, looking at the sunset, “Just... not busy running on crazy schedules.”
Eunchae nodded, squeezing her hand, “Me too, but no matter what happens, we'll always have each other. Maybe we can sneak out sometime, you know? To enjoy things like this.”
“Well, yeah perhaps someday we get to do that. But for now, things will get pretty busy,” the leader linked arms with her maknae and put her head on her shoulder.
“Everyone, the trip is over. Let’s move it!” a staff member announced.
The members exchanged sad smiles, sad to leave, but knowing their bond was stronger than ever. As they headed back to their dorms, they felt grateful for the day they had spent together, reaffirming their friendship and unity as a group before the final stage of their debut.
*The next day*
The atmosphere in the conference room was palpable with anticipation. The members of Le Sserafim, along with their manager and staff, gathered around, waiting for an important announcement. The room was filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy.
The manager cleared his throat, capturing everyone's attention, “I have an important announcement to make. After careful consideration and evaluation, we have decided on a leader for the group.”
The members exchanged glances, curiosity evident in their eyes. They had a feeling who was chosen, but knowing companies, they couldn't be too sure.
“Chaewon responded faster than we expected, so we've decided on her. So as of today, Chaewon is officially the leader of Le Sserafim,” the manager declared, his voice firm yet encouraging.
Chaewon, who had been listening intently, smiled shyly behind her black face mask, her eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and gratitude. The room erupted into applause, the members clapping enthusiastically to show their support. Of course, Chaewon, who else could lead their team?
“A word from the leader?” the staff prompted, Yunjin holding up her hand as a fake microphone for Chaewon.
Taking a deep breath, Chaewon stepped forward, her voice steady but humble, “Even though I am the leader now, nothing should change. I like how we all use our voices and work in a team. Treat me like you always have. Thank you.”
Her words resonated with sincerity, earning nods of approval from the members and staff alike.
The manager continued, setting a serious yet motivating tone, “As of now, things will get hectic. Your schedules will be intense as we start to book appearances. Also, you will start live performing during practice. Don't strain your voice and listen to your monitors. Understood? Great.”
The members exchanged determined looks, ready to face the challenges ahead. Chaewon, now their leader, felt a renewed sense of responsibility and determination. The atmosphere in the room was one of unity and resolve, with everyone committed to working together as a team to achieve their goals.
After the meeting concluded, the members of Le Sserafim slowly began to disperse, each deep in thought about the challenges and responsibilities that lay ahead. Sakura, however, lingered behind, her mind clouded with insecurities about her vocal skills.
Sakura knew all too well that people had criticized her vocals in the past, especially during Iz*one. She had always struggled with her vocal skills, and now, with the pressure of numerous live performances looming over her, her insecurities seemed to amplify.
Alone in a corner of the practice room, Sakura's thoughts spiraled as she recalled the hurtful comments she had seen online, criticizing her singing abilities. She knew that people often doubted her talent, and the fear of disappointing her fans and letting down her group weighed heavily on her mind.
Sakura's heart sank as she thought about the upcoming song rehearsals. She always secretly hoped that she would have fewer lines in their debut song, afraid of exposing her weaknesses to the world. But deep down, she longed to prove herself and show everyone that she was capable of more.
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Sakura approached Chaewon and the other members, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke, “Hey guys, can I talk to you for a moment?”
Chaewon, sensing the seriousness in Sakura's tone, nodded encouragingly, “Of course, unnie. What's on your mind?”
Taking a deep breath, Sakura confessed, “I… I'm really struggling with my vocals. I've been seeing all these comments online, and I know people criticize me for my singing. I'm scared that I'm not good enough, and I don't want to let any of you down.”
Yunjin, Kazuha, Eunchae, and Y/N also gathered around Sakura, offering words of comfort and support.
Yunjin placed a reassuring hand on Sakura's shoulder, “Unnie, you're not alone in this. We're a team, and we'll support you every step of the way. Your voice is unique and beautiful, and we believe in you.”
Kazuha nodded in agreement, “Exactly! We're all here to help each other grow. Don't let the negativity get to you. Focus on your strengths and keep working hard.”
Eunchae chimed in, “And remember, unnie, we're all in this together. Your voice adds depth and diversity to our group, and we wouldn't be the same without you.”
Y/N offered a comforting smile, “Remember what I told you at the beach? You have so much potential, unnie. Don't be afraid to showcase your talent and just … shine.”
“We all have strengths and weaknesses, unnie. It's okay to feel scared, but remember, we believe in you. I’ve seen first-hand what you’re capable of. Then and even more so now,” her former Iz*one member said.
Overwhelmed by her friends' words of encouragement, Sakura felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. “Arasso. Thank you, guys,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “I want to bring out the best in me, for all of you.”