Novels by Ufuoma Komori

The lights came back up and everyone started talking at once. “Who in the world packs in four hours?” Minjae complained. “You're just too slow.” Tae Kyung said. “Let's get going.” Do Young said. We hurried out of the auditorium, joining the crowd of trainees rushing back to their dorms. When we got to Dorm C, Seung Woo was already there, methodically pulling clothes from his dresser and folding them in a duffel bag. We started packing. I didn't have much, just some clothes that Park Junho bought for me, my phone charger, toiletries and some personal things. I folded my last shirt and zipped up my bag then sat on my bunk, looking around the room. This had been my home for a week or so but it already felt strange to be leaving it. “Done.” Do Young said, his bag neatly packed and sitting by the door. “Show off.” Minjae muttered still trying to cram things into his bag. My noon, we were all packed, our bags were sitting by the door, ready to go. “Should we get lunch?” Minjae su

After we were back in Dorm C, we were talking when Seung Woo entered. “Hey.” Minjae said, “congrats on making it.” Seung Woo rolled his eyes and headed towards his bed. “Okay then.” Minjae muttered under his breath. I looked at Seung Woo. “Hey.” Seung Woo looked at me and glared. “We need to talk.” I said, standing up and heading for the door. “Let's go.” Seung Woo scowled and followed me. We got to a stairwell and immediately Seung Woo started speaking. “What? You came here to gloat didn't you? You’ve won and now you're trying to rub it in?” “I couldn't care less about that, I just came here to make sure you keep your end of the deal. Leave me alone.” “I see.” Seung Woo said as he laughed then his face turned serious. “You found a way to get in didn't you? I’m sure you didn't truly earn this spot. You must have told them to place me last didn't you?” “Think whatever you want, I don't have the time nor energy for your bullshit, just leave me alone .” I said and walked awa

Two days later… The auditorium was packed again, everyone sitting nervously in their seats. Next to me, Dahyun was pale, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. On my other side, Minjae was bouncing his leg nervously. Do Young sat perfectly still but his eyes kept darting to the stage and Tae Kyung had his head lowered. A few rows ahead, I could see the back of Seung Woo's head. I clenched my fists, if I didn't pass him then I only had a year to live. Just as these negative thoughts started forming, Miss Jiwoo walked onto the stage, holding a tablet. “First, I want to thank you all for your performances,” Miss Jiwoo said. “The judges and I have reviewed every audition and I want you to know it wasn't an easy decision.” I swallowed. My heart was beating so loud I was surprised everyone in the auditorium couldn't hear it. “The names I'm about to call are the one hundred trainees who will represent Star🌟lit on ORIONX. Of your name is called, congratulations, you’ll be moving forwar

We worked for another hour. Hangyul broke down the movements so thoroughly and patiently, I felt like he had done this before. He corrected my posture, adjusted the angle of my arms, showed me how to use my momentum to move. He was good. Really good. He made the dance loll effortless even in the most complex parts. Just looking at him, I felt something stir in my chest. When most people look at others that's better than him in such a way, they feel inferior but I didn't, I felt motivated to get to where he was. “Better.” He said, as I finished running through the bridge section. Your timing's gotten better, though you still need to work on it.” “Thanks.” I said bowing slightly. “Don't mention it.” He grabbed the towel, wiling the sweat from his face. “You’ve got good instincts for someone who just started. It's as if you were born to be an idol.” A warm feeling settled in my chest. I smiled. “Thank you.” “Sure. Well, I need to get going now.” He said, standing up. “And just

The Next Morning… I woke to the sound of my alarm and dragged myself out of bed. I needed to look for a song and start practicing immediately. I had less than a week. Around me, the others were already getting ready for the day. Do Young was organizing his practice schedule for the day. Tae Kyung was sitting on his bunk, visualizing his performance, Minjae was doing some stretches on the floor. Dahyun was nervously checking his reflection in the small mirror by his bed, practicing his facial expressions. “You look fine.” I said as I passed. “I…I guess.” Dahyun said, giving me a weak smile. Seung Woo's bed was already made. He was writing something in a notebook. The tension from our confrontation yesterday still hung in the air, but everyone seemed to ignore it and focus on their own preparations. I grabbed my toiletries and headed to the bathroom. After a quick shower and getting dressed, I returned to find most of the others had already left for breakfast or practice, but

The figure stood in the bathroom for a moment, staring at the phone screen. This was getting complicated. This wasn't what they signed up for. They splashed some water on their face, trying to think. How were they going to sabotage someone without getting caught? It had to be subtle, smart. An idea started to form. What if they used another person to handle it. Maybe Seung Woo, he already despised Ireum. All they had to do was set the bait. What if Seung Woo believed that Ireum got in through connections? His case was already unbelievable to begin with. Someone like Seung Woo, with his pride and bitterness, would absolutely use that information. The figure quietly opened the bathroom door and slipped back into Dorm C. Everyone appeared to be sleeping. Perfect. The figure moved silently to Seung Woo's bunk but not before stopping at the small desk near the window. In the dim light from the street lamps outside, they quickly scrawled a note on a piece of paper, writing careful