The registration starts at nine in the morning, Jin Young was up and ready by eight. He was feeling all jittery, then he tried to recall when was the last time he felt butterflies in his stomach. Perhaps it was back in Toronto when Jackson had his arm around the back of the seat on the subway, or when they walked down the streets openly, hand in hand.

Jin Young could not help but smile when all those happy memories resurfaced. Despite having less than three hours of sleep, he was more awake than ever. It could also be due to the caffeine in the coffee that he had just drank two cups of. He grabbed everything that he needed and headed for the competition venue.

Jin Young thought he was early but several people before him reached much earlier. Instructions given were clear and the registration process was quick, and before he knew it, he was being led to the warm up area. Several people in passing, including the staff, laid their eyes on him much longer than one would look at a stranger. There were even sparkles in some of their eyes. Jin Young was sure that they recognised him but decided to keep their composure. But after he turned his back on them, he was sure that he heard some high pitched squeals.

He found a corner with enough space but at the same time, private enough for him to conduct his warm up. There were a couple of brave souls who approached him for his signature which Jin Young did give, as long as they have something for him to sign on and a marker or a pen.

The venue hall was huge and the place filled up with contestants much quicker than Jin Young expected. Everyone was moving, jumping around, trying to keep their bodies warm. Jin Young too, never stood still, even when he was standing up, he would be bouncing slightly. He stretched his neck to sweep the entire area but saw no signs of Jackson. Would he even be coming through here?

Just then, a stout middle aged man came through the doors, with a couple of people trailing behind him. He started to garner everyone's attention with the microphone, and after some shushing, silence filled the air. Jin Young figured that man would probably be the director or the producer, as he briefed everyone present on what would be happening and what was to be expected of them. A lady was translating every word he said into English, and good thing Jin Young is quite fluent in this language.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

The entire audition would be filmed but of course, the production team would select carefully the clips to edit and broadcast. Contestants need to be prepared to stick around for twenty four hours or more. Jin Young was already prepared to be here for weeks, months, and even years, so a day was nothing to him.

After the first segment was filmed with all four captains, the doors opened, and contestants flooded the set. The auditions officially began.

The contestants were divided into four sections, depending on the location of their hometown. Since Jin Young is a foreigner, he was randomly assigned to one section, just like all the other foreigners who were present.

“South huh…” He mumbled under his breath.

As he scurried in with everyone else, there were loud cheers and continuous clappings coming from the front of the crowd. Jin Young realised that the four captains were there, including Jackson. Then, he saw the face of the man he longed to see. He was desperate for attention and it took every ounce of strength in him to hold himself back from squeezing through the massive crowd and present himself right in front of Jackson.

For now, he has to take Jackson off his mind and focus on the audition. Just for now, until he passes. For them, Jin Young has to. He must.

When it was decided that Lay would be judging the contestants in the South Section, Jin Young was part delighted but part awkward. Delighted because it was someone he knows, and awkward precisely because it was someone he knows, not to mention that they are friends, might put Lay in a tight spot. But he knows Lay would be fair and just in his judging, so Jin Young just needed to make sure he lives up to Lay’s expectations.

Jin Young felt confident as he came prepared. He was not planning to hold back at all. Afterall, for his relationship and a future with Jackson, he did not come here just to pass the auditions. He came here to win, both the competition and Jackson’s heart.