[I’m happy to hear this, Miss Weiss.]

Director Wallace smiled as she leaned forward, elbows resting on the table and her head resting atop her intertwined knuckles.

[So that brings us to the issue of your one-month trial period.]

[Y-yes.]

Sara let out a deep breath as she nodded in ascent; it was only at this moment as well that Sara realised she had been holding her breath ever since she had voiced her decision, her nerves proving to be too much.

[What exactly is required of me exactly?]

[It's rather simple. For one month I’ll personally oversee your idol training. I’ll be teaching you one song, have you learn how to sing it as smoothly as possible and teach you the whole choreography to the song as well. Then at the end of the month, you’ll perform the song and dance in front of myself and a few others, likely some of the people you met at the audition.]

Director Wallace patiently explains.

[If we deem your performance satisfactory, we will proceed with the contract and you will officially be a member of Petal Entertainment’s new girl group. Otherwise, I guess that’s it. You’d have to look elsewhere to become an idol or whatever else you wish to do afterwards.”

Sara gulped as she processed the woman’s words and let out a deep breath.

[Okay, I understand.]

‘It’s probably better to not mention that much of her evaluation will be based on the dedication she will show in the upcoming training sessions… Telling her would spoil the whole process and if I told her regardless, showing such favouritism will help nobody.’

Director Wallace mused internally, silently coming to this decision.

[Actually... Director Wallace, can I ask a question that has been bugging me?]

Sara suddenly asks, returning Director Wallace’s attention to the situation at hand.

[Yes?]

Director Wallace quirked an eyebrow and smiled.

[Why… Did you fight so hard to recruit me?]

Sara enquired; her curiosity and doubt apparent in her cloudy blue eyes.

[Not to be all self-deprecating or anything, while I know my singing voice isn't bad or anything, I wouldn’t call it idol material; and I definitely couldn’t make it as a musician at my level neither. It’s also not like I’ve fought hard myself for this. In fact, one week ago I wouldn’t even humble the idea of becoming an idol. So why?]

[It’s simple, you’re what my group needs.]

Director Wallace replied succinctly and with no hesitation, her grey eyes as steady as a calm sea.

[Sara, I’m after unique idols. I want every member of my group to have something that is completely unique to them compared to not only their contemporaries but their fellow members as well. Hard rap, angelic voice, contemporary dancer, street dancer. The concept I’m striving to portray is largely about individualism and freedom, and that starts at the recruitment stage for me.]

[I-I see…]

Sara mumbled. Although she didn't voice it out, inside, Sara was still a little unconvinced that she was still worthy after this answer. She also made sure to take note inwardly about the traits that Director Wallace mentioned; she wondered if they were features of the girl group members under Director Wallace.

[Also-]

Sara’s attention was peaked once more as Director Wallace suddenly returned to the topic once more.

[-I could see it in your eyes when you sang back at the audition.]

[Eh?]

Hoping to find answers, Sara only found herself further confused at this new statement.

[I don’t think you realise how passionate you’re singing voice is, especially when you started to get over your nerves.]

Director Wallace chuckled at the confused expression of her conversation partner.

[I hope you can show me that same passion all the way through to the end of next month… And hopefully beyond.]

[…]

Sara nodded numbly, a little taken back by the Director’s passionate speech.

Sip.

Softly placing her mug of coffee on a coaster, Director Wallace finally spoke in question once more:

[Now then, is there any more question, hm?]

[N-no, not that I can think of.]

Sara laughed wryly. Scratching her neck as her thoughts ran wild, Director Wallace’s previous words still replaying in her mind.

[Then we can discuss these things in further detail after this one month of training if you succeed.]

Director Wallace smilingly says before moving on:

[Your lessons, taught by yours truly, will begin on Monday and last throughout the working week, ending on Friday. Each lesson should take around nine hours each day, not counting the breaks in-between. Oh, and I’ll obviously not be able to guide you all the time, I have other work to get done… You’ve said before that you’re currently on your exam break, right? So, you should be able to attend, right?]

[Definitely!...]

Sara declared, though continued in a more worried tone:

[…Though, I still have to take exams this month, so would I be able to take a few hours out of the day to take them?]

[Of course. We can definitely work the schedule around your exams.]

Director Wallace conceded easily, a smile blossoming on her features as she mused internally:

‘It’s interesting that she only asked for a few hours off instead of taking a whole day off… That’s definitely some good work ethic there.’

[Thank you very much, Director Wallace.]

Sara bowed her head in thanks, a relieved sigh escaping her lips as the back and forth of their conversation seemed to be dwindling to a close.

[It's nothing. But Sara, please do call me Jennifer or Wallace, I much prefer you drop the need for formalities. I would even prefer you just call me Jennifer Wallace to Director Wallace. I rather find being called by titles annoying you see.]

Jennifer requested, an easy smile on her lips as she took another sip of her coffee.

[O-okay Di-I mean, okay Jennifer Wallace.]

Sara stuttered in answer, nodding furiously in agreement at the same time.

[Now then, I think that's about all of what I have to say. I've got another appointment that I'll have to start trekking to, sadly, so I'll have to start heading off about now.]

Laying her mug down, Jennifer sat up from her chair at this point, slipping on her long jacket in the meanwhile as well. Pulling out a card, she then proceeded to place it on the table, right in front of Sara. A smile forming her features, Jennifer finally said her farewells:

[This card has the location of where we are to meet on Monday and other information. I’ll see you then, okay?]

[Ah-yes. Thank you for taking the time to speak to me.]

Sara blurted hastily in response as she received the card and looked its contents over with a swift glance.

[Haha, it was no problem.]

Jennifer smirked before sending Sara off with one final wave over her shoulder, departing on steady steps.

Sara sighed before taking a sip of her tea, only to scrunch up in distaste as she realised that her conversation with Jennifer Wallace had lasted long enough that her tea had grown incredibly cold.

‘I only drank from it once…’

Sara grumbled solemnly.