If there are any songs mentioned or performed in a chapter, I will always put a youtube link at the bottom of the chapter so you can listen to the song! Enjoy!


I choose to spend the rest of my evening at the park, a majority of my time spent there on a swing just contemplating my life. I've always been a quiet girl and I suspect that even if I'd had a different upbringing, I'd never end up being very outspoken around strangers. My mother had been the same way when she was alive. Hihara Hyuga died giving birth to Hanabi when I was just five years old.

The memories I have of her are clear as day despite my young age at the time of loss. She was kind to any and all, much unlike many rich stay-at-home wives. I remember her singing me to sleep very often and feel as though that is the reason I'm so interested in music today. What I remember most about my mother isn't something about her, but about my father. He had been a much different person when she was alive. Hiashi used to smile, if you can believe that. It took him years to accept Hanabi as his daughter since she was unintentionally the cause of his precious wife's death.

It's been years since her untimely death, yet Father hasn't been on a single date. He hired a team of skilled nannies to care for my sister and I and threw himself into his work, which obviously paid off with the current state of the family company. Regardless of a thriving business, he could never get his home-life to be quite as successful. Even though Hanabi still has her teenage rebellious stage to outgrow, she shows mountains more potential than I did at her age. Neji, when around, tries his best to follow in Father's footsteps, but is very much a different person.

He's focused and driven about his career, yes, but when our father isn't around he is actually quite mellow and comforting, if not a little short-tempered when it comes to Hanabi and I getting into shenanigans. He and Hanabi are naturals in our family's line of business and I can't be prouder of them, but also can't help but be terribly jealous of their talents. The eldest daughter that just doesn't have what it takes.

I am, as Father has said on many an occasion, too soft to fit into the business world. I don't feel as though there's anything spectacular about the compassion and empathy I carry for others, but compared to the majority of the Hyuga Family, I'm a saint. It's extremely common for Hyuga parents and children to have just as professional a relationship as business partners would. The parents look at their children as investments towards their bloodline's future instead of family to love and cherish. Anything less than perfect professionalism is unacceptable.

Before long, the sun starts to set and I begin my walk back home. A few of the maids and I have made a deal for when I need to sneak in and out of the house. They keep things hush if I don't tell my father that they don't wear their uniform shoes while working when he's away from the house. Honestly, I'd never tell on them because it seems unnecessary to wear shoes indoors all day long when you're cleaning and keeping up a house and I'm not that type of person anyway. Don't get the wrong impression. I don't sneak out of the house to get into trouble or anything, but to go to the twenty-four hour rec center a few blocks away to practice piano.

That's how I taught myself how to play without anyone knowing. I pay for the membership with cash under an alias so both the rec center and my father are unaware of the situation. A few of the maids wave casually at me as I tiptoe upstairs and into my room. There is an unspoken agreement between us all that we can act more casual when Father isn't around. After showering and going through my skin care routine, I climb into bed and set an alarm on my phone for the morning. Hopefully tomorrow goes as planned.

Kakashi Hatake had mentioned mentioned they'd been searching for someone who looks like me for a while, which was meant to tell me that I was auditioning to be the final member to a group. Would it be an all-girl group or a co-ed group? Evolution is one of the few agencies that actually does co-ed idol groups. My cheeks warm ever so slightly at the thought of singing and dancing with or even around boys. My phone vibrates, signalling I've received a text message. I pull my Hyuga-Brand phone out and feel the heat in my face fade quickly. A number I don't recognize texted me asking what I'm wearing.

I choose to ignore it and not reply. It was probably some random weirdo texting unknown numbers to try and get a rise out of someone. My mind falls back to the audition. He'd mentioned that he wasn't the only person I'd be auditioning in front of. Who else would be there? A groan slips from my lips and I reach under my pillow for my headphones. Restlessness was keeping my mind active. There are plenty of logical reasons for me to feel anxious right now.

First there's the audition, of course, and whether or not I'm going to do well. Second is the fact that I'm going to be in a group and I haven't made a single friend since primary school. Third there's the whole Father disowning me because I'm going through with the audition at all thing. Finally, there's Suigetsu. He's last because if this audition goes well, perhaps I won't have to see him ever again and he will no longer be a threat to me.

Tenten's music plays softly into my ears, bringing a small smile to my lips. Tenten is the musical prodigy of her generation. She's twenty-two and debuted at the age of sixteen from Evolution Entertainment as their second ever solo artist. Her success has been phenomenal and she was skyrocketed into super-stardom before reaching the age of eighteen. I don't like her just because she's popular, though. I like her because her music is real. When she performs, there's a live band, no vocal track backing her up, and the lyrics she sings are written by her. It's rare that the world gets it right with celebrities, but I really feel like she's one of the few that have earned and deserves her success. Before I know it, I'm drifting off to sleep with a dream in my mind that would hopefully become a reality starting with tomorrow's audition.


I wake up a few minutes before my alarm with a heavy weight in my stomach that feels like a physical manifestation of my nerves. Even my insanely comfortable bed can't calm me, so I decide to just get up and start getting ready for the day. I've decided to just not go to my morning classes at all, even calling the school to make them aware of my impending absence. My father will be livid when he finds out that I pretended to be him over the phone, using a high-tech voice changing feature on my phone during the call. Thank you Hyuga Corporation for your fancy electronics!

If there's time after my audition for me to return to school, then I will, but I'm not going to be too upset if I can't. I haven't missed a single day of school in my entire schooling career, not even if I was sick. Father would make me take medicine and tough it out, so pardon me if I'm not too heart broken about missing one day. I groan as I rise to my feet and stretch out my limbs, a yawn slipping past my lips as I open the door to my over-sized closet. Deciding not to let myself lose my mind on what outfit to wear, I take a deep breath and pretend I'm going to meet some of Father's friends. My outfit ends up being a deep purple, long sleeved dress that ends an inch or two above my knees. There's a thin black sash across the waist area and then the skirt is covered with a thin layer of black lace over the purple fabric. My favorite part of the dress is the pockets!

I pair the dress with a classic pair of black flats and a plain black hand-bag. My hair is brushed out into it's normal straightness, my usually straight across bangs pushed to the side since they've grown out recently. I wear simple diamond earrings and my silver Hyuga smart-watch as accessories with minimal makeup on my face. I've never been very good at makeup, so I stick to the basics and keep it simple in fear of looking like a clown or hooker by accident. Once I'm sure I look the part as an idol-to-be, I grab a granola bar from the kitchen on my way out of the house. Instead of immediately hailing a cab, I do some vocal warm-ups as I walk a few blocks into the business district of the city.

The morning sun shines down on my face and I decide to take a moment to bask in the fresh air. There's not a single cloud in the sky and the temperature is not too hot and not too cold. Before long, the small roads become larger and I feel as though it's time to get a cab for the remainder of my journey across the city. Konoha is one of the biggest cities in the world, having an population of just over thirty million people. It's also one of the most trend-setting locations in the world. Many famous designers and celebrities choose to both work and live in Konoha. A cab pulls over to the side of the road for me not long after I begin searching for one and I slide into the backseat with ease. The driver, an older gentleman with bright red hair and a freckled face, turns to greet me and ask where I'm headed. I give him the address for the agency and he enters it into his phone's GPS. "Would you like to listen to the radio? It's a beautiful day for some music."

I nod with a small smile on my lips. He's correct. Today is a beautiful day. The drive to my audition was quiet and peaceful, both the driver and I humming lightly along to whatever music came onto the radio throughout our journey. Before I know it, we've pulled into the large roundabout that serves as a drop off line for Evolution Entertainment. I hand the driver a generous amount of money, more than enough to cover my bill, and wish him a good day before climbing out of the backseat and smoothing out my clothes. My heart rises into my throat as my eyes finally land on the building my audition would take place in. The building is bigger than most malls and looked similar to one in construction.

The whole front of the building's covered with black glass that reflect almost like mirrors and the crowds coming and going from the building are larger than I expected they'd be. A large amount of paparazzi photographers are seen in the grass to either side of the walkways, cameras snapping away directed to the crowd. It isn't surprising to me that they're here. Evolution has been the agency to discover many a star since it's opening about ten years ago. Each person that I see is very attractive and professional, making me feel slightly uncomfortable when I slip into the mayhem heading toward the towering front doors. My hands clutch my handbag firmly since I'm nervous someone may try to swipe it off me in the crowded area.

My eyes dance around the room once we're past the threshold of the doors. Trendy yet comfortable furniture decorates the enormous lobby and awards from the agencies most famous members dust the modern gray walls. I stumble into the line in front of the desk that has a large sign that says auditions. A handful of young hopefuls are both in front of and behind me. I can't help but compare myself to a few of them, wondering if perhaps they deserve to get in instead of me. Sweat begins forming on the back of my neck due to my anxiety. It's a rare occasion to find me in such a crowded place, surrounded by people I don't know and it's putting me on edge. A pretty brunette girl standing behind me in line taps my shoulder and smiles brightly when I turn to face her, "Hello! Are you Hinata Hyuga?"

I nervously nod and put a finger to my mouth, motioning for her to please keep it quiet and hoping she won't announce it loudly into the room. Her smile falls slightly and her tone becomes annoyed, but she does speak in a voice just loud enough for me to hear, "Don't you think it's kind of unfair for you to be auditioning? You're already famous. How do you think that makes the rest of us feel?" My mouth opens and closes again, trying to find the proper reaction to her jarring questions and finding none. Unsure of what to do, I simply turn my back to her and face the front of the line, stunned to find that it's my turn to check in anyway. A younger woman with shoulder-length dark hair and pretty brown eyes smiles up at me, "Welcome to Evolution Entertainment! My name is Shizune. Do you have an audition scheduled or are you here to schedule one?"

I gasp and quickly fiddle through my handbag until I find the card that Kakashi had given to me, handing it over to her with a shy smile and a red face. The girl behind me, thankfully, doesn't do or say anything else to me, most likely in fear that acting unprofessionally will affect her audition. The secretary, Shizune, studies the writing on the card before rising to her feet and motioning for me to follow her, also motioning for another employee who is behind the counter to take over checking in those here for auditions. I follow her quietly and listen as she gives me a few hushed tips. "Make sure you make eye contact with Kakashi as much as possible when singing, he really likes that. Also, just ignore Tenten being there. Her presence tends to throw people off, but she really is just there to judge you like all the other judges." Wait, Tenten herself is going to be watching my audition?!

My head starts filling a little dizzy and I choose to bite the inside of my cheek instead of having an outburst. If my favorite singer is going to be watching me sing, then I'll just have to do my best to impress her. After walking through hall after winding hall, Shizune finally stops us in front of a heavy white door and shakes my hand with a small smile, "Go in when you feel ready. Good luck, Miss! Do your best!" I give her a thankful smile and watch her leave until she turns a corner and I can no longer see her. Turning to face the large door before me, I take a deep and calming breath. This is it. You can do this, Hinata. You've managed to mess up almost everything you've tried doing all your life, but you can not mess this one up. This is the one that really counts.

My face starts to heat up slightly as my nerves grow and my hand touches the handle of the door. Suck it up, Hinata. Suck it up long enough to ace this audition. With yet another calming deep breath, I push the door open with all of my weight. The room waiting for me looks similar to that of the music rooms at school, with a grand piano positioned in the corner of the room and sound proofing panels on the walls and ceilings, it's just quite a bit larger. On top of that, the music rooms at school don't have a row of chairs near the piano that seat many important people. My eyes shoot straight to Tenten, whom I've never seen in person.

She is even more beautiful when she's really in front of you. Her thick dark brown hair has slight highlights in it and falls in simple waves over her toned shoulders and down her straight back. Big, bright, and brown eyes are accentuated by simple yet effective eye make up and plump lips are tinted with a soft pink lipstick. My feet stick to the ground as the door shut quietly behind me and I'm unsure of what to do until Kakashi rises from his seat next to Tenten and approaches me with a handshake. I accept his greeting with as confident a smile as I can muster, allowing him to lead me to where I'm supposed to stand which is a yard or two in front of those who would be judging me and the piano. He turns to face the others sitting in front of where we stand, "Everyone this is Miss Hinata Hyuga, whom I've invited here to audition for the final position in Prestige."

Tenten's eyes lit up at her words and she spoke up before he could continue, "I'm supposed to be choosing the final member since it's my group, Kakashi!" My confidence falls ever so slightly at her words, but her next words do well to perk me back up. Her eyes move from her boss onto me and a smile dusts her perfect lips, "That being said, I do like the way you look. If you can sing, babe, I think you'll be perfect!" Kakashi motions for her to quiet down so he can introduce the other two sitting to her left. She does as asked, giving me an encouraging smile before he can start talking. He motions to a busty blond woman with a stern grimace on her full lips, "This is Tsunade. She is our award-winning choreographer and has worked with every single idol that is or has ever been signed to Evolution."

I bow respectfully to her, to which she shows no reaction other than a curt nod of acknowledgement. Kakashi doesn't dawdle and gestures to the final person in the room, "Finally, this is Jiraiya. He is a world-renowned vocal coach that works with our idols. He also does one on one training for those he feels have the potential to do amazing things. Both of these people, should you be accepted, will be working with you to help you grow and hone your skills. Tenten will also be a large part of your training because, as she mentioned, the idol group Prestige is hers. She single-handedly came up with the idea and even chose the other three members. We've been looking for the final member for a while now and you physically fit the part perfectly."

I bow to Jiraiya and Tenten as well, both of which offer me a smile in return. Jiraiya rises to his feet and strides over to sit comfortably at the white grand piano, "Let's begin your audition, shall we?" I nod, swallowing nervously as we all wait for Kakashi to take his seat next to Tenten. Tsunade speaks up, "State your name, age, and what you believe your talent is." I clasp my hands together in front of me to keep them from fidgeting anxiously, "M-My name is Hinata Hyuga and I am e-e-eighteen years old. I want to be a s-singer."

Tenten jots my answers down on the clipboard in her hands before smiling back up at me, "I notice you're stuttering a bit. Are you nervous, Hinata?" A small laugh slips past my lips and I nod. Her light laugh sounds like bells in the air and she tosses a hand dismissively, "Don't worry about it. If you pass this audition, that's something we'll work on. Let me ask you another question. What is your favorite song right now, today?" My cheeks heat up even further and I avert my gaze to the white linoleum floor, "Hate/Love by y-you, Tenten."

The idol in question lets out an excited squeal, "You're kidding! That album just dropped a few days ago and it's already your favorite? I'm flattered, Hinata!" My gaze rises to meet hers and I do my best to smile, "Y-Y-You're my favorite a-artist." Tenten looks at the other three in the room haughtily, "I like her." Jiraiya and Kakashi let out chuckles and Tsunade just rolls her eyes. Jiraiya speaks before anyone else can, "If you're such a big fan, why don't you sing that song for your audition today?" All the blood in my face drains. They want me to sing Tenten's song in front of her? What if I mess it up and she's insulted? Tenten lets out another excited squeal, "Oh, I'd love to hear that! Good idea, Jiraiya! Before you sing, though, I have one final question for you, Hinata."

I nod absently at her, still shaken by the fact that they want me to sing her song. "Why do you love music?" The room is silent for a few moments as I try to find the right words to describe my emotions. Soon enough, I answer honestly, emotion rising in my throat as a glimpse of my passion seeps through, "Y-You can sing a song to a thousand different people and that song will h-have a thousand different meanings. I-I-I want to help others not f-feel so alone." For the first time since I've been answering questions, Tenten doesn't offer a vocal replay and just nods seriously as she jots my answer down.

The others nod in a similar fashion for a moment before Jiraiya motions for me to come stand at the piano on the side opposite of the judges and facing them, "Well, here we go, my darling. I wish you the best of luck." I smile gratefully at him and close my eyes as he starts playing the accompaniment on the piano. My face is burning red as I begin singing, but I just pretend I'm in the shower at home singing along to my Bluetooth speaker.

Yesterday I felt like I was burning
Started wishing for tomorrow
'Cause I knew I couldn't face the early morning
Ohh-ohh-ohh, ohh
The saddest thing of all I can't control it
I don't want to feel this pain
Just want to throw it all away and not forget it
Ohh-ohh-ohh, ohh

Sorrow's here and never leaves
That's another part of me
But I deal with it
Can't be afraid of it
No

The chorus comes up and I open my eyes, deciding to just go for it with all that I have instead of worrying about all the negative reactions I can possibly receive.

I drove these tears from my eyes
Just so I could stop the pain
I lay in bed, playing dead
Just so I could start again
Because I loved you, now I hate you

Gave my all to be the best
But you let me go to waste
Now every time I see your face
I know I'm bound to break again
Because I loved you, now I hate you
And I can't hurt you
Now I loved you, now I hate you
And I can't hurt you

Kakashi motions for Jiraiya to stop playing and I clamp my mouth shut. The room is silent and all the possible rejections they can serve me start flowing through my mind and tears start to form in the corners of my eyes. Self-deprecating thoughts start to seep in. They didn't even let me finish my song. Am I so bad that they can't stand to listen to one more verse? Kakashi and Tenten look at each other before looking back at me. "Do you mind waiting in the hallway while we talk over a few things, Hinata?" I shake my head and walk as normally as possible out into the hallway, feeling four pairs of eyes burning into my back until the door shuts behind me and I fall exhausted to lean against the wall.

I can't hear anything they're saying since the room is sound-proofed. With my back against the wall, I lean down to rest my elbows on my straight knees and put my face in my hands in panic. I did it! I have absolutely no memory of what my voice sounded like while I was singing, but what's important is I went for it! Even if I don't make it, at least I can say I overcame my anxiety and tried my best. My heart's beating so loudly in my throat that it's all I can hear. It seems like ages before the door to the room reopens, when it can't have been more than twenty minutes, and I jump to stand straight for whoever is approaching me.

Tenten motions for me to come back into the room and I do as asked with no words. Once again, I'm stood near the chairs and piano, only this time the other four are also standing. For a few moments, each of them has a blank face until Tenten erupts with a bright smile, "First of all, how're you going to waltz in here and show me up with my own damn song, Hyuga?!" A small laugh of disbelief slips past my lips and my hand moves to cover my mouth, tears forming in my eyes once again. She likes my singing? My heart soars as she steps forward and pulls me into a tight hug, "You'd better be ready, Hinata, because you're in!"

The tears overflow and I let myself hug her back. Mom, can you see me? I did it! Once our celebratory hug is complete, Tenten returns to her spot between Tsunade and Kakashi. Kakashi says nothing, yet gives me an encouraging smile. Jiraiya reaches forward to shake my hand, "I look forward to working with you, Hinata. You have much to learn, but I think we'll make a star out of you, yet." He gives me a friendly wink and I smile up at him, wiping at my tears with my free hand. Tsunade finally uncrosses her arms and offers me a smirk, the closest thing to a smile she's given since I've met her, "I just hope you can dance."

I really, honestly, made it in! All of the drama and negativity in my life seems so small compared to the happiness I feel in this moment. It's all worth the validation. I'll gladly go through it again if it means that I'll end up here once more with this feeling of finally not being useless. Tenten speaks excitedly, pulling me by my hand towards the door, "Awesome! Let's go introduce you to your group!" Oh yeah. I've forgotten about the rest of my group!


As promised, here's the link to the song mentioned in this chapter: watch?v=-ltJrLdmwns

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