27. autumn is here

                                    

                                          

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
The preliminary round for the Seoul National Music Competition was right around the corner. Before Heeseung and Eun byul knew it, the summer was over and it was already the end of October. November 4 is when the competition will start. Eun byul and Heeseung would practice their repertoire from early morning to late at night. They had chosen some of the finest pieces of classical music: Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006, Op. 1 MS: 25 No. 2 in B Minor, Op. 1 MS 25: No. 22 in F Major for the preliminary round; Mozart's Sonata in G major, K. 301 for round I; F. Chopin's Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 27 for round II;  Beethoven's Sonata No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30, Saint-Saëns' Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 75, and Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28 for the semifinals; lastly, P. I. Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35. There was no stopping this duo. However, the only thing the two worried about was how Eun byul would feel going back on stage. There was no guarantee she'd be okay because a panic attack could come at the most unexpected moment. Another issue was Eun byul having to play unaccompanied for part of the prelims. They wanted to see her talent and playing alone was going to be a challenge. 
"Do you think you're going to be okay?" Heeseung asked as they were taking a break from their practice.
"Playing by myself? I don't know. I think I can pull through the preliminary round... I hope so. They want to hear my raw talent right? So I have to play 3 pieces. They want one Bach piece and two Caprices," she sighed, putting her hand on her forehead.
"Well, on the bright side, you're playing new pieces you haven't played in almost 10 years, right? I think it will be fun. You have Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006 for Bach and Op. 1 MS: 25 No. 2 in B Minor, and  Op. 1 MS 25: No. 22 in F Major for Paganini. You won't be basic like the other contestants, playing No. 24," Heeseung exclaimed, trying to comfort her.
"I suppose your right, but all I can remember is being frozen on stage, unable to play music, just like the last time I ever played in an actual competition," she rubbed her face with exhaustion.
"Well, let's break down the rubric again, shall we? There are a total of 100 points for each round. You start off with 100 points, but the judges take points down for every mistake or flaw they hear in your playing. There are 5 categories: 15 points for rhythm and timing, 15 points for  creativity, 30 points for authenticity and taste, 20 points for expression, and 20 points for execution. Honestly, there shouldn't be too many issues with playing. I think the categories you'd get points off of are expression and creativity, but I wouldn't worry too much because the minimum score you need to pass prelims is an 85," he explained thoroughly, "You'll be fine. You've perfected almost every piece so far. Besides, tomorrow we're going into the Seoul Theatrical Arts Hall for the dress rehearsal. I'll be with you the whole time."
"Thanks, Heeseung," Eun byul gave him a weak smile.
"Come here," he opened his arms wide.
She gave into his hug and sighed deeply.
"You're going to be a shining star again."
**
Waking up bright and early, Heeseung and Eun byul took the bus to the Seoul Theatrical Arts Hall, carrying their sheet music, violin, and Eun byul's gown for the competition. All Eun byul could feel is an overwhelming amount of uneasiness. It had been a significant amount of time since she last set foot on a real stage with bloodthirsty competitors. She felt anxious thinking about the familiar faces she would see and how harshly they'd react to her appearance again.
Before she realized it, she was standing at the entrance of the music theatre. She could hear her heart beat louder with every footstep she took. Opening the door, she saw hundreds of kids in the hallway, checking in for the dress rehearsal and talking amongst each other. Seeing that she was quite tense, Heeseung gently took Eun byul's hand.
"Everything is going to go well today. It's just a dress rehearsal and no one will hear, but you, me, and some volunteers. Just relax," he whispered softly.
She nodded her head as they began walking to the check-in table. Heeseung stayed behind, holding Eun byul's sheet music and dress as she walked up to the line. 
"Your name?" a lady with glasses resting on her nose questioned in a monotonous tone.
"Eun byul. Cha Eun byul."