"I was born in Japan, I lived with my parents and my three sisters. We're all very close to each other, my sisters are what kept me going through any stage of my life. When I was skating they supported me even if it meant that my parents spent more time and money on me. Sometimes I look back at videos of my childhood I would see my family on the stands watching me and I would feel emotional because of the unconditional support they showed me through my life."

On the screen, a much smaller version of Jade, perhaps around seven years old, glides across the ice with a mix of determination and innocence. She's wearing a glittering, pale blue skating dress, her tiny arms stretched out gracefully as she performs a spin.

Jade's eyes soften as she watches her younger self wobble slightly during a turn, but then quickly regain balance with a triumphant smile. She can almost feel the cool air of the rink, the sharp sound of blades cutting through ice, and the applause of the crowd echoing in her ears.

Her lips curve into a nostalgic smile as the video shows the younger version of her finishing the routine with a clumsy yet heartfelt bow, cheeks flushed with pride. There's a warmth in her chest, a mixture of pride and longing, as she watches the carefree joy and unbridled enthusiasm that once defined her love for figure skating.

The video ends with her childhood self beaming up at the camera, waving excitedly, and the idol blinks back a tear, lost in memories of a time when the world felt simpler and the ice was her playground.

"This is probably the first time I speak about this actually." Jade stops for a moment looking to her hands fidgeting with her jewellery. She opened her mouth to say something, but then hesitated, unsure if her words would be welcome.

"Before I began my idol training, I was training to be an Olympic athlete, a figure skater to be specific. I had trained for the Olympics since I was seven, I remember waking up as a child and going to my calendar to count down the days for when the Olympic team would get announced. For seven-year-old me that was my passion, I trained for ten years of my life hoping that I would be called up."

"I did various competitions both nationally and internationally, my parents would take turns swapping with each other on who would take me. For me it was either I make it to the Olympic that year or my life was over. When 2013  came they started calling people up for the winter Olympics and when I wasn't called I genuinely believed my life was over. I remember being severely depressed for two whole months because going to the Olympics was my life I ate, breathed and slept figure skating and I felt like when I wasn't called up my life was snatched from me."

"I learned about the K-pop industry and it's trainee lifestyle around that time so I spent my time training vigorously on ways I can be accepted I would rap, sing and dance any time I could. It was slowly getting me out of my depression and I was falling in love with it. My parents supported me because they saw that it made me happy and by November 2013 I announced my retirement from figure skating and travelled to South Korea to audition.

Jade sits on the edge of her seat, a sense of anticipation tightening in her chest as she clicks play on the iPad. The screen flickers to life, showing a video of her teenage self, a few years younger, standing on a brightly lit stage in a small auditorium. The girl on the screen is visibly nervous, shifting slightly as she grips the microphone with both hands. She's wearing a simple dress, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, and her eyes are wide, almost as if she's looking for something to anchor her.

The older version of herself watches intently, her heart quickening as the music starts. The girl on the screen takes a deep breath, her lips parting as she begins to sing. The first notes are tentative, almost fragile, but as she continues, her voice grows stronger, more confident. The song is familiar, a tune that once meant everything to her, and the young woman watching feels a rush of emotions—pride, nostalgia, and a touch of sadness.

She notices the subtle tremor in her younger self's voice, the way her eyes flicker to the directors, searching for approval. But then, something shifts. The girl on the screen closes her eyes, letting the music take over, and suddenly she's lost in the moment, her voice soaring with emotion. The nervousness fades away, replaced by a pure, heartfelt performance that captures everyone in the room.

The older girl watches with a bittersweet smile, remembering the overwhelming mix of fear and excitement she felt that day. She can almost hear the echo of her heartbeat from that moment, the way it pounded in her ears as she hit the final note and the room filled with applause.

As the video ends, showing her teenage self-standing on the stage, breathless and beaming, Jade feels a lump in her throat. She's come so far since that day, but watching herself at that pivotal moment brings back all the dreams and hopes she carried with her then. The memory lingers in the air, a reminder of her journey and the passion that still burns within her.

"The day that I auditioned for YG I think was the day that I truly felt like I found where I belonged and what I was born to do. I auditioned with the song 'It's All Coming Back To Me Now' by Celine Dion, it was a hard song I remember practicing for two months straight and when I finally nailed it I thought I must audition now or I thought if I didn't audition immediately I would mess up when the time came"

"I wouldn't say my trainee life was particularly hard, I don't remember a time where I ever felt like it was too much maybe it was because of my past training experience but sometimes I actually felt as if we wasn't doing enough not to mention I was the last trainee so I felt like I had to catch up to the others. I remember my schedule back the I would wake up, go to school, straight after school go to the company for rap lessons after rap was dance then after that would be singing so my stamina was tested I never got a break like other members, school was my break and I would do that again the next day for two whole years. There were time where I would spend the night training by myself at the company and I'd just go to school straight from the company the next day."

Two girls sit across from each other in a cozy café, Jade and actress Go Youn-Jung tucked away in a quiet corner of the bustling city. The place is warm and inviting, with soft lighting and the hum of conversation creating a comfortable backdrop. They've snagged a booth by the window, where the late afternoon sunlight filters through, casting a golden glow over their table.

Jade's hair was tied back in a messy bun, leans forward, stirring her iced americano absentmindedly. She's dressed in a simple, oversized sweater and jeans, looking relaxed but slightly distracted. Youn-Jung was sat across from her, is more animated. Her hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders, and she's dressed in a trendy outfit—a cropped jacket, high-waisted jeans, and stylish boots. A pair of sunglasses rest on top of her head, hinting at a busy day ahead.

The café is quieter now as the evening settles in, and the two girls remain in their cozy corner, their conversation taking a more reflective turn. The actress, still playing with her now empty cup, glances at her friend with a soft smile.

"Do you remember how we first met?" she asks, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

The idol laughs, her eyes lighting up as she nods. "Of course! It was at that charity gala a couple of years ago. I was so nervous—my first solo event without my members. I didn't know anyone, and then I saw you across the room, and you looked just as lost as I felt."

Youn-Jung grins, rolling her eyes at the memory. "I was trying so hard to blend in, but I guess I wasn't doing a great job. You came over, and I remember thinking, 'Finally, someone who gets it!' We ended up hiding in that corner by the dessert table, remember? Talking about anything but work."

Jade nods, her smile widening. "Yeah, it was such a relief to just be ourselves for a bit. No pressure, no expectations. Just two girls trying to navigate this crazy industry."

Youn-Jung's expression softens as she looks at her friend. "I think that's why we clicked. We didn't care about each other's reputations or what anyone else thought. We just wanted to be real, and that's rare in this business."

Go Youn-Jung leans forward, her tone more serious now. "I don't know what I would've done without you when things got tough. Remember that online backlash I got in 2019 after my debut role? It felt like everyone was turning against me."

Jade nods, her eyes filled with empathy. "I remember. It was brutal, and so unfair. But you handled it with so much grace. And I was there because I know how it feels. The hate, the criticism—it can get under your skin. I just wanted you to know you weren't alone in that."

The actress sighs, gratefulness evident in her eyes. "You were such a rock for me during that time. You reminded me that the hate wasn't about me—it was more about people projecting their issues. And you kept saying, 'This too shall pass,' and it did. But I wouldn't have been able to keep going without your support."

The idol reaches out, placing her hand on her friend's. "We've got each other's backs, always. When I faced that smear campaign last year—when those rumors were flying around—it was you who kept me grounded. You told me to focus on the work, on what I love, and to let the rest fade away. That advice saved me."

Youn-Jung squeezes her hand, her voice softening. "It's what friends do. We remind each other of our worth when the world tries to tear us down. You've been there for me in ways I can't even begin to describe. This industry can be so isolating, but knowing I have you in my corner makes it all a little easier."

They sit in a moment of comfortable silence, the connection between them stronger than ever. The noise of the café fades into the background, replaced by the quiet hum of their shared understanding.

They exchange a look that speaks volumes, a silent promise of friendship and support, no matter what challenges lie ahead. As the evening turns into night, they continue talking, their conversation weaving through memories and dreams, with the unwavering belief that together, they can face anything.

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Light up the sky part one, I've been writing this for so long then I went on holiday so I got more inspiration. I'm currently writing part two and I'm trying to finish the 2020 schedule.