hiii, everyone!! it's my first time here and i'm a little nervous, but I'm so excited to meet and write with you all ♡ my name is cherry, she / her, gmt+ 1, and i present you the (perhaps) most superficial girl your muse will ever meet: jeong ahri. 20 years old, under wonder entertainment, is nice to everyone (because she was taught to be, not because she wants to) and aspires to be at the top no matter what. i will be leaving a bit of info + connection ideas under the cut if you'd like to check them. ims, twitter and discord are all available for plotting.
"Not everything that shines is gold. Dump golden colour over a piece of shit and it's still shit."
Jeong Ahri, the child of a socialite mother and a cowardly father who left them when her mother was pregnant. Ahri has no idea who he is, nor does she want to know.
Has a younger step-brother after her mother got remarried and had another child. Surprisingly Ahri is fond of him.
Coming from a long-lasting upper-class family, Ahri was raised in a household that taught elegance and class and how to present herself in a way that'll make her stand out from the bunch and bring her to the top of Seoul's social elite.
Her surroundings were always very... superficial. They never scratched the surface. She learned that as long as she looked pretty and told people what they want to hear, she'd get anything she wanted.
Unfortunately, she never really had any real friends, and never knew who to trust. Acquaintances? Maybe. Usually, she hangs out with people to either avoid boredom or know they'd help her get to the top.
And while she may not be actually fond of someone, she wouldn't outright show it. A lady always wears a smile, so her mother taught her.
She attended Hanlim Art School and graduated from the dance department where she discovered her passion for performing and auditioned at Hydra Labels on August 2020.
PERSONALITY.
She's actually quite charming and lovely when you first meet her. She'll give you a smile that'll make you think you're the only one who matters at this moment. Not because she likes you, but because she was taught to do so.
Fiercely competitive, you will never see her slacking. She's a perfectionist, a workaholic, and will sacrifice any sleep for extra hours of practice if needed.
What many, many people don't know is that she's deep down a nerd. The world of the rich and famous has driven her to find distraction in form of online video games and anime.
She's got a really dry humor.
Doesn't really care whether you like her or not, to be honest. Except if she's come to somehow like you, then she does. Even if she wouldn't admit it.
She doesn't dream of a fairytale romance. In fact, she doesn't think there's anyone out there for her (girl still reads her shoujo manga religiously...).
Got major trust issues with people due to the environment she grew up and she has no idea what a real friendship is like.
CONNECTION/PLOT IDEAS.
if you are interested in one of those, feel free to let me know!
someone she butts heads with. preferably someone who's just as competitive and serious about becoming an idol.
you can't stand her fakeness and decide to call her out on it.
socialite "friends". she's got acquaintances from all over the globe so this is not limited to south korea. whether they get along or not, it can all be discussed c:
a one-night stand that somehow got things weird between you two but ahri doesn't care to clear things up.
someone who actually tries to befriend her. like, for real. they want to show her that not everyone is only after the fame of her mother and see so much more in her than just the pretty girl.
anime lovers!! someone she can share her secret hobby with. it's always more fun to spazz over new shows together after all.
a pilates pal.
you two always meet in the same practice room and ahri starts to think you're obsessed with her.
she can't stand you but your family is well-known and ahri thinks being close to you will benefit her. but she really can't stand you.
enemies to lovers ((:
i'm open for pretty much anything tbh! these are just a few ideas listed off of my head.
"i didn't realize so much modeling would be involved with this job."
they had just returned from their harper's bazaar photoshoot and to say miru was exhausted was an understatement. everything building up to her debut was exciting, and she realizes that this is all a taste of what's to come. nevertheless, she couldn't help but feel her cheekbones aching from all the smiling and posing she's had to do.
"it was fun though," she admits with a light laugh before looking over at her groupmate. unlike miru, ahri was an absolute natural at all of this, and she found it admirable. people weren't lying when they said idols needed to be a master at everything, and ahri was definitely a professional when it came to anything fashion-related. "did you have fun? i'm looking forward to the fashion shows. it'll be my first one ever."
with an emphasis on the last word, she crouches down a little on the couch before closing her eyes for a brief moment. "the clothes are all so pretty too. this might make me fall in love with fashion." miru's surprised to hear those words come out of her own mouth considering that just a month ago, she could barely figure out what to wear to the airport.
Ahri consciously tries to refrain from raising her eyebrows in response to Miru's statement. She does so to avoid being overly critical, as she has recently resolved to be more pleasant, approachable, and to foster authentic relationships with the other girls in her band, despite her lack of skill in this area.
"It's common knowledge that idols are involved with fashion. In a way, we are also influencers and trendsetters. It only makes sense." She responds with a flawless smile on her lips. Her hands deftly secure the luscious strands of long, black hair into a sleek ponytail. "I did have fun, of course. Fashion is my world. I'm glad we get to be more involved with it now."
She's referring to the title of global ambassador she's obtained, even though she's told herself not to talk about it or rub it under everyone's nose. It's her own achievement she gets to celebrate, and she does not want her bandmates to feel devalued in any way. "You've got long legs; that's an advantage you could use. I told you before that you could do much more with how you look and dress, mm."
As the girls are being fitted into their custom Christian Dior outfits, she can't help but notice how she perfectly mirrors Ahri's mannerisms - proving that old habits die hard.
Her delicate fingers glide through the strands of her hair; her eyes trace every inch of her appearance as she scrutinizes even over the hemline of her crop top; trying to replicate the natural charm exuded by the girl in her sight. Despite feeling intimidated by Ahri's poise, Chaeyeon always finds herself encouraged, too (like a challenge).
The cameras are running all around them as they exit out of their posh car and into. To keep her nerves in check, she tries to keep pace with Ahri and exchange mindless banter until the red carpet. "I am absolutely in love with these gorgeous hair extensions. They look so stunning on me that I can't even imagine taking them off after every shoot or event."
She laughs, mainly for the cameras, but her tone has genuine candor. She hopes the label continues the Rapunzel look on her, Chaeyeon will be the one member that'll cry over those changes.
One prominent trait of Ahri's personality is her hyper-perception of her environment and the people around her. The people flitting around them resemble little fireflies, busily fixing their hair, makeup, and clothes. But Chaeyeon does catch her attention occasionally, though she refrains from making any comments and instead remains focused on herself.
That is, until she feels obligated to communicate while they make their way outside, mindful of the cameras and their ability to capture every minute detail on the lens. "You could always ask the staff if they leave them on for longer." She comments with a picture-perfect smile she has honed and perfected over the years.
"It's much more work to keep taking them off and putting them on, and they enhance your beauty, after all." Although they're in the same band now, Ahri feels there isn't a steady bond between them–she avoids the thin lines of privacy and friendship, but for the sake of professionalism, she fulfils her role as a close bandmate and global ambassador.
"I wish we could keep these clothes instead. They're just drop-dead gorgeous."
𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫.
a solo about ahri at dior’s offices & her new title.
Ahri has always considered the world of fashion as her home. From the moment she was born, her mother would dress her in expensive baby clothes that she would quickly outgrow. From a young age, she was taught the importance of maintaining a proper and fashionable appearance. She has been raised with the belief that you are what you wear and would judge those around her based on this life motto her mother has ingrained into her mind.
In the fashion world, she has always felt as if it were her oyster. From the connections she has been cultivating and establishing at high society events to effectively managing an Instagram account with millions of followers, whether they be critics or admirers, to now sitting in an office with executives from one of the most expensive, luxurious and renowned brands the world has ever known.
She listens attentively and maintains a perfect posture, with her shoulders upright and her back straight. Ahri has been diligent in maintaining this picture-perfect posture at all times. Although a small smile desires to appear on her lips, she suppresses it by pressing her lips together into an ever-present grin as they continue to speak.
Suddenly, it feels as if all of her hard work and sacrifices in life, whether it be in friendships, relationships, or free time, have ultimately led her to the most ideal outcome: becoming a Global Brand Ambassador.
“I’d be honoured to be your newest Global Brand Ambassador and I’m eternally thankful for this opportunity.” As her sentence finishes, Ahri feels the warmth rush in. There’s a glow about her cheeks, a gleam in her eye. Her body wants to quiver with the twitches of happiness that make her toes curl, and her heart sing. But Ahri keeps her professionalism and bows, thanking the brand representatives for their time and this opportunity once more before exiting the office.
She’s never been one to dream, and If debuting was her goal before, it now is to maintain her status as a Global Brand Ambassador for Dior.
-
𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐎 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑! ⭐ After IAEM returns to Seoul, Jeong Ahri will meet for Baek Hyun-woo, Jang Heiran, and other brand representatives. The marketing team will greet and present Ahri with an opportunity during one of the group’s dress rehearsal with a huge surprise. She’ll be introduced to a prominent lead marketing and advertising execs from Dior, who have been keenly watching and admiring Ahri since the group’s spectacular debut on stage. They discuss the key factors that stand out in their emerging brand. “Elegance and audacity, a unique friendship of elements we identify with you. Your background being a fashion influencer speaks volumes when it comes to this selection. That’s why, we would like to extend the offer to you, Jeong Ahri, to become Dior’s newest Global Brand Ambassador.” The bold business proposition comes after months of careful observation of the member on and off stage. “We’d be honored to have you with us as our newest face. We hope this venture pleases you.”
Jiyoung still gives her a look as they round the corner, eyeing her nervously. He repeats is it okay for him to come, especially since it wasn't in the original plans, but Jiu offers a bit of her lip and a soft smile before nudging him. It was hard to say no to him when he had a face like this. It had only been nearly six months, but she can't help the way she's fallen for him.
As soon as she rounds the corner though, and she hears Aria, offering a soft frown in response as her boyfriend meekly moves to pull up a seat. Jiu sighs, shaking her head. "Well, we were already hanging out, Aria." She mumbles, quietly, her cheeks red as she moves to seat beside him, before freezing at her words. Jinyoung looks at her, and she looks at him, before looking back at Aria. There's a soft swallow, before she's standing back up, the couple moving away from the group. There's a few mumbles, a kiss on her cheek that sends her blushing, and she's returning, offering Aria a look that's mainly unreadable. "He just wanted to hang out with me, Aria." She finally says, moving to pick at the edge of the menu.
Aria can't help but roll her eyes at the exaggerated cheek kiss and the unnecessary display of sweetness between the two of them. With a swift motion, she places her overly expensive sunglasses on top of her head, relieved the guy has finally departed, no longer disrupting her line of sight. "What do you mean you were already hanging out?" She responds, appalled at the things she has to hear and process.
"Why would you choose to spend time with him when you are aware that today is our special day? Hmph. What happened to "sisters before misters"?" It is not a question but rather a statement. She crosses her arms only after taking a sip of her mocktail, and her lips purse, clearly indicating her unhappiness. She does not sugarcoat her words, nor does she gatekeep her thought. "I really don't think it's okay that you put him before me. Or bring him along every time we meet."
Aria keenly understood the significance of maintaining a consistent routine in her daily existence. It provided a remarkable reduction in stress, significantly enhancing mental well-being, ample opportunities for relaxation, and a notable decrease in anxiety related to trivial matters.
Aria chose not to burden herself with the discomforts of life, anyway. If something didn't fit, she'd simply dispose or replace it. After all, that was how she was raised and the way of life she easily embraced. A consistent schedule characterised her weekly routine, and Wednesday afternoons held a special place for her cherished Yoga classes, which she attended alongside her dear friend, Milan.
"Gosh, did you see what the girl from the art club was wearing today?" Aria's voice hinted at exaggeration, but the soft sigh that came from her lips as she raised her arms and started doing a series of stretches to prepare for the upcoming yoga session that would begin in just five minutes muffled it.
"Hideous. Absolutely hideous. I didn't know these sort of pattern were still produced… Definitely hurt my eyes and my soul."
Today is intended exclusively for girls only, where the presence of gentlemen is strictly forbidden. And yet, as she waits for her friend at the hippest coffee shop in town with her Bulgari sunglasses perched regally upon the bridge of her nose and one leg crossed perfectly over the other, her discerning gaze falls upon a young man who walks near her dear friend, Jiu.
She lowers her head, peers over her shades, and blinks a few times to ensure this is not a bad dream. Regrettably, it is an unpleasant reality, and it is impossible to simply blink away the presence of the person next to Jiu.
"Uh, what is he doing here?" It's not a greeting nor a subtle jab at Jiu's boyfriend. Aria has never been one to coat her thoughts and proceeds to speak as if the boy isn't even there. "I can't believe you brought him with you. Again. It's supposed to be our day. Girls only day."
In the depths of her anger, her voice resonates with an eerie tranquilly, a deceptive sweetness that flows like molten sugar, mirroring the disingenuous smile that graces her lips, concealing a malevolence that knows no bounds. "Send him away."
ella thinks she should be used to this by now, especially when it comes to aria. nevertheless, her eyes are still wide open as she looks around the shop. it was a big burden to be the only people in the store, but she trusted aria on her decisions. frankly, this might be the only way to get ella shopping anyway.
"proper clothes?" she understands where the other is coming from, but ella still can't help but let out a little pout. she purses her lips together before allowing a chuckle to leave her lips. aria wasn't shy about her distaste of ella's fashion. she didn't exactly blame her because she was always going out in what was most comfortable anyway. "whatever you say, aria," she says in a rather melodic tone as she follows the other around.
her ears immediately perked up on the mention of the two boys that aria had been torn between. now this is where her expertise came in. "i'm telling you, go out on another date with both of them and then make your decision then! it's not like you're officially dating any of them anyway. you need to spend more time with them to know what they're really like." is this how aria felt when she looked through ella's closet? because she could feel her chest getting frustrated with each passing moment her friend spent contemplating between the two boys.
Ella makes everything sound so simple, almost too simple. Aria finds herself enveloped in a wave of frustration as she ponders the unfortunate circumstances she has unwittingly stumbled upon. "Go on a date with both of them? Like both at the same time?" Her gaze swiftly turns towards Ella, her head snapping in her direction. A profound sense of disbelief envelops her voice, causing it to ascend in pitch as if she cannot comprehend such a notion.
A part of her yearns for the ability to peer into the vast expanse of time, quickly discerning the one destined to be her perfect match. However, regrettably, she does not possess the gift of foresight and must rely solely on the methods at her disposal. "I'm afraid, like, what if they are entirely different in a relationship, you know? Like, what if they play it all nice now and later reveal their true face? What if I pick the wrong one?"
With every uttered syllable, her exasperation swells, and with each spoken word, she meticulously selects an increasing number of clothes for Ella to try on. The employee instructs Ella to proceed to the changing room and begin trying on the clothes, as they aren't expecting to spend the entire night there due to the extensive selection made by Aria. "Ugh, boys and love are so complicated."
"you're telling me you rented this whole place out?"
ella honestly could not believe her eyes. when aria insisted on taking her out for a shopping spree, she did indeed expect that it would be one that lasted for hours, knowing how much of a shopaholic the other could be. sure, she was expecting to head home with bags and bags of clothes and accessories on her arms.
however, this was beyond anything she could have imagined. at first, she simply thought it was a place that didn't have many customers. but then the employees that were here started approaching them personally, and that's when all the puzzle pieces suddenly clicked together.
"you have got to be joking me." ella was never the biggest fan of shopping to begin with. of course, she liked looking good and cute, but she was always that so why bother with spending so much time on clothes? plus, sportswear was comfortable, and she preferred that. yet, here she was, stuck to aria's side like glue.
she could already tell that today was going to be a long day.
Aria was puzzled by the unexpected surprise from Ella. If she were to stop by for shopping, it was a given that she would rent out the entire shop. Standing in line at the cash desk? Not having every single salesperson available for her question right in the blink of an eye? She couldn't fathom impossible thoughts. "Darling, this is normal when you hang out with me." Aria retorted, gracefully removing her sunglasses and placing them neatly on top of her head.
"We need a ton of time to get your whole closet replaced with proper clothes." Aria's word choice, though often bold and harsh around the edges, was never intended to be degrading in any way. However, those who were acquainted with her were well aware that she always had good intentions, particularly when it came to the people she cared about. Fortunately for Ella, Aria had a spot available for her.
"Besides, I need your opinion on what to do with Jack and Chris. Ugh, my head always wants to explode when I think of them! I'm so torn." Frustration began to seep into her voice, while her hands were already occupied selecting multiple pieces. Each one was swiftly handed off to an assistant, who then transported them to the changing room for Ella to try on.
𝒾 𝒶𝓂 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝑒.
processing the loss of her family's interest in her life.
A slant of light slips in through the windows, falls in strips against the floor; it contrasts her mood, makes the morning feel empty, dull. Perched upon the bed, she gazes closely at the fragile device cradled within her hand. Ahri's attempts to connect with her mother, eager to share the exhilarating news of her upcoming vacation to the island of Jeju, were met with silence, devoid of any call-backs.
It seems as though the significance of her existence has diminished in the eyes of her family, particularly her mother, ever since Ahri has embarked on her own chosen journey. No longer being her mother's marionette and the epitome of perfection showcased at high-society gatherings. Breaking free from the confining enclosure that has restrained her existence for the majority of her days evokes a peculiar, novel, and disquieting sensation.
In the depths of Ahri's soul, she finds solace in her solitude, yet a curious question lingers in her mind: why does she persistently cast her gaze upon her phone, yearning for validation from one who merely exploited her for personal gain, solely to uphold the facade of familial prestige? Perhaps it's a habit, she thinks. Humans are creatures of habit. Perhaps all she needs to do is relinquish this habit and develop another in its place: the art of self-reliance.
Ahri finds herself curled up by now, with her knees pressed to her chest while the silver-cased phone lies forgotten, resting by her side. She's fine, she thinks. She always has been. She could call Sebastian, but she doesn't want to bother him while he's busy with the show, either. And revealing even the slightest vulnerability in the presence of her groupmates, particularly the newcomers, is unquestionably an act her dignity shall not permit.
She exhales a sigh, effortlessly aligning her form, elevating herself with her shoulders drawn back and her chin held high. Now is not the moment to indulge in self-pity, Ahri whispers to herself; Jeong Ahri is unfamiliar with self-pity, only acquainted with triumph. And she is presently indulging in the latter to the fullest extent possible.
The sponsored title track of IAEM stands out as a distinct departure from the debut song, showcasing a completely different melody, concept, and style. While Ahri greatly favours the powerful and fearless girl-crush concept, which was prominent during their debut, she is still content with the song's overall sound. It also leaves a profound sense of gratification and triumph when she is proclaimed as one of the members entrusted with the responsibility of leading the creation of the choreography.
Creativity swiftly awakens, beckoning Ahri to grace the expanse of the practise room's mirror. There, she stands, enveloped in solitude, accompanied solely by the gentle rhythm of her breaths and the resonating cadence of her footsteps upon the polished wooden floor. With each smooth movement, she weaves a tapestry of steps, thoroughly crafting a dance that embodies the fluidity of the melody and the independence celebrated within the song's lyrics.
As always, her heart finds boundless delight in the art of dancing, with a strength that stands alone, yet a ripple effect that unites. It brings a radiant smile to her countenance and evokes delicate flutters that gracefully dance throughout her being, rendering her buoyant and ethereal. It bestows upon her feet the enchanting power to glide wherever her path may lead while her smile remains steadfast, never wavering from its rightful place beneath her dainty nose, just above her chin.
The warmth of the setting sun seeps into the room and spreads itself over her. It warms her cheeks, her shoulders, and the graceful lines of her hands. This journey is a priceless task beyond the reach of any worldly wealth. It has catalysed her growth as both an artist and an individual, allowing her to cultivate her skills and talents, even if only in the smallest of ways. Eventually, she stops moving, and smiles at her reflection; this is all a wonderful experience, indeed.
She knew the concept of IAEM, of course, but she hadn't thought she'd be a part of it. After all, they said she had a lot of work to do, and boy was she putting it in. She couldn't count the number of nights she had stayed late, managed to try and perfect her draft or make sure her steps were perfect and couldn't be criticized(they definitely were anyway, but whatever). But now, she finds herself smack dab in the middle. The beautiful place of Jeju, even if its for... work is healing, and it seems her pupils shine a bit bright as she sits across from her, almost in awe. After all, Ahri was familiar with this... being an idol, a true one, already being in the group, and Gia offers a knowing smirk her way. At least they can still be playful while working together too, now. That was perfect.
"Oh, you got one finally? Which one?" Gianna inquires, a brow raises as she shuffles the cards a bit before setting them out and offering a chuckle as Ahri's expression changes-- in classic fashion, Gia stays as cool as a cucumber, her face neutral despite the competitive nature she sported. "Hmm, didn't you say that last time? I don't believe I lost previously."
"I got the Logitech G502 X Plus. Far better than any Razer mouse I've tried." She delicately presses her lips together, displaying a hint of distaste at the mere thought of possessing one of the aforementioned brand's desktop mice. "Although I don't think I'll ever try to own anything from them anymore. Their headphones hurt my ears and the keyboard swiftly ceased its functionality as well." It is quite extraordinary to encounter the perpetually graceful and composed young lady, adorned in fashionable attire from head to toe, enthusiastically indulging in her passion for technology and hardware. She is truly grateful to have found a kindred spirit within this company who shares her fervour. "Oh, don't flatter yourself, it was simply a stroke of beginner's luck." Ahri counters with an easy grin, rearranging the cards in her hold. "Are you excited about debuting? I mean, it probably came super unexpected, didn't it?"
