incense

1. I am ~

I was a third-year solo singer, just like everyone else. I trained for three years and three months. My daily routine consisted of waking up at 5:30 a.m., washing up, eating in the car, completing my schedule, and going home. This routine was repeated over and over again. I debuted under a mid-sized agency, but my academic background and family background remained unknown, creating a buzz. Four months later, that buzz has not died down. Even when I appeared at fan signings and variety shows, I kept it a secret from anyone. I didn't want to remember it.

Today, like yesterday, I'm practicing the song that will be released next week. The article came out. To meet fans' expectations, I need to practice more—a lot more—than you might think. Practicing 10 hours a day is the norm. And the reason I practice so hard is because I want to gain recognition and become a singer worthy of recognition for my skills, and… well, that's the reason.

Today, as always, I stopped by the office to practice. Oh, I have a habit before practicing. Every morning, I write my name on Twitter or Naver. I check the reactions and news articles. I'm afraid of being hurt by a bad article. Today's reaction was neither bad nor good. For some reason, I'm grateful for this kind of reaction.

"iced coffee"

Only a few minutes into work, I suddenly felt a stomachache. My head was pounding. I had to get out of here quickly. I was wearing the black cap I'd worn that day, a white short-sleeved boxy shirt, and black jeans that clung tightly to my legs, all while spraying every inch of my body with strong rose perfume. The scent of the perfume gave me a headache, but I couldn't help it.

I regretted wearing slippers when I came to practice, thinking I'd only be practicing. It was hard to run because I was afraid I'd fall.

After I got home, I called a close friend. The caller's tone was incredibly long.

- hello?

I'm in a hurry, can you come to my house?

- I'm very busy, but call Choi Seung-cheol.

- That guy would come running right away if he got your call. But why? What's the rush?

Fragrance… you know…

- Ah, I'll call Choi Seung-cheol. Just stay home and don't do anything. Please. This isn't a request, it's an insistence.

Okay, I'll stay still.

- Yeah, hang up

The call was disconnected. Honestly, I have no idea what they're saying. I don't even know what I'm thinking right now. I feel like I have no strength left in my body. And what am I doing right now? I have no idea...