The week after the press event was chaos.
The company's halls no longer felt quiet. Everywhere Lian went, people turned to look — some curious, some cold. Trainees whispered when he passed, managers stopped talking mid-sentence. Fame had a way of changing the air around a person, even when that person hadn't done anything except sing.
By the time he reached the practice room, his reflection in the mirror looked different too.
Not because he was different, but because everyone else thought he was.
---
"Again," Rian said from the corner, voice clipped.
They'd been rehearsing for hours — their first joint live performance had just been announced for the company's anniversary showcase. One song. One stage. Millions watching online.
Lian's heart still hadn't caught up.
He nodded, replayed the intro, and began singing.
But halfway through, he faltered — the lyrics tangled, breath uneven.
"Stop." Rian stood. "What's wrong with you today?"
"I—sorry, I'm trying," Lian said quickly.
