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| February 11th, Thursday, 2021 |

There's always two sides when you're preparing for a comeback: the excitement of finally going back to the stage and seeing your fans again; and the exhaustion of practising for hours.

The members of Flashlight, though, tended to focus on the good part. "If we're sweating, then it means we're doing good", Remi always said. Although the science behind it was slightly questionable.

"Do you guys think we'll be able to get a music show win this time?"

Jaein asked once they sat down to rest.

"Of course! We gained a lot of fans since the last comeback. We only didn't win anything on music shows because of who we were up against."

Remi replied, being reminded of the trot singer that got all the wins on the programs they performed on.

"That worries me a bit, honestly. We got so much attention, so many people are looking forward to our next steps...what if we disappoint them? What if they say it was just luck?"

The youngest commented with a quiet voice.

It was almost impossible not to think about that. Of course they were happy to be recognized, but more attention meant more expectations, more hate also.

Despite being a rather "chill" person, Annie couldn't help but to be worried too. She was the youngest artist to ever win the Producer of The Year award, everyone was looking forward to what type of song she would produce next, there were even people questioning whether she really was the composer SPIKE or if it was just a facade.

Aside from that, she had been the target of a dating scandal and had her stalking experience revealed to the whole world. If they found out about a fake boyfriend during her trainee days, how difficult would it be for her actual relationship to be discovered?

Chan said it was obvious. The lady from the shelter knew about it even before Annie herself. Was Yujin truly unaware? Or was she just pretending to for the sake of the idol? How would the fans react if the news came out? Would she enter a hiatus? Would their comeback be postponed?

"Annie!"

"Huh?"

The girl looked up at her friend.

"The five minutes are over."

"Oh."

She brushed off her pants – alongside her thoughts – and went back to the formation.

"Let's start!"

● ● ● ● ●

"I'm done!"

Annie stretched her arms, letting out a big yawn while reaching for her phone.

1 a.m?! Where did time go?

I'd better hurry.

After telling her teammates and boyfriend that she was heading home, Annie organised everything and left the studio.

Once again, there was no one to accompany her. Well, at least now all the girls had access to each other's location thanks to an app they downloaded.

Is it that hard to find a manager?

Can I ask friends for recommendations?

I mean, the company wouldn't scold me for helping them do their job, right?

Annie peacefully walked through the streets, talking with herself.

Maybe I should ask Yujin first.

She's been busy lately...

"Haerim."

Her name was called, but there wasn't anyone around.

I'm hallucinating now?

Annie slowly went back to walking, but a figure appearing from the shadows made her stop.

Her eyes widened and, at that moment, Annie prayed she was hallucinating.

"It's been so long, how are you?"

He took a step towards her direction, while she stepped back.

"I'm good, I need to go."

The girl built as much distance as she could from him to try to cross the street.

"Hey, why don't we talk for a bit? It's been so long since we've seen each other!"

He caught up to her.

"It's almost 2 a.m, Jongwon, I can't talk right now."

Annie replied sternly.

The last thing she'd do right now was show that she's scared.

"Right. Give me your phone number, then, so we can meet tomorrow."

He grabbed his own phone.

"I can't."

"Why? Your fake boyfriend doesn't like it?"

Jongwon laughed as she got more nervous.

"I read the article. Why did you lie to me, Haerim? Do you know how hurt I was? Do you know how much I liked you?"

"I'm sorry, it just happened that way."

The guy nodded with a sigh.

"...it's okay. I'm glad you told everyone the truth. We can finally be together now!"

Despair filled Annie's face.

This guy is an obsessive psychopath.

"If you saw the article then you know I'm an idol now. I can't date anyone."

She tried to respond reasonably.

"Huh? We can figure that out! First, we shouldn't talk in public. We should head to your house. It's this way, right?"

As soon as Jongwon pointed to the exact direction, Annie's legs got weaker.

He had found out where she lived. Again.

Even if she sent him away now, he'd come back the next day. And the next...and the next.

Annie had to be extremely careful with her actions. This was an older, stronger male with possible psychopath tendencies who had been "in love" with her for at least 5 years and found out where she lived twice. Besides, the street was empty.

Maybe I can try to get my phone and call someone.

"I'll get your number instead."

Annie reached for the pocket on her bag, taking a step back as she did so.

"No, you won't text me first."

"I will, don't worry."

She laughed nervously while grabbing her phone.

"If you don't want to go to your house, let's go to mine, then. I'll take you there."

Jongwon tried to hold her wrist, but she immediately retreated.

"What's wrong?"

"Huh? Nothing!"

Her tone became higher.

"Do you not like me anymore, Haerim?"

When did I ever like you?

"Can you please let me go, Jongwon? I need to head home, my friends will be worried."

"Text them you're not coming home tonight."

Annie felt chills all over her body, hands now slightly shaky.

"What?"

"I'm not losing you again, Haerim. You'll be mine now."

Annie felt like she needed to run. Punch him and run.

But her legs couldn't move.

"I'm– I don't want to. Please leave before I call the police."

She tried her best not to show how unpleasant his presence was in case it made things worse but, honestly, how worse would it get when he's nearly forcing her to follow him to his house?

"What? Haerim, what's wrong?"

"I already told you you freak me out, Shin Jongwon! My life was going well without you, why did you have to appear again?!"

Let's say Annie's patience has a limit, even when she's scared.

"There's a guy, right? Who is it?"

She frowned.

"There isn't anyone. I just don't like you. Get lost."

Annie attempted to walk away, but her wrist was caught in a tight grip.

"Who is it?"

"Do you want aggression added to your criminal record?"

"I asked you who's the guy!"

"It's me, motherfucker."

A loud voice approached them and, before Jongwon could even react, he was welcomed with a punch on his face.

"Minho–"

"Who the hell do you think you are to be touching my girlfriend like that?"

He looked at the guy stumbling back, holding his left cheek.

"So you're the guy?"

Jongwon grinned.

"Call the cops."

Minho said, softly pushing Annie to stay behind him.

She did as told.

"Are you the freak that used to follow her?"

"Oh, she told you about me? I'm happy to know that."

He smiled once again.

"Would you like to wait for the cops as a behaved dog or would you rather me to knock you out?"

Minho asked, not bothering the dude's teasing.

"How about I beat you up and take back what's mine?"

Jongwon glanced at Annie, who was on the phone.

"I'd be very happy if you attack first, because then I can claim self defence."

Finally, Minho broke out into a sarcastic smile.

"You asked for it."

Jongwon came rushing to him, throwing a punch in the air. Minho grabbed his right arm and twisted it while barely moving his feet. As the guy winced in pain, he pushed him back to his place.

"Behave. I feel sorry for hitting weak people."

By now, Annie had already finished the call and was just enjoying the scene.

Just as Jongwon was about to run away, two police cars stopped in the middle of the street and three officers stepped out.

"You know I'm not staying there for long. I'll come back."

"There's cameras in this neighbourhood, idiot, you'll spend at least two years in prison."

Minho spoke as he watched him get cuffed.

"We'll need you to come with us."

One of the officers turned to Annie.

"Ah, right."

"I'm going too."

They nodded and both of them got in the car.

Annie got her phone and texted the girls, saying she was going to be late and would explain later.

"Are you okay? Did he do anything to you?"

"Aside from creeping me out? No, not really."

She laughed, but his expression of worry didn't change.

"I'm fine!"

Minho sighed and grabbed her shaking hand.

"I'm sorry I'm late."

"It's not your fault. I didn't even know you'd show up. How did you even know? You're usually home by now."

"Remi always tells me when you plan on going home late, so I stay at the company and go home just a little after you. I was practising tonight and didn't hear the notification, that's why it took me so long."

"Remi that little..."

Annie pretended to curse at her friend, but truly, she wanted to give her a kiss out of gratitude.

"But please promise me you're not going home alone at night anymore."

"I won't, I'm too scared to do that."

She laughed out of nervousness.

"Come here."

Minho scooted closer, hugging her tightly.

"This is a police car."

The officer at the front said, making them split up almost instantly.

"Sorry."

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