Prelude
“Oh my god, I can’t remember
Who I was just last December
What have I done, how did I get here?
What have I done?”.
His melodious voice breaks the room’s dominant silence. At the same time, his skillful fingers strum the strings of his guitar. The cap covers his face and the digital camera skillfully placed on the nightstand protects his identity, so he plays calmly, allowing all his burdens and frustrations to emerge through songs and masterfully practiced notes.
Once he’s finished, he wraps up the recording and removes the memory card, carefully packing it into his briefcase. He takes a few seconds to breathe before looking at Heeseung, whose smile widens as soon as their eyes meet.
“Thanks for letting me record here, Hee. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Hey, anytime. Just remember this when you’re famous and don’t forget to invite me to all your concerts.”
A wry laugh soon leaves his lips.
“I don’t want to be famous, Lee. The three gremlins I live with would never allow it.”
Heeseung grabs his wrist, his intention to put his guitar back in its case cut short by that action.
“But you’re months away from turning twenty. You’ll be a full-fledged adult.”
He raised an eyebrow at his friend. In his right hand, he has his cellphone, which he quickly glances at to check the time: 11:30 at night. He needs to run now or he’ll be in serious trouble.
“So what am I supposed to do? Chase fame?” Heeseung was about to retort, but Sunghoon got in first. “I have to think about my brothers. No matter how many jobs I get, I can’t find one that allows me to cover everything.”
Paying their tuition leaves him broke. The only reason they don’t go hungry is because their stepfather is obligated to feed them until they come of age.
He hates depending on Jaemin; unfortunately, there’s little he can do at this point.
His best friend snatched his phone away despite his protests, opening his Instagram without much trouble and glancing at his profile. He should remember to change the password if he doesn’t want Heeseung and Jongseong to discover another of his many secrets.
“Hey, look on the bright side. A few more followers and you’ll have access to monetizing your videos. You could use some extra income, right?”
“Two thousand followers, Heeseung. Where am I going to get them?”
“Mhm...” He seemed to think about it for a moment. “You could show your face. You’re quite attractive! That would definitely be the hook.”
He snorted. He slammed his case shut and slung it over his shoulder.
“You and Jongseong are really obsessed with me showing my face. Give me back my phone.”
Reluctantly, he handed it to him. Sunghoon muttered a brief, sarcastic “thanks” before heading for the exit.
“We just want the best for our little Sunghoon.”
“And I don’t want fame based on how attractive I am. I want to be appreciated for my voice and my lyrics.”
The sound of the door closing echoed throughout his two best friends’ apartment.
“You can’t stay anonymous forever! Do you know that?” Heeseung shouted, even though he was already outside.
Sunghoon bit his lip, nervous.
How much longer can he stay hidden before all hell breaks loose?
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