TRACK 01 : HAPPINESS, in yeop.

01

✦ ╮ PROLOGUE

"YOU GOT a missed call from Nayeon."

Roselle, my assistant, came close and informed me while I was in the treadmill. I pressed a button to run faster, signaling her to continue, even when my gaze is fixated on the television above.

"She's inviting you to watch Music Awards tonight."

I hummed before grabbing the bottle of water, Roselle was offering. "Okay! Tell her I'll be there."

"Right away", her focus went back to her iPad.

"And now for Music First Half, First Place Award Nominees", the host from the TV began, making me press the button, this time to slower the pace. "We have..."

I wiped my sweat with my towel, chugging liquids while doing so.

"Hwang In Yeop!"

I immediately choked on the water I was drinking, bursting a few amounts out of my mouth.

"Oh my god. Cosette, are you okay?", Roselle scooted over, turning the TV off for me before patting my back.

I coughed, stepping out of the treadmill and regaining my composure. "I'm not going anymore. Please don't message, Nayeon."

Roselle pursed her lips, staring at me straight. "I'm sorry but I've already informed her just now."

Oh god.

"Uhm. Tell her I slipped on the bathroom tiles or something."

From the way Roselle's mouth opened, I knew she was about to nag me for what I said and so I immediately interrupted her.

"Alright, I'm only kidding", I showed her a short smile but her face remained as it is.

"After all these years?"

I handed her the now, empty water bottle, ignoring the question. "Just call me when the dress I'll be wearing is ready please."

"I'M GLAD, you were able to make it, Unnie!"

Nayeon came rushing towards me before engulfing me into a tight hug. We were back stage since she specifically requested for me to come there while she was getting her make-up done. I was also able to meet her band mates, Twice.

After pulling away, I greeted her with a smile. "Of course! Congratulations to Twice for being nominated. I'm so looking forward for your performance tonight."

"Thank you, Unnie!", she beamed back.

"The show's about to start, the audiences should be outside now", Roselle whispered to my ear before sending Nayeon a quick smile as well.

"I need to go", I told Nayeon now. "I'll see you there, okay? Goodluck!"

I sat beside a boy group, as far as I remember is named Stray Kids. They bowed to me when they realized. One of my friends was close with the members so we're acquaintances to say the least.

The program started as planned. Nayeon won the award she was nominated for and her performance went well. I haven't personally talked to her after that since the show was still on going.

"For the last award that we will present tonight", the host began. "We have the Music First Half, First Place Award."

Roselle and I shared glances when we heard this.

"Relax", she mouthed to me before I turned my face back to the stage, breathing in and out.

It shouldn't matter.

"Congratulations! Happiness by Hwang In Yeop!"

The claps were deafening when this was announced. Especially, the fans from the back. They were cheering like there was no tomorrow.

I couldn't help but feel happy for him.

He appeared to be successful, precisely as he had promised himself and as he had assured me.

"Thank you! Wow", In yeop laughed, almost like he was in a state of disbelief. "I can't elaborate every single one of you but to everyone who made this song possible. I wouldn't have made it without all of you."

The host then smiled before popping a question. "A lot of fans have been asking, In yeop. Did you write this song by yourself?"

"Yeah, I did. A long time ago actually."

A long time ago.

Has it really been that long?

"I see... A good song like this should have an inspiration, right? Could you tell us what it is—or should I say who it is?"

The squeals and chants from the audience became louder than ever.

I quickly averted my gaze. My stomach dropped. I knew exactly who that inspiration is.

I then caught a glimpse of him looking in my direction. I didn't want to come across as presumptuous, so I reassured myself that he was just staring at his fans.

"Uhm. I can't say", he chuckled. "But it was indeed a very special person."

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