Clarity

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The studio buzzed with energy as the dancers practiced, surrounded by music, cameras, and their undeniable charisma. Today, just as Nine had promised, they brought Rie along.

Rie and Nine sat at the back, discussing which songs to practice. At some point, it would just be the camera and the three dancers. They choreographed the non-center parts, feeling proud of their efforts. The cover turned out exceptionally well. Rie wasn't part of the original cover or Yoojung's first run of the dance, but his inclusion felt natural, and everything just clicked.

As the song ended, they watched the video multiple times, critiquing it as if they were on a major show. The other members joined in, agreeing that this cover was going to break the dancing world.

"Hey Junji, aren't you going to hang out with your friends later?" Yoojung asked.

"Ah yeah, they were planning to get some ice cream afterwards." Junji replied.

"Well, then I'm coming with you," Yoojung said, grabbing his stuff.

Junji was about to protest, but Yoojung was already out the door, leaving him no choice but to wave goodbye to the others. Nine watched as Rie glanced at his phone screen.

"Looks like I'm busy. See you tomorrow!" Rie waved to the duo and dashed out the door.

"So-" Mill started, but it had been a while since he had spoken one-on-one with his best friend without discussing new group members or SoundCloud tracks. He missed those times.

"Sorry, Mill. I gotta find some new beats for the upcoming songs. I'm planning ahead for a Rie solo," Nine said, opening his laptop.

Mill nodded understandingly and walked out. "I'll just take a little walk."

Needing some fresh air, Mill decided to go up to the rooftop of the studio building. He had always found the rooftop to be a quiet place to clear his mind.

As he stepped onto the rooftop, the cool breeze brushed against his face. He looked out at the cityscape, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. However, his moment of solitude was interrupted when he noticed someone else on the rooftop.

A young man with strawberry blonde hair and a soft jawline was leaning against the railing, taking a smoke break. Mill felt a bit nervous but decided to approach him.

"Uh, hey. Mind if I join you?" Mill asked, trying to sound casual. He knew it came off as a try-hard.

The young man looked up, slightly surprised. "Sure, go ahead."

Mill walked over and stood beside him, unsure of what to say next. The blonde-haired man took a drag from his cigarette and exhaled slowly, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

"Are you here for the dance practice too?" Mill asked, trying to make conversation.

The man shook his head. "Nah, just needed a break from everything. Name's Jisung, by the way."

"I'm Mill," he replied, feeling a bit more at ease.

They stood in silence for a few moments, the sounds of the city below providing a soothing backdrop.

"What brings you up here?" Jisung asked, breaking the silence.

Mill shrugged. "Needed some fresh air. Things have been a bit overwhelming lately."

Jisung nodded in understanding. "I get that. Sometimes you just need to escape, even if it's just for a little while."

Mill somehow felt the openness from Jisung draw him closer. Suddenly the thoughts he held close were all spilling out. Anxieties from the first day he made music. From the first days of the band.

Mill inhaled. "I feel like I won't be successful, no matter how hard I try. Nine's songs always seem to get more attention than mine. I don't know if I'll ever measure up."

Jisung listened quietly, nodding occasionally.
"You know ever since I started collaborating with him I've just feel like I've been holding him back." Mill looked down at this fidgeting hands.
"I think I'm holding them all back." He sighed.
There was an awkward silence and it filled the humid sunset.
Jisung held the rails of the bar and glanced at Mill.
He spoke up, "It's tough, but everyone has their own path. You don't have to compare yourself to anyone else."

Mill avoided his gaze. Those words felt fake.

"How do you deal with it? The pressure, I mean," Mill asked, genuinely curious.

Jisung smiled softly. "I play guitar and sing. It helps me unwind and focus on what I love. I've been doing it for a while, and it's taught me to take things one step at a time."

"You play guitar and sing? That's cool," Mill said, feeling a bit of admiration.

"Yeah, it's my escape. I've been through my fair share of ups and downs, but music has always been my anchor," Ji explained.

Mill looked at him in awe. Someone with his aura is a rare find.

"You know, it's okay to take a break and not have everything figured out," Jisung said. "Sometimes, you just need to go with the flow and see where life takes you."

Mill smiled, appreciating the unexpected wisdom from his new acquaintance. "Thanks, Jisung. I think I needed to hear that."

"My pleasure," The elder grinned slightly.

Mill looked at him as if a light bulb went off in his head.
"Jisung!"
"Yeah?" He mumbled a bit confused.
"You can play guitar and sing right?"
"Right.."
"Join our band!"
A pause.
"Hell no."

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