Star Planet II - Zerobaseone Added Members

Chapter Nine: Sometimes the Burdens Cut

Living in the penthouse with seventeen other people was overwhelming. As the debut of Zerobaseone drew closer, the excitement and anticipation filled the air. But amidst all the chaos and dreams coming true, I couldn't shake off the feeling of helplessness that consumed me.

From the outside, it seemed like I had it all. My dream was finally within reach, and I had the privilege of living with my fellow members, sharing this journey together. But deep inside, I felt an emptiness that I couldn't quite explain.

The crowded dorm rooms, the constant noise, and the pressure of the upcoming debut weighed heavily on my shoulders. Sometimes, it became suffocating, and I found myself yearning for a moment of peace and solitude. So, whenever I could, I would escape from the penthouse and wander the streets in search of solace.

On one of those nights, I found myself sitting on a bench in a quiet park, staring up at the stars. Their distant glow felt like a reminder of the vastness of the world beyond our debut. I let out a sigh, the weight of my emotions pressing down on me.

"All this success, all these dreams coming true, and yet I feel empty," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible against the backdrop of the night.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, I heard a familiar voice behind me. "Ji? What are you doing out here all alone?" It was Allison, her voice filled with concern. She must have followed me here. She was wearing this pink cardigan wrapped tightly around her body. The night was chilly.

I turned to face her, forcing a smile. "Hey, jagiya. I needed some fresh air, some time to clear my head."

She took a seat next to me, her presence comforting. We sat there in silence for a long time before she said. "You've been distant lately. Is everything okay?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. But looking into her eyes, I knew I couldn't keep up the facade any longer. "Honestly, I feel helpless. Living in the penthouse with everyone, the pressure, the expectations... It's overwhelming. I thought achieving my dream would bring me happiness, but it feels like something is missing."

My girlfriend's expression softened, and she reached out to gently hold my hand. We usually never held hands, especially in public, but it was deep in the night and no one was around. "Ji, I understand. Debut preparations can be incredibly stressful. But remember, you're not alone in this. We're all going through it together."

I nodded, grateful for her words of comfort. "I know, and I appreciate the support from everyone. But sometimes, it feels like no one can truly understand what I'm going through."

Allison squeezed my hand reassuringly. "You're right. We all have our own struggles and fears. But we're a team, and we lean on each other for strength. Have you talked to Hanbin or the others about how you're feeling?"

Again with the mention of Hanbin. We couldn't have a single conversation without her mentioning his name. But I promised I wasn't jealous anymore. So I shouldn't be.

"No, not yet. I guess I've been trying to handle it on my own."

She leaned closer, her voice filled with warmth. "Sometimes, opening up to others can lighten the burden. Hanbin, especially, understands the pressures of being a leader. Maybe he can offer some guidance or even just lend a listening ear."

Yeah, Hanbin especially...

Yet, her words resonated with me. Maybe it was time to seek solace within the group, to realize that we were all in this together. I looked into Allison's beautiful hazel eyes, gratitude filling my heart. "Thank you, baby. You always know how to bring me back to reality."

She smiled, her gaze filled with affection. "That's what partners are for, right?" She winked at me, while whispering the word 'partner' behind her hand. It's what we called our thing in public.

I chuckled softly, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "Yeah, partners. I'm lucky to have you by my side."

We sat there for a while longer, enjoying the quiet companionship under the night sky. The feeling of being able to be together like this, outside, just the two of us and nobody else. The emptiness that had plagued me before seemed a little less daunting now. I knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with the support of her, I felt a glimmer of hope.

As we eventually rose from the bench, ready to return to the penthouse, I realized that my journey wasn't just about achieving my dreams but also about finding fulfillment within myself and the connections I had formed. The upcoming debut would be a stepping stone, and I was determined to face it head-on, with newfound strength and a sense of purpose.

And as Allison and I walked back to the dorms hand in hand for a short while, just between the bushes and the cover of the trees, until we reached our building's front door, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement for the future, knowing that we were in this together, as both members of Zerobaseone and... as something a lot more.