**D1, Be the ONE! We are ZEROBASEONE!***
After debut, idol life is just getting started, and it's our time to bloom.
And so are the challenges...living in a dorm with eighteen people could never go wrong, right? Especially not with some love triang...
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The backstage buzzed with excitement and nervous energy as we prepared for our debut performance. It was a day I had dreamed of for years, the culmination of endless training and sacrifices. But as I stood there in my dazzling stage outfit, my heart weighed heavy with worry.
Keita, my closest friend and the one who had been there for me since the beginning, had been MIA for weeks. Countless calls and messages went unanswered, and I couldn't help but fear the worst. Where was he? Why had he suddenly disappeared without a trace? Wasn't he happy for me and Matthew?
I watched Allison in the corner of the dressing room, getting fitted in a bedazzled pink dress. The stress of the last couple of days was still etched on her face. The package was something we had all been thinking about a lot and I must say, I had some nightmares about it this week. It was super scary.
I walked to the outside corridor, where other groups were preparing for their performance. Our debut was during one of the music shows called Music Bank and we weren't the only idols in the building. The crowds had already gathered outside and I could hear the public screaming for their favorites.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of chatter and laughter coming from down the corridor. I turned my head and saw a group of familiar faces approaching. With a pang of realization, I noticed a familiar face. It was Keita, or so I thought at first. But my heart sank when I realized he was with a new group, his former group.
The pain and confusion welled up inside me as I watched them walk closer, their smiles radiant and their camaraderie evident. Keita, the person I trusted and confided in, was now a part of their world, leaving our team behind. Leaving me behind. I understood he had no choice in the matter, but he did have a choice in choosing not to have contact with me. It felt like a betrayal, a deep wound that threatened to shatter me.
"Hey, Billie," Keita called out, his voice full of false cheerfulness. "Long time no see."
My fists clenched instinctively, my nails digging into my palms. I had to stay composed, to keep my emotions in check. This was not the time or place for confrontation, especially not on such an important day.
"Keita," I managed to force a smile, my voice trembling slightly. "Congratulations on your new group. I hope you find success."
His smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of guilt crossing his eyes. But it was quickly replaced by a cold indifference.
"Thanks, Billie," he replied, his tone dripping with insincerity. "I'm sure we'll do just fine. Tell Matthew I said hi."
The words pierced through me like a knife, each syllable a painful reminder of the bond we once shared. But I couldn't let him see how much his indifference hurt. I had to stay strong, not just for myself, but for the rest of my team who relied on me. Especially today.
I took a step closer, my voice filled with a mix of hurt and determination. "Keita, why? Why did you leave Matthew and I like this? We were a family, a team. We dreamed together and supported each other. And now, you've turned your back on us."
He scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "Don't be so dramatic, Billie. I made a choice that was best for me. You should do the same."
The anger bubbled within me, fueled by the injustice of his words. "Best for you? What about us, Keita? What about the dreams we shared? Did they mean nothing to you?"
His gaze hardened, his voice laced with a bitterness I had never heard before. "You don't understand, Billie. This is my chance to shine, to make a name for myself. I couldn't let it slip away. And it was something I had to do by myself. It's better this way."
Tears welled up in my eyes, a mixture of pain and betrayal. "But at what cost, Keita? At the cost of everything we've built together? We were supposed to debut as a team, to celebrate our achievements together. I'm sorry you didn't make it, I really am. You can't even believe how much it pains me. But now, it feels like... you've taken that away from us in being like this."
He looked away, a flicker of regret crossing his features. "I never wanted to hurt you, Billie. But sometimes, we have to make tough choices for our own happiness."
I shook my head, my voice trembling with raw emotion. "Happiness should never come at the expense of others. And I don't deserve this treatment, Keita."
As the weight of our conversation hung in the air, the rest of our team approached, their faces a mix of concern and disappointment. Matthew noticed his former best friend and froze for a quick second before he stepped forward, his voice firm but compassionate.
"Keita, how have you been?" He said to him as if they hadn't shared their dreams. Didn't spend every waking hour of every day together. Like they were mere acquaintances running into each other at the grocery store.
Keita gave him a cold stare as he greeted him back. It wasn't long before his team dragged him away from us, sensing the escalation.
"Are you okay?" Matthew asked, but I should ask him that. He seemed ashen.
"It's strange seeing him like this... after all these weeks," I admitted.
Matthew approached me and dragged me in for a hug. Hao stood at the sidelines, giving me a puzzled frown. I had no clue what he was thinking.
As we stepped onto the stage, the cheers of the crowd washed over me, igniting a fire within. With each dance move and every note sung, I poured my heart and soul into the performance. The stage became my sanctuary, a place where the pain and doubts faded away.
And with Zerobaseone now officially debuted, Iwas sure we hadn't seen the last of the challenges.
