In a world where dreams and fame collide, Naeun is a hardworking freelance model trying to balance her studies while secretly in love with Taemin, the rising star of SHINee. Their romance began when he was just a trainee and grew stronger as he prep...
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☾ ⋆･ﾟ:⋆･ﾟ:✧⋆.:･ﾟ✧.: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆ ☾
Taemin's POV,
As I dove deeper into the recording session, it became painfully clear that I wasn't at my best. My voice faltered, the notes on the paper blurred, and every attempt to hit the right pitch left me frustrated. My usual rhythm—my sense of control—had abandoned me. Each time I missed the mark, the frustration in the room thickened, wrapping around me like a suffocating shroud. What normally felt effortless now seemed like an impossible feat.
The music that once brought me comfort now felt like an enemy, taunting me with every failed attempt to reach its perfection. My throat tightened, and I could hear my heart beating louder than the melody.
The producer stopped the playback, his voice cutting through the mounting tension. "Take a break, Taemin," he suggested, his tone firm yet kind.
But I shook my head, the desperation creeping into my voice. "Let me try again," I pleaded. I couldn't stop—not yet. I needed to push through, hoping that just one more attempt would bring me back to myself.
And then Joonwoon arrived. His presence, calm and steady, was like a breath of fresh air in the suffocating room. He didn't say anything at first—he didn't have to. Just seeing him by the producer's side gave me a renewed sense of focus, like his quiet support was exactly what I needed to keep going.
With Joonwoon watching, I launched into the song again, pouring every ounce of energy I had left into it. This time, I hit the notes—each one a small victory. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough. The producer gave me an enthusiastic thumbs-up when we finished, and relief flooded through me.
I nodded in thanks to the producer, but it was Joonwoon I turned to next, my eyes filled with gratitude. His concern was immediate, evident in the way he tilted his head slightly and asked, "Are you okay? You don't look great."
I let out a sigh and shook my head. "Yeah, I know," I muttered, unable to deny how drained I felt.
Joonwoon gestured toward the studio door, silently suggesting we step outside for a moment. I followed him without hesitation, grateful for the break.
In the quiet of the adjacent room, I sank into a sofa, letting the tension drain from my body. Joonwoon adjusted the air conditioner, a subtle gesture of care that I hadn't asked for but appreciated. He settled into a chair across from me, his eyes soft but probing, as if he knew there was more going on than just a bad day in the studio.
"How's Naeun?" he finally asked, his voice gentle but direct.
I felt a lump form in my throat. "She's still in the hospital," I replied, my words heavy with worry. "The doctor says she's going to be okay, but..." My voice trailed off. I couldn't finish the sentence. The fear gnawed at me, despite the doctor's reassurances.
