Paparazzi.

3: Dead artist.

After that lunch, rosé lost the ability to think straight. She canceled all of her plans for the day, she texted her friend and apologized to him, her initial plans were to pay him a visit at his dance studio and help him choreograph some dances, perhaps practice with him too, he was a well established choreographer, known internationally, but sadly, she couldn't bring her self to visit him, visiting a friend shouldn't feel like a chore to you, like something you do because you have to do it, out of some commitments. Her rectitude, or at least what remains of her morals, had her chained, she always forced herself to do those tasks, visit your parents, check! visit your friends, check! pretend you enjoy Christmas, check! be happy at your birthday. Check! It was energy consuming to a level that has her sickened to the core.

Jihyo, truly surprised rosé today, she was expecting the worst to come out of this lunch, but by the worst, she didn't mean this confusing situation at all, she thought that she'd let her jealousy win over her virtues, and do something unexpected, perhaps embarrass herself in public, or hurt the kind hearted Jihyo, but this- this was unworldly.

Does she want to work with Jihyo in a project? If she looked objectively at the situation, then this could save her dying career in a heartbeat, this will be revival for her life, akin to the transformation of ashes mingling with the ether in space, turning into a blazing fire once again, it's almost like miracles in motion, was Jihyo a prophet? This wasn't a bad situation, not exactly, perhaps it was a good one even, but rosé was way too confused to differentiate between what is good for her, and what isn't, rosé truly fears never succeeding, but do you know what she fears more? Living her life with regrets.

There is good and evil in everyone, it comes out in different aspects and forms, sure, but it was out of question, that indeed, we are way too complicated to have us categorized into 'good people' and 'bad people' categories. We cannot judge people by absolute standards, it was unrealistic, rosé knew that much, however, even with this knowledge, she was still guilty about the person she grew up to be, why couldn't she just be a 'Jihyo' too? Nice, righteous and lovable. Why was it that difficult for her? She has convicted herself into being a deadly criminal, a being unworthy of love, she always ruined everything that's good, she ruined her friends mood the moment she opens her poisonous mouth, it was ridiculous.

If she ever, god forbade, agreed to Jihyo's suggestion, wouldn't she ruin Jihyo's career too? She was sure her gloominess was gastric.

Rosé eneded up after wandering around the streets of Seoul, at a small coffee shop situated at the end of a hollow street, it was run by an elderly beef-faced woman who welcomed her smiling, she slightly bowed her head in respect and silently made her way inside.

She seated herself on a table, patiently waiting for the coffee she previously ordered, a waiter that looked identical to the owner of the place, handed her the order, rosé thanked her before she left, leaving rosé alone with her thoughts, but she noticed that the woman behind the cashier was watching her attentively, this made the exhausted blonde feel her body tense, suddenly aware of her own breathing. She saw the woman approach her with a little notebook, rosé thought that she will give her the receipt, so she started looking for her cash, but the woman interrupted her actions saying, « pretty young lady, I hope you're enjoying your drink » she handed her the small notebook, and gave her a black pen, and asked her, « miss, I think I've seen my grandchildren watch your videos, you're famous, right? » she's famous? Of course there were people who recognized her, her music videos never blew up, but they did get some views, she also participated before in some reality shows, although they never really boosted her popularity, it was worth the shot. « well, to be honest with you, you are a very gorgeous young lady, are you married ? » question marks were hanging from her angelic halo, she sent an accusing look towards the older woman, clearly knowing where this conversation is heading to, she heard the older lady laugh, « there is no need to send me those looks, instead you should be thanking me, my grandson is quite the catch, I'm pretty sure you know him as well! He is popular amongst the public. » of course, that's what a grandmother would say about her dearest grandson, so rosé didn't pay much attention. « since both of you work in the same industry, I'm pretty sure you two are friends » rosé decided to be polite, ignoring an elderly who isn't being rude isn't exactly polite, so she asked. «  oh? Your grandson sings? » « no, rather acts. Although he says he would like to go back to making music too! » ah, of course.