𝗛𝗢𝗧 | 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗵𝘆𝘂𝗰𝗸 || 𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗪

𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙕𝙀

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗬

The stage crew stood in a straight line, their nerves palpable as Ms. Kim scrutinized them with a sharp eye.

They knew this day would come—the day that Hope would step back onto the stage. But this time, it was different. Hope wouldn't be practicing on the main stage; instead, she would rehearse on a smaller, more intimate one.

Ms. Kim's voice cut through the tense silence as she addressed the crew, her tone stern and unwavering.

" Let me make one thing clear: her microphone must never be touched. It must be handed to her out of the glass case. If anything like last year happens again, I will personally hire someone to find each of you and... well, let's just say I won't have any qualms about making time to go to jail," she threatened, her gaze piercing.

Hope, having entered from the stage below, caught sight of her manager's strict demeanor and couldn't help but interject.

" I'm not a diamond necklace, Ms. Kim. Give them a break," she said, her voice soft but firm, a gentle reminder of her humanity amidst the tension.

Ms. Kim's expression softened slightly at Hope's words, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Of course, Hope. I just want to ensure everything goes smoothly," she replied, her tone more measured now.

As the rehearsal commenced, Hope couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation mingled with trepidation. It had been so long since she had graced the stage, and the memories of her previous trauma lingered like shadows in the corners of her mind.

Ms. Kim glanced over at Hope, concern etched into her features. "You okay?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with empathy.

Hope nodded, though the nervous energy radiating from her was palpable. "Yeah, just a little nervous," she admitted, offering a weak smile.

"Safety-wise? Or public-wise?" Ms. Kim inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.

"Both, I guess," Hope replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I can't post anything without my fans wanting BTS videos like I used to. It's hard... I don't want to disappoint them."

Ms. Kim placed a reassuring hand on Hope's shoulder, her eyes reflecting understanding. "How could you? Look how far you've come," she said, her voice filled with pride.

Hope's expression softened at Ms. Kim's words, a sense of gratitude washing over her. "You're right," she conceded, her confidence bolstered by her manager's unwavering support. "But I do remember you saying you had something to run by me."

Ms. Kim nodded, a mysterious glint in her eyes. "Later at 6, you can meet me in my office," she replied cryptically.

Hope furrowed her brow in confusion. "Why can't you tell me now?" she pressed, her curiosity piqued.

"It's better if you see," Ms. Kim replied evasively, a mischievous smile playing at her lips.

Hope rolled her eyes playfully, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "Stop playing with me. Is it another gift?" she asked, unable to suppress a small smile.

Ms. Kim chuckled softly. "Maybe," she teased, her expression inscrutable as she turned her attention back to the task at hand.

𝟭𝟬 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗦 𝗔𝗚𝗢