Beyond the Spotlight | Volume: 1

4

Seonghwa returned to the dorm, the events of the night still weighing heavily on his mind. He sat on the couch, opening his laptop and pulling up the latest runway show. As the models strutted down the catwalk in stunning designer outfits, he couldn't help but feel a pang of longing and envy.

**Seonghwa:** (whispering to himself) "What am I doing with my life?"

He sighed deeply, his thoughts a whirlwind of doubts and dissatisfaction. The allure of the fashion world seemed more captivating than ever, especially in light of their recent disappointment at the music awards.

Hongjoong entered the living room, noticing the glow of Seonghwa's laptop and the familiar runway scenes playing on the screen.

**Hongjoong:** (concerned) "Seonghwa, where have you been? It's late. I was worried."

Seonghwa looked up, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I went for a walk, ended up at a restaurant. Needed some time to think."

**Hongjoong:** (sitting down beside him) "And? Did it help?"

**Seonghwa:** (shrugging) "A little. I met someone who helped me with dinner. She said some things that made me think... maybe I’m wasting my time here."

Hongjoong's expression tightened with unease. "What do you mean?"

**Seonghwa:** (gesturing to the screen) "Look at them, Hongjoong. They’re living their dreams, expressing themselves through fashion. And here I am, feeling stuck and unappreciated."

Hongjoong frowned, concern deepening. "Seonghwa, you’re amazing at what you do. We’ve had setbacks, sure, but that doesn’t mean we should give up on music."

**Seonghwa:** (sighing) "I know, but... what if fashion is the path for me? What if I’m meant to do something more than just music?"

Hongjoong shifted uncomfortably, the thought of Seonghwa drifting away from their shared dream unsettling him. "You’ve always been passionate about fashion, but don’t let this loss cloud your judgment. We still have so much to achieve together."

**Seonghwa:** (thoughtful) "Maybe. But the lady I met... she was part of a scouting team for the fashion world. She said I have the look, that I’m wasting it all here when I could be rich and famous."

Hongjoong’s unease turned to a mix of worry and frustration. "Seonghwa, don’t let someone’s words sway you so easily. You’ve worked hard to get where you are in music. Don’t throw it away because of one bad night."

**Seonghwa:** (softly) "I just feel so lost, Hongjoong. Like no matter how hard we try, it’s never enough."

Hongjoong placed a reassuring hand on Seonghwa’s shoulder. "We’ll figure it out. Together. Just... don’t lose sight of why we started this in the first place. We love making music, and our fans love what we do. Fashion can be part of your life, but don’t let it take over everything we’ve built."

Seonghwa nodded slowly, the turmoil in his heart still present but slightly eased by Hongjoong’s words. "You’re right. I need to find a balance. I can’t just abandon everything we’ve worked for."

Hongjoong smiled, relief evident in his eyes. "Exactly. We’ll get through this, Seonghwa. One step at a time."

As they sat together, the runway show continued to play in the background. Seonghwa’s admiration for fashion remained, but Hongjoong’s words helped him remember their shared dream and the passion that had brought them together in the first place.

A few days had passed, and Seonghwa’s mood had noticeably lifted. The disappointment from the awards ceremony still lingered, but a new excitement had taken its place. He and Hongjoong had been invited to attend the spring collection of a famous brand, an event that Seonghwa had dreamed about for a long time.