Promise (Sweet Home)

Prologue

Na-ri was curled up on chair, knees to her chest, anxiously biting her nail as she scrolled through the comments:

"Someone like her shouldn't be an idol."

"She's a talentless ugly bitch, why is she even still singing."

"How could their company allow this?"

"She doesn't deserve this."

"She's so unlikeable."

"Guys let's boycott."

"It's really disappointing."

"She should just die."

"Na-ri?" Her manager called, walking into the room. Instantly she looked up, eyes glassed over with new tears forming, threatening to fall. The manager looked at her shaken form with pity.

"I-is it bad?" Na-ri asked her voice barely over a whisper as she sets the phone down, "I sent out an apology like they asked, will they be able to fix it?"

Her manager shook her head, "I'm sorry. There was nothing we could do. They said they couldn't continue to work with anyone with questionable reputations."

"But it's not true, I didn't- I wouldn't"

"I know, but you have no way to prove that ." He sighed and looked at your papers, "That and along with the questionable family situation, they're not ready to take that kind of risk."

Na-ri stood up, "What are you saying..." She stepped towards the older woman, "Am I... am I being fired."

The manager sighed, "They are planning to cancel your contract within a month. Within that allotted time, you are able to keep any earnings you have made up to the end date as well as move any personal belongings from your residents."

Na-ri began to sob, "But I didn't do it." She cried, "Please, give me a second chance. I swear, I'll do better, I'll be more careful."

With remorse and guilt, the manager hugged the crying girl, giving her a squeeze, "I'm so sorry. I know how much you wanted to make this work, prove your step-parents wrong. But you don't have to go back to them. You have enough money from album sales, concerts, and merchandise to last you a long time if you play smart. I can give you a list of affordable apartments if that helps."

Na-ri sniffled, "You mean it?"

The manager nodded, "I mean it, and maybe one day you can make a comeback, brighter and better. Don't you worry, everything will be okay."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

And here the girl was, standing in front of her new residence at Green Home Mansion Apartments. A singular box, backpack, and suitcase stood beside her as she unlocked the door to her new apartment, room 1409.

Just barely eighteen, Na-ri realized she has to now become fully independent. She'll be all on her own, no one else will be there for her. But maybe one day, she'll able to fulfill her dream.

One day she could sing again, just like she was promised.

Promise (Cha Hyun-su)

Status: Season 1 - On Going