Frozen Memories➔ps.ff

Chapter 12

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After arriving at the academy, Sarang immediately began warming up, preparing for the rigorous rehearsal ahead. She met with her coach, Ms. Do, and they discussed some last-minute adjustments and strategies. An hour passed quickly, filled with focused practice and final touches on her choreography. Deciding to take a brief rest before heading to get her hair and makeup done, Sarang sat down for a late lunch.

Her meal was a rather unexciting combination of a bland salad and a hefty portion of chicken, balanced with proteins and carbs to fuel her for the performance later. As she quietly ate, scrolling through her phone, she noticed Sunghoon's friend Jaehyun approaching. She unplugged one of her earbuds, offering him a polite smile. Jaehyun returned the smile but with a hint of hesitation, apologizing for interrupting her lunch.

"Sorry to disturb you, but have you seen Sunghoon today? Maybe at home or school?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Sarang furrowed her brows, her worry instantly piqued. "No, I haven't seen him. Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with unease.

Jaehyun scratched the back of his head, clearly trying to downplay the situation. "Oh, it's probably nothing. He's just late, and our coach is getting frustrated," he explained. "But don't worry, he's probably just busy. Sorry again for interrupting."

As Jaehyun walked away, Sarang couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in her chest. Where could Sunghoon be? It wasn't like him to miss something this important. Even though they hadn't spoken much recently, she couldn't help but worry about him.

After finishing her meal, Sarang quickly made her way to the styling room. Time was ticking, and she needed to get ready. Her hair was styled in a sleek half-up, half-down look, held in place with an ample amount of product to manage her thick, healthy locks. A few rhinestones and touches of glitter were carefully added to her hair, catching the light just right. Her makeup was simple yet elegant, with a hint of sparkle that perfectly complemented her outfit.

The dress she wore was a striking bright red, long-sleeved, and short, with a rich, vibrant color that exuded elegance. Glitters and white, shiny rhinestones adorned the fabric, making her shine under the lights. She slipped into her body-colored tights and pristine white skating shoes, adding simple accessories that didn't distract from the overall look.

However, the most significant piece she wore was the matching friendship necklace that she and Sunghoon shared. She brushed her fingers against the delicate chain, hoping that wherever he was, he was okay.

Meanwhile, after leaving the company, Sunghoon rushed home to grab a few things before heading to the academy for the competition.

As he was about to leave, he ran into his sister, Yeji, on the stairs.

She eyed him suspiciously before abruptly asking, "What's going on with you and Sarang? Did you two get into a fight?"

Sunghoon, already in a foul mood, was in no shape for this conversation. "Yeji, I'm not in the mood, please," he muttered, trying to brush past her.

But Yeji was persistent, grabbing his arm to stop him. "No, you have to tell me what's really going on! Why are you two ignoring each other? It's ridiculous!"

Irritation flared within him. "Yeji, I have to leave. Stop pestering me with questions," he snapped, attempting to free himself from her grip. But her next words froze him in his tracks.

"Did you tell her about your idol training?" she asked, her tone sharp and accusatory.

Sunghoon's heart sank. This was the very question he had been dreading.