Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

3

Hanni's POV

The moment Hanni stepped off the plane and into the arrival terminal, the flashing lights hit her like a wave. People, waiting for the perfect shot, surged forward, calling her name. She forced a smile, keeping her sunglasses firmly in place as she pulled her hood up. The noise of their voices all melded together, but certain questions stuck out, piercing through her calm facade.

"Hanni, how's the new album coming along?"
"Are you struggling with your next release?"
"Rumor has it you're taking a break—is that true?"

The questions were endless, a rapid-fire barrage that made her head spin. Each one felt like a reminder of her current creative struggle, the anxiety that had followed her all the way to Paris. She forced a tight smile, waving politely but keeping her pace steady.

The more they shouted, the tighter her chest felt. She tried to walk faster, her fingers curling tightly around the handle of her suitcase. Her manager, sensing the shift in her mood, stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder to guide her through the chaos.

"Are you sure you're idol material?"
"Why haven't you dropped a single in months"
"Are you struggling writing music or waiting for someone else to do it for you?"

Hanni's mind raced. Am I struggling? The questions gnawed at her, reminding her of the blank pages in her notebook and the lyrics that wouldn't come. I need to do better. Everyone's expecting something great, but what if I can't deliver? The pressure that had been simmering under the surface these past few weeks now felt like a suffocating weight.

Once they finally reached the car, her shoulders sagged with relief. The door shut with a soft click, and the noise from outside dulled.

"Just breathe," her manager said from the driver's seat, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "I know it's overwhelming right now, but you've got this."

Hanni exhaled slowly, sinking into the seat. "I just hate that they all know. It's like everyone is waiting for me to fail."

"You're not failing. You're just going through a rough patch," her manager replied, calm but firm. "You're in Paris now. Take this time to relax and clear your head."

Hanni closed her eyes for a moment, trying to ground herself and not letting tears to escape. "I... I don't know. It's a lot. I feel like I can't escape it, you know? The expectations, the constant pressure to be perfect."

Her manager smiled sympathetically and handed her a water bottle. "You're doing great, Hanni. Seriously, you need to give yourself some credit. You've been pushing yourself so hard, allow yourself to relax. Besides, I have some good news that might help take your mind off things."

Hanni raised an eyebrow, curiosity breaking through the cloud of anxiety. "Good news?"

"We managed to get you a room in the same hotel as Danielle. So, you don't have to worry about staying alone at the other place. You'll be closer to your friends, and maybe that'll help you relax a bit more."

The news instantly lightened her mood. "I figured seeing a familiar face would do you some good," her manager said, glancing at her again with a soft smile. "You can meet up with her tonight. Try to focus on the positive and please get some rest, tomorrow will be crazy."

"Are you serious? Thank you, really!" She quickly pulled out her phone, her fingers flying over the screen as she dialed Danielle's number.

Danielle picked up almost immediately. "Hey darling! You made it to Paris?"

"Yeah, I'm in the car now. But guess what?" Hanni's voice was already brighter, the stress from the airport starting to fade. "I'm staying at your hotel! I'll be right next to you and Haerin."