3.*

Morning soon arrived, draping the world in a warm, golden glow. The sun's rays pierced through the delicate fabric of the curtains, gently coaxing me from the depths of slumber.

I stretched my limbs, feeling the delightful strain in my muscles, and rubbed the sleep from my heavy eyelids.

Once my yawn subsided, a realization washed over me: I was utterly alone in the room, surrounded by the stillness of the early hour.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and padded quietly towards the door.

As I stepped into the hallway, the mouthwatering aroma of Han-na's culinary creations wafted through the air, filling my nostrils with a tantalizing promise of breakfast.

I made my way toward the living room and spotted my clothes neatly laid out on my bed, perfectly arranged just for me.

I entered the bathroom and went through my morning routine, the rhythmic splash of water invigorating my senses.

I slipped into a snug short-sleeved turtleneck and a comfortable pair of jeans, finishing the look with sleek sneakers. I pulled my hair back into a smooth, high ponytail, a style that felt both effortless and polished.

As I descended the staircase, I caught sight of Chae-won Noona, her brow furrowed in concentration as she sifted through several bags sprawled across the couch.

Aera Noona buzzed around, darting in and out of the house like an industrious bee as she carried bags outside.

Meanwhile, Han-na Noona was busily packing an array of delicious food, her hands moving with practiced efficiency.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Han-na Noona glanced up, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

"Oh, Youngie, you're up! Come help me, please," she called, her voice cheerful.

I stepped into the kitchen, where she handed me two lunchboxes, their enticing smell beckoning.

"Can you take those to the car and help Chae-won and Aera Noona with the bags?" she asked.

I nodded, ready to assist, and soon found myself juggling the lunchboxes as I helped my sisters.

Before long, all four of us were settled in the car, with Aera Noona at the wheel.

Chae-won Noona began to munch on her breakfast, while Han-na multitasked, feeding Aera as she took bites for herself.

An enveloping silence wrapped around us, thick with anticipation, until I could no longer bear it.

"So, where are we going?" I finally broke the quiet.

"No one mentioned we’d be hitting the road today." Chae-won Noona paused mid-bite, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips.

"Oh, I completely forgot! Manager Mina said the tour has been pushed forward because of a printing error with the tickets. So tonight, we're flying out of the country, and tomorrow night is our first concert."

I glanced at them, their faces filled with aWkward laughter, aware of my discomfort with unexpected changes.

Inhaling deeply, I steadied my racing heart. "Okay. But where are we headed now?"

Aera Noona swallowed her bite and replied, “We’re going to the company. We have an early training session with our backup dancers. And there’s one more thing we forgot to mention... Manager Mina said you’ll be leading the practice today.”

A sigh escaped my lips as I fought to control the frustration bubbling inside me. I finished my breakfast, and soon we arrived at the company.

Just as Aera had said, I was thrust into the role of leading the dance session. We practiced and trained relentlessly until the clock struck seven.

As planned, we departed the country, and during the entire flight, I succumbed to sleep, drifting off as night enveloped us.

In the comfort of my chair, I slipped into a dream, lost in memories of my older brother and the blissful moments we shared.

But just as I was savoring those cherished recollections, I was jolted awake. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I found Chae-won smiling down at me.

"Come on, get up! We're landing," she urged gently.

I smiled back at her, stifling a yawn as the excitement of our journey washed over me.

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