The way it is

I think Bae felt happy to know that. It was the way she expressed her happiness that I truly love.

"Okay guys. Let's get out of the carefree zone and be a little more serious." Yuqi took a minute before continuing.

"How are you all?" So simple and so important.

"Promotions are really stressful but I'm happy now that I am with you all" Bae answered.

"I'm good. Life is too fast to even notice much. But I'm happy to spend whatever time I can with you."

That is Eunbi's interesting answer.

Everyone now turned their attention to me.

"I'm happy and grateful. I may be young now but in the blink of an eye, I'll be in my 30s. I am happy that we can grow old together and I hope it remains the case forever."

That was my answer to a simple question of 'How are you?'

"So, Yuqi. How are you?" I asked. It only seemed fair.

"I'm good. Working as a backstage is hard, especially now. But other than that, I'm fine, thank you"

"You've never been only a backstage artist, so don't try in that sense. If we talk like that you'll know better that no job is easy. It's up to us to make a difference."

"Mhmm..."

The waiter came with the food. We were all so hungry and devoured the food as soon as it touched the table. It was peaceful. I mean, we did talk and laugh and gossip, but the thing is that we felt good with each other, something that was nostalgic.

We were done by 9:15 p.m. and I wish we could stay like that a little longer but we all had our own lives to deal with and in the entertainment industry we had to do everything while we were young. We did not have enough time. We never will.

We took out of the phones to see the list of nominees for AAA 2024. I saw VIVIZ's name in 'Fabulous Award - Music' list and didn't bother to see if their name came elsewhere. I saw (G)- Idle in 'Song of the Year'. I saw NMIXX's name in 'Best Artist Award -  Music'. Okay, now time to see if my name was there in The Producers/ Composers list*.

I looked and I was there! How? How? I wanted to cry. I just started doing this last year. How is it possible?

No! I will not cry. Let me see my competition. There is Woozi from Seventeen. I am for sure losing to him. Then there is Soyeon. Okay, not bad. And there was Hongjoong Seonbae- nim with a few of my colleagues from the other companies. What is happening? It looks like I'm against my mentors. The fact that they all taught me a lot when I worked as an assistant and junior, and to now stand in front of them as competition is just shocking.

I looked up to see all the girls staring at me. It was as if they saw a ghost.

"What?" I asked them.

"Congratulations, Alice" Eunbi was so happy for me that she got up and came to hug me.

"Thank you" I replied smiling.

"You are awesome. Good luck with your former teachers, Alice" said Yuqi laughing.

"What's so funny?" I asked her.

"You and Soyeon" she replied and continued to laugh.

Bae sat in her seat and I looked at everyone. They were smiling so genuinely at me. I was so happy.

"So, I made progress after all" I said with tears in my eyes. I really wanted to cry but I couldn't. I couldn't show them I'm weak. I had to be strong. I can't act sensitive now. I had to work hard to win the award. I had to prove myself to the world. I made my tears vanish slowly. I, though, had many more thoughts which were interrupted by Yuqi.

"Our Alice has worked so hard for this. Do not back down and don't think that I'll go easy on you because your my friend too" Yuqi advice.

"Please try Soyeon to do her best. I will too." I told her.

I could do this. I will show them my best and nothing less. My mother, brother, staff, mentors, seniors and colleagues have encouraged me to continue writing songs and producing good music. If not for me, I would have to win it for them. They have done so much for me.

While I was busy with my own thoughts, Eunbi received a call.

"Okay then guys. I will be leaving first. I have a busy schedule tomorrow." she told us. I nodded.

"Bae and I are going together. Do you want to come with us?" Yuqi asked me.

"No thank you. I've arranged for and Ub*r. He will be here in 2 minu... he's here. Well, take about right timing." I lied.

"See Alice. I know you're feeling overwhelmed about being nominated but remain focused." Bae told me and I smiled, slightly surprised she advised me.

"You're new here, in this industry. I hope you take care of yourself well." she told me seeing my expressions.

"Don't worry, Eonnie. I'll work hard, always." I told her as we were about to get up.

I suddenly remembered about the bill. I'm not sure if Eunbi paid it and I might as well do it. I wouldn't mind this or anything else that will happen today.

When I asked the waiter, he told me it was paid by a lady before leaving. I assumed it was Eunbi and I should thank her while going back home.

We three walked down together. Yuqi asked Bae to wait in the car while she dropped me off to the Ub*r. I told her that it was ahead because I would get a round figure of the cost. She nodded and after confirming with me that I would be alright, she turned to leave. I called up my brother.

"Where are you?" I asked directly.

"Behind you."

*Guys, I had to create this award though it was not part of an actual AAA (Asia Artist Awards) list.. That 's how the FL will come to action.

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