The movements of an idol are always a spectacle to behold, especially for enthusiasts and avid fans. With their astounding vocals paired with mesmerizing choreography, idols offer pure peak entertainment for any dedicated fan.
Most idols belong to a group, and each member typically has their own fanbase in addition to the group's overall following. Oh look, it's Aiden's favorite part.
"She's so pretty!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands in front of the computer screen.
"Ryu Minji! Ryu Minji! Ryu Minji!"
He chanted her name repeatedly, a display of pure adoration. As Aiden continued watching the performance, a sudden realisation struck him , like a thunderclap of guilt.
"I'm 20 years old," he muttered.
"Minji is also 20, but she won't have a problem with her future."
Aiden paused the video and buried his face in his hands, fingers pressed against his brow like a man deep in turmoil.
The difference between Aiden and Minji was like comparing a continent to the sun. At the same age, Minji was already an icon, a full of promise and endless opportunities.
There's no age limit when it comes to being a fan. There's nothing wrong with fanboying. But to Aiden, there was.
You see, Aiden is the eldest child in his family, and with that came heavy expectations. His parents hoped for so much from him, and that burden weighed on him constantly. Every time he slacked off, he felt a pressure that couldn't be lifted.
"What's wrong with me?" he whispered.
"If what I want is change, maybe it should start with me."
Responsibilities like his are part of growing up. And while ideally, burdens like these shouldn't be placed on children, life is rarely ideal. Every person has their own circumstances, and Aiden couldn't help but feel the weight of his.
After some time sitting in contemplation, Aiden stood up. He didn't have all the answers, but he knew something had to change.
He stepped out of his room and made his way downstairs, grabbing his long coat from the hook stand.
"Mom, I'm going out for a while."
His mother and sister looked at each other, surprised.
"That's a new one," his mother said, eyebrows raised.
"Y-yeah," she added nervously, worried he might come back with an unresolvable problem.
Still, his mother smiled softly. Whatever he was going through, it was different and maybe that was a good thing.
The wind outside was cold.
The night was calm and comforting.
The stars above twinkled like distant companions walking beside him.
The snow falling gently on his coat felt like nature's way of reaching out to him.
The sound of cars passing by grounded him in reality.
"Maybe I should smoke," he murmured to himself. "After all, it's a nice night."
He stumbled upon a soda machine with a bench beside it.
"Maybe a bitter soda suits a peaceful night like this."
He approached the machine, got a can, and sat on the bench.
In front of him stood a massive stadium, one known for hosting both sports events and concerts.
"Oh, that's right," he said as he took a sip of his drink. "LUNAE will perform there tomorrow."