"All three videos have done quite well, Y/N, you're already quite popular. And positively so, as well. Perhaps we can speed up your debut, you wouldn't need much advertisement." The company head said, as I smiled.
"Thank you so much, truly." I said, as he just laughed.
"It's no problem, you're a star! I've gotten you a spot on the trainee performance for music bank in two months. Well, it's usually a trainee and an idol, of my picking. After seeing your video with Felix, and with ITZY, I agree that you match in quite well with most of my idols. But, you're also very skilled, so I want you to do a dance performance with Chaeryeong, as to not arise anymore rumours. If that goes well, perhaps I'll arrange something with Stray Kids, since their schedule is quite busy." He explained, as I just nodded.

Kyrin stepped in, taking the paperwork from the head.
"So, choreograph a dance to a chosen song, yes? That you accept? How long are we talking?" She asked.

"Full performance. Like what Ara did with Han." He said, as I saw her face fall.
"But.." She started, before shaking her head and smiling.
"Of course. I'll help her. Thank you." With that she bowed, then grabbed my hand and we left.

She took me to ITZY's dance practice room, knocking quickly.
Yeji opened the door.

"Y/N! Kyrin! Welcome, welcome- are you here for Chaeryeong?" She asked, as I nodded.
"He already told her?" I asked, as Yeji laughed.

"Yeah, she had a gut feeling the meeting was about you." Yeji said, stepping aside to let us in.

Chaeryeong came bounding over quickly, taking my hands in hers as she grinned.
"I'm so excited to be able to work with you, Y/N! I've already compared our schedules, and we have plenty of time! Here, here." She exclaimed, pulling out a piece of paper, scribbled with dates and times.

"Meet me in this dance practice room at these dates at these times. I know this seems like a lot, but we have to make it perfect! And anyways, the more time, the better." Chaeryeong explained, as I just laughed.

"Wow, okay, I was told we were doing this all of five minutes ago and you've figured almost everything all out." I laughed, as she smiled.
"I'm a professional for a reason." Chaeryeong said, smiling. "So meet you back here later, yeah? For now, we just need to borrow your manager, so feel free to do whatever."

I nodded, as I walked to the other end of the practice room, where a Lia and Yuna were, as they ushered me over.

Chaeryeong turned to Kyrin immediately after I left.
"What is that man thinking? Thankfully it's just with me and not Felix, but is he serious? Whoever did that to Ara is still out there, and I just, I feel like it's the same person who's targeting Y/N, you know?"

Kyrin sighed. "Yes, I know. We're lucky it's just you and her, but he said if it goes well he'll consider letting her do something with Stray Kids. But even then, I'm terrified for her. He couldn't protect Ara, so what's saying he can protect her?"

"You're not really helping, Kyrin.. it should be fine, right? If he can't, we will." Yeji interjected, as Kyrin just nodded.

"I will too. She reminds me of Ara so much, it's so weird.." Kyrin said, as Chaeryeong laughed sadly.

"I wouldn't say it's weird, it's quite nice. It's like she's still here."

"Yeah, that's true."

I ended up leaving to go and get everyone coffee, and as I got into the cafe, Han was there also.
"Oh, Y/N! I heard you're planning a performance with Chaeryeong? That's really cool, I'm so happy for you!" Han said, going to give me a hug, but he stopped halfway, smiling awkwardly.
"Right, sorry, there's people."

I laughed. "No, it's fine. Thank you! I'm quite excited, but also really nervous. She's a very strong dancer, so I have to try match that."

"You're going to do just fine, don't stress!" Han smiled, and as I went to order the coffees for me and the girls he passed me his card.
"I'll pay. You're getting them for ITZY as well yeah? So six more, because of your manager. You don't earn much, so I'll pay for all seven."

I frowned, pushing it back in his hands.
"That's not fair on you. It's fine, I can pay." I smiled. "Thank you for offering, though."

I then went an ordered, surprisingly, Mirae wasn't behind the counter, and as I went to pay Han stepped up and swiped his card, smirking at me.

"Thank me later." He laughed, as he walked off and left, the girl behind the register just laughing.
"Jisung's an odd one, but he's always got a soft spot for trainees." The girl laughed, as she started making the coffees.

"Yeah, he's a sweetheart. It's nice to know that not all celebrities are stuck up." I laughed, waiting down the end as she started placing the coffees down.

"All of Stray Kids are very humble, dear. I think that's what makes them so loveable. And you seem lovely too, dear, so best of luck to you. The industry is mean and tough, but I know you'll do well." She said, placing the last drink down.

I smiled at her, bowing my head. "Thank you. That- that's really sweet."

She laughed. "No, it's fine. We need more kind people in this world, I believe. A little bit of kindness goes a long way."

"Yes. Yes, it truly does. You're a beautiful person, Miss, I wish you the best." I said, grabbing the trays of coffees as I left.

"Look after yourself, love. I can't wait to see you on stage!"

"I'll get you front row seats, don't worry!" I exclaimed back, laughing as I wandered down the hallway.

"Aw, she was so lovely.." I smiled to myself, stepping back into the dance practice room, as Ryujin took the coffees from my hands.

Everyone was sitting around talking at this moment, as I sat down with them.

"The lady who served me today was so sweet! Usually it's Mirae, but it wasn't. I didn't catch her name though, but she was an absolute sweetheart." I said, as Kyrin chuckled.

"Yeah, I know who you're talking about. Older lady, yeah?" Kyrin asked, as I shook my head.

"No, she seemed about our age. Dark hair, dark eyes, a mole on the end of her nose. Butterfly earrings, too." I explained, as I saw the six look in between one another.

"Uh, Y/N, there's only two people who work there on weekends. Mirae, and the older lady Soozi. Can I, show you something?" Kyrin asked, as I nodded warily.

She showed me a picture of a younger girl.

"Is this her?"

I nodded. That, or in striking resemblance to the barista.

"Yeah, that's her. I don't understand, what's the problem with it?"

"That's Ara, Y/N."