Chapter 1: The Fallen Idol

There was one thing which inspired me to look up at the dark sky to notice those bright little twinkles which were making their own place to get people's attention on them. No matter how dark the sky was, the stars are the ones who shine brighter than anything. It was a mystery of their own existence. It was my dream to become a star just like those little twinkles. I also wanted to be the brightness of this stage.

May the light of those twinkles glance down at me. Then I would reach out my hand to that brightness, standing in front of the stage, covering my eyes just to open to see the attention in front of me. When the brightness has finally fallen on me, I would smile with pride about my hard work until now. To show them my joyful dancing, I would dance like those little twinkles in the sky—

"Trainee Leo!, Is that all you got!!"

A tip of silence fell in the room. When I heard the director's voice, my body shifted in the air. The director, who was highly disappointed after seeing my performance as always, has a face contorted with rage. My shoulders flinched tight while my eyes would glance at my feet.

"You call that dancing? Seriously! Animals dance better than you!"

"I-I am sorry, but please give me some time. I will practice more next time—"

"How much longer are you going to do this, trainee Leo?" A sighed escape from the director while glaring at me. "Are you not tired of this? I don't know about you but I am! It's been forever since you joined us, but you still haven't improved your skills. I mean if you can't sing well, at least you should dance better. But you don't have any of them. Practice? Do you think I don't know how hard you work? Not only me but everyone here knows about it!" The director was pointing his finger at me. While I was listening to not only the director but the following trainees of mine, those mocking and sneering comments about me. Telling me that I should have given up a long time ago. It was still as hunting as ever.

'just ignore them, I just have to work hard, just a little more', biting my lip down, I would ignore those comments until the director totally broke me.

"Trainee Leo, why don't you give up?"

I was forced into one place. When I looked up at the director, who was looking at me indifferently with a cold glare on his face, "director, what are you—"

"—You just have no talent. Why don't you understand that?". I didn't know what to say when the director said all those things which I still didn't even think about. My lips pressed tightly together while my mind went blank. A cold sweat all over my back. But I didn't have a choice but to ask. "Please, just one more chance, I promise to improve myself!" I said while looking at the director. The director was shocked, of course, at my stubbornness. But I made a promise not to give up.

"Ho my, seriously! Trainee Leo....."

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"How was the day? Did. Director said anything?" A female voice which was worried about me whispering into my ears. I sighed at that person. But I was still glad that there was someone who was still standing by my side.

"Don't worry sis, the director did give me a chance after all. I will work harder!" I said with confidence.

" Sigh, I don't know anymore. But take care of yourself!"

"Yes, please don't worry! Goodnight then". I hung up the phone. While glancing at the reflection in front of me, I was totally helpless. But still I don't want to give up on this! I remember the steps. Once again, I tried. Covering my eyes with one hand, while one will reach out for the brightness on top of me. My feet have to rose up in the air just like twinkles. I should remove my hands from my back, and take three steps forward. I should look forward to following the music. And should make a turn while making my way.

— 𝑻𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒃!

"Haa...has... just why can't I?" I said while getting teeth. Thinking just why can't I make a single movement? I was tired just by those simple moves. I felt so pathetic. When I glanced in the mirror, I noticed a fallen star. No, I was not even a star. How dare I compare with them? But, I just couldn't accept this kind of end! I stood up while clenching my fists.

"Are you done?" A cold yet familiar voice with an indifferent attitude was glaring at me.

"What are you doing here?, Jaylen...", I said with a better smile on my face. Jaylen is the following trainee or should I call him an idol with a successful future? We joined this company together. But what's the difference? I narrowed my eyes at Jaylen while looking at his godly personality, which makes him different from anyone, not only that but his face.

'I don't want to talk about it' I rolled my eyes with irritated feelings. 'the so-called talent that I don't have and he had it in his hands'. I was jealous and irritated by him, but it was not his fault after all. That's why I wanted to get close to him. 'but it was a big mistake I made'. I sighed, remembering something as useless as ever.

"Are you going to stand there forever?",he tilted his head with an annoying expression.

"You still didn't answer my question though," I said while packing my things.

"None of your business..." he said while looking away.

"Yes, yes, then I will be going..." I left the studio without looking back.

I was walking alone with tired shoulders. Everyone was busy with their work. Ignoring the people around them, some were enjoying their lives and some were working hard to survive in this world. I sighed at this busy world. Of course, it is none of my business. But I hope time will stop now and I will stay like this forever. Just like those stars, I glanced at the sky, which was as beautiful as ever. I rose up my feet while looking up, while ignoring the people around me. Who were shouting about something? It was then I heard a familiar voice.

"LEO!!!!", It was Jaylen with an unfamiliar look on his face as if he was scared about something. It was then I thought.

'what the hell....?' look forward.

—𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒖𝒎!!!

Before I could understand, I was in the air for a moment and the next second on the road lying. Suddenly it became heavy and wet, something like a red liquid came from my head.

"What's going on?...." I Mumbled in a low voice while glancing up.

[ Alarm ]

[ Welcome players ]

It was then I noticed that the blue window on top of my head. My head was throbbing in pain. Blood was everywhere. And everyone was looking at me with pity. I don't like it. And Jay was tapping my checks, not letting me close my eyes.

"Hey-, Leo! You can hear me right! Don't close your eyes____don't close your eyes!____" Jay seems to worry about me.

'I don't know. I'm tired." I closed my eyes. But that blue window was still there showing something which was hard to understand.

[ Alarm ]

[ You have completed all the requirements for the system ]

[ Now the journey begins of the fallen idol ]