Chapter 68

2023.03.10

Everything was almost over. The MMA Awards is in just five days away. This was the first time that there will be some Western artists in this award show. It was great to be a part of it. I will also be able to meet XO, my favorite band. And at least talk with Dongmin. And when the MMA Awards finishes. On the day after that we will have our awards in a lavish stage made just for us. The vote will be 30% from judges, 30% from the artists who wear them and the rest 40% is from the audience and their fandom. It will be crazy and messy for sure. I want to wear a flurry skirt with a shirt on top. I still have not decided on it.

My hands were sore and I have not eaten for last seven hours now. It was four in the evening. I was sitting in the practice room with a messy bun and no makeup. I was finishing the rapper's jacket. We were checking if the dress fit them or not. We also put on accessories and checked if they matched the artist as well as the outfit they were dressing. "Anna, how about this one?" I looked away from the jacket. I looked for a while and said "Remove the pendant from the chain. And for GK only the ear stud would look good." Tommy gave me a thumbs up. I held the jacket high. The rapper was sitting next to me and watching me stitch. (In Korean) "Okay, put this on now." He put it on. It was dope to be honest. The orchid was as if it was alive. (In Korean) "This is insane, the way the colors blend with each other. Anna why did you not make us like this?" Mingyu started complimenting and as well as complaining. (In English) "You are late Mingyu. Here this is yours go and get changed." Amy came towards me and said, "The jacket looks too good. More points for our team." I smiled at her. "I take back what I said. I love the suspenders." Mingyu came in front of me and flexed the suspenders. "Because of that only my hands went sore in the first place."

My phone got a few messages. I took the phone to check. I slid my left foot while sitting to leave the room to check the messages. One of the member came over to see Mingyu's outfit and trampled my foot real bad. I shrieked. And some screamed because I screamed and Mingyu came towards me and knelt down asking as if I was okay. The one who trampled by foot was asking for forgives a lot. "No, it is fine. I have to take this call." I went out of the room hopping.

I opened the messages and read. They had accepted my request to do my cosmetic brand finally. I learned Laboratory Technology Diploma to make tests for making cosmetics. It was applying for more than 8 months to get a license. I wasted a lot of money too. But it finally paid off with a lot of patience. But I could not be happy. I had to leave Korea. I have to go back. I have to sign the papers before it was too late. The deadline they had given me is 15th of March 2023. Which was the MMA Awards day. I sat down. I did not know what to feel. Should I be happy or should I feel bad? I had to make a decision. MMA Awards or my cosmetic brand.

2023.03.12

The 'Wild Girls' outfits were done too. They were really overwhelmed actually. As I told they wanted to shine this time, they wanted to show a different side of them. The leader of the girl group held me tight and thanked a lot. I felt like I had won the first place and there was confetti around me. But I had to make a decision. I either have to attend the Awards or book the plane. I have no much time left. I did not tell my team yet. "Yay! Finally everything is over. I thought we will not make it in time but we now have two days to enjoy Korea! Okay where shall we go?" Tommy was hyped up. "I think we should ask the Korea expert among us. Anna any plans?" Dora asked me. I did not want to break the joy now. "First let us fill our bellies. The hotpot! We will try that first?" All of us yelled. I just went with the flow. Today night I am going to tell them. It was hard for me. I came all the way here and I am leaving without completing it.

We came exhausted and sat down. "My workouts are useless. I have to on a diet before the Awards if not I will have a belly." Kit said standing up to get water. They were chatting and laughing. I broke their laughter. "Guys, I have something to confess." They all looked at me in curiosity. "I am going to launch my own cosmetic brand" They screamed with excitement and support. "What is wrong Anna?" Amy asked after she saw me not celebrating with them. "I am leaving to night. I booked a flight." Everyone froze for a minute. But it felt longer as if time had forgot to tick. "Wait. WHAT? You will not be in the Awards nor the MMA Awards." I nodded. Tommy sank to his chair. He became frustrated. "You came to Korea late and now you are running back before the Awards. Is it because you are not interested and you were trying to be nice for the first time or was it because of the free ticket to Korea?" Tommy was launching all his anger at me. "Or was it because of that you feel bad for Barron?" Amy stood up. "Shut up Tommy. Barron has nothing to do with Anna and he is done with her. Okay?" "Why are you firing up?" Tommy turned at Amy. "We are dating." Kit and Tommy's eyes filled with shock. Dora spoke next, "Yeah, Anna you are selfish. You come last and leave first. You think we would fail. I thought you were better. You are just like your rumors." Kit stood up before it goes too far. He was trying to shush Dora but she continued, "You only knew to boss everyone around. You made most of the decisions and this how you pay back to us." I kept quiet. I did not answer at all. Dora and Tommy went to their rooms and shut the door. "And Anna. Please leave Barron." Amy said in a small voice and wished me luck and went to join Dora in the room.

"I killed the happiness right?" I asked Kit. "Hey, they did not mean any of it. They are upset that you are leaving so soon. Can you not make it up after the awards?" I bluntly spoke, "No." Kit looked at me. "I really do not know what you are feeling Anna. But I want to tell you, show some emotions and please express what you feel. I really do want to help you." "I once had people who called friends. I always spoke out my emotions but they said it was fake. They drew my personality for me. Everyone wants to see me as a villain and just like Dora they do not take a chance to let me explain or see through me. If I cry, many had asked me 'why did you go there?' rather 'it is alright. I am here for you'." My phone rang. "My cab is here. I am leaving." Kit stood there with tears. "Take care Anna. Let me know when you reach the airport, when you board the flight and when you land." I nodded and smiled. "You are a good leader."