Chapter 39

August 26

I woke up and did my morning routine, and wore a light blue mesh crop top with the number "97" in bold typography. A high-waisted, button-down denim skirt with a flared and paneled design. A varsity-style jacket featuring light blue and white tones with embroidered patterns and patches. Light blue and white suede sneakers with a platform sole. A small white Prada shoulder bag with a sleek and elegant design.

A light blue cap with "Iceberg Milano Italia" embroidered in dark blue. Square-shaped sunglasses with white frames and blue photochromic lenses. A silver chain necklace and bracelet. The chunky design.

Today I have an appointment with Ariana to talk about our upcoming collaboration.

Soon, I was in a cozy corner of an upscale café in Los Angeles. Soft jazz plays in the background, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee lingers in the air. Ariana and I sit at a private booth, sipping on our drinks; I order an iced matcha latte, and Ariana with her usual soy cappuccino. A notepad and a phone recorder sit on the table, ready for brainstorming with our manager's guidance.

"I'm so glad you could make it, Zara. Seriously, I've been dying to work with you since I saw your God Is a Woman cover. You've got this authenticity in your voice that cuts through everything, no fluff, just pure emotion."

I grinned, a little bashful, as Ariana is my ultimate favorite singer. "You're too sweet, Ari. I mean, you've been such an inspiration for me. When I saw your gift, I thought, 'Is this real?'"

Ariana laughed. "Girl, stop. I'm just like you, but with more caffeine." (leans forward) "Okay, so 'Gilded Illusion'. I was going through some old ideas, and the title hit me. It's all about that shiny, perfect façade, you know? The kind we get caught up in."

I nodded understandingly. "I feel that. Especially in this industry. Everyone's chasing something: fame, validation, perfection, but most of it is just... smoke and mirrors. It's exhausting sometimes."

Ariana's voice softens."Exactly. I've been there too. And I think that's why this song could be so powerful. It's like stripping away all the glitter and gold and saying, 'Here's the truth.'"

I grabbed the notepad and jotted down what came to my mind. "Yes! And maybe we can play with the duality like, one part of the song is seductive, pulling you into that glamorous world, and the other part is raw, showing the cracks beneath it."

Ariana's eyes lit up. "I love that. Like, the verses can have this dreamy, hypnotic vibe, and then the chorus just punches through with reality. What about something like..." (sings softly)

'Golden walls, they gleam and shine, built on dreams that were never mine...'

I had my smile on as I tapped my pen.

"That's perfect! And we can contrast it with a line in the chorus, something like, 'I chased the shimmer, I craved the light, but lost my way in the heart of the night.'"

Ariana clapped a little excitedly. "Chills! Literal chills. We should build the bridge around that moment of clarity where the mask comes off. Like, 'Tear the veil, let the colors fade.' What do you think?"

I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, and it should be super stripped back, just piano or strings, so the words really hit. I want it to feel like you're standing bare in front of a mirror."

Ariana smiled, leaning back in her chair. "You're a genius. This is going to be incredible. And honestly, it's such a relief to work with someone who gets it. No egos, just storytelling."

I chuckled. "Right back at you. I think we're onto something big here. And really, even though you can't see, I am a little nervous in front of you."

Ariana smiled. "We will be best sisters," She said and raised her cappuccino.

"To 'Gilded Illusion'. And to make people feel something real."

I clinked her matcha latte against Ariana's cup, thinking of the appropriate reply. "To the truth behind the shimmer."

We share a smile, both excited and slightly nervous about the magic we're about to create. Our managers were happy we got along well without awkwardness. After that, we bid farewell, and I went back to the hotel where I stayed, as I had to fly to Greece overnight with Somi unnie. I met with her at the San Francisco airport, and we flew overnight on my private jet.

August 27 - August 31

When I found out that my members: Yuji, Somi, Hani, Lily, Chaeyeon, Haeven, and I would be spending the last week of the month in Greece, I felt a rush of excitement. It was a much-needed getaway after weeks of a relentless schedule. Little did I know how unforgettable these days would be.

The moment our plane landed in Athens, I was awestruck. The crisp blue skies, the ancient ruins in the distance, and the lively atmosphere at the airport made my heart flutter. Manager unnie took charge of organizing our transport to the villa we'd rented, a stunning whitewashed house overlooking the Aegean Sea. Haeven couldn't stop taking pictures, and Lily kept gasping at every little thing like the olive trees along the roads.

By evening, we ventured to a local taverna for our first Greek meal. Chaeyeon, ever the foodie, insisted we try moussaka and souvlaki. Hani was hesitant at first, but ended up loving the baklava dessert. The laughter, clinking glasses, and lively music set the tone for the days ahead.

We spent our day touring Athens. The Acropolis was our first stop, and seeing the Parthenon up close left me speechless. I, being a history buff, excitedly narrated stories about the ancient Greeks while we admired the ruins. Yuji and Somi kept challenging each other to take the best Instagram-worthy shots, turning the tour into a mini photo shoot.

Later, we wandered through the Plaka district. I fell in love with the quaint cobblestone streets lined with vibrant bougainvillea and cozy cafes. Lily bought a handmade bracelet, which inspired all of us to get one as a keepsake.

On the second day, we boarded a yacht for island hopping. Sailing across the shimmering blue waters felt surreal. Chaeyeon lounged on the deck, soaking up the sun, while Hani kept pointing out the adorable seagulls gliding by.

Our first stop was Hydra, a car-free island. The tranquility there was a refreshing change. We walked through narrow alleys, played with the local cats, and enjoyed fresh seafood by the shore. By the time we reached Poros, the golden sunset reflected on the sea, and we danced on the yacht deck to Somi's curated playlist.

The afternoon was spent lounging by the infinity pool at our villa. Somi and Chaeyeon had a fierce water volleyball match, and Yuji, ever the responsible leader, made sure everyone stayed hydrated.

On the third day, we took a short flight to Crete, where we explored the Palace of Knossos. He led the way again, explaining myths about King Minos and the Minotaur. I could tell she was in her element. Later, we hiked through the Samaria Gorge. Though the trek was exhausting, the views were absolutely worth it.

That night, we attended a traditional Cretan festival. Watching the locals dance and sing, we couldn't resist joining in. Even Yuji, who usually stayed composed, laughed and danced with the rest of us.

Our final day was spent in Mykonos, a perfect blend of vibrant nightlife and serene beaches. We strolled through Little Venice, with its charming waterfront cafes, and spent hours just talking and reflecting on our trip.

As the sun set, we gathered on the beach. Hani suggested we each share our favorite memory from the trip. For me, it was that magical Santorini sunset and the pure joy of being with the people who had become my second family.

The days felt like a beautiful blur, a mix of laughter, exploration, and bonding. As we packed our bags to leave Greece, I realized how much closer we'd grown ever since we met. This wasn't just a trip; it was a celebration of our journey as a group.

Greece wasn't just a destination, it was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

September 01 - September 30

After coming back from Greece, I was back to my busy, monotonous schedule, and also worked on the song with Ariana.