"D-dead?"    I stood there like potted plant, unable to uproot myself from the ground.    Jessica Jung and I have known each other since we were in middle school. Five years since, Jessica achieved nationwide fame when she became a member of the popular girl trio, Girl's Nation, alongside Taeyeon and Tiffany. Last year, she made headlines when she officially left the group in order to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a designer. My hardworking friend soon established a promising accessory business, Blanc & Eclare.    Famous or not, Jessica has always relied upon my services as a make-up artist. If she had an event, I'd be one of the first people she'd call. This was something I cherished not only because it allowed me to earn more, but because it also exposed me to different environments and let me connect with co-artists who were never hesitant in helping another improve.    In short, I owe Sica-unnie a lot. That's why I took off to find her once I heard the panic in her voice when she told me she was in danger.    But is this the danger Sica was talking about? Was I too late?   "Get me to her!" I cried out a little too hysterically. "I need to see my friend. Now!"   As if by reflex, the guards took a step closer to the curtains and blocked the entry. "We can't let you do that, Miss."   I tried to regain my composure. "At least let me know what happened. What do you mean by dead? Was it an accident? Was she murdered? Did she try to...?" I paused. The possibility of suicide entered my mind, and as I waited for the guards to give their reply, I crossed my fingers, hoping it wasn't the case. Jessica is a strong woman. She wouldn't do that to herself. Right , Sica?   I trem