[강슬기]

Life as an idol was demanding. I’ve always known that. Our line of work, no matter how many aspires after it, is not for everyone. The whole journey was tough, starting from the constricting, exhausting trainee days until you finally make your debut. There were moments when you would just stay still for a while and suddenly ponder that all cons outweigh the pro and that risking it with the odds wasn't completely worth it. I’ve sacrificed a lot for me to be one of the known idols of our generation today. I sacrificed time with my family, with myself, my youth and sometimes even my health. Although, I’ve never really taken my health for granted. I eat just fine and exercise just fine but it’s the lack, if non-existent, of sleep that really gets me every time. After all, there is no adequate diet for someone who barely sleeps. No matter what I do, it’ll take a toll on me which is why; it’s moments like this when our flight gets delayed that I take full advantage of. A delayed flight means more sleep and more sleep means more rest and more rest means more energy to put on my schedules. Our 7:00pm flight has turned into 9:00pm but I didn’t complain at all. None of us did. The girls and I have spent so much time on flights that we started to get comfortable in airports and planes. I think we have gotten to the point where we just take times like this as a time to rest. After all, in our job, it’s better to make the most out of what you’ve got than spend another breath complaining. I already positioned myself quite well in my seat in the plane. My eyes were already closed, head leaned back and body already in an eased sitting position to take a nap with my chair already reclined when I felt my phone vibrate. I instantly looked down and checked what was notification was about,

Call me as soon as you can please.

-Kim Jongin

His name was splattered on my screen. I blinked a couple of times. I wonder what’s up with him.  I pursed my lips and pondered whether to call him or not but decided to just call him later anyway. Whatever it is that he needs can wait.

*♫ Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb ♫ *

My phone suddenly rang, disturbing my sweet sleep. It must be my mom. I just slept all throughout and the flight and was pretty happy. I mean, I just granted myself of undisturbed five hours of sleep after all, including the nap I took in the airport while waiting. I just lightly shook my head and stretched my body upper body, letting my phone ring. We must have landed minutes ago.

“Someone’s getting missed.” Yeri teased with her brows both raised with her signature mischievous smile when she messes with us.

“More like getting nagged.” I countered with a smile as I hastily took my phone out of my bag and answered the call carelessly.

“Hello?” I called out softly waiting for my mom to answer.

“Uhm, hey.” A deep, familiar voice responded instead. Well, this doesn’t sound like my mom. I frowned and looked down at the phone to check who called,

Kim Jongin

Right. This guy sent me a text a while back. I just blinked my eyes and put my phone back up in my ear,

“Hey.” I said with a chuckle, “What’s up?” I naturally asked a moment after as if we have actually kept in touch.

“I just…” He started, “I’ve been trying to call you for a while now and wasn’t getting connected. It just got me worried.” He finished while I lightly smiled.

“I was on a flight, Jongin.” I reasoned out to make him fit the puzzle pieces together as to why he wasn’t able to reach me.

“Oh.” He reacted, “I heard from Junmyeon hyung that you were supposed to land two hours ago though?” He proceeded to ask, confusion evident in his voice and I can picture him already frowning from the other end. Junmyeon oppa must have heard it from Joohyun unnie.

“Our flight was delayed.” I stated coolly. “So, what’s up?” I asked him again and heard silence right after.

“Can we meet?” He finally asked after moments of silence, sounding unsure yet I can already tell he sounds a bit down than usual. I raised my brows at that. I lo