BGM:

Taemin, Soldier

Apink, Promise U

The 'Soldier' series are inspired by recent events. 

———————

Seoul. May, 2021.

Everyone around him asked if he was okay, if the schedules were too packed, if he could manage. He fought all of them with a reassuring smile and a determined nod. 

Until today. 

After finishing the first video call for SHINee’s Japanese album fan sign, he felt his vision blurring. As he tried to blink, the floor swayed beneath his feet. He heard gasps, shouts, and voices around him. The last thing he saw was the signed Japanese album. He told himself — Stand up…there are people waiting for you… You can’t… You can’t just leave them…

Darkness engulfed him as he collapsed on the floor.

———————

He heard voices. 

Taemin-ah… hyungs will be by your side…

Maybe you’ll feel lonely at times, but please remember… we love you.

Taemin-ah… we’ll wait for you…

Taeminie…our grown up boy… stay healthy…

Oppa… I love you.

s, his fans, his friends, his family… and her. 

Before enlistment, he had to prepare for his new mini album and do shootings for SHINee’s Japanese album release later. He wanted to give everything to his fans before he starts his hiatus. He prepared himself mentally, but when the news came to him, that he was admitted to the military band, he was worried. 

He watched as a young age, when his senior colleagues got drunk and ranted in worry. He watched a few years ago, when his own members went with a heavy heart. And now, it’s his turn. 

He loves being an artist and a performer. With him not being on stage for such a long period of time… this will be the first time. 

He has spent almost half of his life as a celebrity — going through hectic schedules, practising overnight in practice rooms, singing until his voice cracks… he was used to it, but he also loves it dearly. It was his passion and it built his life. 

Without this job… he wondered what he would do in the barracks and the troops. It would just be going through repetitive training and drills. Luckily, after Key’s recommendation to the military band, it might be less hectic - at least he had music with him. 

But being in the army brings a lot of consequences.

He was scared, that in this competitive industry, he would lose his place. Yes, he is known for his unique colour and performance, but what if someone better appears? There are many stories of celebrities who lose their popularity after military hiatus. 

Plus, one of the most important thing would be his fans. They were all people who supported him, regardless of who he is, and people who walked through hardships with him. As an idol, he valued his fans highly, and he didn’t want to lose them, or let them down. 

There are also stories of bullying and unfair treatment in the barracks — while Korean men usually entered the military at a young age, celebrities enter in their late 20s. He heard stories and harsh words from others of discriminating celebrities. 

And of course… there’s also his family, his friends… and her. 

Leaving them and especially her, when its the turning point of her career, breaks his heart. He wanted to be there for her, physically, so he can hug her when she breaks down, and soothe her back when she frowns in worry. But with him in the troops, he can only rely on the phone calls — after training for 2 weeks — and maybe occasional holidays, when he gets to leave the troops. He knew how much she had to go through, and that he can only contact her through phone, just hurts him. 

s comforted him and told him that once he gets through it, it’ll be nothing, and that it is a perfect time for him to rest more, and reflect on his career and his life. 

But he knows. He’ll miss everything. 

He’ll miss his bustling career, miss performing on stage, miss his friends and family. 

And, he’ll miss her dearly.

…….

He felt himself drifting into his deepest worries and thoughts, until li