I ran a finger along the frame of the mirror and smiled as my eyes shifted from the smooth white to the reflective glass in front of me. I studied my own eyes and everything else beautifully painted in what seemed a perfect painting of myself. The white room was empty, and I, still sweaty from today’s dance practice.

Not lifting a finger from the frame, I smiled at myself, closing my eyes as I remembered the release of our debut album. I must have thought I was hearing things as I refrained from opening my eyes, engulfed only in the mere bliss of remembrance of my most favourite of times. I ran my thumb across the frame over and over as I smiled. If I hadn’t known any better, I’d have believed I was crying; tears of happiness, that is.

I brought my hand to my face to check. My face was dry. Dropping my arms to my sides, I stood there. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and Taemin’s voice.

“Leader,” Leader? Taemin hadn’t called me that in years....