Days passed, and the competition continued. The footage the contestants brought was handed over to the production staff, and the more rigorous practice of the performance began.
Aerine didn't know for others, but the trip indeed helped their group tremendously. Overcoming dangers with possible death could increase their bond. Even if the others didn't quite remember what happened, there was still a lingering impression of it for them.
Their practice and connection during the songs had improved drastically. Even Ronald and Divine, who were always bickering during practice, had become milder, and Sheena also became more serious.
She was really satisfied because of this. Aerine also did her part in every practice.
The week had passed, and the live stage was just around the corner. Before that day, the contestants were given time to rest, which was two days off.
Aerine put down her bag and looked at her apartment. It was still the same clean place, but she couldn't help but think that it was pretty much empty.
She stared at the whole place for a few seconds before she forcefully averted her eyes. Aerine didn't want to be emotional. She was aware that once the box had been opened, it would be hard for her to close it again.
Aerine was only doing this to keep her sanity and her impulsiveness in check. If not, she had long disobeyed her mother's will before her death.
She exhaled and shut her eyes while rubbing her left chest.
I have to survive. I have to survive until the moment I'm strong enough.
When she opened her eyes again, even if her mood had not improved, she managed to bury her emotional side once more.
Aerine went to her room first and then put the bag in there; she didn't bring a lot as her clothes were still in her room in the mansion. After all, she would come back there again, and it was useless to bring her clothes back and forth.
Once done, she cooked a dinner for herself. Aerine ate silently; she tried not to be bothered by the silence, and she also wanted to get used to it.
However, it seemed some things really could not be forced. Although she was stable after she came into the city and entered the competition, that was when she was with someone or when some things were occupying her mind. And now that she was alone once more, Aerine still couldn't help but think about her mother.
It was reasonable since it had only been over a month since that happened, and Aerine had not even managed to check on her mother again or at least give her a burial.
Aerine had thought of visiting the island again numerous times, but the circumstances were the ones holding her back. Her intuition was tingling with danger whenever she thought of it.
And she didn't want to bother her contractor with it.
While eating, Aerine's tears also trickled down her cheeks, but she didn't wipe them and cried silently while eating, recalling the taste of her mother's dishes.
She gradually calmed down afterward, and once she was done washing the plates, her phone chimed.
Aerine wiped her hands with a cloth and checked on who sent her a message. Her phone also didn't only have Mils as one contact number; she also had her groupmate's numbers and the assistant that the company assigned to her.
When she looked at it, the message came from Mils.
[Aerine, make sure to share the promotional banners later.]
So, it was a reminder. Aerine became thoughtful and looked at the time. It was already almost eight in the evening. If she recalled it, around that time, the staff would be releasing the promotional banners and even the trailer for the show.
As one of the contestants, Aerine was required to share it on her social media accounts. The teaser was also given a few days prior, and the day after tomorrow was the launch of the show.
Voice Arena would be aired on weekends, with Sunday as the day of live stages.
Aerine sat on the couch and opened the popular social media app. Aerine was not yet adept at using this, and her account was new, with Mils having created it just yesterday.
As a singer aspirant, to be able to connect more with the entertainment industry and the soon-to-be fans, having a public account was necessary.
Of course, her account was basically empty, and she didn't even have a profile picture. There was only 1 following and 1 follower, which were both Mils.
Aerine began to concentrate, and she was also lectured by Mils on how to use it, and it wasn't that hard either. She has already almost gotten it.
Before that, she began to follow the accounts that Mils told her. One was the official account of Voice Arena, the station, and then the recently created FEA account as well.
She easily found them after visiting Mils' account. While he was at it, she also followed her groupmates' social media accounts, which she directly asked them about yesterday, telling them about her intention to follow them.
Their account was not as empty as hers. Among their accounts, Divine had the most followers, with over 800,000 followers. Sheena was the last with thirty thousand, but that was already significant considering she was also a newbie and had yet to debut.
After following a bunch of accounts, her account now had 10 following and 1 follower. It was a bit pitiful compared to others, but Aerine didn't care too much.
If it wasn't required for her to have an account, Aerine would not even bother to create one.
Next was the profile icon. Aerine didn't have any official photos yet, so she decided to capture the photo on the spot. She wasn't famous, so no one would actually check her account yet.
"How do I take a photo?" Aerine mumbled. This was her first time taking a photo, or in this case, a selfie.
As a future public figure, even if she didn't care, Aerine was especially taught to always think of her own image and, in that case, her appearance.
Aerine only combed her hair with her fingers a bit and made sure her clothes and face were presentable enough for the camera.
She then took a selfie in the living room.
After that, looking at her photo and saw nothing inappropriate in the shot. Aerine nodded and made her profile photo on the spot. She didn't need to edit it, as she knew no one would scrutinize her account yet.
While she was doing this, the trailer had already been released. And Aerine didn't know what waves this video would give her.