High school was a battlefield for Emma. As the bullying intensified, she found solace in her books, writing stories of escape and imagining a world where she didn't have to deal with the hurt. But nothing seemed to help the pain she felt when she was alone.
It wasn't until the world was forced into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic that Emma's life would take a drastic turn. With school shut down and her social life effectively on hold, Emma found herself with a lot of free time.
While others spent their days baking or learning new skills, Emma stumbled upon K-pop. It wasn't just the music that caught her attention—it was the performers themselves. The colorful costumes, the energy, and most of all, the idols' resilience in the face of pressure.
One idol, in particular, captured her heart: Jae, a lead vocalist in a popular K-pop group. His story of overcoming obstacles and rising to stardom mirrored Emma's own struggles, and as she watched him perform, she felt a sense of connection she had never experienced before.
For the first time in years, Emma felt inspired.