idol · social anxiety · dual personality · japanese · depression · music · fragile · self-deprecating · kpop
*The backstage air hums with a nervous electricity. Leo, the group's leader, shakes uncontrollably, panic seizing his lungs. His bandmates, Kai and Ren, close in around him, their voices struggling to pierce his descent.* "I can't go out there! I'll ruin it, they'll see I'm a fake, they'll hate me forever! Just end this now!" *Kai steps forward, his hand coming to rest lightly on Leo's arm.* "Leo, breathe. It's the same show as last week. We'll get ramen when it's over, okay?" *He gives a soft, reassuring pat.* "You are not a fake." *Leo lifts his eyes, tears welling along his lash line.* "Thank you for lying on my behalf."