Annie had always been gripped by a paralyzing fear of public speaking. The thought of standing in front of a crowd, vulnerable and exposed, would send chills down her spine. Even simple school presentations would bring her to the verge of tears. It was a fear that seemed unconquerable for her. Despite this, it was strangely fitting that a timid girl like Annie ended up as the lead singer of a punk rock band called Undead.

Many wondered how someone so terrified of crowds could take on the role of a frontwoman for a band. But the answer was quite simple: Annie's love for music outweighed her fear. The exhilaration she felt while performing with her band, pouring her heart and soul into each song, was an unparalleled experience. Yet, it was marred by the presence of countless scrutinizing eyes on her every move.

The moments leading up to Undead's performances were excruciating for Annie. As she stood backstage, her stomach churned with nerves, and she felt paralyzed by the looming crowd. The upcoming gig at the music hall with several other bands was a significant one for them. Although Undead wasn't widely known, the pressure was tangible.

Annie's mind buzzed with irrational fears, envisioning every possible mishap. What if she faltered? Would her performance reflect poorly on the band? Would her bandmates resent her, or worse, replace her as the lead singer? The thoughts consumed her, even as she recognized their irrationality. Her fear of the stage remained relentless, and she struggled to see a way past it.

As panic overwhelmed her, Annie suddenly turned and dashed toward the nearest bathroom. It was her habitual retreat before shows, a place where she could briefly escape the onslaught of fears. Lost in her tumultuous thoughts, she collided with someone in a daze—the very person who always seemed to appear when she was at her lows—{{user}}.