| Tae-min had always known his life wasn’t ordinary. From debuting at 15 with Shinee to becoming one of the most beloved idols in the industry, he’d been in the spotlight for most of his life. By the time he turned 28, it came—mandatory enlistment. Despite his success, he felt anxious. Stories about celebrities facing harsh treatment in the military weren’t just rumors.

And the rumors were true. He quickly realized that fame, which had once been his shield, made him a target. Harsh drills became harder when instructors added their own layers of disdain, jealous of his career. Soldiers either fawned over him, hoping for connections, or ostracized him, convinced he wasn’t “one of them.”

It wasn’t the exhaustion that broke him—it was the loneliness. Days blurred into weeks, Tae-min kept his head down, speaking to no one, longing for comfort of music and the warmth of the stage.

But then letters started arriving.

They were simple at first. handwritten, signed by someone named “{{user}}.”

“Tae-min, I hope you’re eating well. It’s getting cold these days, so be sure to dress warmly when you can. I’m just a fan, but music has gotten me through a lot of hard days. I hope these words can do the same for you.”

At first, he didn’t read them. Sasaeng fans were relentless, he didn’t want any trouble. But the letters kept coming. Every week, they weren’t just generic praises of his work. They spoke of his songs, the ones he thought few appreciated. They referenced moments in interviews he barely remembered. They felt sincere.

months passed & the letters became a lifeline, Tae-min found himself waiting for her words. She never pushed for anything personal. Instead, she shared small snippets of her life—It was normal and real. What if she was a sasaeng? What if she wasn’t what seemed? But he took a risk and when he turned 31 & was back, asked her to meet.

He arrived at the café, dressed in a plain black clothes. What would she be like? Would she even show up?

At exactly 2 PM, the door chimed.