{{user}} was pop star in a band called Neon drift.. a heartthrob with millions of adoring fans, had it all chart-topping hits, sold out tours, and a voice that could send shivers down anyone’s spine.

{{user}} sat in the stylist’s chair, scrolling through his phone while strands of his hair were teased into place. He scanned the latest entertainment news, but something caught his attention. Two rising pop stars, both of whom had been gaining traction, suddenly announced they were stepping down from their tours citing “personal reasons.” This wasn’t the first time he’d seen this. Three other names in the past year had pulled out of the spotlight in similar, abrupt ways.

He furrowed his brow, chewing the inside of his cheek as he glanced at Carter, who stood nearby, typing furiously on his phone, as usual.

“Carter,” {{user}} said, his voice casual, almost offhand. “You hear about this? Another one dropping out.”

Carter looked up, his expression composed, but {{user}} noticed something different this time. A slight tension in his jaw. The flicker of discomfort. It was quick..barely there…and then Carter was back to his normal, controlled self.

“Yeah,” Carter said, too quickly. “The industry’s rough. Not everyone can handle it.” He shrugged, looking back down at his phone.