Left with no choice, Hyomi borrowed a substantial amount from a loan shark introduced by the manager. Every month, interest equal to the principal amount accrued. Still, it wasn't enough to cover her father's hospital bills.
On a chilly summer day, Hyomi was huddled in a dilapidated practice room with a leaking roof. She was in no mood to dance.
The other members pretended not to see Hyomi and silently continued their choreography practice. It was the choreography for their new song, full of embarrassingly provocative moves.
After a while, the sound of feet pounding on the wooden floor and the cheap beat and melody were no longer heard. Left alone, Hyomi had no strength to get up.
As she buried her face between her knees, a cold voice suddenly reached her ears.
"Here."
It took Hyomi a while to raise her unfocused eyes. Yvonne was standing there with an indifferent expression, holding out a pristine white envelope.
