Two days later.
Recording studio. AUREYA Entertainment.
Haejin sat in the vocal booth. Headphones on. Lyric sheet in hand.
"The Boy Behind the Dragon."
His song. His story.
The producer's voice came through. "Ready when you are."
Haejin nodded.
The music started. Soft piano. Building slowly.
He closed his eyes. Took a breath.
And sang.
The lyrics were raw. Personal.
About wearing masks. Pretending to be perfect. Losing yourself in the image.
About finding the person underneath. The boy behind the dragon. The human behind the idol.
His voice cracked on purpose in places. Showing vulnerability.
The producer listened. Silent.
When the take finished, there was a long pause.
Then: "That was... wow. That was incredible."
Haejin opened his eyes. "Really?"
"Really. One more take and I think we have it."
They did three more. Each one better than the last.
By the end, Haejin was exhausted. Emotionally drained.
But satisfied.
He stepped out of the booth.
