Abra’s POV

“To everyone’s surprise…”

“Their recent scandal..”

“Late notice is..”

“I knew those boys were up to no good!”

After realizing the TV was just broadcasting us, I switched it off. The same scandal I've heard over and over again in the previous several weeks is being hammered home on every station I turn to.

Sigh.

I reached for my phone, seeking and hoping to discover a source of inner fortitude. I’m hanging by a thread of hope. I'm fumbling around in this cave's pitch blackness for a spark of light that might, just might, show me the way out. The thought of being alone in the dark is terrifying to me.

How long have I been this way? Have I always been this anxious? How long have I been a coward?

I used to think that I was a great leader, but now I see that I never was. Without my members here, I have become nothing but a bum. A worthless piece of shit drowning in self-pity.

I typed the URL of one of our fan sites before. Perhaps there is still someone, somewhere and somehow out there who still believes in us. There’s nothing wrong with hope, even if it's impossible, right?

It took a while for it to load. In contrast to our prior dorms, I couldn't bring myself to shell out cash for a private apartment with high-speed internet available. How would I survive if I didn’t become frugal now that I don’t have a job? I have no choice but to stay in this depressingly run-down suburban studio.

Once my phone finally displayed the site, I went in search of the forum where our supporters could openly discuss topics of mutual interest.

I noticed a newly opened discussion thread titled "What do you guys think about Late Notice now?"

There were 189 replies to this. My chest tightened and my heart faltered as worry seized hold of me. I contemplated whether I should continue this delusion. As I dread to continue on, I accidentally pressed the thread, revealing what our fans from before posted. 

With my phone in one hand, I closed my eyes to try to relax. If all those comments were criticisms of us, I'm not sure if my heart could take it. 

 I attempted to calm down by breathing deeply in and out.

Sigh. I- I think I’m ready now.

I opened my eyes and scrolled to the fans’ comments. Almost immediately after opening them again, I began to feel terrible sorrow. Scanning them, I see nothing except regret for even liking our group before from fans. 

What did I think would happen? Even if I were a member of the audience, I would most likely condemn our group too.

I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I had to let them fall. As I began to shudder and became out of breath, I accidentally dropped my phone. Maybe…. Perhaps this is for the best. This is how I should go out. What a fitting end for a coward like myself. The joke was on me.

HAHAHAHAHA. 

I don't understand how they could so nonchalantly abandon us. I realize that our connection is only that of fan to idol, but I had hoped that our years spent together may amount to something more. 

HAHAHHAHA.

 Who would've guessed that the most successful boy group's leader of the last month is living like this?

No, dying like this.

When I heard some mumbles, I had already begun to lose my bearings because of the growing dizziness I had been experiencing.

"A…..b..."

"R..a.."

Strange, it almost sounds like my name.

"A…b…r"

"ABRA!!"

Somebody called out my name, and I saw a shadow move closer to me, but I couldn't see who it was.

Someone was muttering something incoherently as they embraced me. They were shaking me, trying to get me to wake up, but it was already too late.

"Please just let me die."

A few words got through before I passed out.

Narrator’s POV

"Have you guys seen this?"

Somewhere on Late Notice’s fan site, someone shared the video released a few weeks ago in response to the controversy and disbandment of the band with other fans. At a press conference, the CEO of the label, Mr. Azure, spoke.

"It is with great regret that I inform you that Late Notice has disbanded. They have confessed their mistakes and voluntarily offered to stand down. Although this is terrible for us, we cannot overlook their transgressions, and thus we supported their decision. I am tremendously appreciative of everyone's support and affection for the group over the last eight years. I hope fans won't forget and lament the times they've spent with their favorite idols. I can guarantee you that Late Notice has always cherished you. May these memories always bring you joy. Lastly, I beg your pardon for allowing Late Notice to go down this road. Despite our best efforts to guide them, we gave them the freedom to express and reward themselves. Sadly, we did not anticipate that they would abuse it. I beg your forgiveness in humility. We will reflect on our previous failures and continue to improve as an institution without Late Notice. We merely ask for another opportunity to grow and prove ourselves."

"And to be really forthright, we have knowledge that one of the other major organizations sponsored this bullying of these unfortunate kids. Even if they have made errors, let us not forget that they are also human. I could not stand to comprehend the anguish and remorse that the members of Late Notice are currently experiencing. Please, Gwang Seong, do not contribute to an already tragic situation. Respect for these children compels me to request that this situation not be made worse.

Thank you."