February 25, 2025
This morning, the Stellar Entertainment building was busier than usual. The hallways were packed with staff moving back and forth, carrying props and cameras. On the third floor—the practice room that had become the center of today's activities—staff members were busy decorating for Starlight's sixth anniversary.
The ceiling was covered in purple and silver balloons, while a balloon-letter banner on the back wall read, “6th Anniversary Starlight.”
The atmosphere was warm and full of excitement, as if the whole place were trembling with pride.
Rami arrived when the decorations were halfway finished. She had just picked up a specially ordered cake from Stellar's regular bakery. Her arms carefully cradled the large box. A smile appeared on her face as emotion welled up in her chest. She had never imagined that, in this new life, she could truly become part of the special day of a group she had once only been able to admire from afar.
“Where's the cake?” Daniel's firm voice cut through the commotion.
Rami immediately stepped forward, displaying the large white box in her hands. “Here, sir,” she said softly.
However, from the side of the room, Farina, another staff member, watched Rami's approach with a strange look—cold, yet calculating. She glanced around to make sure no one was paying close attention, then quietly shifted a folding chair into Rami's path. Her movements were quick and subtle, as if she were merely adjusting the chair's position.
As Rami drew closer, Farina pretended to bend down and straighten the cables on the floor. At the same time, though, she used the toe of her shoe to hold the chair's leg and nudge it slightly forward.
The next second, a small cry rang out— “Whoa—!”
Rami stumbled. Her body pitched forward, and she nearly lost her balance. The cake box jolted violently, almost slipping from her hands—
Luckily, Harkal reacted quickly and caught her arm. “Easy! You almost fell,” he said worriedly.
Rami drew a deep breath, her heart pounding. She looked at the cake—it was still intact. But when her gaze shifted toward Farina, who was standing not far away, her eyes hardened.
Rami handed the cake box to Harkal, then walked toward Farina. “You did that on purpose just now, didn't you?”
Farina looked at her in feigned confusion. “What are you talking about? I was just fixing the cables.”
“Don't lie.” Rami's voice trembled, but it was firm. “You almost made this cake fall! Do you know how important this is to them?”
Farina snorted. “I didn't do it on purpose! How was I supposed to know you were coming through?”
Rami stared at her for several seconds, caught between holding back her anger and her disappointment. But her emotions had reached their breaking point, and she could no longer pretend to stay calm.
Smack!
The sound of the slap echoed through the room. It immediately fell silent. The only sound was the soft rustle of balloons brushing against the ceiling.
Farina stood frozen, clutching her cheek with an expression of disbelief.
Rami glared at her. “This is Starlight's big day. One small mistake can turn into a disaster. Next time, if you don't intend to do your job, don't get in the way of people who are trying.”
She rubbed her heated face, then walked out of the room without looking back.
From the corner of the room, Starlight had heard everything. They watched Rami's retreating back. Their expressions were difficult to read—some combination of worry, anger, and … admiration.
The sky began turning golden as all the preparations finally came to an end. The practice room was now filled with light and laughter. Cameras, microphones, and small lights had been set up in every corner.
That afternoon, Starlight's anniversary live stream was about to begin.
Each member took his assigned seat. Jinren patted Juna on the shoulder, Binero busily fixed Sanhadi's hair, while Wooan still managed to glance toward the staff in the back, searching for someone in particular who had disappeared earlier that morning.
Rami stood in the corner of the room, there just in case. Her emotions were still unsettled, but when she heard Starlight joking with one another, a slow smile appeared on her face.
“Three … two … one … LIVE!”
The opening music began. The camera focused on the six members sitting neatly with a large cake in front of them.
“Annyeonghaseyo! We are Starlight!”
“Starya! Starlight is six years old now. It's been a long time, huh?” Jinren began gently.
“We'll always look after one another and love you all!” Ricky made a large heart with both hands.
“Okay, let's make even more beautiful memories!” Wooan added with a bright smile.
“Hmm, are you guys done talking yet? I can't wait to eat the cake!” Binero chimed in.
Juna laughed the loudest. “Hey! Can't you be patient for a little while?”
“Hyung! I'm huuungry!” Sanhadi stood while holding a plate and fork, sending everyone into an uproar.
“Hey! Maknae!”
The atmosphere grew warm and intimate, exactly like a family.
After tasting the cake, the room suddenly fell quiet for a moment.
“How long do you think we'll be able to stay like this?” Juna asked softly.
“Like this?” Binero repeated.
“Celebrating all of this.”
“Forever,” Ricky answered immediately.
The other five members turned to look at him.
“Aren't we … family?” he added with a small smile.
“Aaah, that's right, Hyung!” Sanhadi immediately dug into his cake again.
“There will always be a Starlight every year,” Binero added.
Wooan nodded. He didn't say much, his mind filled with Starlight's beautiful memories.
They stayed live for almost two hours—talking, joking around, and reading comments. Today truly was special.
Afterward, the staff began packing up the cameras and equipment. The six members remained seated casually, resting before heading home.
Meanwhile, outside, Rami held a paper bag tightly. She took a long breath to calm herself before knocking on the door.
Knock, knock.
Everyone turned.
“Can I come in?” she asked softly.
Wooan and Jinren immediately stood and gestured for her to enter.
Rami stepped inside carefully. “I … I'm sorry.” She bowed deeply.
All six members panicked and hurried over to her.
“Hey, don't do that! Stand up, stand up!” Jinren said.
“Why are you apologizing?” Wooan asked gently.
Rami clasped both hands together. “For what happened this morning. I got too emotional and ruined the mood.” She had destroyed the happy atmosphere from that morning with her anger.
“Ah, it's okay, Rami. Seriously.” Juna patted her shoulder. “We're all fine.”
“Noona, you were so cool this morning!” Sanhadi said, beaming with pride.
Rami laughed softly, but her eyes filled with tears. “This is … a small gift from me. It might not be expensive, but I picked it out sincerely.”
Binero quickly took the paper bag. “Anything from you has to be valuable.”
When the box was opened, they all fell silent for a moment. Inside were six knitted keychains—little animals, each with a different character.
“Wow! What animal is mine?” Ricky exclaimed.
“In the same order as before,” Rami answered shyly. “But … Sanhadi was definitely going to be the chick.”
Everyone burst out laughing.
Juna raised his bear keychain, Jinren held up his turtle, Wooan smiled at his rabbit, Binero spun his cat around, Ricky lifted his wolf, and Sanhadi hugged his yellow chick as if it were the cutest thing in the world.
“Thank you,” Wooan said, his voice soft but sincere.
“Ram, am I really a turtle?” Jinren looked at his keychain.
“Yes! A slow turtle, just like you!” Juna shouted, laughing with satisfaction.
Laughter erupted throughout the room.
That night, Rami laughed with them—the six people she had once only been able to watch from afar. Now they were right before her eyes, laughing together in the small, brightly lit room.
Keep laughing, my six stars … Let me be the one to remember this moment forever.