408: 2026.4.2 Bubbles

(Honor of Kings updated, happily climbing the ranks. Teleporting as Light Xin to clear lanes feels amazing, it's just that my teammates are all idiots.)

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[April 2, 2026 07:15 - First Selfie]

The sky outside the window is already bright, with faint sunlight spilling through thin clouds. Karina gently sits up from under the covers, not in a rush to get out of bed. She first picks up her phone and takes a photo of the morning light outside the window. The light is soft and not blinding.

Click.

She tenderly edits the text:

“April 2nd, Thursday, good morning. The weather is nice today, not too cold or hot, perfect for training. You should eat a good breakfast too.”

Sent.

[07:25 - First Reply Video]

Karina leans against the headboard, her hair draped softly over her shoulders, the duvet pulled up to her chest. She smiles at the camera, her voice gentle.

“I slept well last night. I dreamed we were practicing dance together in the practice room. You always kept missing the beat, and I woke up laughing. Intensive training starts today; the Comeback is next Wednesday, so time is a bit tight. You need to work hard too. Rest if you're tired, don't push yourself too hard.”

She stretches slowly, her movements deliberate.

“Alright, time to get up. What should I wear today... white, I think. Something refreshing.”

Video ends.

Sent.

[07:45 - Second Selfie]

Karina changes her clothes and stands in front of the mirror to take a full-body shot. A white short-sleeved shirt, light blue sweatpants, and her hair tied in a bun—clean and neat.

Click.

Bubble caption:

“All changed. Wearing something comfortable for training is most important. What are you wearing today? Remember to check the weather so you don't catch a cold.”

Sent.

[08:10 - Second Reply Video]

Karina stands in the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of warm water, then stuffs two rice balls and a bottle of water into her bag.

“Have you had breakfast? I had a rice ball, tuna flavor. Training takes a lot of energy, so I have to eat my fill. You too—no matter how busy you are, you must eat breakfast. People with weak stomachs need to eat on time even more, okay?”

She puts on her canvas bag and stands at the entrance to change her shoes.

“Heading out. I'll be practicing until very late today, but it's okay. The new song sounds great, and the choreography is beautiful. I hope you'll like it.”

Video ends.

Sent.

[08:45 - Third Selfie]

Karina arrives at the practice room and takes a photo in front of the mirror. She sits on the floor stretching, the sunlight shining through the window, casting a layer of warm light over her.

Click.

Bubble caption:

“At the practice room. Stretching first, then starting dance practice. The choreography for the new song is a bit tiring, but it feels great to dance it. Are you at work? Stay safe on the road.”

Sent.

[10:30 - Third Reply Video]

During a break in practice, Karina sits on the floor drinking water, with fine sweat on her forehead. She smiles at the camera and takes a breath.

“I've been practicing for two hours; the chorus part is almost done. Everyone is in great shape today, and our coordination is getting better and better. I'll be able to see you guys on stage next week; just thinking about it makes me happy. Will you come to see the music show performances? If you can, remember to cheer for me.”

She puts the water bottle down and tightens the cap.

“I'll stop here and get back to practice. Work hard, remember to eat lunch, and don't just settle for anything.”

Video ends.

Sent.

[12:15 - Fourth Selfie]

Lunchtime. Karina opens her lunch box: kimbap, rolled omelets, cherry tomatoes, and a small box of strawberries. She takes a photo of the lunch box.

Click.

Bubble caption:

“Lunchtime. Today's lunch box was made by Manager unnie; it's delicious. Have you eaten? No matter what you eat, eat well. You'll need the energy for the afternoon once you're full.”

Sent.

[12:45 - Fourth Reply Video]

Karina records a video while eating, eating slowly and elegantly.

“The training intensity is quite high today, but I'm very happy. I love the melody of the new song, and the dance is getting smoother. It'll be released next Wednesday; I'm a bit nervous but also looking forward to it. You'll listen to it, right? I hope you'll like it.”

She picks up a piece of rolled omelet and takes a gentle bite.

“Mmm, delicious. This piece is for you. Even though you can't eat it, the thought is there. Can you feel it?”

Video ends.

Sent.

[15:30 - Fifth Selfie]

Afternoon training continues. Karina takes a photo in front of the mirror; her hair is a bit damp, and her face is flushed, but her eyes are bright.

Click.

Bubble caption:

“Continuing this afternoon. The last part of the new dance has some complicated formations, but everyone is working hard. I believe we'll have it down by tomorrow. How is your day going? Regardless, remember to take good care of yourself.”

Sent.

[16:00 - Fifth Reply Video]

Karina stands by the window resting, takes a photo of the sky outside, then turns back to face herself.

“The afternoon sunlight has turned gentle. I've been practicing all day; I'm a bit tired, but it's fulfilling. The Comeback is next Wednesday; I hope everything goes smoothly. Will you be in the audience? You don't have to be close; even from afar is fine. Just knowing you're there is enough.”

She rubs her shoulder.

“Alright, back to it. Get back to work; let's talk again tonight.”

Video ends.

Sent.

[18:30 - Sixth Selfie]

Training is over. Karina sits on the floor, covered in sweat but smiling tenderly. She holds up her phone and takes a photo in front of the mirror.

Click.

Bubble caption:

“Training is over. Today's practice went quite well; I've basically smoothed out the new dance. One more day of practice tomorrow, and it should be perfect. I want to buy a hot latte on the way home as a treat. You must be tired too, right? Go home and get some good rest.”

Sent.

[19:15 - Sixth Reply Video]

Karina walks on the way home, the camera pointed at the cherry blossom trees by the road. Most of the petals have already fallen, covering the ground in a layer of pink.

“Look, the cherry blossoms are almost gone. Spring passes so quickly. But it's okay; they'll bloom again next year. Just like us, we'll always meet again. No matter how long the interval, as long as we have each other in our hearts, it won't feel far.”

She bends down to pick up a petal and places it in her palm.

“Here's one for you. You're welcome. Are you tired today? Go back and take a hot bath, then go to bed early. Tomorrow is a new day.”

Video ends.

Sent.

[20:00 - Seventh Selfie]

Karina arrives home, changes into loungewear, and huddles on the sofa. The sky outside is pitch black; she turns on a small desk lamp, its warm yellow light illuminating her face.

Click.

Bubble caption:

“Home now, finished my shower. Now I'm huddling on the sofa drinking my latte. Even though I'm tired today, my heart is full. Because I'm one day closer to the Comeback, and one day closer to seeing you. I want to tell you before saying goodnight: I missed you a lot today. See you in our dreams.”

Sent.

[20:15 - Last Reply Video]

Karina is already a bit sleepy, her voice soft as if she's talking in her sleep.

“Tomorrow... April 3rd... continue training... you should work hard too... don't be too tired... rest if you are... my heart will ache for you... you know...”

She opens her eyes slightly and smiles at the camera.

“Goodnight... my love... see you next Wednesday... I'll be waiting for you on stage... you have to come see me... even if you don't, I'll find you... I'll definitely find you... I'll always find you...”

Her voice gets fainter and fainter until only even breathing remains.

Video ends.

Sent.

[20:20 - Last Text Reply]

Before turning off the light, Karina sends a message:

“April 2, 2026. Training went well today, I miss you. When the group makes its Comeback, remember to come see me. Goodnight. Have sweet dreams, and make sure I'm in them.”

Sent.