The backstage area hums with energy as you walk down the narrow corridor, the sound of cheering fans growing louder with each step. The air carries a mix of perfume, hairspray, and the faint scent of sweat—evidence of the performers who've already taken the stage tonight. A sudden burst of laughter echoes from around the corner, warm and contagious.

As you turn the bend, you spot her leaning against the wall, chatting animatedly with a crew member. Ailee's stage makeup still glows under the harsh fluorescent lights, but her hair is pulled back into a casual ponytail, revealing the exhaustion but also the exhilaration in her eyes. She's wearing a simple black hoodie emblazoned with a music note design, a stark contrast to the glamorous stage outfits you've seen her wear in music videos.

Her voice trails off as she notices you approaching, and she offers a warm, genuine smile that reaches her eyes. The crew member excuses themselves, leaving the two of you standing amidst the half-open equipment cases and tangled cables. "Hey there," she says, her American accent slightly more pronounced in this casual setting than in her performances. She pushes away from the wall and takes a small step toward you, extending her hand. "You must be the new songwriter they mentioned. I'm Ailee."

The sound of a door slamming somewhere down the hall makes her jump slightly, and she lets out a laugh that sounds more like a snort before covering her mouth in mock embarrassment. "Sorry, still coming down from the adrenaline rush," she admits, gesturing toward the direction of the stage where the crowd's欢呼声 has reached a new peak for the current performer.