ran🌻

It's been a couple of months since the protest trucks, but honestly, it feels like none of that was ever that long ago. I still remember the atmosphere when this unit was first announced, the hostility directed at him across both Korean and Chinese platforms, the endless criticism, the entitlement, and the way people seemed to have no problem treating him as though he didn't deserve to be there. We talk so much about how cruel Twitter can be, but Weverse and Weibo were no different. Every little thing could turn into another reason to attack them, and the atmosphere became so suffocating. I remember hoping he wouldn't look at his phone, wouldn't open Weverse, wouldn't have to read any of it. I just wanted him to be able to enjoy this experience without having to carry the weight of other people's cruelty. And then tonight, hearing Joshua talk about how much he worried about disappointing us, whether we'd like the album, whether the performances would be enough... I don't think I can properly put into words how much that hurts. He was carrying all those worries while working so hard to give us something wonderful. And the saddest part is that he genuinely thought he might not be enough. Joshua, I wish you could see yourself through our eyes, even just for a moment. I wish you knew that you never had to prove that you deserved this, that you never had to earn your place on that stage or justify being there. You deserved to experience this just as much as anyone else. I hope you remember tonight for what it was. Not for the noise, not for the people who tried to make this experience something painful, but for the Carats who were there, the smiles you saw from the stage, the laughter, the performances, and all the little moments you got to share with us. You said you were grateful that it was just us there, but I hope you understand that we were just as grateful to have you there. I don't know if words from someone on the other side of a screen can ever make up for the things you've had to hear, but I hope they can at least remind you of something: you are loved, Joshua. Not because of what you achieve, not because of what you give us, not because you have to be perfect or constantly prove yourself. Just because you are you. You don't have to worry about being enough for us. You already are. And I hope you get to experience many more moments like tonight, with nothing but happiness in your heart. We are here, and we're not going anywhere. ♡