A Risky Decision
[POV. Kilin]
I had spent years following a script. Saying what I was told to say. Smiling when I was told to smile. Pretending that my personal life didn't exist beyond the stage, beyond the cameras, beyond the expectations of millions.
But that was over.
I stared at my reflection in the dressing room mirror. The stylist had finished with my makeup, making sure every detail was flawless. My outfit—designed to make me look effortlessly perfect—was styled to match the image of an idol untouchable by scandal.
It was ironic.
Because in just a few minutes, I was about to destroy that illusion.
A knock at the door.
Jihoon, my manager, stepped inside, his face tense.
Jihoon: Are you really going through with this?
I didn't answer immediately. Instead, I turned to face him, reading the concern in his eyes.
Kilin: Yes.
He exhaled, running a hand through his hair.
Jihoon: You have to understand what this means. If you address the rumors directly, the media is going to explode. The agency will—
Kilin: I don't care what the agency thinks.
Jihoon flinched. He knew how much that statement meant. For years, we had both lived under the same unspoken rule—don't challenge the company. Don't fight the system.
But I had already broken that rule.
And I wasn't stopping now.
Jihoon: At least don't say anything reckless. If you confirm the relationship, the backlash could—
Kilin: I know the risks.
Jihoon stared at me for a long moment. Then he sighed, his voice quieter.
Jihoon: Do you love her that much?
I felt my throat tighten.
Kilin: More than anything.
For a second, his expression softened. Then, nodding once, he stepped back.
Jihoon: Then go. Say what you need to say.
---
The press conference was packed.
Reporters filled the room, their cameras flashing, microphones ready. My agency had tried to spin the situation, framing it as a "special press statement" rather than a direct confrontation of the rumors. But everyone in that room knew the truth.
They were here for answers.
And I was finally ready to give them.
I took my seat at the front of the room, a microphone in front of me, the Star-light logo on the backdrop behind me.
CEO Park sat at the side of the stage, watching with sharp eyes.
I cleared my throat.
Kilin: Thank you for coming today.
The murmurs quieted.
Kilin: I know there has been a lot of speculation recently. Many things have been said, and many rumors have been spread. I think it's time I address them myself.
The room was silent, waiting.
I took a deep breath.
Kilin: Yes, the photos that surfaced are real. I will not deny that.
A ripple of shock passed through the crowd. Some reporters gasped, their pens scratching hurriedly on notepads. The agency had expected me to dance around the truth, to offer vague responses that left room for doubt.
But I wasn't playing that game anymore.
Kilin: The person in those photos is someone very important to me. Someone I care about deeply.
More murmurs. More camera flashes.
A reporter raised her hand. "Kilin-ssi, are you confirming that you are in a relationship?"
I hesitated for only a second before answering.
Kilin: I am confirming that I won't hide anymore.
Silence.
Another reporter quickly followed. "What does this mean for your career? For Star-light?"
I glanced toward CEO Park. His jaw was tight, his posture stiff. I knew this was a nightmare for him.
Kilin: I have dedicated years of my life to my career. To my fans, to my music, to my group. That hasn't changed. But I'm also a human being. I have a right to my own life.
A third reporter leaned forward. "Do you think your fans will support this decision?"
I swallowed hard. That was the question that scared me the most.
I loved my fans. They had given me everything. But I also knew how unforgiving the industry could be when idols showed signs of "weakness."
But I had to believe in them.
Kilin: I believe my true fans will understand.
I gripped the microphone tighter. "I never wanted to disappoint them. But I can't live a lie. I refuse to pretend anymore."
For a long moment, the room was filled with whispers and murmurs, the press scrambling to analyze every word.
And then—
CEO Park stood.
The entire room tensed as he slowly walked up to the microphone beside me.
I braced myself.
This was the moment of truth.
---
[POV. Naina]
I watched the press conference from my phone, heart pounding so hard it hurt.
I had told myself I wouldn't watch. That it didn't matter anymore.
But as soon as I saw his face on the screen, I couldn't look away.
Ruina sat beside me, clutching a pillow to her chest.
Ruina: He's really doing it…
I couldn't breathe. He had just admitted everything. He had risked everything.
For me.
For us.
My hands trembled as I held the phone.
And then—CEO Park stood.
Ruina: Oh no.
We both held our breath.
CEO Park adjusted the microphone, his expression unreadable.
CEO Park: Kilin's words today are his own. The agency was not involved in this decision. However, as a company, we respect our artists' personal lives and choices.
I blinked. What?
Ruina's mouth fell open. "Wait… is he actually—"
CEO Park: Star-light is more than just an idol group. It is a family. And while we understand that fans have strong emotions regarding this situation, we ask for their continued support.
The reporters erupted with questions.
But all I could hear was the pounding of my own heart.
Ruina: Did… did he just publicly support Kilin?
I couldn't believe it. I had been expecting threats, punishments, maybe even a forced apology.
But instead—Kilin had won.
The agency was backing down.
He had risked everything… and somehow, he had won.
A new message popped up on my phone.
From Kilin.
Kilin: Can I see you?
My hands shook.
Ruina nudged me. "What are you waiting for? Go to him!"
I swallowed hard.
I had spent so long trying to push him away. Trying to convince myself that we were never meant to be.
But he had fought for me.
And maybe… maybe it was time I fought for him too.
---
[POV. Kilin]
I stepped outside the building, the air cold against my skin. The moment the press conference ended, I had turned my phone back on, ignoring the hundreds of notifications.
There was only one message I was waiting for.
And then—
"Naina…"
She stood a few feet away, arms wrapped around herself, eyes searching mine.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then she took a step closer.
Naina: You really did it.
Kilin: I told you. I wasn't going to hide anymore.
She exhaled shakily. "Kilin, I—"
I didn't wait. I closed the distance between us, reaching for her hands.
Kilin: You don't have to say anything right now. Just tell me… are you still with me?
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Naina: …Always.
I pulled her into my arms.
And for the first time in years, I felt truly free.
---