Scene: A cozy restaurant, dimly lit. The clinking of plates and quiet conversations fill the air as Yuna and Jihun sit across from each other, their meals half-finished.
Jihun: (smiling) "This place is nice, right? I knew you'd like it. The food's great here, and the atmosphere's perfect for a quiet dinner."
Yuna: (nodding absentmindedly) "Yeah… it's nice."
Jihun: (watching her closely) "You seem distracted, though. Is something on your mind?"
Yuna: (forcing a smile) "No, no. Just… a little tired, I guess." She stirs her drink, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.
Jihun: (concerned) "You sure? I mean, if you're not feeling well, we can head back. I don't mind. We can do this another time."
Yuna: (shaking her head quickly) "No, no, it's fine. I didn't want to cancel on you." She glances at her phone, her fingers itching to check the latest updates on Kairo. The thought of missing something crucial gnaws at her.
Jihun: "You've been pretty busy lately, huh? With all those… fan activities?" He says it lightly, but there's a hint of disapproval in his voice. He knows how deep Yuna's obsession runs with Kairo, though he's never been able to fully understand it.
Yuna: (looking up sharply) "It's not just a hobby, Jihun. You wouldn't get it." Her tone is defensive, but she catches herself and softens. "I mean… yeah, I've been busy. But I'm fine. Really."
Jihun: (sighing) "I know you're passionate about it, but sometimes… it just seems like it's too much. You never seem fully here anymore." He pauses, trying to choose his words carefully. "I worry about you, Yuna."
Yuna: (feeling trapped, her patience wearing thin) "I'm fine. I'm just…" She stops herself, swallowing the growing frustration. She can feel her phone vibrating in her bag, and the urge to check it is overwhelming. "Actually, I'm… I think I'm coming down with something." She touches her forehead lightly as if proving it to herself. "Maybe I should head home early tonight."
Jihun: (surprised, but concerned) "Are you sure? You looked fine earlier."
Yuna: (forcing a weak smile) "Yeah, I think it just hit me. I don't want to get worse, you know? Let's do this again soon, okay?" She stands up, gathering her things quickly, avoiding his gaze.
Jihun: (standing, a little disappointed) "Yeah… sure. Just take care of yourself, okay?"
Yuna: "I will." She throws him one last glance, already feeling the relief of escaping. "Thanks for understanding."
Jihun: (watching her leave, his voice soft) "Anytime."
Scene: Yuna's Apartment – Late Evening
The door clicked shut behind Yuna as she tossed her bag onto the chair, barely noticing her surroundings. Her mind was already on what mattered most Kairo. She grabbed her phone and headed straight to her desk, where her laptop sat waiting. In seconds, she was logged into her fake account, the profile she used to keep tabs on everything Kairo-related.
The familiar rush of control washed over her as she scanned the online forums and fan pages. She had spent years blending into the fan community, building her reputation as a trustworthy source. Tonight, she had something special to share.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before typing with precision:
> "Kairo spotted rehearsing at 24 Sound Studios again tonight. Exclusive look at his schedule—something big is coming soon. Stay tuned 😉 #KairoLee #Eclipse"
She attached a blurred image she had snapped from afar, just outside the rehearsal building earlier in the day. No one else knew he was there. This post would spread like wildfire among the fans. The thought sent a thrill down her spine she was always one step ahead.
As the post began to gather likes and comments, Yuna leaned back in her chair, smiling to herself. She knew more about Kairo than any other fan, and soon, he would notice her dedication.
Hana leaned against the doorframe of the studio, watching Pulse rehearse, while observing Kairo his moves were precise, his voice steady but she could tell something was off. He was distracted, his energy lower than usual.
As he took a break, Hana approached. "Everything alright?"
Kairo wiped sweat from his brow, his expression tight. "Yeah, just tired."
Before Hana could press further, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen an alert from Kairo's fan account. Another fan post about him. Harmless, she thought, until she noticed the details. A picture of Kairo entering the studio just minutes ago, from an angle that seemed… too close.
Her eyes narrowed. How could anyone have known this exact time? This exact place?
Something didn't feel right