The city lights blurred as Hana sat in the quiet of her apartment, replaying the events of the past few days. The tour had gone better than she'd hoped. Kairo had delivered an unforgettable performance, the fans were electric, and most importantly, nothing had gone wrong. She exhaled, the weight of the decisions she'd made finally lifting from her chest. She had been right not to tell Kairo about the safety concerns. It would've only stressed him out, made him anxious, and disrupted the magic of the tour. He didn't need that. He just needed to focus on the music.
But while Hana let go of her worries, Yuna's grip on Kairo's life only tightened.
For Yuna, the tour had been perfect in more ways than one. Watching Kairo live was like an out-of-body experience. His every move, every note felt like it was meant for her. But as the days passed, the high from the concert started to fade, replaced by the same gnawing need she always felt after seeing him more. She craved more of Kairo. Not just the moments on stage, but the details of his life behind the scenes. The things only she deserved to know.
Yuna had always known how to find things out. She wasn't like the other fans who just sat back, content with watching from a distance. She wanted no, needed to be closer. Knowing where Kairo was rehearsing, what he was doing off-stage, who he was with, made her feel connected in a way that nothing else could. It was as if she was part of his world, even if no one else could see it.
She scrolled through her phone, a familiar thrill running through her as she checked her notifications. One of her fan accounts had come through with a new tip.
"Kairo's having a private dinner tomorrow night. Orchid Room, 8 p.m. Unconfirmed, but reliable source."
Her heart raced. This was what she lived for knowing where he would be before anyone else. She could already imagine it: Kairo, seated at an elegant table, laughing with his close circle, unaware that she'd be nearby, watching. The thought gave her a rush like nothing else. Being so close, yet invisible, it made her feel powerful.
In her mind, she wasn't just another fan. She was someone who understood Kairo in ways no one else could. The schedules, the secret dinners, the private rehearsals they were her way of staying connected to him, of showing her devotion. No one loved him like she did. No one was as dedicated. Not even Hana.
While Hana sat relieved, thinking she had protected Kairo from any threats, Yuna was already planning her next move. Every step she took brought her closer to him, and nothing not security, not distance, not even Kairo's lack of knowledge about her could stop her.
In her mind, Kairo just didn't realize how much he needed her yet. But soon, he would. She was certain of it.
Yuna's phone buzzes with an incoming call. She glances at the screen and sees Jihun's name. She lets out a sigh but picks up reluctantly.
Yuna: (in a flat tone) "Hello?"
Jihun: (with a cheerful tone) "Hey, Yuna! I was thinking we could grab dinner tonight? There's this new place I've been dying to try, and I thought it'd be nice to catch up."
Yuna: (half-listening, distracted) "Yeah, I don't think so."
Jihun: (a little confused) "Oh... Well, if not tonight, maybe tomorrow? Or even coffee? I haven't seen you in a while, and I feel like we haven't really talked."
Yuna: (more irritated, cutting him off) "Jihun, you're kind of disturbing me right now."
Jihun: (taken aback) "Oh… I didn't realize. Are you busy?"
Yuna: (exasperated) "Yeah, I am. I've got stuff to do. I can't just drop everything for dinner."
Jihun: (a bit hurt, but trying to stay calm) "I get it, you're busy, but it feels like you've been avoiding me lately. Did I do something wrong?"
Yuna: (annoyed, wanting to end the call) "Look, I don't have time for this right now, okay? I've got more important things to focus on."
Jihun: (quiet, with disappointment in his voice) "Alright, I guess I'll just let you go then…"
Yuna: (without hesitation) "Yeah, you should. Bye."
She hangs up quickly, not giving Jihun a chance to respond. As the call ends, Yuna barely gives it a second thought, her mind already shifting back to tracking Kairo's schedule.