Paper Dolls

Chapter 15

Flashing lights dance in my vision, drowning out the evening sky. I don't have a chance to gather my bearings. The moment we step out of the car, fans from beyond the flimsy rope barriers scream and shout to octaves that don't seem possible.

According to Mr. Oh they've been here since mid afternoon, some even camped out in the morning, wanting to stand in the front row. I remember the crowd outside the medical centre being madness, this doesn't feel any less different. 

A line of photographers and news reporters crowd by the front. Their video camera's mirroring my every step. 

"Jina! Jina! How does it feel to be here today at your friend's exclusive suite? Have you been here before?"

"Jina! Look here. You're so pretty, just like Dalia!"

"Do you miss your best friend? Jina! Do you miss her?" 

I walk ahead, keeping my eyes trained on the apartment building's entrance as previously instructed. I was warned by Mr. Oh several times to keep my face sombre the entire time. The most important thing is to not react especially since paparazzi are known for trying to create a scene where celebrities are concerned. 

Except I am not a celebrity, so I try to be more careful than anyone else here. Every step I take is threading on a thin line that leads to my future. Toe the line and I may just make it. Screw up and I don't even want to think of the consequences.

"Jina! When will you be debuting?" 

"Did you know about Dalia's love life? You must have known about her affair."

That one statement throws me off and my head turns before I can stop myself. I look at the skinny woman wearing a suit who is standing next to a camera lens. Her smile widens when she realises she got a reaction out of me. 

Shit. 

"So it's true," She concludes, her voice as delusional as the expression on her face. "I knew it."

Mr Oh steps between us and gestures for me to walk ahead. A silent warning for me to shut the hell up and I oblige, happy to escape the absurd theory that she threw at me. 

There is no way Dalia was seeing someone. She was the most followed person of 2018. No one would have been able to miss a hidden affair. 

I think. 

"What the hell was that? I told you to ignore them," Mr Oh's voice is barely a whisper but the venom in it is enough to send shivers down my spine.

"I'm so sorry. It won't happen again," I try to placate him with a calm smile but my nerves are still buzzing after being under so much attention. I don't think I will ever get used to that feeling.

"It better not," He replies. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he looks just as nervous. I don't blame him. Tonight is a big night for the both of us and Firefly. I still can't believe my name was on the guest list, even our CEO Mr Yang wasn't included. 

The only people invited are close friends and family. 

The roar of voices outside multiplies to thunder and I just know that someone famous has arrived, maybe Dalia's group mates Summer, Maria or Loona. 

The thought fills me with unease. While Firefly sent me here to gain publicity, I have a secret, personal mission of my own. I have to observe them, maybe even mingle with them like Hyeon suggested. 

I can't even imagine the scenario in my head. How the hell am I supposed to get superstars like them to talk to me of all people?

We are guided by the staff here and my heels dig into the plush carpet lining the foyer while we walk towards the set of lifts ahead. Herve Suites is one of the most expensive places to live in the city.