Fell In Love With Kai

Chapter 15: The Unwanted Spotlight

Amidst the serene aftermath of the beach day, the tranquility was shattered by a ringing phone. Kai, unsuspecting of the storm brewing on the other end, answered the call from SM Entertainment's director.

Director: "Kai, we have a situation. There are reports about you and Nora at the beach. The media is saying you're dating."

Kai: (taken aback) "What? Dating? Director, we're just friends. We went to the beach with a group. How did this turn into a dating scandal?"

Director: "It doesn't matter, Kai. The public believes what they see. This could harm your image. You know how important public perception is."

Kai: (frustrated) "But Director, I'm a human too. I can have friends. Chen is married, and that's private. Why is it different for me?"

Director: "You're an idol, Kai. Your life is not your own. It's a part of the image we've crafted. You need to be careful about the company you keep."

Kai: (defiantly) "I can't control everything. I won't apologize for having friends. And, honestly, I won't apologize for having feelings either."

Director: "Kai, you have to understand—"

Kai: "No, Director. I won't hide who I am. I won't deny my feelings. If the public can't accept that, then maybe it's time for a change."

Director: "Kai, you have to understand the delicate balance we maintain. The public's perception is crucial to your success. We can't afford rumors like this."

Kai: "But Director, why should I apologize for spending time with a friend? I'm human. I have a personal life too."

Director: "Your personal life is intertwined with your public persona, Kai. Fans invest not just in your talent but also in the image we present. We need to protect that image."

Kai: "I get it, but I won't deny my relationships or who I am. I won't live in a bubble, afraid of what people might think."

Director: "You're not just any person, Kai. You're a public figure, an idol. Your actions have repercussions. We need to manage this carefully."

Kai: "I'm not asking for special treatment. Just the freedom to be myself. Chen is married, and it's private. Why can't I have my private moments too?"

Director: "Chen's situation is different. We managed that carefully. This is about perception, and right now, the perception is that you're dating."

Kai: "Then let them think what they want. I won't lie about my feelings. If they can't accept that I'm human and capable of love, then maybe it's time for me to reconsider."

Director: "Kai, don't be hasty. We'll manage this, but you need to cooperate. Apologize, clarify the situation. We can't let this spiral out of control."

Kai: "I won't apologize for having a friend. And I won't apologize for being honest about my feelings. If that's not something the company can accept, then maybe we need to reevaluate our partnership."

Kai: "Look, Director, I can't deny it anymore. I've been trying to keep it to myself, but I can't. I've fallen for Nora."

Director: "Kai, this complicates things even more. We can't afford a romantic scandal now."

Kai: "I understand the complications, but I won't hide my feelings. Nora is important to me, not just as a friend. I can't pretend otherwise."

Director: "You have to think about your career, Kai. Relationships can be fleeting, but your career is built over years."

Kai: "My career is a part of me, but it doesn't define me. I won't sacrifice my happiness for the sake of an image. I won't lie about who I am."

Director: "Think about the consequences, Kai. This could affect not just you but also EXO and Nora."

Kai: "I've thought about it. I won't let fear dictate my life. I'm willing to face whatever consequences come my way."

With those words, Kai laid bare the depth of his emotions, setting in motion a chain of events that would challenge not only his relationship with Nora but also the carefully constructed framework of idol life and the expectations placed on those who lived under the spotlight.