Decoy Girlfriend

1: Shattered illusions

The stage lights of the Seoul Dome shone brightly as Sky took his final bow, the roar of thousands of adoring fans washing over him like a tidal wave. His solo performance had been flawless, a testament to his status as one of K-pop's reigning idols. He soaked in the adulation, his smile masking the anxiety that churned beneath the surface.

Backstage, the atmosphere was electric. Managers, stylists, and crew members buzzed around, each absorbed in their tasks. Sky was escorted to his dressing room, the applause still ringing in his ears. As soon as the door closed behind him, the façade of perfection he maintained so rigorously began to crumble.

Meanwhile, across town, Ji-eun wrapped up her own performance at a different venue. She was equally revered in the industry, known for her ethereal voice and captivating presence. The adoration of her fans was a double-edged sword, a constant reminder of the precarious balance between fame and privacy.

Their secret relationship had always been a delicate dance, hidden from the prying eyes of the public and the relentless paparazzi. But tonight, that delicate balance was shattered.

Sky's phone buzzed incessantly with notifications. His manager, Mr. Kim, entered the dressing room, his face a mask of concern. He held up his phone, the screen alight with a flurry of messages and news alerts.

"Your relationship with Ji-eun has been leaked," he said bluntly. "The media is in a frenzy."

Sky's heart sank. The dreamlike haze of the concert evaporated, replaced by a stark, cold reality. "How bad is it?"

Mr. Kim's silence spoke volumes. He handed Sky his phone, and the headline blared out: "K-Pop's Secret Romance: Sky and Ji-eun's Hidden Relationship Exposed!"

The accompanying article was even worse, filled with invasive photos and speculative gossip. Sky's face paled as he read through the venomous comments, many targeting Ji-eun with baseless accusations and unfounded hatred.

"This can't be happening," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Ji-eun, on the other side of town, was having a similar conversation with her own manager, Ms. Park. She was handed the same article, her heart pounding as she scrolled through the vitriolic comments. The intimacy of their private moments was now fodder for public consumption.

"We need a plan," Ms. Park said, her tone urgent. "Deny everything. Say it's a misunderstanding."

Ji-eun shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "The photos are too clear. No one will believe that."

Simultaneously, in their respective dressing rooms, Sky and Ji-eun were searching for solutions. Sky's mind raced, searching for a way to protect Ji-eun from the onslaught of negativity. He knew that her career, more fragile and less fortified by the industry, was at greater risk.

"What if..." Sky hesitated, the idea forming even as he spoke. "What if we give them another story to focus on?"

Mr. Kim raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Ji-eun denies the relationship, like you said. And I... I'll start dating someone else. Publicly."

Mr. Kim considered the idea. "It could work. But who?"

"Yuna," Sky said, the name slipping out before he could second-guess himself. Yuna was an aspiring actress he'd met on a variety show. She had the potential for fame but was still largely unknown.

Mr. Kim nodded. "Alright. I'll arrange a meeting with Yuna. But this needs to be airtight. One slip, and it's over for all of you."

Across town, Ji-eun's conversation took a similar turn. "Sky will deny it and distract the media," Ms. Park explained. "We need to protect your image at all costs."

Ji-eun's eyes filled with tears. "Sky can't do this for me."

Ms. Park's expression softened. "He's doing this for both of you. To protect your future."

As the managers left to make the necessary calls, Sky and Ji-eun sat in silence, the weight of their decision settling heavily on their shoulders. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but they had no choice but to walk it.

In another part of the city, Yuna was finishing a small shoot for an indie film when she received the call that would change her life. Her manager's voice was excited, almost frantic.

"Yuna, you won't believe this. You've been asked to play a role—Sky's girlfriend."

Yuna's heart skipped a beat. Sky was one of the biggest names in the industry. The opportunity was a dream come true, but it also came with a price. She had no idea just how high that price would be.

As the scandal erupted across social media, Sky and Ji-eun's fans were polarized. Some defended their idols, while others were quick to condemn. Amid the chaos, Sky's announcement of his new relationship with Yuna only added fuel to the fire.

Ji-eun watched the press conference from the safety of her apartment, her heart aching with each word Sky said. He looked composed, confident, as he introduced Yuna to the world. The paparazzi went wild, and Yuna, though visibly nervous, played her part with admirable grace.

But as the cameras flashed and questions were hurled, Ji-eun couldn't shake the feeling that they had made a terrible mistake. In their bid to protect their dreams, they were stepping into a nightmare from which there might be no escape.