IDOL

Chapter 9: Heartbreak

Zari had gotten used to the routine of watching the group's training sessions, enjoying the energy and camaraderie between them. She often helped, and being part of their world felt good. Today seemed no different until, after their session ended, a girl appeared out of nowhere, catching Zari's eye.

She watched as Kael's expression changed, and before she could even process it, he quickly grabbed the girl by the arm and led her outside. Zari's heart sank instantly. *Who is she?* she wondered, a sinking feeling spreading through her chest. The two had disappeared for almost 30 minutes, and the longer they were gone, the more anxious Zari became. Her mind raced with thoughts she couldn't control. *Is she Kael's girlfriend?*

Finally, unable to bear the suspense any longer, Zari turned to Jae-min, who was sitting nearby. "Jae-min," she began hesitantly, her voice small, "who is that girl? The one Kael just went outside with?"

Jae-min's expression softened, and he gave her a reassuring look. "Oh, that's another K-pop artist, Soo-yeon. She's been around for a while, and I think she admired Kael for a long time. It's a bit mysterious why she keeps coming around and kael's reaction too."

Zari frowned, feeling her heart squeeze painfully. The thought of someone admiring Kael for so long made her stomach twist in knots.

"Should we see what's going on?" Jae-min asked in curiosity. 

"Can we? Okay"

They quietly made their way down the hallway, sneaking toward where Kael and the girl were talking. As they peeked around the corner, Zari's heart dropped. The girl was holding Kael's arm, and Kael looked furious, his jaw clenched in frustration. Zari's chest tightened, feeling an ache she wasn't prepared for. Before she could pull back, Kael suddenly looked in their direction.

"Come out," Kael's voice rang out, firm and slightly annoyed.

Zari's breath hitched, and she stepped forward shyly, trying to smile despite the nervous tension in her chest. "We were just passing by," Jae-min said, trying to play it off casually.

The girl turned toward Zari, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Who is she?" she asked, her voice sharp with suspicion.

Zari's heart pounded as she waited for Kael's answer, hoping—praying—that he would say something that didn't crush her. But when Kael spoke, his words shattered her completely.

"She is Jaxon's little sister, and I also see her as my little sister," he said flatly, not even sparing her a glance.

Zari's vision blurred instantly, her heart breaking into pieces as she stood there, frozen. She had known, deep down, that this was how he saw her, but hearing the words out loud made it unbearable. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she could barely see as she turned and ran down the hallway, ignoring the concerned calls from Jae-min behind her.

She barely made it to the nearest bathroom before the tears spilled over. Once inside, she locked the door and broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. The words "little sister" echoed in her mind, piercing her heart over and over again. She had tried so hard to push her feelings aside, to remind herself that she was nothing more to Kael, but the truth hurt far more than she'd imagined.

Still trembling from the weight of her emotions, Zari pulled out her phone and texted Jaxon:

*I'm not feeling well. I'm going home first.*

After sending the message, she took a deep breath and wiped her tears, though they continued to fall no matter how hard she tried to stop them. She had to get out of here. She couldn't bear to face Kael again right now, not after what had just happened.

Gathering her strength, Zari slipped out of the bathroom and quietly made her way out of the building, her heart heavy with the pain of unspoken feelings and broken hopes. As she walked home alone, tears streamed down her face, and all she could do was cry it out. She had told herself over and over that she wouldn't fall for him, but her heart had betrayed her—and now she had to face the painful truth. Kael would never see her as anything more than a "little sister."