Under Her Protection

Chapter 1

Hanni POV

"I'd like to thank you for taking the time to talk to me here today, Hanni," the interviewer says, flashing a polished smile. "And congrats again on the release of your album."

"Thanks so much for having me!" I say, matching his expression with a wide, practiced smile I hardly feel.

"It was my pleasure." The interviewer's smile grows almost cartoonishly wide as he turns to the camera. "Go listen to Hanni's new album PHAM—not that you weren't already!" He laughs, a sound so forced it grates on my nerves. I force myself to laugh along.

Finally, I hear the showrunner's "cut" and let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Five years in this industry, and I'm still not used to doing press. It's the part I hate the most: sitting with people who don't actually care about my music, faking a smile while they dig for details I'd rather keep private.

"Thanks again, Hanni. I really am a big fan." The interviewer's voice breaks my thoughts, sounding surprisingly genuine now that the cameras are off. I give him a polite nod, about to turn away, when I feel him grab my hand. "I know you must get this all the time, but—could I maybe get your number?"

I look down at my hand, the one he's holding, and how he's rubbing the back of it with his thumb. I don't even know his name. I start to pull my hand from his. "I'm sorry, I'm really flattered, but-"

He tightens his grip, just slightly, and when I look up, his smile is back—smug and far too confident. "Hey, no worries. Can't blame a guy for trying. I should've guessed you've got a boyfriend. Lucky guy." He finally lets go, and I bite my tongue to keep from saying I don't have a boyfriend and that I don't need one to know I'm not interested. Instead, I force a smile and head toward my manager.

Hyein's already waiting, her expression tense as she nods toward the exit. We both take a deep breath, bracing ourselves for what's waiting outside. Studio security has set up a barricade to hold back the fans and paparazzi, forming a narrow path for me to reach my limo. I meet Hyein's eyes and give her a quick nod before she opens the door.

The moment we step outside, I'm blinded by camera flashes. That's when I realized I forgot my sunglasses, and for a second, I freeze, caught in the blinding light. I can't see anyone's faces—just a sea of lights and blurry shapes. I force myself to move, ignoring the noise and pushing straight toward the limo. Hyein huffs beside me, her hand at my back, steadying me.

As soon as we're inside the limo, Hyein and I both let out the breath we've been holding. I close my eyes, listening to the noise outside fade as the car pulls away. The peace lasts only a few seconds before Hyein starts.

"Hanni, we need to talk." She turns toward me, her face serious.

Hyein has been with me since I decided to make music my career. She was assigned as my manager when I joined my label, and since then she has become my most trusted confidant, my advisor, and my friend. I trust her more than anyone. She is one of the only people who knows the real me. But right now, I'm exhausted, and whatever she's about to say, I can tell I won't like it.

"What is it, Hyein?" I shift my body to face her.

"Hanni. We've reached a breaking point." I've never seen her this serious. "You're doing amazing. The new album is topping charts globally, the press tour's going well, and you're set for a huge tour soon. But we have a serious problem."

"And that is?" I ask, even though I already know the answer.

"Your safety." Hyein grabs my hand, her voice dropping. "Hanni, you've never been this popular, but this is getting out of control. You're receiving more threats online than ever before, and the label is putting their foot down. We don't want you to get hurt."