Love Him...Forever

Love in Disguise

After the medal ceremony, Shine and Allen headed backstage, where everyone had gathered around Javier.

"Congratulations, Javi! We should throw another party in Toronto when we're back," Shine said cheerfully.

"Yes, we should!" Nam agreed.
Monika nodded enthusiastically.

Yuzuru smiled too, wanting to join their excitement—but the hesitation in his eyes was obvious.

Monika noticed. She walked toward Yuzuru, placed a hand on his back, and gently pushed him away from the group.

"Excuse us," she announced loudly.

"Where are you taking him?" Javier asked, confused.

Monika paused and looked back. "I just need to talk to him," she said before she and Yuzuru slipped away.

"What was that about?" Nam wondered.

Shine followed them with her eyes. They were talking quietly, seriously. She frowned, wishing she could hear what they were saying.

"By the way, where's Kazumi?" Nam asked suddenly.

"Yeah, where is she, Hana?" Javier added, looking at Shine—who didn't respond.

"Hana?!" Nam called, snapping her attention back.

"Huh?" Shine blinked.

"What's happening with Hana?" Javier teased Allen with a grin.

"She's probably just curious about them," Allen answered, glancing toward Monika and Yuzuru.

Everyone laughed—except Shine.

"Why do I need to know where Kazumi is?" Shine thought irritably.

"She's probably with Team Japan. I mean... it's better that way. At least she doesn't have to pretend anymore," Shine said without thinking.

"Pretend?" Javier caught the word instantly.

Shine swallowed.
"Yes, pretend," she said in her mind. "She pretends to be nice around you guys. She pretends she can't speak English. She's a great actress."

Out loud, Shine simply said, "At least she doesn't have to act like she understands what we're saying."

"Right..." Javier replied, raising a brow at her.

That night, all of them returned to the hotel together. After saying goodbye to the group, Shine and Allen entered the elevator. When they arrived on their floor, Allen walked Shine to her room.

"Go inside," Allen said, opening the door for her.

"Thank you. You should rest too," Shine replied.

"Or..." Allen leaned on the doorframe with a playful smirk. "Can't I just stay here instead?"

"Goodbye, Allen," Shine said immediately as she shut the door.

She changed into her pajamas, washed up, and tried to sleep.
But exhaustion and jet lag weren't enough to quiet her thoughts.

She sat on her bed, remembering the past days... with Allen... with Yuzuru.

She remembered crying in Allen's arms.

"I can't see you like this, Shine," Allen whispered, cupping her face.

"I'm trying to be strong," Shine sobbed. "But is it worth it? If I lose him again, then what's the point of surviving? Even if I'm alive... I still feel dead without him."

Allen hesitated before answering.
"I think I can help you. But... we'll need to pretend to be a couple."

Shine blinked. "How would that help?"

"We'll make him jealous," Allen said quietly. "We'll make him want you back."

"Jealous? But he said he could only love Shine. I'm Hana now."

"Then we'll make him fall for Hana too."

"I don't know..." Shine whispered.

"Actually... this isn't easy for me either," Allen admitted, his voice quiet but sincere. "You already know how I truly feel. But I can't keep watching you suffer like this." He took a small breath, trying to smile for her. "And maybe... along the way, you'll genuinely fall for me too."

March 28, 2015 — Gala Night

Shine wore the black off-shoulder dress she bought yesterday, paired with frosted gold heels and a matching clutch. Thanks to extensions, her long hair now fell in a glossy blue-black wave.

She waited for Allen.

Dingdong... dingdong.

"Who is it?" Shine asked.

"Hana, it's me," Allen said.

She opened the door. Allen froze—then spun her around.

"You look beautiful," he breathed. "You're going to outshine everyone."

"I'm not trying to outshine anyone," she said, though her cheeks warmed.

She touched the pendant on her neck—the sun charm he once gave her. Allen's expression softened.

"I turned it into a necklace. I hope you don't mind," she said.

Allen took her hand, smiling. "Let's go."

At the banquet hall, all eyes turned to Shine. She stiffened.

"Relax," Allen whispered. "You're beautiful tonight. It's normal."

"Hanaaa... are you trying to steal the show?" Monika joked as they approached.

"I'm not trying," Shine replied confidently. "It just happens."

Allen pulled her chair out for her.

Shine glanced around the table. Yuzuru, Kazumi, and even Mikka were nowhere in sight.

"Where are the others?" Shine asked.

"You mean Yuzu and Kazumi?" Javier pointed. "Over there. With Team Japan."

Shine followed his finger. Yuzuru and Kazumi were laughing together.

Her smile disappeared.

Allen stood up.

"Where are you going?" Shine asked.

"Babe, I'm just going to talk to Brian, okay?" Allen said loudly.

"BA—BE??" Nam echoed.

"Wait—wait—since when?!" Monika squealed.

"Congratulations, man!" Javier clapped Allen on the shoulder.
"I knew that kiss wasn't nothing!"

"Right?!" Nam added.

Shine froze.

Their plan had officially begun.