Nova members sat in tense silence in the company's spacious conference room. The LED screens on the walls were filled with headlines that had flooded social media in the past few days: "Eunwoo's Mysterious Love!", "Nova Shaken by Scandals!", and the most brutal of all: "Is This the Beginning of Nova's Downfall?"
Everyone's gaze was fixed on Eunwoo, filled with anger, disappointment, and helplessness. Eunwoo's face was expressionless, but the storm within him was evident in his eyes.
The company's CEO spoke coldly and authoritatively. "For the past few days, the media has been tearing Nova apart. Eunwoo, this situation stems from the rumors surrounding your relationship with Yuna. These rumors are dragging Nova into chaos."
The members exchanged uneasy glances. Eunwoo clenched his teeth, remaining silent.
The CEO continued in a stern tone. "This chaos can't go on any longer. We must protect Nova's and the company's reputation. That's why I'm asking you to make a choice."
Eunwoo frowned and fixed his gaze on the CEO. "What choice?"
The CEO's expression was unyielding. "You have two options. Either hold a press conference and deny any relationship with Yuna, or leave Nova and the company before any more damage is done. The decision is yours."
The silence in the room deepened. Doyoon and the other group members looked at Eunwoo in shock.
Eunwoo's face hardened with anger. "But this is my personal life—my choice! Am I supposed to live according to what fans say?"
The manager intervened, his tone calm yet threatening. "Yes, Eunwoo. It's your personal life. But being an idol means belonging to your fans. In their eyes, you belong only to them. You brought Nova to the top with your popularity, but that also means you carry the heaviest burden. You are the face of Nova. The center. Your scandal could mean the downfall of the entire group."
Eunwoo's fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. The love of his fans had become chains in the company's eyes.
The CEO continued mercilessly. "That's how this industry works, Eunwoo. Fans adore you, but they also claim you. Every moment of your life is a spectacle for them. You have to meet their expectations."
Eunwoo's eyes burned with anger. A heavy weight settled in his chest. He loved his dreams, his music, and the stage—but was he really supposed to give up the woman he loved?
The CEO locked eyes with Eunwoo. "Make your decision, Eunwoo. Either deny Yuna or leave Nova."
Breaths were held in the room. Everyone waited for Eunwoo's answer. The inner conflict was clear on his face. Should he sacrifice himself to protect those he cared about?
Eunwoo's hands trembled. He was about to make a decision, but he knew it would shatter his heart.
---
Yuna's hands trembled as she scrolled through the comments on her phone. Each cruel word carved deeper into her guilt.
"Nova is collapsing because of you!"
"Why would they put someone like her next to Eunwoo?"
"She's just an attention-seeking fraud!"
Her fingers shook as she realized she'd read enough. This couldn't continue. Not only Eunwoo but Nova itself was being torn apart. She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and headed straight for Hwan's office.
She pushed the door open without hesitation. Hwan looked up from his desk, a sly smile curling at the corners of his lips.
"What's wrong?"
Yuna didn't blink. "Marry me."
The air in the room grew heavy. Hwan's eyebrows shot up in surprise before a smirk slowly spread across his face.
"You must be joking…"
Yuna took a deep breath. "A contract marriage. For three months. We'll act like a married couple in front of the media. That way, the scandal will end, and Nova and Eunwoo will be saved."
Hwan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. He studied her intently for a moment. "Are you sacrificing yourself for Eunwoo's career?" he asked, lips curling in amusement.
"This is just an agreement," Yuna replied firmly.
Hwan's eyes narrowed as he stood up and walked toward her, stopping so close their faces were nearly touching. "Do you really think it's that simple? That I'll just agree?"
Yuna hesitated, realizing he wasn't going to accept so easily. She inhaled sharply and turned to leave.
But Hwan grabbed her arm, yanking her back against his chest. She gasped as his breath brushed her ear in a dangerously low whisper.
"You know I'm attracted to you, Yuna…"
Yuna quickly pulled away, glaring at him. "This is just an agreement! Don't talk like that. You know I love Eunwoo!"
Hwan's smirk didn't falter. "Deny it all you want, but I love you."
Yuna glared back, refusing to waver.
Hwan's expression turned mocking. "Three months, huh?"
Yuna met his gaze with cold determination. "Yes, just three months."
He leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear. "What if I don't want to let you go after three months, Yuna?"
Yuna's eyes widened as her heart pounded in her chest. She stepped back, her face hardened with resolve.
She swiftly pulled out her phone and began dialing. "Then I'll find someone else."
But Hwan moved like lightning, snatching her phone away. His finger pressed the end call button as his eyes bored into hers.
"What are you doing, Hwan? Give me my phone back!" Yuna demanded angrily.
Hwan held the phone just out of reach as he leaned closer. "I accept all your conditions. Don't bother calling anyone else."
Yuna looked at him in shock as he handed her phone back, a mischievous grin on his face.
"Then it's a deal," he declared and strode out of the room.
Yuna sank into a chair, clutching her phone tightly. Her heart raced as fear and anticipation mingled. This game was far more dangerous than she'd imagined.