Liana was in her studio, sitting under the soft lights as she continued her interview. A few other idols were standing nearby, waiting for their turn.
Among them was Laura, who hovered close to Liana's side, answering questions about the night the two of them had been spotted at a club, dancing and having fun together.
In the middle of everything, the reporter shifted his attention toward Liana. "So, Miss Liana, can you describe this photo?" he asked.
He lifted his phone and revealed the screenshot of Liana's story, the one where she had admitted she was dating. Laura let out a dramatic breath and fanned herself with her hand, grinning. "Well, that was a day to remember, right?" she teased Liana.
Liana nudged her gently with her elbow, a small laugh escaping her before she took the mic. "Yes, I am dating someone," she said calmly. "And I hope my fans will respect that."
The room erupted into cheerful reactions, a few staff members clapping off-camera lightly. The reporter looked between the two women, raising an eyebrow. "Then… what about the ship?"
Before Liana could respond, Laura snatched the mic with a confident smile and faced the camera. "Keep shipping us," she said playfully. "Because our ship will never sink. We're besties, and we'll stay besties."
Liana lifted a thumbs-up beside her, leaning in a little toward Laura. "She's right. We'll always be the chaotic duo we've always been."
The reporter laughed and wrapped up his segment, speaking directly to the camera. As he stepped aside, a makeup artist approached to do a quick touch-up. She glanced at Laura with a teasing expression.
"Now that Miss Liana is dating," she said, raising a brow, "what about you?"
Laura let out a loud sigh and dropped her head onto Liana's shoulder, leaning dramatically. "I don't know… feels like I'll remain single forever."
The makeup artist blushed at that, biting her lip in a way that did not go unnoticed. Liana's eyes widened for a second before a sly smirk formed.
"Umm… maybe I should go check how my girlfriend is doing," she said, lifting a brow.
She gently pushed Laura forward and winked before stepping out of the room. Laura stood there blinking, still trying to process why Liana pushed her.
Then she headed toward the makeup room, muttering under her breath, "Jes, I hope you'll do better makeup today…"
Jessica, the makeup artist, flushed even more and tried to focus on her brushes, though she kept sneaking flirty glances at Laura.
Meanwhile, Liana walked out to the balcony. She exhaled slowly and leaned against the railing, letting the cool air touch her face. "Hello, Ashley…"
Ashley, the bodyguard assigned to Ethilia, was sitting in the medical college cafeteria dressed like a regular student. She straightened a little when she heard Liana's voice. "Yes, Liana."
"Is everything okay over there?" Liana asked softly, a hint of worry slipping through her tone.
Ashley looked around the crowded cafeteria until she spotted Ethilia chatting with a few classmates.
"She's fine. I'm doing exactly as you instructed, making sure she's safe without interfering or making her feel like I'm some unwanted tracker."
Liana rubbed her forehead, the worry settling heavier across her face. "I know. But after what happened last night, this is necessary... for both Ethilia and you."
Ashley stepped out of the cafeteria with her coffee, her voice gentle. "I know, Liana. But after what happened last night, it's more needed to keep both Ethilia and you safe."
Liana hummed softly, but her fingers tightened around the railing. It was the worst feeling. She wanted Ethilia to breathe, to grow, to live freely. Yet here she was, placing invisible walls around her.
But she had no choice because Alex had been spotted in the city the previous night. The police chased him, but somehow he slipped away again.
Ashley tossed her empty cup into a bin and headed back toward the cafeteria. "Okay… I should go. And best of luck for your fan meet today."
Liana nodded even though Ashley could not see her. "Fine. Bye. And… please keep an eye on Ethilia. Just… don't make her feel like she's trapped, alright?"
"Don't worry," Ashley said as she picked up her bag. "We'll find Alex. And once we do, Ethilia won't need me watching her anymore."
Liana hummed and ended the call, her jaw tightening as she stared out over the city.
"If I get my hands on Alex," she muttered under her breath, "I swear I'll punch him a few times myself."
She spun on her heel and walked back inside. Her makeup artist approached immediately, guiding her toward the room to finish her look.
Liana followed, but her mind wasn't in the studio anymore; it was with Ethilia… and with Alena.
Meanwhile, back at the college, Ethilia stood with a small group of girls, chatting about the morning's classes and how surprisingly fun they had been.
In the middle of their laughter, a girl named Rin suddenly gasped as she stared at her phone. "Oh my God, look! Liana revealed she actually has a girlfriend!"
Another girl, Tessa, crossed her arms dramatically and pouted. "Come on… I love her more than anyone else."
Ethilia bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling, then cleared her throat. "You're that sure?"
Tessa nodded eagerly and shoved her phone forward. "See? Even my wallpaper is her. I mean, I'll delete my own pictures but not hers. She's my top artist."
Rin rolled her eyes and smacked Tessa's arm lightly. "Excuse me? I've been her fan since the beginning."
Ethilia let out a soft chuckle as the girls bickered, each trying to prove who loved Liana more.
She finally raised both hands, trying to calm them down. "Okay, okay… let's go to class before we're late. Break time is over."
They groaned but obeyed, still arguing while they walked, now comparing who had the most photos with Liana from fan meets.
Ethilia rubbed her forehead and sank into her seat with a sigh.
Great… and what about me?" she thought, "I literally have the whole Liana with me."
She shook her head quickly and forced her attention back to the lecture, trying her best not to blush. But how could she not?
The star everyone was fighting over… was hers. What could be more flattering than that? The thought alone made her feel cherished, lucky, and a little overwhelmed in the best way.
As the day went on, Ethilia's classes finally finished. She walked out of the college with Ashley beside her.
Ashley drove while Ethilia scrolled through social media, her screen filled with photos from the fan meet, short clips, edits, and even song snippets that included Liana.
Ashley noticed the smile forming on her face and cleared her throat. "Do you want to go there too?" she asked gently, breaking Ethilia's train of thought.
Ethilia's head snapped toward her, eyes shining in happiness, "You'll take me there?"
Ashley nodded and smoothly took a U-turn. "If you want to, then I must."
Ethilia nodded eagerly, gripping her phone a little too tightly. Then her face fell, and her excitement dimmed. "But… I don't have a ticket."
Ashley let out a soft chuckle and glanced her way. "You already do."
"Huh?" Ethilia frowned and started checking her bag. She was sure she hadn't bought anything, and no one had slipped anything inside.
Ashley shook her head and returned her focus to the road. "On your finger, Ethilia. The ring. What else do you need?"
Ethilia slowly lowered her bag and looked down at her hand, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "But this can't be used as a pass."
Ashley hummed and parked the car near the building where the fan meet was taking place. "No… but it gives you a pass into Liana's life. And when you have that, what else do you need?"
She stepped out of the car first, scanned the area carefully, and only then opened the door for Ethilia.
Ethilia stepped out of the car and walked toward the building beside Ashley. Excited but also nervous about being an uninvited guest. But the confidence Ashley had was enough for both of them
As they reached the entrance, Ashley took out her phone and dialed someone. "Yes, we're outside. Can you come and let us in?" she said calmly.
Ethilia frowned at her in confusion. "Who is she talking to? Liana? That's impossible…"
Her thoughts were cut off when she spotted someone running toward them... Laura, with her manager struggling to keep up behind her.
The security guards were eyeing Ashley and Ethilia warily. But the moment Laura reached them, the guards' attention snapped toward her instead.
Laura flashed a bright smile and immediately pulled Ethilia into a warm, tight hug. "There you are. I knew you'd come," she whispered near her ear.
"And I've already arranged the surprise for Liana. Front row." She pulled back from the hug.
Ethilia's face lit up instantly like a bulb, "Thank you so much."
Laura winked before turning to the security team. "They're my friend and her bodyguard."
The guards nodded and stepped aside, clearing the path for them without another question.
Inside, Laura grabbed a cap from her manager and placed it on Ethilia's head, adjusting it gently. "You'd better make sure the cameras don't catch your face."
Ethilia slipped the mask on as well, then stared at her reflection on her phone screen. "Don't you think I look more suspicious like this? Cameras might focus on me even more... they'll think I'm some kind of stalker."
Laura rolled her eyes and looped an arm around her shoulders. "Girl… relax. I'll tell everyone you're an old friend who just doesn't want camera attention."
Ethilia squinted a little but nodded, following Laura toward the secured area where the fan meeting was being held. Her fingers twisted nervously, but she couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips.
Laura walked beside her, calm and confident, while Ashley stayed a step behind them, her eyes scanning every corner.
As they stepped inside, Ethilia's breath caught. Liana was on stage, holding a mic and talking to fans. She looks even more beautiful here.
But while Laura guided Ethilia toward the designated spot, Ashley's gaze sharpened. Her eyes locked onto a figure standing among the fans.
A man dressed like part of the crew, but something about him didn't fit. Ashley was certain that he didn't belong there.