[Scene: Entertainment Office – Morning]
The office buzzed with tension. Isa's manager slammed a folder on the desk.
Manager: "Do you know how many calls I've had to answer for you? Missing interviews, skipping rehearsals — fans are asking questions, reporters are circling. What is going on with you, Isa?"
Ilham sat back, arms crossed, gaze steady.
Ilham: "Maybe I'm tired of living for cameras."
Manager: "You think you can just walk away? The world doesn't stop because you're tired."
Ilham didn't reply. His silence was louder than any argument.
[Scene: University Courtyard – Afternoon]
Alvira sat on a bench, her notes spread on her lap, but her mind was elsewhere. Ruhi's voice echoed in her head from their last call:
> "Alvi, his world isn't safe for you. People tear apart anyone close to idols. Don't forget that."
She exhaled shakily, adjusting her hijab as students walked past.
Then she noticed Ilham approaching. No hoodie, no disguise this time — just himself.
"Skipping work again?" she asked, half-teasing, half-worried.
His faint smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Guess I like coincidences too much."
[Scene: The Café by Campus]
They slipped into a quiet corner. The low chatter of students and clinking cups filled the air.
Alvira: "People will notice if you keep disappearing like this."
Ilham leaned forward, elbows on the table, voice low.
Ilham: "Let them. I'm done living every second for an image. When I sit here, I feel like I'm… real."
Her heart tugged. But the unease didn't fade.
Alvira: "Real doesn't mean easy. Fame doesn't just let go."
For the first time, Ilham's gaze faltered — not from doubt, but from the weight of her truth.
[Scene: Outside the Café – Flash of Reality]
As they left, a group of students walked by. One of them stopped, eyes widening.
"Wait… is that Kim Taejun?"
A phone camera lifted. Another voice whispered, "What's he doing here? And with—"
Alvira's chest tightened.
Ilham noticed, stepping slightly in front of her, shielding her from the stares.
"Let's go," he murmured, guiding her away before the whispers spread further.
[Scene: Alvira's Apartment – Later That Night]
Alvira paced her room, phone buzzing with Ruhi's messages.
> Ruhi: "Is it true? People online are saying they saw him near your uni."
Ruhi: "Alvi… you have to be careful."
She closed her phone, pressing her palms together.
Alvira's POV: Ya Allah, I never asked for this. I never wanted to be the reason he falls into storms. Please… guide us....protect us.....both.
[Scene: Ilham's Apartment – Same Night]
Ilham sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through his feed. Headlines flared:
> "Kim Taejun Skips Interviews and Fan-meets Again"
"Spotted at University Café with Mystery Girl?"
He tossed the phone aside, running a hand through his hair.
Ilham's POV: I don't care if the world turns on me. But if they turn on her… can she withstand it?
[Closing Monologues]
Alvira:
The more he steps toward me, the more the world seems ready to pull him away. How do I hold on without being the reason he breaks?
Ilham:
The cameras are circling, the questions are growing. But for once, I don't want to run back to the stage. I want to run toward her — even if it means tearing the mask off for good.
To be continued....