One Morning, After the Scandal
After the scandal that led to Jennifer's temporary suspension from performing, BABYQUEEN was getting ready to return to the practice room when the door suddenly glowed. A transparent AI-hologram screen appeared in mid-air, broadcasting a deep, robotic voice—cold and steady, laced with mockery:
"To the fragile little BABYQUEENs…"
> "Dear BABYQUEEN,
What you've shown us… was cute.
But remember, your light is just a flicker in the night—
while we are the whole galaxy of stars.
Will your friendship, so proudly worn, last under the weight of fame?
Or will it shatter when the spotlight burns too hot?
No need for us to attack.
All we have to do… is exist."
Layla clenched her fists, eyes flashing with anger.
Serena let out a cold laugh.
"Wordplay, huh? Then we'll respond with a song that needs no lyrics."
Sara bit her lip, eyes shimmering.
"They have no idea what we've been through to get here…"
Jennifer stood still, expression more blank than usual.
"Those words... are destabilizing my emotional processor."
Lilia lifted her chin.
"If they want to fight with light… then we'll show them how light can burn."
---
SOCIAL MEDIA IN UPROAR
Right after reading the message, Serena was the first to post:
@SerenaBQ:
"Thanks for the message. But BABYQUEEN doesn't break over empty words.
Greatness isn't a place. It's a heartbeat."
Sara shared the post and added:
"Our friendship isn't something you can steal. But thanks for trying."
Layla uploaded a backstage photo with the caption:
"Thanks for reminding us to shine even brighter. See you on stage. #BABYQUEEN"
---
ASTRIX'S REACTIONS
At ASTRA LAB headquarters, when the responses appeared on screen, each ASTRIX member had a different take:
Damien: "She reacts fast. I respect that." He narrowed his eyes at Layla's photo, arms crossed, lips curled into a smirk.
Rayden: "Jennifer seems stable... Still a fascinating AI."
Julian: "Serena, huh… fiery. Not bad." He chuckled and adjusted his jacket collar.
Elio: "Sara... Still sweet. Just like the first time I heard her sing." His voice softened, then faded.
Lucas: "Lilia's hiding her emotions… but I can read her steps."
The room fell silent. Then Damien said, cold but intrigued:
"Good. The louder they talk, the easier it is to find their weaknesses. Keep watching."
---
GLOBAL NETIZEN REACTIONS
@kpop_infinity: "WHAT?? AI hologram letter in a practice room?? Psychological warfare now??"
@kdreamss: "BABYQUEEN handled it like queens! Serena is fearless!"
@Astrix_worldwide: "Are these groups in a cat-and-mouse mind game? ASTRIX's message was top-tier though."
@bbq_hearts: "I believe in Layla. This group was made to stay together. No AI or rival will break them."
The internet exploded after the message from ASTRIX and BABYQUEEN's clever, wordless comeback: a tightly choreographed team dance at their next concert. But it didn't end there.
---
#BABYSTRIX #OTPReal #QueenAndKings
A wave of unexpected shipping between the two rival groups suddenly rose.
@MoonberryDream:
"Call me delusional, but Damien's gaze at Layla was… something. #DamLa"
@SoftRobotHeart:
"Jennifer × Rayden? Sorry but their chemistry is off the charts. #JenRay"
@ElioLightsMeUp:
"Elio watching Sara from a distance like: 'I shouldn't love you, but my heart won't listen.' #Sario"
@ChaoticSunshine:
"Serena and Julian are basically Tom and Jerry. Hate = Love? #Serulian"
@MainDanceKilla:
"Lucas and Lilia… AI × AI??? Love is coded #Lulilia"
Romantic video edits, slow-motion eye contact clips, fanart, and fanfiction flooded platforms like WeVerse 2100, ToxxGram, and HoverMedia. One video of Layla nearly falling and Damien catching her hit over 10 million shares in just 12 hours.
---
In DYG's Waiting Room
BABYQUEEN members silently watched the hologram screen now filled with fan edits.
Layla frowned:
"What the—? I almost fell, not got swept off my feet! Why are they shipping us?!"
Serena snapped:
"Me? In love with Julian?! I want to punch him, not date him!"
Sara, calmly but firmly:
"I get that fans are excited… but this might cause more misunderstandings after Jennifer's scandal."
Jennifer, now stabilized after the incident, stared at a clip of Rayden smiling at her:
"…I don't remember that moment. But the feeling… is strange."
Lilia, in her low monotone voice:
"I was not programmed to love. But hashtag #Lulilia is trending. Curious."
---
Meanwhile, at VEX INDUSTRIES
ASTRIX watched the flood of fan content with mixed expressions.
Damien, leaning back:
"Fans sure know how to fantasize. Layla? She's intriguing… but love? That's luxury."
Rayden, flipping through fanart:
"Jennifer has the eyes of someone reprogrammed. I get that. Shipping us? An interesting perspective…"
Julian, smirking:
"Serena's a ticking bomb. The kind I might like. But hey, fun's fun."
Elio, silent, eyes locked on a video of Sara laughing:
"The world falls too easily for a single look. It's funny… and dangerous."
Lucas, staring at an AI × AI fanart:
"An AI who can love… If that's code, I want to decrypt it."
---
Amidst the shipping storm, came the antifan wave:
@TrueKpopStan:
"Does BABYQUEEN even focus on training anymore? Or just flirting with rivals??"
@ProtectKpopLegacy:
"AI in love? Lilia × Lucas is a tech joke now?"
---
BABYQUEEN'S OFFICIAL RESPONSE:
@BABYQUEEN_official:
"We are a music group. We live, breathe, and love music.
Leave the theories behind the curtain.
#RespectBABYQUEEN #MusicFirstNotDrama"