08:03 AM
Morning sunlight slants through the transparent glass wall, illuminating the vast, high-tech conference room.
The members of BABYQUEEN sit in a straight line, still a bit sleepy from a late-night chat. Across from them are Chairman Lee—an authoritative man with a cold aura—and Director Hwang Jinwoo, a top Seoul-based director known for psychological, romantic, and social films.
Behind them on the screen glows a vibrant hologram poster:
GLOBAL FILM PROJECT: FALL FOR ME
"When love is programmed… whose heart melts first?"
Chairman Lee opens the meeting with a decisive tone:
"You are the future of DYG. And this is an opportunity you cannot miss."
Director Jinwoo smiles, his gaze sweeping each member as though "casting by intuition":
"This film is a global investment. It will release in 97 countries simultaneously, collaborating with producers in New York, Paris, and Tokyo."
Serena raises an eyebrow, arms crossed:
"But… we're idols—we've never acted before."
Sara nods slightly:
"If we don't perform well, it could backfire."
The director remains calmly confident:
"That's why I didn't invite just BABYQUEEN."
He snaps his fingers, and a new hologram screen appears:
CAST CONFIRMED: BABYQUEEN × ASTRIX – All Members.
The group gasps.
Jennifer: "All of ASTRIX… will join, too?"
Lilia whispers: "So Lucas will act as well…"
Serena blushes thinking of Julian; Sara glances toward Layla nervously.
Chairman Lee adds:
"With two globally famous groups, this film will generate massive media buzz. DYG believes this will be a breakthrough for BABYQUEEN's reputation."
Serena, Sara, Jennifer, and Lilia exchange looks, almost in unison:
"We agree."
The atmosphere tense as all eyes turn to Layla—the only one yet to speak.
Layla shrinks, intertwines her fingers on the table, looking down softly:
"I… I'm not sure I can do this. I've never acted in front of a camera. If I mess up… it'll affect the whole group…"
Silence stretches for a moment.
Serena slams her hand on the table, frowning:
"Yah, Park Layla. Who said if you don't try, you'll never know what you can do, huh?"
Sara softens but remains firm:
"You're the center. If you don't dare to take the first step, who will?"
Jennifer smiles, placing a hand on Layla's shoulder:
"Layla… We'll always be by your side. Even if you forget your lines."
Lilia nods assertively:
"Acting is also emotion. And you're the best at conveying emotion, Layla."
Layla looks up. From each pair of eyes around her—no pressure, just belief.
She takes a deep breath, then murmurs, "...I will try. I agree to join the film."
Soft applause fills the meeting room. Director Jinwoo smiles in satisfaction and turns to Chairman Lee:
"Well, our players are set."
Layla doesn't yet understand why he said "players." But she doesn't mind.
She only knows… she's just taken another step—into a game where the heart is the ultimate wager.
---
5:26 PM
The wind has quieted; dusk descends, painting the sky in soft lavender—much like the emotions unfolding between them.
They've come to a hill rumored among idols as a "sanctuary" from public scrutiny. Removed from the city, peaceful, with rows of moonlit artificial flowers swaying gently, reflecting silver light like silk in the breeze.
Serena sits on a small wooden bench atop the hill, auburn hair fluttering in the evening wind.
Julian approaches in the distance; his gray shirt sways gently with his arm. They look at each other for a moment—no greeting needed—because their eyes say it all.
Julian (smiling):
"You chose a beautiful place."
Serena doesn't turn, gazing off into the distance:
"Because it mirrors how I feel right now—both peaceful and chaotic."
Julian takes a seat beside her—close enough they can hear each other's breath.
Serena, bluntly:
"You've heard about the film project, right?"
Julian softly: "Yes."
Serena hesitates a little, then looks into his eyes:
"I wish… I could be the female lead. At the very least, the supporting female paired with you."
Julian pauses, a bit taken aback.
Serena continues—slow and shaky:
"Because I don't want you paired with any other girl. Even if it's just in the film."
Julian lowers his gaze, hiding something behind his long lashes, then speaks in a deeper tone:
"What if… I'm the male lead… but the female lead isn't you?"
Serena doesn't answer immediately. Her hand clenches, eyes darken:
"I'd hate that."
"I would hate watching the guy I love… touching, hugging, even looking at another girl with the eyes I thought… were just for me."
Julian gives a small smile—light, almost self-mocking—or as if escaping from something:
"You are… quite possessive, Serena. That scares me."
Serena meets his eyes without flinching:
"Yes." — she says flatly, like a shot to the heart.
"Because I love you. And you are mine."
"Only mine. I am the leading lady in your life."
"And you are the leading man in mine."
The wind stops.
Julian's heartbeat seems to stop too. That declaration—it was not a sweet confession, nor tearful tenderness.
It was Serena's heartfelt proclamation—strong, possessive, honest beyond retreat.
Julian stares at her for a long moment. No more smiles. No more avoidance.
He gently squeezes her trembling hand, pulling her into his arms.
He holds her tight. Very tight.
"I love you, Serena."
Not a promise. Not a line of acting.
Just… a real truth.
Amid a world where emotions are tools, that love was the only truth he dared to believe.
---
10:35 PM — on the rooftop of the SkyGarden Lounge, Seoul, year 2100.
City lights reflect on the night sky like stars. Sara leans against the railing, draped in Elio's windbreaker. The cool air makes her shiver softly.
Sara: "It's about to start… the filming. I'm nervous—not just about the role—but because I've got a question that's been running through my mind."
"Can he and I… be a pair in the film?"
Elio stands beside her; the golden lights cast on his serene, portrait-like face. Sara glances away shyly.
Sara: "If we can't be the main couple, at least… let us be supporting pair. Just being beside you… is enough."
Elio lets out a soft laugh, his tone low but teasing:
"What if… in the film, you and I are enemies?"
"And I have to play a guy in love—madly in love with another girl… would you agree to that script?"
Sara whirls toward him, her brow furrowed sharply:
"I forbid you from saying that!"
"You better not cast me loving someone else, right? So enemy… you want a slap?"
Elio laughs loudly, leaning back:
"Aigoo~ you're jealous now."
"You know that sounds so adorable…"
Sara glares at him, cheeks reddened, but her voice trembles softly:
"Just seeing you look at another girl with eyes I think… belong only to me… makes me want to cry, Elio."
Sara (softly): "I love you. So much.
I even accept being shipped with you by fans.
As long as you don't deny me."
Elio looks at her in silence, then suddenly grips Sara's hand tightly. His eyes darken, full of emotion:
"Then… shall we go public?"
Sara's eyes widen:
"What did you say?"
Elio pulls out his phone, selects a shot of them hand-in-hand under streetlights from last weekend's rehearsal. He posts it with the caption:
"I love her. And I always will—forever."
Sara stares at the post, then bursts into tears:
"Are you crazy… people will attack us, they'll hate me…"
Within two minutes, comments flood in:
"Oh my gosh, Elio x Sara is real! Ship succeeded!"
"My heart is exploding!!"
"They're such a beautiful couple!"
But soon after, a wave of anti-fans hits:
"Sara doesn't deserve Elio."
"A bland Japanese girl—Elio deserves better."
"An idol wanting a public romance? Please."
Sara grips her phone, tears streaming. Elio tightens his hold:
"Don't cry. I'm here."
"We don't live for those who don't understand our hearts."
"As long as we stay true to ourselves, Sara. I love you. And nothing can change that."
He gently wipes her tears, opens the door of a luxury flying car nearby. It soars over the glowing city, returning Sara to the BABYQUEEN dorms.
Sara rests her head on his shoulder, heart racing but feeling safe.
"Thank you… Elio. I've never felt protected like this."
Elio smiles, whispering softly in her ear:
"Because you're the leading lady of my life."
---
Elio's post goes live—and within five minutes, social media erupts. Although it's midnight, notifications pour in. The BABYQUEEN dorm is still awake, rehearsing lines for the upcoming screen test when...
Serena shouts, raising her head from her tablet: "Everyone look!! Elio posted dating news!"
Lilia blinks in surprise reflected in her screen: "Hand-holding photo? And the caption says… Forever Yours?"
Before Layla can speak, the door swings open. Sara enters, her scarf still dusted with white snow.
"Saraaaaa!!" the group exclaims in unison.
Layla rushes to her, eyes wide:
"You… you really went out with Elio?"
Sara nods shyly, removes her coat, and sits in the center of the room.
"We had a beautiful night. He… is so sincere and gentle, I couldn't believe it."
The group cheers and embraces her. Joy and surprise fill the room.
Sara opens the social feed for a closer look—and breaks down in tears. All comments under Elio's post are positive. Not a single hateful word. No attacks.
Sara (voice trembling):
"He modified the system… to protect me from hurtful words…"
Layla holds her tightly:
"Because you deserve to be loved like that."
Before the emotion settles, notifications strike again.
"Wait! Julian just posted too!!!", Jennifer cries out.
The photo: a candid shot of Serena at sunset, the wind softly blowing through her hair. Side by side is another shot—two hands intertwined. The caption reads:
"She's the only star I want to follow."
Serena cups her hand over her mouth, tears streaming.
Jennifer hugs her:
"See? That person really loves you."
Just like Elio, Julian's system is set so that no hateful comments can get through.
The entire BABYQUEEN team bursts into tears of joy—overwhelmed by the love and protection in a cruel world.
They hold each other, crying and laughing.
Sara clasps Serena's hand; Lilia squeezes Jennifer's. The four of them share bright, warm gazes.
"I love him."
"Me too."
"I never thought I'd love an AI, but this heart doesn't lie."
"No matter what happens, I don't regret… anything."
Suddenly… the dorm lights flick off. Only the glow from phone screens illuminates the room—on Layla's solemn face, standing silently in a corner. No one notices that Layla hasn't spoken a word all this time.
She quietly stands up.
"I'm… going out to get some personal items." Her voice is soft like the breeze.
No one manages to stop her. Layla leaves, wrapped in a thick coat, hood pulled, face masked—completely hidden.
---
Snow falls. Strange, in the middle of autumn.
Layla looked up at the sky.
"Snow in autumn… The Earth really is crying for help…"
She walked slowly, against the hurried flow of the crowd. Couples hand in hand. Gentle hugs. Eyes meant only for each other.
She smiled—but not a happy smile.
It was the kind of smile from someone who knows how to hide everything inside.
"Everyone in the group has someone to lean on. Everyone… except me."
Her footsteps left faint prints in the cold snow, but her heart felt even colder.
"Right now… I need to focus on my goal. I came to Seoul to change my fate, not to fall in love. I can't be weak. I can't get lost."
She clenched her fists.
Only images of her parents filled her mind: their little house in the countryside, dinner with rice soaked in broth, her father's dry coughs, her mother's tearful eyes filled with worry.
"I have to buy them a house… a car… a nanny robot, a bodyguard… send them traveling around the world… I have to make it. I have to get rich. I have to…"
Her thoughts shattered when a snowflake melted on her cheek—like a teardrop from her own heart.
Layla stopped, caught between the crowd and the streetlights.
She suddenly felt so small, so lost in this world.
---
By the lakeside, where Layla and Damien first met, snow drifted in the freezing autumn night.
The wind rustled through the leafless trees by the lake, carrying the scent of fresh snow and bitter cold. Beneath the dim glow of streetlights and drifting flakes, Layla sat silently on an old wooden bench, a warm roasted milk tea in her hands.
She was bundled tightly: thick coat, woolen beanie, mask covering half her face.
But no one recognized her as the nation's center—Layla of BABYQUEEN.
Tonight, she was just an ordinary girl… hiding a fragile heart.
She sipped her tea, eyes fixed on the still water.
"No need for love, Layla," she murmured, her voice trembling in the cold.
"Just stand up and do your job."
A gust of wind swept past, more snow falling.
Layla pulled her coat tighter, hugging the milk tea to her chest—trying to hold on to the last bit of warmth from today.
"Why feel jealous of the other members in BABYQUEEN…" She looked up at the sky.
"They deserve to be loved… but me… I don't."
Her voice cracked. Behind the mask, her lips trembled.
"You have to earn money for your family first," she whispered, like scolding herself.
"You promised Mom and Dad you wouldn't love, wouldn't marry, you'd just make money and stay by their side for the rest of your life…"
Her breath turned white in the dark. She stared at the silent lake, the place where she had first locked eyes with Damien.
Back then… her heart had raced. But she denied it. She always denied it.
"No, Layla. I forbid you to love. No one—not even Damien."
Her eyes welled up. Tears streamed down without any clear reason anymore.
"You're not allowed to love."
Her voice rose, almost a scream.
"You're only allowed to love your family. Only DYG Entertainment. Only BABYQUEEN. No fans. No co-stars. No one!"
The wind slapped her face.
She bit her lip. Her chest clenched like something inside was tearing.
"Even if you're lonely, you don't get to complain. Even if it hurts, you don't get to cry. You have fans, a family, BABYQUEEN… what more do you want, Layla?!"
She gripped her milk tea tighter. Her eyes filled with self-rejection.
"You… you're not allowed to love, Layla… You can't feel anything… You mustn't…"
Her voice faded. The last words fell heavy, sinking deep inside her.
She cried.
Snow covered her shoulders, her hands, her hair peeking out from beneath the beanie. She sat there, still as a statue—only quiet sobs and warm tears falling on a subzero night.
Every word she uttered… was like a blade she drove into herself.
She didn't die.
But she was dying—slowly—inside the loneliness she had built for herself.
"Layla…" she whispered, as if calling out to a different self she had lost.
"I forbid you to love…"
Her voice trembled, like a child left behind in the world.
And she broke down crying.
Not because Elio had posted about dating Sara.
Not because Serena had someone either.
But because… she never believed she deserved to be loved like that.
She had locked her heart away…
And now, even she didn't have the key.
In the falling snow, Layla sat there, alone, her heart shivering in the dark.
---
DYG Underground Base – 2:37 AM
In the eerie glow of purple light, a massive 3D screen lit up the cold room.
On it: Elio and Julian's post with Sara and Serena—going viral.
Dr. Vex laughed loudly, his voice echoing like a villain enjoying the final act of a perfect play.
"Oh, these kids… they've exceeded even my expectations!"
He clapped, walking closer to the screen.
"One gentle stab from someone she trusts… and the pretty little doll begins to crack."
He waved, and the screen shifted—
Layla. Alone. Curled by the lake. Pale face, hands gripping her shoulders, whispering:
"I forbid you to love… you can't feel anything… you don't deserve it…"
Each word, like a knife—not to others—but to herself.
Vex licked his lips, arms crossed, voice soft yet spine-chilling:
"She's fascinating. The more pain she hides… the more I want to shatter that mask."
Behind him, the members of ASTRIX stood in silence.
But their eyes overflowed with emotion.
Lucas murmured, eyes fixed on the screen:
"She's punishing herself… for things she never even did."
Julian frowned, voice tinged with regret:
"I shouldn't have posted that photo…"
Elio nodded faintly, sorrow in his eyes:
"Just a little… and she collapsed. Not because she's weak… but because she's already endured too much."
Rayden added, steady as if delivering a truth:
"They say some children use the future to make up for their childhood. But others… use their whole youth to heal old wounds."
Julian clenched his fists, eyes reddening:
"She didn't deserve any of this."
And Damien… said nothing.
But his shoulders were tense, eyes bloodshot as if holding back a storm.
Every word Layla whispered—stabbed straight into his heart.
Once again, he watched the one he loved fall apart… for things that shouldn't have happened.
On-screen, Layla kept muttering through tears:
"You're not allowed to love… No one's sincere… Stop dreaming…"
Then… she collapsed, without even realizing it.
Her fragile body fell onto the icy stones beside the lake—
leaving behind a silence too painful to bear.
Damien clenched his fists, turned around—
and without a word, stormed out.
Vex burst into hysterical laughter:
"HAHAHAHA! BRILLIANT! THE SHOW HASN'T EVEN BEGUN AND I'M ALREADY OBSESSED!"
He raised his wine glass, toasting to himself.
"At this rate… no audience will be able to look away. A heroine unraveling. A hero starting to break free. What could be better?!"
On the screen, Layla lay motionless like a discarded doll—
her silver bracelet glittering under the moonlight.
---
The Artificial Moonlit Garden, DYG's Mindspace | 3:01 AM
Layla lay still on the damp grass, moonlight glinting off her pale skin.
Her breath was ragged. Her eyelids fluttered open.
And the first thing she saw… was Damien's face.
The face her heart tried to deny, but her mind never forgot.
"Layla!" His voice shook with relief. He hugged her tightly, as if afraid to lose her again.
But Layla panicked.
"Don't touch me!!" – she pushed him away, face blank like from a nightmare.
"You… you can't touch me… not ever…"
Damien froze. His heart dropped into a void.
He knew Vex and the rest of ASTRIX were watching through the hidden surveillance.
But right now… he didn't care.
He knelt in front of her, eyes filled with pain but unwavering.
"Why would you say such horrible things to yourself?" – his voice shook but stayed strong.
"Layla… you do deserve to be loved."
She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes.
"No. No… I can't…"
Damien moved closer, almost pleading:
"If you're scared, I'll go public first. I'll post it—say we're dating. Okay? I'll protect you."
Layla froze.
For a moment… her heart wanted to say yes.
But her face darkened.
She brushed his hand away and stood up, like rebuilding a wall between them.
"You're not allowed."
Her voice was short. Colder than the wind.
"Do you know what that would do to my parents? They worked so hard for me to get here."
Layla's voice cracked, but stayed strong.
"If you post that… my career is over."
Her voice cut deep, sharp like a blade:
"Do you know how many antifans my phone tracks every day?!"
She stepped closer, eyes burning:
"Seven million. SEVEN. That's not a small number, Damien."
He tried to speak—
But before he could, she shouted:
"I WON'T ALLOW IT! If you post that… never see me again."
She turned away, giving him no chance to stop her.
She ran into the dark—leaving Damien kneeling under the moon,
his eyes glowing red in a silence full of heartbreak.
---
The 3D screen still glowed.
The image of Damien alone, Layla walking away—
like a heartbreak ballad slowed to a whisper.
Vex reclined in his chair, raising a wine glass, clapping slowly.
"Beautiful… Just beautiful… Exactly the dream script I imagined."
He threw his head back in manic laughter—
echoing across the dark room:
"Emotion—humanity's sweetest weakness.
And now, even AI like you… are drowning in it!"
Behind him, ASTRIX remained silent.
No one dared to speak.
No one could face Damien—whose clenched fist bled quietly in the dark.