~•~
The blindfold's tight over my eyes, blocking everything out. Every little sound feels way too loud.
- the soft shuffle of her footsteps as she paces back and forth. Her breathing's kind of rough almost matching mine, all uneven and ragged.
She's making this tiny squeaky noise, like a mouse, overly excited.
And then she stops.
I can feel her standing in front of me.
My heart's pounding so hard, I can feel it everywhere.
She aggressively pulled my wrist, her fingers wrapping tightly on my skin.
I hissed, not in pain, but because of the sudden contact.
"You don't get it," she whispered, body close, her breath hot on my face, as the other hand gently caressing my cheek. "I see you. I see everything. You think you can walk away, but you can't. Not from me."
I want to pull away, scream even, but I know it's not worth it.
I inhale sharply, feeling nervous and shaky,
"What are you doing..." I manage to say.
Then I feel her slide onto my lap.
Way too close, that her lips found its way to my ear, grazing the outer lobe.
"I'm the only one who knows you. The only one who's really there." Her fingers twitched, like she was holding back. "You're mine."
Swallowed by fear and confusion, I want to shake my head, tell her she's wrong, yet all I can do is sit there.
"Even if you don't want to see it, to admit it-"
"I- I don't-"
Her finger suddenly flies on my lips, silencing me.
I tried. I swear I do.
A sharp laugh escaped her throat, dark and jagged. "You'll thank me. One day. When you finally understand."
Her whole body buzzed with a restless energy, like she was wired too tight, barely holding herself together.
She pulls back and I drop my head low.
Biting my lips, too hard that I can already taste my own blood.
Her delicate finger lift my chin,as if she wants me to look at her.
Her thumb brushes on my bottom lip, then I hear her voice again. Sharp. Resolute.
"You're mine. And I'm never... letting go."
~
"Ya! Kim Minjeong!"
I looked at the person beside me, confused.
"I've been calling you forever- "
I covered her mouth.
"Hey, you're being too loud Ning." Pulling my hand back when I saw her face softens. "I just woke up from God-knows-what remember?"
She slowly nodded.
I lay back on the hospital bed, the sterile smell thick in the air and the soft beep of the machines filling the quiet room.
I can see her eyes full of concern as she watched me carefully. She's fiddling with her hands, clearly wanting to say something.
My mind was a tangled mess - memories swirling just out of reach, like I was trapped in a fog I couldn't shake.
Finally, she broke the silence. "Hey... I'm really glad you're awake. The doctor said you were drugged."
Drugged..
So that's why.
The reason why everything feels fuzzy.
I heard a while ago, I was spotted outside my house by a passerby, unconscious, nearly dead.
But...unharmed.
And it was the thing that confuses me.
I was abducted, chained...on a chair and there was this woman.
"Ya! You're zoning out again." Ning called, nudging my side.
"W-what?"
She stares at me with a question hiding behind her eyes. "So... what do you remember? Anything at all?"
I shook my head. "Just bits and pieces. Voices, but nothing clear. It's like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands."
She sighed softly, running a hand through her hair. "You were out for so long Min."
I glace at her. "H-How long exactly?"
"Like...2 days...?"
My eyes widen from the realization.
"Shit! I need to get out of here."
Ning's quite puzzled by my actions as she stood there watching me.
Panicking.
"I have a meeting with someone important-" I glaced at the wall clock. Shutting my eyes, frustrated.
"I need to go. Now."
~•~
Yu Karina
"Are you ready Rina?" I gave my manager a thumbs up.
Our van's door slid open.
As if on cue, the flashing lights hit me like a wave, but I couldn't help smiling.
This moment - stepping out as a solo artist, it felt surreal. All those late nights, the countless rehearsals, the sacrifices... it all led me here.
I waved at my fans, their cheers filling me with an electric energy. Their support was everything. I glanced at the cameras, stopping briefly to pose.
As we reached the building's entrance I turned back once more, waving and sending flying kisses to the cameras -while my well-practiced smile still plastered on my lips.
Inside, Yoona unnie, my manager gave me a proud nod,"You killed it again Rina!"
I took a deep breath,"One step ahead, of course."
She laughed,"Exactly. Now let's make sure the song does the talking."
As we saunter our way to the elevator, my eyes found its way on the wide screen at the center of the building.
Karina Yu, Shines Bright as the Face of Korea: A Three-Year Journey of Talent, Dedication, and Global Influence
Over the past three years, Karina has transformed from a promising solo artist into one of Korea's most iconic figures in the entertainment industry. With multiple chart-topping albums, sold-out international tours, and acclaimed acting roles, she has captured the hearts of millions both domestically and abroad. Known for her elegant presence and unmatched charisma, Karina represents the perfect blend of talent and grace, making her a true symbol of Korea's dynamic cultural wave. As the nation's beloved icon today, her influence continues to inspire a new generation of artists and fans worldwide.
The reporter finished.
I smirked.
I'm well known.
This side of me.
A successful solo artist.
We stepped into the elevator, the doors sliding shut behind us with a soft whoosh as my manager push our floor number.
I leaned against the wall, my heart still pounding from what I'd just seen.
I wanted to laugh - hysterically.
That news a while ago?
Complete bullshit!
'as the nation's beloved icon' - my ass.
Sure,I admit, I like my job. I adore my fans.
But I love her the most. I treasured her. I...
The sound of the elevator snapped me out from my precious thoughts.
Yoona unnie turned to me,"Go inside first, I'll get you and the boss a coffee."
I just nod politely. Wanting to be alone.
My thoughts crawling back to her.
She-the one I kept hidden away-was everything to me.
I loved her more than anyone else. More than the fans. More than the public adoration. More than myself.
The world may know me. But they will never see this side.
The side that craves,the side that wouldn't let anyone have her.The side that took control when love morphed into more than obsession.
I clenched my fist.
Yet the truth was simple:
I needed her. She was mine. And no one was going to take her away.
I forced a calm breath.
The public might see a star, but they shouldn't see a woman chasing her star.
I stopped in front of PD-nim's office.
The door felt heavier than usual as I reached for the handle. I pushed it open without hesitation, only to froze from my spot.
"Karina! I'm glad you came in time." PD-nim's voice echoed around the room.
My eyes dropped to the person who's sitting, staring,looking at me.
Then she stood.
Camera hanging on her neck, eyes sharp and calm, like she had been waiting.
"Karina, meet our new company photographer."
She bowed.
"It was nice to finally see you up close, I'm Kim Minjeong. "