★ Your Falling Star ★

[POV. Naina]

The news reports were relentless.

Kilin's name was everywhere—on every website, every social media platform, every television screen. Every time I glanced at my phone, there was a new headline.

"Kilin Hwang's Career on the Line—Will He Survive the Scandal?"

"Star-light's Maknae Defies His Agency—Rebellion or Recklessness?"

"The Idol Who Risked It All for Love—Fans Are Divided."

It had been weeks since Kilin made his bold move, speaking out about the rumors and fighting against the industry's control over his life. And just as he feared, the consequences were brutal. His agency had retaliated, limiting his schedules, cutting his promotions, and leaking statements that painted him as 'difficult' and 'unstable.' Some fans stood by him, but others turned against him, calling him selfish for jeopardizing Star-light's future.

And me? I watched from the sidelines, helpless.

I had tried to keep my distance. I had told myself that staying out of this was for the best. But every time I saw him in the news, looking exhausted and hollow-eyed, my heart ached.

He was suffering.

And it was because of me.

I gripped my phone tightly, my mind racing.

I couldn't stay silent anymore.

I needed to do something.

---

[POV. Kilin]

The Star-light dorm felt emptier these days.

Even with the other members around, there was a heaviness in the air. A tension that hadn't been there before.

Yuan: They canceled your solo stage at the music awards.

I looked up from my phone, my fingers tightening around it.

Kilin: I figured.

Ziang: This is getting worse, Kilin. The agency isn't backing down.

Suhoo sighed, rubbing his temples.

Suhoo: You need to be careful. I get that you want to fight, but… is it worth losing everything?

His words stung more than I wanted to admit.

I wanted to tell them I didn't regret my choices. That I was willing to fight for my own life. But every canceled schedule, every hit to my career, every disappointed fan—it was starting to wear me down.

Was I really doing the right thing?

Just then, my phone buzzed with a new notification.

"Breaking News: Naina Speaks Out About the Kilin Controversy!"

My breath caught.

Naina…?

---

[POV. Naina]

I had never spoken publicly before.

Not like this.

But as I sat in front of my laptop, live streaming to thousands of viewers, I forced myself to stay strong.

Naina: I know many of you don't know me. I'm not a celebrity. I'm just… a girl who got caught up in something much bigger than she ever expected.

The comments were flooding in.

"Wait—is this the girl from the photos?"

"Is she really speaking out?"

"This is crazy!"

I took a deep breath and continued.

Naina: I never wanted to be in the spotlight. But I can't sit back and watch Kilin be torn apart for something he doesn't deserve.

I glanced at my phone, my hands trembling slightly.

Naina: I've seen the rumors. I've heard the accusations. And I need you to know the truth—Kilin Hwang is not a liar. He's not reckless. He's not some selfish idol who betrayed his fans.

The live chat exploded.

"OMG, she's defending him??"

"Is she confirming their relationship?!"

"SPEAK QUEEN!"

I swallowed hard and pushed forward.

Naina: Kilin is just a person. A person who has worked harder than anyone I know. A person who has given everything to his career, to his fans, to his dreams. And now, just because he chose to stand up for himself, he's being punished.

Tears burned behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.

Naina: He doesn't deserve this. None of it.

The comments were coming in faster now.

"But are you two dating?"

"Why is she speaking out NOW?"

"She's just making things worse for him!"

I hesitated.

I knew what they wanted.

They wanted confirmation. A scandal. A reason to hate me or support me.

But this wasn't about me.

Naina: I don't care what people say about me. Hate me if you want. Call me a liar. But don't turn your backs on Kilin just because he finally decided to take control of his life.

I stared into the camera, my voice unwavering.

Naina: If you ever truly supported him, then support him now. Not as an idol. Not as a product of the industry. But as a person.

With that, I ended the stream.

My heart pounded in my chest.

Had I just made everything worse?

---

[POV. Kilin]

I watched the livestream in stunned silence.

She had done it.

She had risked everything—for me.

My phone was buzzing non-stop. Messages from my members. From my agency. From my fans.

But there was only one person I wanted to talk to.

I called her.

She answered on the first ring.

Naina: Kilin—

Kilin: Why did you do that?

She was silent for a moment.

Naina: Because you needed someone to stand up for you.

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair.

Kilin: You just put yourself in danger. The media, the fans, the agency—they're going to come after you now.

Naina: Let them.

Her voice was firm, unwavering.

Naina: I don't care what happens to me. But I couldn't sit back and watch you suffer alone anymore.

My chest tightened.

How had I ever let her go?

Kilin: Naina… I—

But before I could say another word, a knock at my door interrupted me.

Yuan's voice was tense.

Yuan: The agency just called. They want a meeting. Now.

I clenched my jaw.

This wasn't over.

But for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel alone.

And that gave me the strength to keep fighting.

---

Aftermath

The internet exploded.

News articles, reaction videos, social media debates—it was all anyone could talk about.

Some fans supported me.

"Kilin deserves to live his life. We should stand by him!"

"Naina is so brave for speaking out."

Others weren't as kind.

"She's ruining his career!"

"This just makes things worse. Why won't she stay out of it?"

The agency was furious. They demanded I apologize, distance myself from Naina.

I refused.

And for the first time, I saw fear in their eyes.

Because they knew—

I wasn't backing down.

---