A K-pop Idol 78.2

“I asked our manager, and found out they were in another record company's apartment. So, I just had to go there.“

"Simple like that? Did our manager just give you the address?" 

"I have a good relationship with him. He trusts me, and I told him that I just wanted to make sure that Lee Si-won wouldn’t say anything else that could hurt the group even more. But in fact I wanted them to record this message for you." 

"Why?" 

"Does it matter? You won't believe me anyway."

"Well, thank you for that, Park Hara. I would say that was very kind of you if I didn't know you have an ‘under-the-table plan’. I don't believe you went there just to make me happy."

"I can't blame you" Park Hara laughed. "But after I left the apartment, I realized something." 

"What?" 

"I'm absolutely sure now that you'll be fine. This scandal won't harm you."

"Why do you think so?" 

"That little girl told me everything you've done. The way you were able to connect with her and supported her in this difficult time... There are very few idols that can do this for a fan. Not because they don't want to, but because this is not something that cannot be learned.  Then I remembered your relationship with all of our fans… When you're with them, you're not pretending or acting. You really love them all... You love everything about being an idol. I, on the other hand, just wanted to be famous. But however much I've tried, I've never been as famous as you. That’s because you've been sincere all the way long. Now I see people can feel it. And no matter what, Sweet Doll fans will always be with you because you're honest with them.  Just like Ye-rin, all of them love you." 

Now Kim Hana was more confused than ever. She just couldn't see what Kim Hana was planning. If that was an act, she was doing great. 

"That's why I know you'll be fine” she continued. "And then I'm sure you and the other girls will remain famous for a long time." 

"Me and the other girls? What about you?"

"I'm out, Kim Hana. I'll officially announce it when this mess is over." 

"W-what?”

"That's right" Park Hara smiled. “I've done many wrong things, and this idol’s life brings out the worst of me. I realized visiting that girl that this isn't my true calling. Also, all of you hate me and I don't want to be a burden to the group.“

"Now you're saying this so that I'll be touched and will ask you to stay, right?"

"No.  There's nothing you can say to change my mind." 

"But we have a contract!" 

" I have my means to persuade the record company to let me go." 

"And what will you do then?" 

"I guess I'm going back to college. And this time I'll do things differently." 

"I don't know what to say, Park Hara." 

"Well, I just would like to ask you something..." 

"What?"

"Tell me, Kim Hana, are you happy? I mean... Are you really happy living as a girl?" 

"Why are you asking me that?" 

"Well, I was responsible for your transformation, and I'd hate to know that deep down you're feeling miserable. I… I need to know that.”

And then, suddenly, Park Hara started crying wildly. That was so surprising that Kim Hana got shocked – she just stood there, unable to move. 

"Tell me, please" Park Hara insisted. 

"O-of course I'm happy as a girl!" 

"That's a relief! Who would guess, right? When I first met you... Well, you were a manly guy. Things could have been different between us if I hadn't been so cruel and selfish. Do you remember we used to date? But I'm glad to know you're happy as Kim Hana. And I have to say that you're very good as a girl! You're so cute, sweet and feminine..." 

Kim Hana couldn't understand why Park Hara was saying those things. Was she trying to humiliate her? It didn't seem to be the case. 

"Anyway, I'm leaving now” Park Hara said, wiping her tears. “I guess you need to sleep to be ready for tomorrow. But as I said, I'm sure I'll be fine, Kim Hana. You're not like me... You're honest.”

Park Hara was already close to the elevator when she turned around again. "Good bye. I hope you can forgive me one day.”

“You… You don’t need to wait. I… I forgive you. I don’t know why, but I believe you’re being sincere now.”

When Park Hara finally left the building, she could hardly contain her delight. Everything had worked perfectly, and she couldn't believe how someone could be as stupid as Kim Hana. 

She really acts like a silly heroine of some TV drama, Park Hara thought. Well, I guess this makes me the villain. That’s okay, though. This is real life, and here there are no happy endings for stupid and innocent people. 

The whole scene had been an act, of course. Park Hara had done all that to make sure that Alex would make the biggest mistake of his life. Yes, Alex. As much as that freak believed he was a girl now, to Park Hara he was just the sissy guy she had feminized. He wasn’t and couldn’t be a real woman at all. 

And now, if everything went as she believed, Alex would be out of the way, and she would be the big star, as she was meant to be…