A K-pop Idol 77

A few days later, the record label finally chose a strategy to deal with Kim Hana's scandal. It was very simple, in fact, and they hoped the girl’s popularity would make it work. They would hold a press conference in which Kim Hana would apologize for her "unacceptable behavior", and would reinforce that she hadn't had an affair with Lee Si-won at all. 

She should say that she had gone to his house just to visit his sister, who was a big fan of Sweet Dolls. And the most important: she had hugged the guy just to say goodbye, and it had only happened once. Even so, she knew she shouldn't have done it, especially since she was a committed woman, and she would also like to apologize to Byun Sehun, her boyfriend, for this. 

Kim Hana was outraged to learn she would have to say that. Byun Sehun was the only person who had done something wrong, but her manager insisted she needed to do that or her reputation would be ruined. 

However, as the scheduled day for the press conference approached, another bombshell came out. A Chinese model who lived in Korea said publicly that she had had an affair with Byun Sehun, and stated she knew she hadn't been the only one. She said she was revealing it just because she didn't think that what was happening to the Sweet Dolls’ member was fair. 

Kim Hana wasn't sure if that was the girl she'd found in Byun Sehun's bedroom. That day, she got so bewildered to see her boyfriend betraying her that she didn't pay attention to the details. Still, she thought this was her salvation. Now, she would no longer be forced to say those humiliating things. She couldn't be wrong, though... 

The public wasn't convinced by the girl's statements. Since she was still struggling to be a famous model, people thought she had created that story just for free publicity. Besides, she had no proof, so it was hard to believe her. This way, the Sweet Dolls’ manager told Kim Hana that nothing had changed – She still needed to follow the original plan. 

The day before the press conference, Choi Hyun, Song Yeon and Jun Sunhwa finally came to visit Kim Hana. The girls hugged each other for a long, long time, and also cried a lot. 

"We're sorry, Hana" Choi Hyun said. "We wanted to visit you sooner, but they didn't allow us. How are you, honey?"

"That's okay, unnie. I can understand. And I'm better now that all of you are here. Also…" she sobbed, “I'm sorry... for everything. I didn't want to drag you girls into this mess." 

"Don't say that! You don't need to be sorry.” 

“Now we know you didn't do anything wrong!" Song Yeon said. 

"Yeah, and we're here to support you" Jun Sunhwa stated. “You're a team, remember? More than that... You're like sisters, and we'll always be by your side!" 

In the face of such expressions of affection, Kim Hana started crying again. She was touched to know she was still so dear to the girls. Everything was fine. She was happy for the first time in many weeks. But then, she heard the doorbell ring… 

"Are you waiting for someone else?" Choi Hyun asked. 

"No. It must be someone from the record label, I guee..." 

But when Kim Hana opened the door, she had an unpleasant surprise. 

“You!” she shouted. “What do you think you’re doing here?”