A K-pop Idol 66

When the Sweet Dolls started promoting their second single, Alex once again didn't have time to think of anything in the midst of that crazy routine. After participating in TV and radio shows, concerts, photoshoots, fan meetings, among many other commitments, all he could do upon arriving home was to sleep soundly for a few hours before starting all over again. 

Just like the first single, "Alright" was doing pretty great. The song soon reached the first place of the charts, surpassing songs from other more experienced groups, and the MV once again had millions of views still within the first hours after launch. When Alex saw the final version of the video, he was struck by how convincing the wedding scene looked. It was amazing the chemistry between this girl and Byun Sehun. The only problem was that this girl was him...

The public also noticed this, of course, and one more time Alex was bombarded with several questions about his relationship with the actor, and he always said, blushing furiously, that they were just good friends. For some reason, however, no one seemed to believe it…

A few days later, Alex was called by the group manager for a private meeting. Upon entering the office, he was a little apprehensive since this had never happened before. 

"Hello, sir. Did you want to see me?"  

"Yes, Kim Hana, take a sit, please" said Yu Joo-Hyon, the manager. "Would you like something to drink?" 

"No, I'm okay, sir. Thanks." 

"Fine. So let's get right to the point. You don't need to look so worried, girl. I think you'll like what I have to say."

"Hmm... That's nice to know!" the feminized guy said, although he wasn’t so sure. If this was something that Kim Hana might like, that meant it wouldn’t be so good for Alex.

"We have a very peculiar situation in our hands, you know. Both the general public and the fanbase of the Sweet Dolls seem to appreciate the interactions between you and Byun Sehun. This was already clear a few weeks ago, but after the release of the group's latest MV this became even more evident. People are, as the younger generations say, shipping you two."

"A-are they?" Alex said, even though he knew very well that this was true. He didn’t like the direction of that conversation at all. 

"Yes, and I think you're very lucky because of that. Many idols have to spend their whole careers without any real relationship because the fans could get jealous and angry. As I think you may have already noticed, K-Pop fans can be very possessive. In your case, however, many of your fans, as well as fans of Byun Sehun, are cheering... I would say demanding... you two to become a couple. This way, I'd like to say that you're allowed to date him."

"I... I don't think this is a good idea, sir" Alex said in shock. He couldn't believe he was having this conversation. 

"Why not?" Yu Joo-Hyon asked, surprised. "I think any idol would love to hear such a thing. And Byun Sehun is very popular among young women, and others not so young too… Don't you think he's attractive? Looking at you two together it seems clear that you like him. What's the problem, Kim Hana? Did he treat you badly recently? Because if he did something to you I'll go to his agency and…"

"No!" Alex said hastily. He didn't want to harm Byun Sehun for no reason. "He had always been a gentleman with me. The problem is…" he didn’t know what to say. He couldn't tell the truth since his manager didn't know that Alex had actually been born a guy. And to this man it seemed inconceivable the idea that Kim Hana didn't like Byun Sehun. Well, actually the whole country seemed to think the same. 

Well, you’re not so dumb to believe that they're all wrong, silly girl, said that annoying inner voice. It's obvious that you like that hot and sweet guy... How couldn't you? Maybe you even love him…

"I think he's a very nice person, sir, and handsome too" Alex said. "But now I would like to focus on my career. I don't think this is the right time for a relationship."

"I see... You really are a very professional girl, Kim Hana. But in this case, consider this as another professional commitment. I know Byun Sehun has already made some public statements implying that he likes you. If the public thinks that you are snubbing him, it will hurt your image as well as the image of the Sweet Dolls. He’s very popular, you know… In addition, both he and you can get even more famous with this relationship. You guys will be the country's favorite couple. This doesn't even have to be real at first if you don't want… You two just need to be seen going out together and so on… It's not like you could kiss in public. You know this is not well seen in Korea. But I'm sure you'll thank me for that pretty soon, Kim Hana. I’m really, really sure… "