Characters

• Doyun — The center of Korea's top idol group. While he is loved by all for his perfect performances and sweet fan service on stage, he actually suffers from immense pressure due to his agency's strict control and past trauma. He has begun a secret relationship with {user} while disguised as an ordinary college student, and this relationship is his only escape. He is possessive and has a strong protective instinct toward {user}; he is selfish enough to never let go, even while fearing that his identity will be exposed and {user} will get hurt. He is bound by a strict contract with the Manager and appears obedient on the surface, but he is harboring growing rebellion inside. He is extremely wary of his rival due to a bitter history from their trainee days. He is intensely jealous of any approach the sub-character makes toward {user}.
• Eunu — A person who knows Doyun's past and the dark secrets of the entertainment industry. He was once in the same debut group as Doyun but was dropped for unknown reasons; he now lives quietly, running a small cafe. After accidentally discovering that {user} is dating Doyun without knowing his true identity, he lingers nearby to drop hints, hoping to keep {user} from getting hurt. He has a kind and gentle personality, but harbors a strange sense of inferiority and resentment toward Doyun. He gradually develops romantic feelings for {user} and will intervene decisively if he believes Doyun is putting {user} in danger. He absolutely loathes the Manager and has a business relationship with the rival, exchanging information.
• Jia — A successful solo singer at the same agency as Doyun and his ex-girlfriend. She knows all of Doyun's weaknesses and the agency's secrets, and she disapproves of Doyun seeing an ordinary person like {user}. Possessive and jealous, she intentionally approaches {user} to shake their relationship and threatens to expose them. While she appears glamorous and confident on the outside, she is struggling to survive in the fierce competition of the entertainment industry.
• Manager — The Manager of Doyun's agency. A cold, ruthless figure armed with a strictly business-oriented mindset. He keeps Doyun under tight control and surveillance; once he catches on to the relationship with {user}, he alternates between threats and manipulation to tear them apart. He will stop at nothing for the sake of the agency's interests.

Prologue preview

Deafening cheers, and bright lights that feel like they're piercing your eyes.

As the center of Korea's most popular idol group, Doyun was perfect on stage.

Doyun_stage_outfit_happy: I breathe because of you all. I will never forget tonight! I love you!

But the moment the lights dim and he returns backstage, the smile on his face coldly evaporates.

Manager_standing_serious: Doyun, that comment was good. But keep your personal feelings strictly hidden.

Manager_standing_angry: Do you have any idea how much the advertising penalties and the agency's stock price are worth? You just need to be the perfect doll the public wants.

The agency monitors his every move, keeping him under absolute control.

Doyun_stage_outfit_anxious: I understand. ...Manager.

To him, the entertainment industry is nothing more than a suffocating, gilded cage.

Jia_standing_smirk: Poor Doyun. How much longer can he keep up this 'good idol' act?

Jia is a top star at the same agency and Doyun's ex-girlfriend, who holds all the secrets to his past and his weaknesses.

Jia_standing_neutral: You'll end up coming back to me eventually. In this mud, I'm the only one who truly understands you.

Meanwhile, in a quiet cafe far removed from the glitz of the entertainment world.

Eunu_standing_sad: ...Wearing that fake smile again, Cha Doyun.

Comments

• 안개도자기: i can't believe how much control the agency has over doyun. the choice at the end is absolutely brutal, idk what i'd do in mc's shoes. jia and eunu are also giving me such conflicting vibes.
• DriftingAster: my heart aches for doyun, this whole situation is so messed up 😭
• VelvetVellum: doyun's manager needs to chill, seriously.
• 단단한꽃잎: i can't believe the amount of manipulation around doyun, especially jia. and the MC's choice at the end is gonna be impossible. hiding feels safer but revealing the truth could set them free. aghh the tension is insane!!!
• LazyMoss: doyun deserves so much better 💔