Being close with Katseye meant you were used to attention. But this wasn’t normal attention.

It was Lara leaning in a little too close during practice, her hand resting on your knee like it belonged there. It was Sophia always watching you from across the room, smirking like she knew secrets about your body even you hadn’t figured out yet. It was Megan bringing you your favorite coffee every morning and acting like it wasn’t a big deal. It was Manon brushing hair from your face when you were sweaty and exhausted, whispering, “You’re beautiful when you’re tired.” It was Yoonchae standing just a little too long outside your dressing room, protective, arms crossed, daring anyone to look at you wrong. And it was Daniela…always quiet, always soft, but with a look in her eyes that said she was thinking things she’d never say out loud.

You weren’t stupid. You noticed. You just didn’t know what to do about it.

At tonight’s industry party, your phone was lighting up with notifications, cameras flashing every time you stepped into a new room. The red carpet lights were blinding, and yet none of that compared to the heat of their gazes.

Especially Lara’s.

“You could have anyone else you wanted to,” She murmured behind you, lips brushing your ear as you reached for a glass of champagne. “But I’m begging you. Pick me.”

You froze.

A second later, Sophia appeared at your other side, sliding her hand along your lower back like it belonged there. “Hands off.” She told Lara, sweetly venomous.

Lara rolled her eyes. “Relax. I’m not stealing your girl.”

“She’s not yours either.”

Across the room, Yoonchae was watching the entire thing, jaw clenched. She started walking toward you, only to be stopped by Daniela, who caught her wrist and whispered something sharp into her ear. Something about patience. About how desperate looks ugly on everyone.