[POV: Kilin]
I couldn't take it anymore. The constant tension, the pressure of keeping everything a secret—it was starting to suffocate me. There were nights when I'd lie awake, listening to the hum of the city outside my window, wishing I could just leave everything behind.
But tonight was different. Tonight, I had a chance to escape, to just breathe, to be with Naina. We had managed to arrange a night away from the prying eyes of the world. No paparazzi, no fans, no agency interference—just us, under the open sky. I had picked the spot—a quiet place far away from the city's buzz, a secluded patch of nature where I could truly relax.
The drive was long, and the night felt endless, but when we finally arrived, I could already feel the weight lifting off my shoulders. We were at a remote spot by a lake, surrounded by mountains, the stars above us shining brighter than I'd seen in a long time.
Naina stepped out of the car, stretching as she took in the view. Her face lit up with the reflection of the stars, and for a moment, I just watched her. It was hard to believe that someone like her—someone so normal, so real—was willing to spend time with me, a life that was anything but ordinary.
Naina: Wow, it's beautiful here.
Kilin: Yeah, I thought you'd like it.
She turned to me, eyes wide with surprise.
Naina: You did this for me?
Kilin: I wanted us to have some time away from everything… away from the chaos.
I smiled, but the smile didn't reach my eyes. I was still carrying the weight of everything—the secrecy, the constant pressure of my career. But right now, I didn't want to think about that. I just wanted to be here, with Naina.
We found a quiet spot by the edge of the lake, sitting down on a blanket I had spread out earlier. The air was cool but not too chilly, and the only sounds were the soft rustle of the trees and the distant croak of a frog. It was peaceful in a way that was so rare for me.
I glanced at Naina as she leaned back, her gaze fixed on the sky. I could tell she was deep in thought, and I knew that she, too, was trying to find some sense of peace. But as much as I tried to relax, my mind kept returning to everything I was hiding.
Kilin: I used to come here when I needed to escape... before everything became so complicated.
Naina turned her head toward me, her curiosity piqued.
Naina: What do you mean?
I hesitated. This wasn't a side of myself I had ever shown anyone, not even my closest friends. But something about being here, with her, made me feel like maybe—just maybe—I could let down the walls I had built around myself.
Kilin: The fame, the pressure... it started small. But as I became more popular, it felt like the world kept getting bigger and bigger. And I was just a tiny speck inside it. I didn't want to be that guy who only exists in the public eye. But sometimes it feels like it's the only version of me that matters to people.
Naina listened intently, her eyes soft with understanding. She didn't interrupt, just let me talk, which was a relief. I wasn't sure I had ever talked about this before, not with anyone.
Kilin: It's exhausting, you know? Always being someone I'm not—always smiling when I want to scream. Always pretending that everything is okay when it's not. I've been pretending for so long, sometimes I wonder who I am anymore.
I looked out at the lake, trying to steady my breathing. My heart had started to race, but I didn't want to stop. I wanted her to know—really know—what it was like for me.
Naina: I can't imagine what that's like… always being on display for everyone to judge. But I'm glad you can talk to me about it. You don't have to pretend around me, Kilin. Not ever.
Her words hit me harder than I expected. I had spent so much time hiding behind my public persona, behind the façade of the "idol." But with her, I didn't have to do that. She saw me—not the K-pop star, not the perfect image, just me. And that was enough.
I turned to face her, my heart beating a little faster. I had so much I wanted to say, but for once, I didn't need to rush.
Kilin: I guess I'm just tired of pretending. I want to be… me. But I don't know how to do that anymore. I don't know how to escape the expectations, the constant pressure.
Naina: You don't have to escape, Kilin. Just be you. You don't have to be perfect for anyone, not for me, not for anyone. You're allowed to be who you are, with all your flaws and all your mistakes.
I could feel the sincerity in her voice, and it was like a weight had been lifted from my chest. I wasn't perfect. I wasn't flawless. But I didn't have to be.
Naina: Kilin, you deserve to be happy. You deserve to be yourself.
I met her gaze, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like I could breathe. The world felt smaller, quieter, and for a moment, I forgot about everything else. It was just us, sitting by the lake, with the stars above us, and the sound of the water lapping gently against the shore.
I didn't need to be anyone else. With Naina, I was enough.
Kilin: I'm glad I have you here, Naina. More than you know.
She smiled, a soft, understanding smile that made my heart swell. And in that moment, I realized that maybe I didn't need to figure everything out. Maybe the answers would come in time. But for now, I just needed to be here—with her.
The night stretched on, quiet and calm, and we stayed there, under the stars, not needing to speak any more. Sometimes, silence could say everything.
---