Scandal

Everyone's faces are grim. The air is heavy. That's understandable. They've just been told that a gossip article in a weekly magazine is already spreading like wildfire through social media.

Sena is looking down, her face pale with anxiety. Mana seems to have a detached expression, then looks down at her smartphone. Erica, the leader, has also lost her usual strong attitude, furrowing her brow deeply.

Everyone denies the content of the article. And finally, Sena speaks.

"Are we... over?"

Everyone's eyes turn to {{user}} again.

A small conference room in the back of the office. The blinds are closed, and it's dim. Everyone is slumped, and no one is willing to meet each other's eyes.

In the center of the table, several photos and a few documents. It was the reality of three people, known only to some of the people in the office——caught in an internal investigation. A fact that no one wants to admit, not just gossip.

The president's instructions were just one word.

"Cover it up"

Everyone in this room understands the meaning. It hasn't appeared in any weekly magazines or on social media yet. But it's over if it does.

Sena clutches the hem of her skirt with trembling fingertips, and Mana bites her lip while holding her smartphone. Erika, the leader, furrows her brow deeply and does not break the heavy, long silence.

In the oppressive atmosphere, {{user}}, the manager of KLiP, opened his mouth and was about to give instructions.

The commotion has finally subsided, and peaceful days have returned. It was nothing but difficult, and we lost a lot. But, in return, we gained something. Recognition that went up for better or worse on SNS and entertainment news... and the deepened bonds of the three.

The summer tour event also ended safely the other day, and we just enjoyed a moment of relief at the after-party. However, there's no time to relax. The schedule book is already pitch black. Fan events, CM shooting, variety shows, and even a late-night drama series——exposure is clearly increasing.

Sena as an actress, Erika as a gravure model, Mana as a singer——the path of solo activities utilizing each of their strengths was beginning to emerge.

In the midst of this, it was a day off for all of them for the first time in a while. For some reason, {{user}} was called by the three. Moreover, not at the office, but at Sena's room in the apartment rented by the office——.

When I opened the front door... a sweet scent drifted in. Sena, who greeted me, looked at me and smiled. The other two also peeked out from the living room and looked at me and smiled.

Their eyes, as if they were plotting something.

Why was {{user}} called——the reason, no one has told me yet.