F O U R: Behind the facade
A/N: Been thinking of changing book title. Options are written after the chapter, please pick or suggest thank you.
**Writer's P.O.V**
**A Month Ago.**
**Starting from the Helicopter Drop-off**
As the helicopter touched down, Stella stepped out and was immediately greeted by a swarm of students. Their faces lit up with admiration, and a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. Stella felt a surge of relief—everyone seemed nice and friendly here. *Maybe I overthought this whole thing,* she mused, allowing herself a small smile.
During the third period, which was when she arrived, the day felt like a blur of warm welcomes and eager introductions. Students clamored for her attention, and even some teachers sheepishly requested autographs—not for themselves, of course, but for their kids who idolized her. Stella signed each one with a bright, practiced smile. *Anything for a fan,* she thought, savoring the moment. *I could get used to this.*
But as the day wore on, the initial euphoria began to fade. On her way to the sixth period, she overheard a group of girls whispering as she passed by.
"I barely even know her, and I can already tell she's such a bitch," one girl said, her voice dripping with disdain.
"Right? But can you blame her? That's what happens when everything you want gets handed to you on a silver platter," another chimed in, her tone equally venomous.
"I can't wait for her to finally realize her place here."
"Emily, quiet, she's coming."
The girls scattered as Stella approached, leaving her alone in the hallway, their harsh words echoing in her mind. *So that's how they see me?* she thought, a tight knot forming in her stomach. *Just another spoiled brat who got everything handed to her.* It was no different from the cruelty she'd experienced in normal schools. Why did she think this place would be any different?
Unable to shake the feeling, Stella skipped an entire period and retreated to the library, seeking solace among the rows of books. But even there, she found no peace. As she wandered deeper into the library, she stumbled upon two of the academy's high-ranking students, Seungwoo and Jimin. They were in a secluded corner, their voices low but urgent.
"Are you sure no one's here?" Jimin asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.
"Yeah, I double-checked. Why?" Seungwoo replied, his tone steady but tense.
"You know if Tessa catches me, I'm fucked. I'm not strong like you... I'm still not ready to come out."
Stella's breath caught in her throat. *The hell is going on?* she thought, her curiosity piqued. She knew she should turn back, pretend she hadn't seen or heard anything, but something kept her rooted to the spot.
Just as she was about to step away, Seungwoo grabbed Jimin by the collar and pulled him into an intense kiss. Stella's eyes widened in shock. *Holy shit,* she thought, her mind racing. *This can't be what I think it is... But it is. Jimin... Tessa's childhood friend...*
Before Stella could process the scene, the two boys began to unbutton their clothes, the situation escalating quickly. Stella's stomach churned, and she felt a wave of nausea. *I need to get out of here,* she thought, but her legs wouldn't move.
**One Hour Later**
Stella remained frozen behind a shelf, her mind reeling from what she had witnessed. As the boys finished and began to button up their clothes, she finally found the strength to move. But as she shifted slightly, the door she was hiding behind creaked, catching their attention.
They both turned towards the sound, their faces pale. Stella stood up, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Don't worry, guys," she said, forcing a casual tone, even as her hands shook. "I didn't see or hear anything strange. Zip lips." She mimed zipping her lips shut and then bolted out of the library at breakneck speed.
Seungwoo and Jimin stared after her, tension hanging heavy in the air.
"Are you sure she'll keep quiet?" Seungwoo asked, his voice laced with worry.
"I don't know," Jimin replied, his voice shaky. "But why can't you just calm down? The backlash might not be that bad."
"It's backlash," Seungwoo snapped, his tone dark and final. "It's always bad. Do you want to lose Tessa? Or the few friends you still have who don't judge you? You think people hate you now? It's about to get a lot worse."
"Then what do we do?" Jimin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Don't worry," Seungwoo said, his voice cold and determined. "I'll take care of it."
Without another word, Seungwoo stormed out of the library, his eyes blazing with intent. He quickly caught up to Stella, grabbing her by the arm with enough force to make her wince. Without a word, he dragged her into the janitor's room, ignoring the curious glances from the few students who noticed.
With both of them alone in the dimly lit janitor's room, the air thickened with tension. The faint sound of their breathing was the only noise between them, punctuated by the distant hum of fluorescent lights.
"Don't worry, I won't try anything," Seungwoo said, his voice cold, yet calm.
"I know," Stella replied, her gaze flitting over his broad shoulders, muscles tense beneath his shirt. "After what I just saw, I can be sure."
"You saw nothing," he snapped, stepping closer, his shadow looming over her.
"Yes, yes, I saw nothing," she echoed, forcing a light laugh that died in her throat as she remembered the rumors about him. "Got it. Lips sealed."
Seungwoo's eyes narrowed. "I'm serious. This isn't a joke."
Stella rolled her eyes, masking her unease. "What part of 'lips sealed' don't you get? No one will know you're... involved with your girlfriend's childhood friend," she corrected herself, pausing just long enough to make the slip seem intentional.
Before she could react, Seungwoo's hand shot out, gripping her neck with surprising force. Her breath caught as his fingers pressed into her skin, cutting off her air.
"Don't try me, bitch," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I swear, you'll regret ever stepping into this school."
"Too bad I already do," she choked out, her heart pounding in her chest.
His grip tightened, his eyes darkening with rage. "I'm not playing with you. You'll regret ever trying me," he repeated, his fingers digging in deeper.
"What is it with you and the word 'regret'?" Stella gasped, her vision blurring as she struggled to breathe. "Regret this, regret that—okay, we get it."
Seungwoo's anger flared, and for a moment, she feared he might snap her neck. But then, just as quickly as it started, he let go, and she collapsed against the wall, gasping for air.
"Sorry," he muttered, avoiding her eyes. "I'm not usually like that."
"Not usually like that, my ass," Stella murmured under her breath, rubbing her sore neck.
"What did you say?" Seungwoo snapped, his gaze sharp again.
"Nothing," she said quickly, her voice still hoarse.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't want things to get so intense, but no one can know what you saw. Is that a deal?" He extended his hand, offering a truce.
Stella hesitated but then reached out, shaking his hand. His grip was firm, almost too firm.
"I can even give you what you want. Money, connections—whatever you need," Seungwoo offered, his tone softening slightly.
"I don't need anything from you," Stella said, her voice steady despite the fear still gripping her.
"If you say so," he replied, shrugging. As he turned to leave, he paused at the door, looking back at her. "By the way, Stella, I'm not homosexual. I'm bisexual. Got that?"
Stella stared at him, speechless, as he walked out, leaving her alone in the room. She glanced at the cracked mirror on the wall, noticing the angry red marks around her neck and a small wound where his fingernail had broken the skin.
"Fuck," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "No makeup's gonna fix this." She crumpled against the wall, her body trembling as she finally let the tears flow. "Why? Why me? And why today?"
---
An hour later, Stella walked back into the classroom, her scarf awkwardly covering her neck. The fabric, hastily grabbed from the lost and found, scratched against her raw skin. As she entered, the entire class turned to stare, not out of concern but with the gleeful anticipation of mocking her.
"Fashionista, my ass," a guy sneered, and the whole class erupted in laughter.
"Not sure how trends start, but that's not it," a girl added, sending another wave of laughter through the room.
"That look is just not doing it for you," someone else chimed in, and the laughter grew louder.
"Silence, everyone!" Mr. Shoto's voice boomed, and the room fell quiet instantly. His stern gaze turned to Stella. "Ms. Powers, scarves aren't part of the school dress code. Take it off."
"But, Mr.—"
"Take it off, Ms. Powers, unless you'd rather discuss this with the principal."
Tears welled up in Stella's eyes as she realized she had no choice. Her father couldn't find out about this—he would lose it if he knew she was in trouble on her first day. Reluctantly, she unwrapped the scarf, revealing the strangulation marks and the small wound on her neck.
The class fell silent for a split second before bursting into laughter again.
"She's so clumsy she hurt her own neck on the first day. Tell me, how does that happen?" someone jeered.
"Or maybe she got a little kinky while jerking off to herself," another voice mocked, and the class howled with laughter.
Even Mr. Shoto couldn't suppress a small chuckle before he quickly regained his composure. "Enough! Ms. Powers, I think you need to visit the school nurse. Kindly take your leave and come back when you feel better."
Stella nodded, her face burning with humiliation as she fled the room.
---
The nurse's office smelled faintly of antiseptic, and the nurse, a kind-looking woman with a concerned frown, kept asking what had happened. But Stella refused to answer, focusing instead on the cool ointment being applied to her neck.
When the bell rang for the last period, Stella reluctantly headed back to class, dreading the return. She hoped at least most of the people who mocked her wouldn't be in this class.
As she walked to her assigned seat, she noticed her seat partner giving her a once-over. "Oh, it's you," the girl said, recognizing her from earlier.
Stella's heart sank. Of all people...
"Are you feeling better now?" the girl asked, her tone oddly casual.
"Well, yes, actually, I'm feeling—"
"So, when is Nexis coming?" the girl interrupted eagerly.
'Oh, she's one of those,' Stella thought, suppressing a groan. "I don't know when he's—"
"But how can you not?" the girl pressed.
It was then that her other seat partner, a girl with a sharp gaze, cut in. "Shut up and get back to what you were doing."
The girl huffed but turned back to her books. The sharp-eyed girl then looked at Stella. "This school's shitty, right? Don't worry, I'd like to tell you it'll get better, but the best I can say is you'll get used to it."
Stella blinked, taken aback by the girl's bluntness. "I think you're the nicest person I've met today," she said softly. "Thanks, I appreciate it."
"No thanks needed," the girl replied, shrugging.
"So, are you like my friend now or—" Stella began.
"No, not really," the girl cut her off. "I just really hate that bitch. I'm not getting involved in whatever shit you got yourself into."
"Okay... but thanks anyway," Stella murmured, grateful for the small kindness.
---
When the closing bell finally rang, the students of Kira Academy wasted no time, rushing out of the school as if escaping from a prison. Stella watched as they scattered, some leaving in groups, others hopping onto bikes or into sleek cars.
As she approached the car waiting for her, she noticed a group of girls from another school lingering outside. Kira Academy students began approaching them, taking selfies with the girls, who seemed to relish the attention.
One of the girls noticed Stella just as she was about to get into her car. Before she knew it, a guy had approached her, phone in hand, asking for a picture.
Before she could respond, a top idol student, Tessa, intercepted. She snatched the guy's phone, took the picture with him, and then handed it back, Stella's face cropped out.
"Better now," Tessa said with a smirk, watching the guy walk away, flustered.
Then, turning to Stella, she added in a cold tone, "Know your place and don't cross the line you're given." She popped her bubble gum, turned on her heel, and strutted back to her group, who all piled into a flashy car.
Stella stood there, fuming, Tessa's words echoing in her mind. 'That bitch,' she thought bitterly.
"Ms. Stella?" Her driver's voice broke through her thoughts, and she turned to see him holding the car door open. "You coming?"
"Yeah," Stella sighed, climbing into the car. As they drove away, she stared out the window, her mind swirling with everything that had happened. The day had been hellish, but she was determined not to let them break her.
---
**The Next Day**
Stella woke up early, the morning sun barely peeking through her curtains as she started her exercise routine. Each stretch and movement felt like a small victory against the weight pressing down on her chest. After finishing, she chose to walk to school, refusing her family driver's offer. The crisp morning air brushed against her skin, clearing her mind as she made her way through familiar streets. But her thoughts were anything but clear.
Tega's words echoed in her mind: *"Some things in life we have to get used to whether we like it or not, but this... this I refuse to get used to, whether they like it or not."* She couldn't shake the feeling that today was going to be different—harder, somehow.
**Stella's POV**
Hi, my name is Stella Powers, and as you all know, I'm an idol. What you don't know is that I have two secrets—a very big one, one that mustn't be told to anyone, because it could cause trouble. The first is that I'm not who I seem to be—the lovable idol most already know. The second is that I'm in a fake relationship with the world's leading idol. See, these are secrets no one else must know, for, as I was once told, an idol's job is to sell lies.
When I auditioned to be an idol for High Production, I was ecstatic, practically walking on air with excitement. My father then asked me if I was ready to become an idol. I said yes. He then asked again, this time with a different tone, if I was ready to do whatever it takes to be a top idol. Again, I said yes, but found it strange because my manager had asked me the exact same thing.
Back then, I was too young to understand. But now, I get it. And what I get most of all is why my dad decided to enroll me in Kira Academy. He knew I was doing well in a normal school, but he just had to put me here. He wanted me to see for myself the horrible reality behind the entertainment industry. And now that I've seen it for myself, I'll have to survive it for myself. Survive these savages no matter what, because they are absolutely brutal and merciless. And if that's what I have to become to survive, then so be it. I'll become brutal and merciless.
These people, they play hard. They're ruthless go-getters who are simply overdoing it. I, who considered myself a star, got taken down by those people—fellow stars, in fact. Yesterday, when I first entered, they were simply preparing the meat, which was me, before chowing down to their heart's content. Well, they won't be feasting anymore.
**Writer's POV**
When Stella arrived at school, she was greeted by a face she now found unwelcoming—Seungwo. He tried to talk to her, but Stella brushed past him, muttering, "Don't even try." As she walked through the hallway, she couldn't escape the venomous whispers:
*"Why's that bitch even here?"*
*"I heard she didn't even take the entrance exam."*
*"What did she do to deserve getting into here?"*
*"She's gonna falter and fall like the rest."*
*"She's only here because of Nexis."*
By the time Stella reached her classroom, the whispers had chipped away at her resolve. Unable to bear it any longer, she fled, her feet carrying her to the only place she could find solace—the secluded spot under the stairs. Tears welled up in her eyes as she collapsed, hugging her knees.
*What did I even do to get here, huh?* she thought, anger and frustration twisting her gut. *I busted my ass, but they think I've had everything handed to me. They don't know the half of it. Nothing gets handed to you on a silver platter.*
She remembered her father's words when she first became an idol. He had told her the pros and cons, though he mostly emphasized the cons—how idols don't get paid much, how they all retire before 30, how they're always being watched by the world. He had asked her if she was sure she wanted to become an idol, and she had said yes. She'd endured countless diets, grueling exercises, vocal training, and choreography to whip herself into shape, and still, these people couldn't see it. They acted like she'd done nothing.
But they were wrong. She had earned her spot at Kira Academy, even if no one else believed it. And although some might say there's nothing to prove, she knew there was. She understood the risks when she got into this business, and now she'd face them head-on. But these people... they'd crippled her spirit. She wanted to believe this wasn't a crucifixion, but a resurrection. Yet, right now, she needed a crutch.
A sigh escaped her lips as she wished Tega were here. Somehow, she knew he'd handle the situation, even if she hated to admit it. *What am I thinking?* she chided herself. *Wishing Tega was here...* She shook her head, forcing herself to focus. Only a month remained before he'd come to school. Until then, may the good Lord help her survive in the midst of these devils in human clothing.
Stella took a deep breath and stood up, wiping away her tears. She steeled herself for the day ahead, wishing Tega a safe and quick return.
---
**Current Time**
Stella, now outside the restaurant, looked up at the closest billboard, her jaw dropping as an ad began to play. The ad started with a giant, beautiful font that read, "Kira Academy is now global."
[The camera panned over a beautiful, sprawling campus, with students laughing and chatting in the background. The Kira Academy logo appeared on the screen, followed by a montage of students talking directly to the camera.]
**Student 1:** "I never thought I'd find a place where I truly belonged, but Kira Academy is my home."
**Student 2:** "The faculty here are top-notch. They've helped me discover my passions and reach my full potential."
**Student 3:** "I was hesitant at first, but the community here is so supportive. We're all striving for excellence together."
**Student 4:** "Kira Academy is more than just a school—it's a launchpad for your dreams. I've grown so much as a person since I arrived."
Stella quickly pulled out her phone and dialed Tega.
---
**Tega's POV**
Tega was on the phone, casually talking to someone. "Yeah, yeah, later this week, I promise, but I gotta go now," he said, as he tried to process what he was seeing on the billboard—a continuation of what Stella had just witnessed.
[Cut to a shot of the school's state-of-the-art facilities, with students working on projects and collaborating with each other.]
**Narrator (Voiceover):** "At Kira Academy, we foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and excellence. Our students are the best and brightest, and we empower them to achieve greatness."
[Cut back to the students talking to the camera.]
**Student 5:** "I've made lifelong friends here, and we've shared experiences I'll never forget."
**Student 6:** "Kira Academy is the perfect blend of challenge and support. It's pushed me to be my best self."
[Closing shot of the campus, with the Kira Academy logo and tagline ("Empowering Excellence") on screen.]
Narrator (Voiceover):
"Join the Kira Academy community today and unlock your full potential. We've now gone beyond the ordinary, bringing together your favorite stars from around the globe."
[The camera fades to black, with the sound of happy chatter and laughter lingering.]
Tega received Stella's call just as the billboard lights flickered. He paused his other conversation and answered.
"Are you seeing this?" Stella asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Yeah, I'm standing right in front of it," Tega replied, his eyes still glued to the towering screen.
"Good. I needed to know this isn't some dream... or a nightmare."
"What does it mean?"
"It means by tomorrow, you're not the only new arrival."
"You're making it sound like I'm just another product."
"And you're not?"
「ああ,それはとても意地悪だけど,どんなことがあっても私に勝る者はいない.」
(She teased, "Oh, that's a bit cruel, but nothing beats me no matter what happens.")
"What did you just say?"
"Nothing you need to worry about. But know this: I'm ready."
"Oh, really? And here I was thinking you weren't paying attention. You know kind of seemed as if you took your eyes of the ball."
"My eyes are on the ball. I've just been waiting for the right pitch."
"If you say so. Just don't complain if things don't go as expected."
"And why not? If I don't like it, I'll definitely let it be known," Tega teased back.
"Sure, but take this as a weather report—no use crying if it's going to rain."
"And what about the other saying?"
"Which one?"
"Answering a question with a question, huh?"
Stella growled angrily through the phone, but Tega ignored it and continued. "The one that says tomorrow comes, whether you laugh or cry, with absolute impartiality."
"I think that saying supports my point."
"It does—kind of. But here's the thing, it's all a matter of perspective. You may see it your way, but what if you saw it as something which suggested we live by doing what pleases us? What pleases me is being true to myself, and that includes disliking the dislikable."
"You know, half the time, I don't understand what you're saying. It sounds like gibberish, but I still listen. It's so annoying."
"Add that to my list of annoying traits. You've got yourself a book of problems."
"Anyway, I think I get it. Where do you even get these sayings?"
"Dabi from MHA, obviously," Tega said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Stella rolled her eyes. Just when I thought I was starting to take this guy seriously...
"You know what, enough talking for now. This conversation has officially gone off the rails."
"Okay, bye. Miss you too."
"Wait, I never said I—"
Click.
Tega hung up, cutting her off, and Stella, frustrated, threw her phone at the ground. It shattered, but she calmly pulled out another from her pocket. A passerby caught sight of this and thought, Damn, rich people.
Tega returned to his previous conversation. "I'm not lying to you, alright? Okay, bye." As the other caller hung up, he pocketed his phone, a smirk curling on his lips. Now global, huh? he thought. This will make it an even better hunting ground. A place for entertainment monsters like me to dominate. This is where I reign—top of the food chain.
---
Stella's POV
The advertisement replayed in her mind as she sat in silence, dread creeping up on her. This is worse than I imagined, she thought, her heart racing. I thought school was already bad, but now this...
She knew exactly what was coming: an influx of fame-obsessed stars who'd do anything to grab the spotlight. It was as though nature itself was showing her how much worse things could get.
A wise man once said your true self shows when you confront your weaknesses. And weak is what I am, she admitted to herself. But that's about to change. Especially with Tega around. We're going to make a mark, no matter what. Because if there's one thing I know for sure...
When the stars hit... we hit real hard..