winterr_nightt_07

Kilin, the world-renowned K-pop idol, lives a life of dazzling lights, roaring fans, and relentless expectations. But behind the glamour, he struggles with loneliness and the pressure to be perfect. Naina, a free-spirited girl from the USA who grew up in Korea, has never been one to chase fame—until fate intertwines her life with Kilin’s in the most unexpected way.

When a chance encounter brings them together, Kilin finds solace in Naina’s sincerity, and she discovers a side of him the world never sees. As their bond deepens, so do the challenges—scandals, jealous rivals, and the ever-watchful eyes of the media threaten to tear them apart.

In a world where love is a risk and fame is fleeting, will Kilin and Naina’s story shine bright, or will it fade away like a falling star?

★ Your Falling Star ★

I pulled my cap lower, adjusting my mask as I glanced around. The streets were alive with the evening buzz—vendors calling out to customers, the scent of sizzling tteokbokki filling the air, couples strolling hand in hand.

For once, no cameras. No flashing lights. No screaming fans.

And for the first time in a long while, I wasn't "Kilin, the idol." I was just… me.

Naina: Are you going to stand there looking suspicious, or are we actually going to eat?

I turned to see her grinning, arms crossed. She had a playful glint in her eyes, teasing but patient.

Kilin: I'm just mentally preparing myself.

Naina: For what? Eating street food? You act like you're about to perform at the Seoul Dome.

I chuckled, shaking my head as we walked toward the nearest tteokbokki stall. The ahjumma behind the cart greeted us with a warm smile, not recognizing me—just treating me like any other hungry customer.

It felt… strange. But in a good way.

We grabbed our food, the spicy aroma making my stomach growl. I took a cautious bite, and the heat immediately hit my tongue.

Naina laughed as I fanned my mouth.

Kilin: Says the girl who grew up eating kimchi like candy.

She shrugged, taking a bite with zero struggle.

We moved along the busy street, stopping at different stalls—eating fish cakes, sipping banana milk, even trying some roasted sweet potatoes.

At some point, I realized something.

I wasn't thinking about my next schedule.

I wasn't overanalyzing every move.

Watching Kilin experience normal life was kind of hilarious.

The way his eyes widened at the taste of freshly made hotteok, the way he hesitated before trying a claw machine game, the way he simply breathed in the night air like he hadn't done it in years—it was all so new for him.

And yet, it was the most ordinary thing in the world.

Naina: You look like a kid seeing snow for the first time.

His voice was quieter than before, thoughtful.

We had reached the river now, the Han shimmering under the streetlights. The city felt alive, but peaceful. The kind of moment you don't realize you need until you're in it.

Kilin exhaled, leaning against the railing.

Kilin: I forgot what this felt like.

His fingers tapped against the metal railing, a small habit I had noticed when he was deep in thought.

Kilin: Every day, it's schedules, practice, interviews. Every move I make, someone is watching. Every word I say, someone is analyzing.

I stayed quiet, letting him speak.

Kilin: But here? Right now? No one's expecting anything from me.

Naina: So, how does it feel? To be normal for a night?

He looked at me then, really looked, his dark eyes reflecting the city lights.

He let out a soft chuckle, running a hand through his hair.

Kilin: Because I know it won't last.

His words sat heavy between us. Because we both knew he was right. By tomorrow, he'd be back under the spotlight. The idol world would reclaim him.

But for tonight, just for tonight—he could pretend.

Naina: Then let's make the most of it.

He blinked, then smiled—a real, genuine one.

And just like that, we continued walking, letting the city carry us forward, even if only for a little while.

Chapter 8: A Taste of Normalcy