:The Stranger in My Skin

The energy in the studio buzzed with excitement. All the girls gathered around, their eyes lighting up with curiosity as the door opened and a new girl stepped in. She stood confidently at the center, her long dark hair gleaming under the lights, eyes scanning the room.

"I'm Ameya," she said with a charming smile.

But her gaze—sharp and focused—was locked on one person alone: Jenna.

Jenna—who was the real Ameya—felt a chill run down her spine. She lowered her eyes quickly, trying to avoid the piercing stare. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. She looked right at me… why does it feel like she knows?

The new Ameya continued, her tone sweet and casual. "I'm a first-year college student. Dance is my passion, though I never planned to become an idol."

The room buzzed with whispers, but Ameya's voice rose again, catching their attention.

"But… unexpectedly, Rico saw my performance at our college cultural festival. He was one of the judges. And… he invited me for an audition. That's how I ended up here. It all happened like a miracle."

The girls erupted in excited applause.

"Wow! That's amazing!" Sofie whispered to Linda. "She's so lucky! Rico invited her personally?"

"Yeah," Linda nodded, impressed. "That story is really something."

Ruby elbowed Jenna lightly. "Hey, Jenna. You froze. What's wrong?"

Snapping back to reality, Jenna forced a smile. "N-No… Sofie's right. She is lucky…"

But inside, her thoughts were spinning wildly.

How… does she know that story?

That's exactly how I… I mean, Ameya… got the audition. That was my life…

Before she could unravel it further, the manager stepped forward. "Alright girls! Let's all support Ameya with her practice. Tomorrow, we'll finalize the group name and officially announce our members. So be ready for the live interview!"

The girls squealed in excitement. Some rushed toward the new Ameya, surrounding her with questions and compliments. She looked thrilled—but her eyes still flicked toward Jenna every now and then.

Jenna felt the pressure. She couldn't handle it.

"Ruby," she said suddenly, "I'm heading to the departmental store. Need snacks. Do you girls want anything?"

"Oh! I want chips!" Sofie chimed.

"Get me soda," Linda added.

"Sure," Jenna said quickly, grabbing her bag and escaping the studio before anyone else—especially she—could follow.

---

The fluorescent lights of the departmental store were a stark contrast to the studio. Jenna grabbed a Coke and sat by a small corner table. But peace didn't come.

Who is she…? Why does she act like she's always been Ameya? Is someone really inside my real body?

Should I talk to her? But what if she finds out I'm not the real Jenna…

She sighed, placing her forehead on the table. The chaos in her mind was louder than ever.

Then—a voice.

"Hey… are you alright?"

That voice. She knew it.

She turned slowly—and there he was.

A man in a mask and hat sat beside her. But even with half his face hidden, she recognized him.

"Rico?"

He pulled down his mask and smiled. "Yep. You caught me. Where are you going? I'm not some creep, okay?"

Jenna blinked. "What are you doing here?"

Rico leaned back, chuckling. "Is there a rule that idols can't buy snacks?"

She stood up, uncomfortable. "I… I have to go."

But he gently caught her wrist. "Wait. I want to ask you something."

She hesitated.

Rico looked into her eyes. "You move around so casually, even in public. Aren't you scared of fans or rumors? It's not really safe, you know?"

Jenna yanked her hand away, frustration rising. "Why do you even care?"

Her voice rose before she could stop it. "You and your crazy fans… You don't even know what I'm going through…"

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked out. Rico stood there, stunned.

What's going on with her? Did… I do something wrong?

---

Back at the studio, laughter echoed as the other girls talked to the new Ameya.

Sofie ran up to Jenna as she returned. "Hey! Did you get the snacks?"

"Yeah," Jenna handed them out casually. But her eyes drifted toward the new Ameya, who was now watching her closely.

"I… I think the manager called me," Jenna lied. "Said he wanted to see me in his office."

Sofie nodded and turned back. Jenna walked away, feeling the weight of someone's eyes behind her.

She was right.

She glanced over her shoulder.

The new Ameya was following her.

No. Not now… Panic flared in her chest. She hurried toward the hallway and slipped into the restroom, trying to shut the door—but a hand caught it.

The door creaked open.

Jenna stepped back. And there they were—face to face.

The real Ameya. And the girl who had taken her place.

---