Jae plants a seed

Over the next weeks, St6rlight began their promotion schedule, performing on music shows and appearing on variety shows, radio interviews and fanmeetings. It seemed like every time I turned on my television or picked up a magazine, there was Haeun’s smile staring back at me.

We kept up our nightly calls, despite her grueling schedule leaving her with little energy at the end of the day. Our conversations were usually brief and superficial, mostly about the day's events or plans for the following one. I never did bring up my twisted desires, not willing to add to her plate.

During the day, I busied myself with studies, though I kept up to date with her activities whenever I can. In particular, I kept her fan cams on repeat, and they always seem to do the best, with the most views and comments, though most of them disgusting and perverted. She was definitely a hit amongst male fans, with many calling her an angel dressed like a succubus, allowing them to fantasize about a pure goddess who is also willing to show them a fair amount of skin.

The stylists must have been given clear instructions, as her outfits got more and more revealing every week, from low cut tops that barely covered her breasts, to tight fitting dresses that clung to the curve of her hips and ass like a second skin. Her makeup remained light, however, which seemed to be another strategy to portray an innocent allure. The public seemed to be buying it, with St6rlight's debut album selling millions of copies in just a few weeks.

One morning, as I trudged to class, I noticed several new posts about Haeun on Naver. Her latest outfit had been the subject of controversy, a glorified brassiere and leather straps that wrapped around her neck, and safety shorts that would be more accurately described as underwear. She had sent me a selfie before performing, and my eyes nearly popped out. I could not believe that they would have her wear something so scandalous on national television. I tried to ask her if she was comfortable, but she seemed determined to follow her companies instructions. They gave her safety tape, she said, though I could hear the embarrassment in her voice.

Predictably, it raised notable objections from conservatives around the country, who claimed that St6rlight, and in particular Haeun, were destroying the nation’s morals. But the performance had seen the most views so far, and her name was trending across the internet. All press is good press, I suppose.

I was still lost in thought when Jae slid into the seat next to me in class. His ever-present smirk was already plastered across his face, like he was always up to something.

“Yo,” he greeted casually, putting down his bag. “You been slacking, man. What’s taking so long with the new request? You’re usually faster with them.”

I felt my stomach churn. I had managed to avoid him for the past few days, deflecting with vague excuses whenever he asked. “She’s busy,” I replied tersely, keeping my eyes on my notebook. Ever since she began promotions, she was too tired to do any more videos for me, and besides I was battling the guilt of betraying her trust.

Jae leaned back in his chair, shrugging. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Makes sense. Anyways, did you see the newest St6rlight stage? The fancams are everywhere. Did you see Haeun's? That outfit was next level. I mean, seriously, who’s the genius behind their wardrobe? Because they’re doing God’s work.” He let out a low whistle, shaking his head appreciatively.

I gritted my teeth, though I couldn't help but agree. It was very hot, and I had jerked off to it before class this morning.

Jae wasn’t done, though. “By the way, did you hear the latest gossip about her and Jihoon?” He leaned forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. “People are saying they broke up. I mean, makes sense, right? They haven’t been looking close lately, and they are saying she dumped him. Think she got someone hotter now that she's famous?”

My ears piqued, though I tried to remain nonchalant. I had seen similar comments on the internet too. Haeun had told me about her cold war with Jihoon, and the company's decision for them to separate, but it's nice to see that the public are beginning to stop seeing her as Jihoon's girl.

The class began to fill up, our conversation interrupted by others taking their seats. I focused on the lecture, trying not to let my mind wander back to Haeun and the endless gossip swirling around her. When the class was over, Jae turned to me again.

“So, anyways,” he continued as if we hadn’t been interrupted for the past hour, “if you can get something new from your source, let me know. And if you get to fuck her, take a video man. You know I'll pay top dollar." He winked at me, before picking up his bag and walking away, leaving me to stew in a mix of annoyance and guilt, the seed of desire planted in my head with his words.