Chapter Text
February 09, 2026
06:31 PM
You were sat at the backseat of the car, gaze out to the passenger window as you watch buildings pass by in a blur. The car ride was going smoothly, and you were thankful that there wasn’t any traffic today.
Until a car in front suddenly coasted to a halt, making your driver decelerate to avoid collision.
“Maybe I spoke my mind too soon..” You murmured under your breath, leaning back against your seat, the comfortable feeling of your fur coat made you loosen up a bit.
“Did you say something, miss [Y/N]?” The man asked, his gaze glancing to the side and back to the traffic Infront.
“No, it’s nothing.” You responded.
After a long, exhausting day of being around people, you just needed to have a moment of silence and relaxation through this car ride. The traffic stilled, the car dragging an inch each time the vehicle Infront does.
“God, I can’t wait to go rest...” You thought, letting out a huff.
The hotel was fifty minutes away, and while being on the road—loud with screeches of cars and constant honking every twenty or thirty seconds. This was nowhere relaxing.
You sighed in exasperation, making the driver glance at you from the rear-view mirror and back to the road infront. You take out your phone from your purse, the screen comes alive, as your thumb hovers over the screen, clicking the app Instarfy
You scroll down to your feed, with 99+ Notifications and unanswered messages. You don’t bother to click on them, you just continue to doomscroll—until post that you scrolled past made you scroll back up.
@YZ_fan001
My god. ABYS Corporation never fails to dissapoint. They go on their day and just so suddenly want to target a specific group and come after them. It's surprising that they're the ones who’s creating rumours about these ASR groups that got involved with them. Is that not childish and weird? We all know what happened to DIVINIA.
2,089 Likes | 800 Replies
@Moneylober
Replying To @YZ_fan001: It’s hilariously surprising. But what do we expect? It’s ABYS.
@Igambleongachagames
Replying To @YZ_fan001: ABYS not only targets any groups that “rivals” their stars, but sabotages their own groups like SANGUIS currently... What a shocker.
@Misumisu_tart
Replying To @YZ_fan001: ABYS is one big evil corporation unlike ALLSTAR. Any rising groups or superstars that are getting big attention is immediately enemy to them lol.
@Nolansrightbicep
Replying To @Misumisu_Tart: correct! ABYS CORP is basically out to get any mainstreaming bands who poses a threat to their dear idols, meanwhile they are literally a threat themselves.
@Ionehitstrays
Replying To @Nolansrightbicep: how ABYS and [Y/N]’s own group treating her says enough... Anyone remember when she had a collab with Parflai, ABYS had a say in it like they were against it as if they own her? Haha.
@Wanderinggossipgal
Replying To @Ionehitstrays: oh my gosh, is this about that one time they left her out during that Gala? Literally one time and u people suddenly assume shit
@BigfanofNJS
Replying To @Wanderinggossipgal: they like making anything up so that they’d feel bad for [Y/N]. As if their dearest “star” isn’t a damned problematic woman
@Theen01heroine
Replying To @Wanderinggossipgal: do you read????
@Melissaswifeandfan
Replying To @Nolansrightbicep: But the only ASR group they can never get is SPARKLE.
@RAAAHHHH_5769
Replying To @Melissaswifeandfan: they’re trying their best to, haha.
@Ionehitstrays
Replying To @Wanderinggossipgal: uhm NO, actually. They not only left her out but laughs and insults her infront of her face in that one vlog, not once but twice and [____] just laughs it off. Also, in Blood Bath, girl literally had no lines and was only lip-syncing Ivha’s lyrics.
You frown whilst reading the comments, your thumb hovering and scrolling down through the section before clicking out of the post.
While the post wasn’t really negative itself, it was just about ABYS and their unprofessional behaviour. You read a bunch of comments that were talking other groups and superstars that already gotten themselves involved with ABYS, which includes you in that topic...
You’ve always kept yourself professional. Always have.
Despite the critics and the backlash you’ve received a year ago from a scandal with an artist to ONE accusation of your own solo stating you copied the style a said artist. Leading not only thousands of people mocking your performance but also staff members shaming you.
You don’t only get criticism from people, but the people you surround yourself who you call your staff team who assists you by all means “assisting” is more like mistreating you. Since they’re working under ABYS CORP too, you expected this to happen.
Though, you agree with half of those people that called out ABYS and their controversies not just with ASR groups and their bad behaviour with other superstars. They only stay silent about the corporation’s mistreatment because of a contract.
You stare at the screen, spacing out with a solemn expression on your face. The times you’ve been treated miserably replays in your head since you were a trainee, you’ve suffered their cruel treatment and unfair conditions. Until now as a Superstar, they’re only retaining you because they consider you a “High Valued” person.
They only have you working under them because they’ve forced you into a 13 year long contract—making a big debut right after your former contract with them. Fame and rising in tops mattered to them, so they didn’t want any other Entertainments passing them.
While the part of them considering you valuable was true, it doesn’t hide the fact the CEO has been bitching about you and wanting to find a replacement for you.
And how did you find out? Well—a month ago, you accidentally eavesdropped on a conversation after your tour...
You exited the stage, heading backstage—exhausted. You tell yourself it was worth it putting all your efforts and energy on the stage for the crowd that went through a long ride just for this. Massive numbers of people were watching, eyes were on you, singing along whilst jumping up and down.
Your members walked either beside or behind you as staffs nearby immediately went to giving service and handing out towels, water bottles. You and the girls were told to rest in the lounging room to take a break, and so the group did.
As you and your group entered the green room, The cold breeze coming from the A/C hit your skin, making you feel at ease. It was unlike the humid, hot air outside. They sat wherever, looking tired but not disheveled. The room was silent for atleast a good two minutes before someone spoke up.
“God, that was tiring. Do we get to leave early?” The girl asked, leaning back against the couch.
“Dunno. Hopefully.” The other responded, phone in hand, already scrolling. “My back is hurting like hell.” Another girl chimed in.
“Wow! That’s rare coming from someone who had a spa massage before this.” The purple-haired woman retorts with a playful tone.
“What? You jealous? I texted you to come with me so I’d have some company but you didn’t bother texting back.” She says in response, rolling her eyes at the purple-haired woman mockingly.
You don’t really talk during the whole break time. You just listen to their random conversations or scroll on your phone during the whole break. Sometimes they attempt to talk to you, but you’re just too complicated to talk to.
While they talked, you stood up from where you sat, heading to the door and exiting. A staff was standing right besides the door, making eye contact with you.
“Where are you going, miss [Y/N]?” He asks.
“Heading to the bathroom, I’ll be quick.” You excuse yourself before walking past the man. The bathroom was just a few steps down the hall, but a familiar voice made you halt in your tracks.
“They should really get rid of [Y/N].”
You take a step closer, the sign on the door says “Staff Only.” But they didn’t even bother closing the door fully. Your gaze cautiously scanned the hallways before continuing to eavesdrop on the conversation. The familiar voice was no doubt your Executive Supervisor, the same person who said those words himself.
You let out a soft, confused sound. You couldn’t make out some of what they were talking about but you can clearly tell they were talking about you.
“There’s still four years left in her contract, but they should’ve already gotten rid of her long before.” The other man comments, sounding rather annoyed.
Hearing those words shouldn’t surprise you when through their actions, it’s obvious they don’t want to deal with you like you’re some hassle to work with.
You frowned, eyebrows knitted together. You walked off rather than to get caught listening to them and their conversation of shit talking about you.
As you walked down the hall—staffs passed by, some greeting you, but you couldn’t even care less to even so glance at them or give their presence the slightest acknowledgement. And when you finally arrived infront of the bathroom door, you opened it, entered and slammed the door shut behind you.
You took a few steps inside and stopped infront of a countertop sink, hands rested on top of the counter, you stared at your reflection in the mirror with a frustrated look.
You thought it was stupid. “Those scums can’t do that, they could never replace me...” You muttered, words trailing off as you press your lips tightly, as if those words you said burned on your tongue.
“What if they actually do...?”
They retained you long enough because you’re a valuable figure to them. Nowadays, ABYS has a lot of active groups and rising superstars unlike before... So that meant there would highly be a chance they’d replace you.
But does it really matter? Would them terminating your contract early matter to you? No. You couldn’t care less.
If that meant getting replaced and kicked out from your group. But without a doubt—they would turn the narrative around and make up said allegations so they would have “reason” to kick or force you out for damaging the group’s reputation.
You snapped out of the flashback, phone still in hand. Your head lifted up, seeing that the road had already cleared—it seems you were too consumed in your own bubble a little too long.
You turned off your phone, placing it down on your lap. Glancing at your driver in the front seat. “Are we there yet?” You asked.
The man—slightly caught off guard by your voice, cleared his throat before responding. “Ah, yes. We’ll be there shortly in five minutes.”
You nodded as you sat back in your seat, grabbing your phone off your lap and putting it back inside your purse. Your head turned to look out the window, letting out a low sigh. Still, worry washes over you. Especially for tomorrow.
The car finally arrives in it’s destination, you step out of the vehicle, bag in grasp as you walk ahead. Your manager had booked you a hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next five days. And your schedule for the next following days is full. Meaning you’ll be busy, and drained out of energy.
You would rather spend time in your room making songs, singing, playing games and doing whatever you like. Not spending time with people who you barely acknowledge and give fake smiles to.
A small grumble of complaint came from your throat, atleast for now you get to relax. You sigh, as you near the glass doors, the automatic sliding doors parted open, you take a step forward and before you could even reach the front desk, The receptionist glanced up, recognition flickering briefly across her face.
The receptionist immediately slid the keycard across the counter. “Everything’s already arranged. Elevators are to your left.” The woman smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Thanks.” You say with a small nod as you take the card, you slipped your handbag into the crook of your elbow.
Your heels clacked across the marble floor as you made your way to the elevator doors. The pad of your finger pressed the down button, with a soft chime—the numbers above the elevator ticked down as the elevator descended.
The elevator dinged, arriving on the ground floor. It’s heavy doors slid open, you take a step forward inside and clicked the 5th button before stepping back.
The elevator began to ascend up smoothly to your destined floor. You lean back against the railing, crossing your arms against your chest while you stare at the metal door infront and wait silently.
Moments later—the elevator arrived on your floor and you step out quickly. You glance at the card number which says ‘505’. You pass by the rooms 501-504 until you stop at yours.
By tapping the card on the door, it flashes green, you then turn the door handle and push the door open.
“Atleast it’s fancy this time...” You hum softly, closing the door behind you and locking it.
A few steps inside—and that woman was serious when they told her “everything’s already arranged.” She planned to go and shop in Zenithia, since there were lots of high-end brands of clothes there.
The white luggage was besides the bed on the carpet floor, a fruit bowl placed on the cabinet counter along with three different types of expensive wine. Its a five star hotel, so to these kinds of things, you’re not really that surprised.
Stepping out of your heels, you place them somewhere on the ground as you settle your purse down on the countertop. Just a shower then sleep afterwards would be enough...
You approach the luggage, seeing a sticky note your manager must’ve left. “Hmph.”—instead of reading it, you crumple it up. Throwing it on the ground and continue to open the bag to get some comfortable clothes.
And rather than finding comfortable clothes—these were all just your outside designer clothes. “Seriously?” You deadpan.
You try searching again, with luck—you found a comfortable wear for the night. A simple white tee and pyjama pants, also they didn’t forget to pack skincare, toothbrush & toothpaste, and towel as well. You stood back up, slinging your clothes over your shoulder and headed to the shower for a warm bath after an exhausting day.
Inside bathroom you locked the door behind you, placing your towel and clothes neatly on the countertop sink. You started the bathtub, stripped down and dipped in for a long bath of one or two hours inside.
...
February 13, 2026
7:46 AM
Melissa was sat in her gaming chair, legs propped up on top of desk that had music sheets everywhere, even on the ground. Her room was a mess, but she doesn’t really care now does she?
Her neck was kind of getting cramped laid down on this position on her chair, yet she scrolled and scrolled on Instarfy, laughing at dumb memes until a message from her friend caught her attention
“Hm?” she hummed, reading the notification text.
“Heey!! I’m going to Parflai’s Brand Launch’s event! [Y/N] is gonna be there. Do you want me to take pics for u???”
Melissa’s eyes widened so slightly, tapping the text to respond back. “Yeah—obviously!! How the hell did you get an invite..?”
“... Melissa are you serious.”
“What??”
“My dad’s business is associated with them, and you know I work with them... I told you about this just five days ago!! I even told you how I got to speak with Wanwan herself!”
“Oh! Yeah... Sorry sorry!”
“We literally was just at her bakery five days ago.”
“Okay ok! I forgot. Their pastries are tasty though.”
“She owns a bakery shop and a perfume business? And even collaborated with [Y/N]? I’m impressed!”
“Yep. Anyway, you still want those autographs from her?”
“Absolutely.”
“MELISSA!!!”
The loud call of her name downstairs thrown her off guard, immediately sitting upright as soon as she heard stomping footsteps to her door.
Her door bursts open, revealing a tall, grumpy pink-haired man. “It’s sooo early in the morning! What the heck are you shouting for?”
“Did you steal my records again? They’re missing. Last time I found them at your room!” Fredrinn huffed, eyebrows furrowed as he stared at her.
Melissa blinked, glanced at her desk—the records neatly placed on her other side of her desk before glancing back at Fredrinn. “Uhhm...”
Fredrinn glanced to where her gaze went, seeing his records. His gaze drifted back to Melissa, giving her a glare. “You could’ve asked! I just bought those, ya know!” he grumbled, making his way to her other desk where the records were placed.
“Yeaaah, yeah—i’m sorry, alright?” She pouted, resting her cheek against her palm.
“Apology accepted—but the next time this happens, I’m taking away the electric guitar Estes let you borrow.”
Melissa’s eyes narrowed at his threat, making Fredrinn turn his head and give her a serious look.
But Melissa was the first to avert her gaze away like a sassy cat as she huffed. “Well—I’m going out today! With my friend!”
Fredrinn raised a brow at her, “...okay—and?” He scoffed.
“And you won’t be able to see the [Y/N]! Because she’s gonna be there!” she with a proud look on her face, her arms crossed. None of what she said was true—really.
Fredrinn was stunned for a second. Giving her a suspicious look. The Realce Star [L/N]? Is she serious?
“After we became an ALLSTAR band—and our massive tour—you’re here getting invited to events with Superstars?!?!? And you don’t even bother to ask if I wanted to come?!?!!”
Is what he wanted to say.
In reality—this is what he said;
“So what?” With a small pout on his lips, he adds, “It’s not like I asked. You can go out with your friend.” And with that, she watched him storm out of her room with his records in hand.
The room was silent—until she slammed her hand against her desk and burst out with laughter. The look on his face was so obvious he was getting sulky over that fact—that is literally a total, made up lie.
...
A few moments later back with Melissa chatting her friend, once again.
“Hey, wht time do u leave?”
“It’s only 8:05, event starts at 12:00~1:00. I’ll be leaving in 10.”
“Why?”
“I want to come with you.”
“huuh? I thought you were gonna b busy at your studio?”
“I rescheduled. So will you let me comeee?? Please!!”
“Ok, but you should’ve said so earlier! Be here at my apartment at 9:00.”
“Kay! Thaaankss~! xx”
...
9:48 AM
Melissa pushed the doorbell button with her finger, and a second time—just to make sure as she then awaited patiently for her friend to answer the door.
And despite arriving late, she didn’t rush—her efforts of making herself look good would go to waste—is what she tells herself. The time is already nearing ten, so she may as well just wait and leave with her friend.
“...what’s taking her so long?” Melissa murmured.
Her finger was just about to ring the doorbell again—until the door opened, revealing a cheery, and gentle face with blonde with long twin-tails. She wore an unzipped, short jacket—beneath was a white, collared t-shirt and a tie. Her outfit seemed to be her everyday normal uniform.
“Layla! Finally. What was taking you so long?” Melissa smiled softly, crossing her arms against her chest.
Layla rolled her green eyes at Melissa, clutching her, handbag hoisted onto her shoulder. “I wasn’t even taking that long.”
“Well—we’re gonna go see [Y/N], and I wanna see her now!!”
“Alright, alright.” Layla chuckled. “My driver arrived just in time, so let’s go.”
The two took the elevator down to the ground floor and left the hotel. Layla immediately recognized the car of her driver and dragged Melissa along with her to the car—and when they got in, Melissa and Layla sat at the backseat. Layla instructed her driver to drive to their designated destination.
“So—how will it be like there?” Melissa asked curiously, looking at Layla as she slightly tilted her head to the side.
“Well...it won’t be crowded, since it’s only exclusive invite. My dad won’t be there, so I decided I’ll go instead!” Layla explained, a cheeky smile playing on her lips.
Melissa only nods and lets out an interested ohh in response. “And don’t worry about yourself, My dad said I could only bring one, And luckily, it’s you who I get to go with!”
“Honestly... I only was messing with Fredrinn at first, now—I guess I’ll for real get to see her.” Melissa chuckled.
Minutes later, the car arrives to it’s destination, they got out of the car before Layla’s driver drove off. A tall construction loomed, with the big sign that says “PARFLAI”.
“Wow! Even the building look’s pretty flashy..?” Melissa commented with interest.
Layla laughed at her comment, leading Melissa to follow her inside the building. “Well, what can you say? It’s Wanwan who owns the company she likes cute and flashy things.”
“Wanwan also has high sense in fashion too, she’s a superstar, y’know? She collaborated with DAWN Entertainment.” Layla says, continuously chatting with Melissa as they walk.
“They’re holding the event at the other side of the building this is connected to, so let’s head to there.” She adds.
Melissa nods and just follows along, her gaze glances to her watch, it was already 10:58. People walk past and murmur—Melissa felt the stares and glances.
As they finally get to the other side of the building, Melissa can see the stage, seats, and booths with the businesses logo. This area seemed to be restricted unlike the other side, where it’s bustling with busy workers and employees. Whilst on this side, executives where here and there—important people who all know each other by name.
They all kept themselves busy, voices professional and quiet—yet stoic sounding. Melissa looked and glanced around the area which absolutely looked fancy and adorned with decorations.
“Whoa... It looks more cooler on this side!” Melissa commented with fascination and sparkles in her eyes.
“You make it sound like it’s your first time seeing events like these...” Layla chuckled softly.
“Well—of course I’ve been to countless of events! This here just seems more expensive and exclusive...!” says Melissa.
“Yeah—when it comes to Wanwan, she likes to make things expensive looking. Sometimes someone just has to hold her off from having people decorate too much!” Layla sighed as she shook her head.
“Anyway... Event isn’t starting yet, so we may as well look around or stay somewhere.”
Melissa glanced at the booth sides, instantly recognizing the person who her eyes landed on. “That’s [Y/N] right there!”
“Oh, yeah. I—”
Before Layla could even continue what she was about to say, Melissa dragged her along to the booth side, not wanting to get too close, Layla nearly bumped into Melissa’s back as she suddenly stopped.
“Alright! Miss [L/N], you can go take a break, the event will be starting in an hour.” The photographer says, putting the camera down back to it’s stand.
You nodded and smiled in response. A staff member comes up to your side to assist you, walking you to a table where the CEO’s seat will be. You sat down and accepted the water bottle the staff handed to you.
“Thank you.” You said with a smile.
The staff only nods and smiles back, “You’re welcome, please wait for the CEO, she’ll be here in any minute.” Says the man before walking off.
Just as you thought you’ll be sitting alone for a while—a gloved hand placed itself on your right shoulder, making you look up.
It was Wanwan—the CEO of Parflai. She looked at you with a grin before sitting down on her assigned seat besides you. “How have you been?” She asks.
“I’ve been fine.” You respond. “Just fine?” Wanwan huffed, a pout forming on her lips. “Why? Did someone bother you?!”
Her question caught you off guard, making you chuckle. “No, Wanwan.”
“Well—good!” She smiled, folding her arms. “Anyway, I’m grateful you accepted the collaboration. If not, it would be fine anyway. But we handpicked you specifically to do this with my company.”
You nod thoughtfully, appreciating the fact they actually specifically handpicked you for this collab. Well—in order to agree to the contract Wanwan offered you... You had to deal with ABYS’ Agency.
Though you signed her contract without any management authority a week ago, this was all your plan from the start. Wanwan already knew about it. You know how much of a coward ABYS is, they wouldn’t want to sacrifice their image and reputation by filing a lawsuit on you.
Especially when you’ve just signed a contract with their rivalled company.
You did it intentionally as if you were testing them and challenging them to do something about it. They couldn’t file a lawsuit against them, even if they could, big companies don’t risk lawsuits lightly—they couldn’t risk it, not with the dirty secrets they keep to themselves...