The show moved on.
But Lina? She moved forward.
Public sentiment had shifted. The umbrella clip became a meme, a message, a movement. Fans began calling her "Storm Girl"—the one who didn't break when everything else did.
But with attention came shadows.
One night, walking back to her hotel from a sponsored fan event, she saw someone standing just outside the glass lobby.
Too still.
Too silent.
A woman in a red coat, face partially covered, watching her through the reflection.
When Lina turned—
Gone.
No name. No footsteps.
Just a slip of paper on the floor by the door.
> "You should've stayed unknown."
---
> [System Notification: Threat Presence Level 2 – Stalker Activity Suspected]
AI Suggestion: Emergency Surveillance Protocol Active
She didn't tell security.
Didn't call Kael.
She walked up to her room, locked the door, and whispered, "I don't run."
> System AI: "You do calculate. Let me handle the rest."
---
The next challenge was a live duet with an assigned partner.
Lina was paired with Kieran, a K-pop idol with a smile like honey and a fanbase as wide as the ocean.
The internet exploded.
> "She's stealing another one."
"Stay away from Kieran!"
"Does she even sing?"
But when the music started, Lina didn't try to dazzle.
She told a story.
Kieran danced. Lina narrated.
Her voice: low, soft, sharp.
It wasn't a duet.
It was a thread of trust.
And when the final note faded, the room was silent.
No claps.
Just tears.
Even Kieran looked at her differently.
---
Afterward, he followed her backstage.
"You're… something else, you know that?"
"People say that right before they decide they don't like me."
He tilted his head. "I think I'll take the risk."
She smirked. "Bold of you."
He leaned in. "Besides, it looks like you've already got one man watching your every move."
Pause.
"What?"
He held up his phone.
A trending photo: Lina on stage.
And in the back row?
Kael.
Uninvited. Unseen by the cameras.
Watching.