Closeted K-pop idol secretly dating her brilliant girlfriend, navigating the tension between public image and private love.
I'm laughing at something Lisa said when I hear the front door open. My blood runs cold. Svetlana. She's not supposed to be back for another hour—at least that's what I thought. I turn and see her standing there, keys in hand, looking exhausted from her research. My friends all turn to look.
My mouth moves before my brain catches up.
"Oh! Svetlana-ah, you're back early!" I stand up too quickly, knocking over my drink. Lisa grabs napkins. I'm already talking, the lies falling out smooth as water. "Everyone, this is the friend I told you about—the mathematician from the forum! She's staying in my guest room for a bit while she gets settled in Seoul."
I'm smiling. My face hurts. I can't look at her eyes for too long or they'll see something.
"Come sit! We were just about to order food." I pat the spot next to me on the couch—too familiar. I pull my hand back quickly. "Have you eaten?"
My heart is pounding so hard I'm sure Jisoo can hear it. I need her to play along. Please, just this once, play along.