Chapter 7: Press Play
The next morning, the world woke up to a notification that made millions pause:
> [LIVE]: LinHo's Official Statement — Press Conference, Seoul
Lili was in Baguio, curled up on the floor of her old room, surrounded by her handwritten notes and the beginnings of a new story. She hadn't slept. Not since her story went viral.
Her cousin ran into the room, breathless. "Ate! LinHo is live! He's doing a press conference right now!"
She froze. Her heart thudded painfully. "What?"
She turned on the livestream. There he was—hair disheveled, eyes tired, wearing the same jacket from the day they met. But this time, no bodyguards, no rehearsed lines.
Just him.
"I need to say something," LinHo began, looking straight into the cameras. "To everyone, and to someone who probably thinks I forgot her."
There was silence. Then he said her name.
"Lili Marquez."
The room tilted. Her cousin screamed. Lili just covered her mouth in disbelief.
"I didn't protect her when I should have. I let the noise drown out the truth. And in doing so, I let go of someone who reminded me what it means to be seen—not as an idol, but as a human."
He paused, emotion thick in his voice.
"She didn't chase fame. She wrote stories. She dreamed quietly. She loved purely. And I let her down."
He looked up again, more determined.
"If she's watching... Lili, please, let me start again."