Nicky sat alone in her office; the article's words seemed to pierce her heart like a thousand knives. The headline had gripped her attention, and she couldn't tear her eyes away from the image of Mina and the mysterious man. Her fingers trembled as she scrolled through the article, her heart sinking with each word.

The article continued with sensationalized accounts of Mina's supposed secret love, filled with lurid details that made Nicky's stomach churn. It painted a picture of a world Nicky didn't recognize; however, despite the alarming article's claims and evidence, Nicky couldn't believe it.

The article described the mystery man as a wealthy entrepreneur, a suitor who had allegedly swept Mina off her feet with lavish gifts and extravagant dates. Nicky's heart ached with each word, and a sense of helplessness washed over her.

Tears welled in Nicky's eyes as she read the comments section, filled with nasty accusations and judgmental strangers speculating about Mina's actions. How had things spiralled so out of control?

Nicky's primary concern lay with Mina's well-being, and she felt an urgent need to reach out to her girlfriend, hear her side of the story, and offer her the support and understanding she might desperately require. However, there was a lingering fear that Mina had become overwhelmed by the relentless scrutiny, making it challenging to protect herself from the ruthless rumours.

As the day wore on, Nicky's restaurant buzzed with customers, the clatter of dishes and the chatter of patrons providing a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her heart. She couldn't focus on her work, her mind consumed by the storm that raged beyond the restaurant walls.

 

Meanwhile, Mina had been immersed in her busy schedule, utterly oblivious to the storm brewing in the outside world. She hadn't had a chance to check her phone or the news.

They had just finished a gruelling schedule filled with rehearsals when her members approached her, and concern etched across their faces. They showed her a headline that sent shockwaves through her heart. Mina was caught in a whirlwind of confusion and distress.

"Twice Mina's Secret Love Exposed!" The words on the screen felt like a dagger to her chest. The accompanying photo showed her in an intimate conversation with a man, their faces so close that anyone would assume an undeniable closeness. She knew the image had been taken out of context, but the world outside didn't see it that way.

Fear and panic welled inside Mina as she realized the magnitude of the situation. She knew she had to find Nicky to explain and reassure her that the rumours were untrue. Determined to set things right, she rushed from the practice room to Nicky's restaurant, leaving her members behind.

As Mina hurriedly departed, her members offered encouragement and support, assuring her that everything would be fine. With their kind words echoing in her ears, she embarked on her journey to face the unfolding storm, determined to make things right.

As she arrived at the restaurant, her heart pounding with anxiety, she was met by James, the head chef and one of Nicky's best friends. James looked concerned as he approached Mina. "Mina shi, I'm glad you're here, but Nicky left early today. She seemed upset."

Mina's heart sank. She had hoped to find Nicky at the restaurant. "Do you know where she went?" she asked, her voice quivering with worry.

James shook his head. "I'm not sure. She's been through a lot today."

Mina thanked James and rushed to Nicky's house, trying to call Nicky along the way, but each call went unanswered. She grew desperate, fearing that Nicky had misunderstood the situation or believed the rumours.

 

Meanwhile, Nicky sat alone in her dimly lit room, the soft glow of her laptop screen casting a faint light on her troubled expression. As she scrolled through the comments, her heart sank deeper into despair. People speculated wildly, insinuating that Mina was involved with the man in the photo. They dissected every detail, analyzing the supposed evidence of Mina's love interest.

Nicky couldn't bear to sit alone with her thoughts any longer. She closed her laptop, leaving behind the cruel world of social media, and sought solace in the one person who had always been there for her—her older sister, Tiffany.

With a heavy heart, Nicky got up, grabbed her coat, and headed for her car. The brisk evening air did little to cool the turmoil within her as she started the engine and pulled away from her house. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove the familiar road to her sister's house.

 

Tiffany's house was on the other side of the city, but Nicky was determined to seek solace in her sister's embrace. After a long drive through the bustling streets, Nicky finally stood before her sister's door. She took a deep breath, rang the doorbell, and waited anxiously. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Tiffany's warm smile.

As Nicky entered Tiffany's home, Taeyeon, who had just walked out from the kitchen, joined them in the living room. Tiffany looked at her little sister worriedly as Nicky couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She collapsed onto Tiffany's arm, burying her face onto her sister's shoulder. Taeyeon sat beside her, gently rubbing her back in a comforting manner. "Nicky, what's wrong?" Tiffany asked, her voice filled with genuine worry, while Taeyeon looked equally concerned.

"It's about Mina, unnie," Nicky managed to say through tears. "I don't know what to do. I'm so worried about her, and these rumours are making me feel so helpless."

Tiffany tightened her arm around Nicky, offering a supportive embrace. "Tell me everything, Nicky," she said softly. "Start from the beginning."

As Nicky recounted the story of her relationship with Mina, how it had begun, blossomed, and now seemed to be unravelling due to a rumour, Tiffany and Taeyeon listened intently. They exchanged glances, sharing the weight of Nicky's dilemma.

Tiffany couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, she was excited that her sister had found love, but on the other hand, she was disappointed that Nicky had kept it a secret for so long. "So, you've been seeing Mina all this time and never told me?" Tiffany asked her tone a blend of surprise and amusement.

Nicky raised her tear-filled eyes to meet her sister's gaze. "I didn't know how you'd react, and I also wanted to protect Mina's privacy. I'm sorry I didn't share this with you sooner. But now, I need your guidance and support more than ever."

Tiffany gently squeezed her sister's shoulder, understanding Nicky's reasons. "I get it, Nicky. But remember, next time, please don't keep secrets from me. Remember, I'm always here for you."

Taeyeon, quietly listening, chimed in with a thoughtful smile. "You know, when Tiffany and I started dating, we had to face plenty of rumours and challenges, too. People can be quick to judge and assume things. But what helped us was staying true to our feelings for each other and communicating openly."

Nicky looked at Taeyeon with hope in her eyes. "How did you both overcome the dating rumours and challenges?" she asked, eager to hear their experience.

Tiffany and Taeyeon exchanged a knowing look before Tiffany spoke up. "We talked to each other honestly about how we felt and decided to prioritize our relationship over what others might say. We also found support in our close friends and family, like we're here for you now, Nicky."

Taeyeon nodded in agreement. "And remember, love is worth fighting for. It might not be easy, but you can get through anything when you're both committed to each other."

Nicky felt a deep sense of gratitude as she listened to the wisdom and encouragement of her sister and Taeyeon. Their wor