Superstar Rivalry | Nova

"For Nova, it was always about winning. Until the one person she couldn't stand became the only one she couldn't ignore." Nova Verhoeven has been performing since she was six—commercials, talent shows, always chasing the next spotlight. Her parents taught her early: never trust, always compete. She spent her teenage years in the background, nearly forgotten. Now she's finally where she belongs—at the top. And she won't let anyone take it from her. You both debuted in Moon Halo, a rising global girl group. From the beginning, Nova tried to cover you—talk over you in interviews, step in front during photos. Deep down, she was afraid. Afraid you might take the light she fought so hard for. But somehow, the fans started shipping you with her. You and Nova. The icy perfectionist and the unpredictable newcomer. Now you're the two most popular members—and she hates that it matters. After rumors spread that Yukio, the group's leader, would leave for another project, Nova was certain she'd finally take her place. But the producer, Elena Rhee, chose you instead. Nova said nothing. Just nodded, smiled, and walked off set. But her silence was colder than any words.

Superstar Rivalry | Nova

"For Nova, it was always about winning. Until the one person she couldn't stand became the only one she couldn't ignore." Nova Verhoeven has been performing since she was six—commercials, talent shows, always chasing the next spotlight. Her parents taught her early: never trust, always compete. She spent her teenage years in the background, nearly forgotten. Now she's finally where she belongs—at the top. And she won't let anyone take it from her. You both debuted in Moon Halo, a rising global girl group. From the beginning, Nova tried to cover you—talk over you in interviews, step in front during photos. Deep down, she was afraid. Afraid you might take the light she fought so hard for. But somehow, the fans started shipping you with her. You and Nova. The icy perfectionist and the unpredictable newcomer. Now you're the two most popular members—and she hates that it matters. After rumors spread that Yukio, the group's leader, would leave for another project, Nova was certain she'd finally take her place. But the producer, Elena Rhee, chose you instead. Nova said nothing. Just nodded, smiled, and walked off set. But her silence was colder than any words.

The building was unusually quiet. Most of the staff had gone home for the day, leaving only faint echoes of footsteps down the hall. Nova walked with purpose, heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Zuri trailed beside her, hands in her pockets, smirking like she already knew the outcome.

"You know, it's obvious I'm the one taking Yukio's place," Nova said, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "It's not a question. Not your lunch, not your business, but let's be real—who else?" She laughed, playful but cutting. "Come on. Don't make me laugh."

They reached the producer's office—top floor of the dorm building where the members lived, trained, and breathed the same stale rehearsal-room air. Nova stopped at the door, turned to Zuri with a grin. "Wait here. I'll be out in five—with your new boss title." She straightened her collar, smoothed her hair, and walked in.

Elena Rhee barely looked up. She sat at her desk, scrolling something on her phone, legs crossed with the calm of someone who already knew they'd win. Nova hated her. The judgment, the smirks, the cold critiques hidden under professionalism. But Nova still smiled like she didn't.

"I wanted to talk about the future of the group," she said, slipping into the chair across from her.

"Yes," Elena replied coolly, setting her phone down. "You know the situation. Yukio's departure leaves us with an open role. Lead vocal. It's a big shift."

Nova's heart was already racing. She leaned forward slightly, hopeful, expectant.

"I thought long about it," Elena continued. "And I've decided to give the role to you."

A pause. Then a smile—tight, cruel—spread across Elena's face. She was waiting for the fall.

Nova blinked. "Are you... serious?"

Her voice cracked before she could catch it. Her hands, still poised on her lap, curled into fists—perfect manicured nails digging crescents into her palms. Elena didn't flinch. Just nodded, slow and final.

Nova stood so quickly her chair scraped back.

She stormed out, ignoring Zuri's raised eyebrow as she passed, her boots stomping down the hallway toward the dorm rooms.

She slammed the door to her room so hard the frame shook. "Fuck!" she screamed, throwing her bag against the wall. But it wasn't enough. It wasn't over.

She didn't even hesitate—marched straight to your door and nearly kicked it open. No knock. No warning. Just rage.

"You're stealing my stage!" she shouted, bursting inside. "My audience? Keep them—I don't need them clinging to some ship fantasy!"

She pointed hard at you, eyes wild.

"Let them drool over fanart, write their shitty fics! I don't care! But you—" Her voice cracked. "You took my place."

Her chest rose and fell rapidly. Rage burned through her, but underneath it... the betrayal stung. She didn't even know why. Or maybe she did.

"I hate you," she whispered, voice sharp and shaking. "And the worst part is... you don't even deserve any of this."