“Reveal says that if you admit to dating Geonwu, they won’t release all the photos,” Mr. Noh says, his mouth set in a severe line. “They’ll only release the ones of you getting in the car with him.” Eunji seems to brighten the tiniest bit, but then Mr. Noh continues, “If you sign an agreement allowing Reveal to formally report on your relationship.” Eunji slumps back down in her seat. “Of course, if you decide to go with this plan, DB will also release a statement confirming your relationship with Song Geonwu,” Mr. Noh finishes.

Eunji bites her lip. Formal reporting means going public and going public is a big deal, especially when you’re not ready.

“I suggest you consider this decision carefully, Shin Eunji,” Mr. Noh says. “This is the only way to protect your image from further damage. SK Amore has already gotten wind of this. They called me this morning to drop your sponsorship.”

Eunji looks up, stricken. I can’t believe SK Amore could have learned about this so quickly, but I guess bad news—or, at least, scandalous news—travels fast in this industry. Eunji points to me, her voice shaking. “What about Rachel? She was there too. Does she also have to confess?”

“There are no photos of Rachel,” Mr. Noh says. “No photos, no confession.”

Eunji’s mouth drops open in disbelief.

“But if what Eunji says is true,” Mr. Noh adds, shifting his stern gaze to me, “you’d better watch what you’re doing, Rachel. I called you in here this morning to give you a warning, and so you could see for yourself the consequences of this kind of behavior. You don’t want to end up like your friend here.”

I swallow hard and bow my head. “Yes, Mr. Noh. I understand.” I feel so guilty, I can’t even look at Eunji as she signs the agreement to let Reveal report on her. This is unfair and I know it.

As soon as we leave Mr. Noh’s office, I reach for her hand. “Eunji…”

She snatches her hand away, face blotchy with tears. “This is so fucked up! We were both out with our boyfriends. How come you get to get away with it and I don’t? Why does nothing bad ever happen to you?”

Her voice rises in frustration with each word.

“I’m sorry, Eunji,” I say, my hand falling limply by my side. Is that what she thinks? That nothing bad ever happens to me? It’s true, I’ve been very fortunate and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given, but it’s not like I’m just waltzing through some picture-perfect life. I open my mouth to try to connect with Eunji again, but before I can say another word, she turns on her heel and strides away.

What if it’s me next?