My Boyfriend, Mr. Popular

Julian and I video-called each day while he was away to update me on his work, and he often sent me luxury gifts from his earnings.

It felt like our relationship hadn't suffered at all from the long distance, and I trusted him completely.

We managed to see each other two to three times a month, and every time he visited, I was overjoyed. We'd go out on dates and enjoy each other's company.

One time, Julian returned from his trip just in time for my birthday.

I recorded a short video of us celebrating over dinner and shared it on my Instagram along with a photo of the gift he bought me so that I could look back on that memorable day.

I hadn't been one to post much before. But ever since we started the long-distance relationship, I had developed the habit of sharing snippets of our life together online. It helped ease the longing when he wasn't around.

Julian stayed the night but left again the next day.

Afterward, I scrolled through my Instagram feed, drawing motivation from others' posts to keep pushing forward in my studies for the upcoming grad school entrance exam.

Later that evening, I got a message from someone claiming to be from Julian's agency. They told me to take down the photos and videos of us from my public feed.

Confused, I asked, "Why can't I share moments from my life with my boyfriend?"

The staff explained, "Julian's career is taking off right now. He's gained tens of thousands of new followers recently. If his fans find out that you're his real girlfriend and not the one in the videos, it could seriously damage his job and reputation."

I hadn't considered the potential fallout. It hadn't crossed my mind that his newfound fame would come with so many complications.

"Even though we know his relationship with Winter is just a marketing ploy, the public will regard the truth differently. They'll accuse Julian of cheating, and the backlash could be brutal. You know how good he is to you, so please think of what's best for him."

The realization hit me hard. After thinking it over, I agreed and switched my Instagram account to private so that the posts were viewable only by me.

However, even though I made these sacrifices, it felt like I was the only one making an effort.

Not long after, I checked Julian's Instagram page again, and the comments on his videos were filled with fans urging him and Winter to get married.

Julian didn't correct them, and Winter was enthusiastically engaging with viewers by sharing stories about all the sweet things Julian had supposedly done for her.

I couldn't stand it any longer. In frustration, I replied to one of Winter's comments and questioned their relationship. That only resulted in me getting viciously attacked by their fans, who mocked me for being single and jealous.

They accused me of being bitter and envious of a happy couple.

My blood boiled, and I called Julian to demand when he was going to cut ties with Winter. I couldn't take it anymore. It felt like I was the homewrecker in my own relationship.

Julian merely said it wouldn't be long. He claimed they were already planning to stage a breakup and end the fake relationship. But I was so annoyed that I hung up and refused to listen to any more excuses.

…

That weekend, I was home alone, sulking, when the doorbell rang unexpectedly.

To my surprise, it was Julian.

He told me he had come to apologize, saying he couldn't control the situation with Winter but wanted to make it up to me by taking me out for dinner.

We went to a trendy couple-themed restaurant. I was on edge the whole time, terrified someone might recognize Julian and ruin his carefully crafted online persona.

Julian wore a baseball cap and glasses, altering his appearance just enough to feel safe holding my hand in public.

Seeing him take such a risk for me calmed me down, and strangely, the secrecy of it all made the night feel exciting in a way. Thus, all my pent-up frustration eventually dissolved.