"Aya, don't be angry. We can still think of other ways."
"What other ways are there?"
"For a while now, I've been lurking in Melody Monroe's fan groups. I've noticed some male fans are particularly obsessed with her. A little while ago, when all that news about her love life was causing a stir, these guys were demanding that she reveal details about her personal relationships. They seemed really invested."
"How come I haven't heard about this?"
"They're just a small minority, and they were shouted down by the other fans, so they didn't get much attention. But what if... what if there are a few extremists in that group? People who, out of 'love' for their goddess, might do something... extreme?"
Aya Winters understood instantly.
"You handle the arrangements. Tell me what it costs. No matter what, we can't let Melody Monroe win Best Newcomer."
"Okay."
...
The first heavy snow of winter fell silently during the night.
