I stood in the kitchen, drinking water, my mind still reeling from last night's events. The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting soft shadows across the room. I knew I had to tell Heewon, but I wasn't sure how to begin.
Just as I was thinking about it, the door clicked open, and Heewon walked in, his usual calm demeanor making him seem almost unshakeable. He was dressed in his typical business attire—black slacks, a crisp white shirt, and a tailored blazer—giving an air of professionalism. His eyes scanned the room quickly before landing on me. "Morning," he said, setting down his bag. "How was your date last night? your sleep?"
I forced a small smile, trying to hide my agitation. "It wasn't great, to be honest." Heewon's sharp eyes didn't miss a thing, he immediately picked up on my unease.
He sat down across from me, leaning forward slightly. "Is something wrong? You seem off."
I took a deep breath, "Something happened last night. I... I think I need to move out of this apartment."
Heewon's expression remained neutral, but I saw the concern in his eyes. "Tell me what happened."
I hesitated, then started to recount the events. "It started while I was serving my self with a bowl. The rain was pounding against the windows. I thought it was just the weather getting to me, but then I heard noises at the door. Someone was trying to get in."
Heewon's eyes narrowed slightly, his attention focused entirely on me. "Did you see who it was?"
I shook my head, my jaw clenching. "No. I was too scared to move. It reminded me of... of things from my past." I paused, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I was ready to defend myself, but it brought back memories I want to buried. I can't stay here anymore."
Heewon remained silent for a moment, processing everything I'd said. Then he nodded and sigh, his expression thoughtful. "I see, I understand, Yejun. Your safety is the most important thing right now."
I looked at him, "I need to move out, Heewon. I don't feel safe anymore."
Heewon leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. "Okay, We'll find you a new place. Somewhere secure, where you can feel at ease. I'll handle everything."
Relief washed over me as he assured me. Yet, beneath that relief lingered a nagging unease. The thought of what my fans might think gnawed at me like an invisible weight.
"But what about the costs? Finding a new apartment and moving, the fans would find it suspicious and might know what happened." I voiced my concern.
Heewon, always composed and practical, gave me a rare, reassuring smile. "That's fine, don't worry about that. You focus on your safety."
I nodded, trying to shake off the apprehension. Heewon had a way of handling things with a cool head. "Thank you,"
Heewon stood up, straightening his jacket. "Let's get you out of here and into a place where you can feel secure."
Heewon wasted no time. He pulled out his phone, his fingers moving fast. His eyes were sharp and focused. He opened something and started to scroll. The city noise outside was a distant hum compared to the quiet room.
I watched Heewon's brow furrow. Every few seconds, he paused, looked at a listing, shook his head, and moved on. His jaw was set, determination clear. He needed to find the perfect place. It takes for half a minute.
After a while, Heewon made a call. His voice was calm but firm. "Yes, Mr. Kim? It's Heewon. I need a favor. I'm looking for a high-security apartment. Top priority. Can you help?"
I could hear the faint response. There was a lot of nodding from Heewon, quick thank you's. He ended the call and dialed another number. He never paused, never hesitated.
The room felt smaller as I watched Heewon work his contacts. Each call was a step closer to finding a safe place. Heewon's confidence was a lifeline. The listings on his phone glowed softly.
Minutes felt like hours, but finally, Heewon seemed satisfied. He looked at me, eyes hard. "We've got a lead on a secure apartment. It's perfect."
I felt a wave of relief. "Thanks,"
THE AFTERNOON light filters through the tall windows, casting long shadows on the wooden floor. I stand in the center of my big, spacious apartment, feeling the cool air on my skin. Around me, half-filled boxes are scattered, some labeled, others waiting to be sealed.
I move to the bookshelf, running my fingers over the spines of the books. Each one has a memory, a place in time. I start pulling them off the shelves, stacking them in a neat pile. Heewon joins me, picking up the stack and transferring it to a waiting box. His strength and precision are evident in the way he handles the books.
"Do you want these packed in a specific order?" Heewon asks, glancing at me.
I shake my head. "No, just make sure they're packed tight so they don't shift around."
Heewon nods, arranging the books neatly in the box. "What about those photo albums? Should we wrap them?"
"Yes, wrap them in some bubble wrap," I reply, pointing to a shelf with old albums. "They're a bit fragile."
Heewon moves to grab the albums, his fingers careful as he takes them off the shelf. "Do you have more bubble wrap?"
"There's a roll in the kitchen drawer," I say, walking over to the kitchen. I open the drawer and pull out the roll, handing it to him.
Heewon takes it with a small smile. "Got it. What about the decorative stuff? The vases and those little sculptures?"
"Wrap those too," I instruct. "Use the newspaper for the smaller ones, and the bubble wrap for the bigger pieces."
Heewon nods again, starting on the delicate task. "Anything specific for the electronics?"
"Just make sure to pack the cords and accessories with them," I say. "I labeled some bags for them in the box by the TV."
Heewon heads over to the TV area, carefully unplugging and wrapping each item. I can hear the sound of tape as he secures the cords in place.
"What about the plants?" he calls out from across the room.
"Leave those for last," I reply. "I'll take them in the car. They need to stay upright."
Heewon finishes with the electronics and moves to the kitchen. "Do you want me to start on the dishes?"
"Yes, please," I say. "Wrap each plate and glass in the newspaper. We can't afford any breakage."
Heewon works steadily, his hands moving quickly but carefully. I can see the focus in his eyes as he ensures each item is well protected.
"How about the food in the pantry?" he asks, looking over at me.
"Non-perishables can go in a box," I say. "But check the expiration dates. Anything close, just toss it."
Heewon nods, beginning to sort through the pantry items. I move to help, checking dates and organizing cans and boxes into a pile.
By the time we finish, the kitchen is empty. We stand amidst the packed boxes, a sense of accomplishment hanging in the air.
"Anything else?" Heewon asks, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.
"Just the last few bits in the bedroom," I say. "Let's make sure they're packed carefully too."
Heewon follows me to the bedroom, and we start on the final items, working in tandem until everything is packed and ready to go. The bed stripped of its sheets. The closet doors are open, revealing a mix of clothes hanging limply. I start pulling them off the hangers, folding each piece before placing it into a box. Heewon appears at the doorway, holding an empty box, his presence filling the room with a sense of calm.
He sets the box down and starts on the other side of the closet. We work side by side, folding shirts, pants, and jackets. The silence is only broken by the rustle of fabric and the occasional sound of a hanger falling to the floor.
In the bathroom, I gather toiletries, placing them in a small box. The mirror reflects my focused expression as I carefully pack away items. Heewon steps in, collecting towels and folding them neatly.
Back in the living room, the boxes are piling up. The once spacious apartment now feels like a maze of cardboard. We pause for a moment, surveying our progress. Heewon wipes a bead of sweat from his forehead.
We continue in the kitchen, packing pots, pans, and utensils. Heewon's hands move with practiced ease, placing each item in its designated spot. I take a moment to look around, the emptiness of the kitchen sinking in. The countertops are clear, cabinets empty, the fridge bare.
The apartment is nearly empty. The only things left are a few stray boxes and pieces of furniture waiting to be moved.
I sigh, leaning against the wall. "Hey, I think we need a break. My legs are killing me."
Heewon wipes his forehead with the back of his hand, his eyes weary. "Yeah, I'm tired too. But let's not rest too long. The sooner we finish, the better."
I nod, grateful for the agreement. "Just a few minutes. We can sit on the sofa, what's left of it."
Heewon gives a small smile. "Alright, a few minutes."
We move to the sofa, or what remains of it, and sink into the cushions. The silence is a relief, a momentary escape from the hustle of packing.
I close my eyes, feeling the weight of the day catching up to me. "Hey," I called. "Thanks for helping, I couldn't have done this alone."
Heewon shrugs, leaning back. "No problem. It's what friends at the same time, a manager, are for."
We sit quietly, the sound of our breathing filling the empty space. After an hour and a half break, Heewon straightens up, stretching his arms. "Alright, let's get back to it. We're almost there."
I nod, pushing myself up from the couch. "Yeah, let's finish this."
We return to the boxes and furniture, our break over but spirits slightly lifted. Heewon's determination is infectious, and we work together, the end of this exhausting work is very near.
We start moving the boxes to the hallway, stacking them near the door. My strong arms make quick work of the task, while Heewon focus on the smaller, lighter items. The hallway fills with boxes, ready to be transported to my new place.
Finally, the apartment is completely empty. Heewon and I stand at the door, looking back at the now vacant space. The sunlight streams in, highlighting the dust motes dancing in the air. Heewon gives a small nod, and we step out, closing the door behind us.
Heewon adjusts his jacket and turns to me, his expression thoughtful yet casual. "Yejun, before we head out, there's something I wanted to discuss with you."
I turn to face him, curious at his words. "What is it?"
Heewon pauses for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I've been thinking about your next steps. Have you considered taking some time off before diving into the next project? You've been through a lot recently."
I nod slowly, appreciating his concern. "That's actually something I've been considering too. Honestly, a week break might be good for me."
Heewon just nodded. "You've worked hard, and you deserve some time to recharge."
"Thank you, Heewon," I reply sincerely. "I appreciate your support through all of this."
He nods again, his demeanor shifting slightly back to business. "Of course. Now, let's grab a quick bite to eat before we start preparing for tomorrow."
I agreed.
WE SETTLE into the car, the last of the boxes snugly stacked in the trunk. Heewon starts the engine, and the familiar hum of the car fills the quiet interior. I turned my attention and focus on my phone while Heewon with focused expression on his face as he drive through the city streets.
The drive is smooth, the night cloaking the city in a soft glow from the passing streetlights and buildings. As I sink into the seat, a wave of relief washes over me, finally, we're on our way to our new placeDamn, I forgot how tiring it was to pack everything and move out. Now I remember.
As we approach a stoplight, Heewon's phone buzzes in the cup holder. He glances at the screen before answering, his voice calm yet attentive. "Hello, Mr. Kim? Yes, we just finished packing up. On our way to see the apartment now."
I watch Heewon nod occasionally, listening intently to Mr. Kim on the other end of the line. He exchanges a few more words before ending the call with a polite farewell.
"Mr. Kim wants us to meet him at the apartment in about half an hour," Heewon informs me, his eyes briefly meeting mine in the rearview mirror.
"Got it," I reply, settling back into my seat. "Looking forward to seeing it."
Heewon navigates through traffic with practiced ease, his mind already shifting to the task ahead. I watch the cityscape blur by, the anticipation building with each passing minute.
Soon, we arrive at the building—a sleek, modern structure with glass walls reflecting the fading sunlight. Heewon finds a parking spot nearby, and we step out onto the bustling sidewalk.
The lobby is pristine, the floors gleaming under soft lighting. Once we entered we immediately saw an elderly man, dress in neat suit while patiently standing. Mr. Kim, waiting for us near the elevator, upon seeing us, a warm smile on his face flashes as he greets us. "Welcome, actor Kang Yejun, manager Heewon."
"It's good to see you too, Mr. Kim," Heewon replies respectfully.
Mr. Kim heart fully laughed. "Such a polite man," He turned to me, smiled more and held out his hands for a shake. "Actor Kang Yejun, it's very nice to see you in person, I watched your movies and I had been a fan of yours, it's really a pleasure to meet you."
I reflect his smile, "Thank you for your support Mr. Kim, I will do my best in the future and please, drop the formalities as I will be in your care starting today." I meant what I said. I felt warmth in my heart and can't help but smile genuinely hearing his words, it really nice seeing your fan and someone appreciating your hard work.
Mr. Kim leads us to the elevator, where we ride up to the designated floor. As the doors open, we step into a spacious hallway lined with apartment doors. Heewon checks the number on his phone and leads us to the right door.
He unlocks it and pushes it open, revealing a beautifully furnished living space bathed in the warm hues of the lights. Large windows overlook the city skyline, casting a golden glow over the sleek furniture and minimalist decor. [×××]
I step inside, taking in the open layout and the sense of calm that fills the air. "Woah, amazing," I murmur, genuinely impressed by the apartment's ambiance.
Heewon nods in agreement, his eyes scanning the room thoughtfully. "It's definitely a step up in comfort."
Mr. Kim gestures towards the kitchen area, where stainless steel appliances gleam under soft lighting. "The appliances are brand new, and the security features are top-notch. I think you'll find it quite suitable."
I nod, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Heewon for his diligence in finding this place. "You really went above and beyond."
Heewon smiles modestly. "It's my job to make sure everything goes smoothly."
Mr. Kim leaves us to explore the apartment, offering to answer any questions we might have. Heewon and I move from room to room, inspecting the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and storage spaces.
"I can't believe how nice this place is," I whisper in amazement. They boasted about how secure it is, and I'm eager to see just how effective and strong the security measures are. Not like I want to face danger or that same situation again.
Heewon nods in agreement. "It's a fresh start. I think you'll be very happy here, Yejun."
I smiled, looking forward living a luxurious apartment with a high security. "I believe so too."
"So it's you, huh?" a voice interjects from behind us.
Surprised, I turn to see a woman standing by the doorway of the apartment next door. She's tall and slender, neatly dressed and looks like she's about to head out but stop by, with dark, enigmatic eyes that seem to hold secrets. Her expression is cool and nonchalant, giving away nothing.
My eyebrows furrow slightly in confusion. "I'm sorry, do we know each other?"
The woman tilts her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "We've met before, although I'm not surprised you don't remember."
Heewon and I exchange a glance, unsure of what she means. "I'm sorry, but I don't recall," I admit, my curiosity piqued.
She didn't listen. "Welcome to the building."
Heewon smiled. "Thank you Miss."
She looked at her watch and said, "I should get going. Enjoy settling in." With that, she turns and walks away, leaving Heewon and me standing in our doorway.
Heewon closes the door behind us, his brow furrowed in thought. "That was... interesting."
I nod slowly, still processing what just happened. "Yeah, it was. I wonder what she meant by 'we've met before.'"
Heewon shrugs, though a thoughtful look crosses his face. "Who knows?"