Kanak's days at the university were becoming more enjoyable. She had started to make friends with people from different countries and cultures. There was Amira from Algeria, who was studying engineering and had a passion for music. Then there was Li Wei from China, who was a brilliant mathematician and loved to play chess. Kanak had also befriended Pierre from France, who was studying literature and had a flair for poetry.
But among all her new friends, there was one person who stood out. His name was Somya Sarng, and he was from India. Somya had a charming smile and piercing brown eyes that seemed to see right through her. His black hair was always perfectly messy, and his full eyebrows added to his rugged charm.
Somya was the second lead vibe personified. He was friendly and approachable, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand. Kanak found herself drawn to his easygoing nature and his infectious laughter.
As they spent more time together, Kanak discovered that Somya was not only charming but also intelligent and insightful. He had a way of understanding people that was uncanny, and Kanak found herself opening up to him in ways she never thought possible.
Somya's curly hair was always a topic of conversation, and Kanak loved the way it framed his face. She found herself feeling at ease around him, and their conversations flowed effortlessly.
As the days turned into weeks, Kanak's circle of friends grew, and she found herself feeling more confident and happy. She was grateful for the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, and she knew that these friendships would last a lifetime.
As Kanak spent more time with Somya, she realized that their friendship was truly special. They would talk for hours about everything from science and philosophy to music and movies. Kanak loved how Somya would challenge her thoughts and ideas, and how he would listen to her with such intensity and interest.
One day, while hanging out with their friend circle, Somya turned to Kanak and said, "You know, I've been thinking. We should start a band."
Kanak raised an eyebrow. "A band? What makes you think we can be in a band?
Somya grinned. "Well, Amira can play the guitar, Li Wei can play the drums, Pierre can play the bass, and I can play the keyboard. And you... you can sing!"
Kanak's eyes widened in surprise. "Me? Sing? You must be joking."
But Somya was dead serious. "I've heard you humming in the library, Kanak. You have a beautiful voice. Come on, give it a try!"
Kanak's face turned bright red as she realized that Somya had been paying attention to her humming. But with some prodding from her friends, she finally agreed to give singing a try.
As they set up their makeshift band in the university's music room, Kanak's nerves began to get the better of her. What if she sounded terrible? What if she embarrassed herself in front of her friends?
But as soon as the music started, Kanak's doubts disappeared. She closed her eyes, let the music take over, and began to sing.
Her voice soared through the music room, filling the space with a sweet, melodious sound. Her friends stared at her in amazement, their jaws dropped in surprise.
Somya grinned at her, his eyes shining with excitement. "I knew you could do it, Kanak! You're a natural!"
As they finished their impromptu performance, Kanak's friends cheered and clapped, whistling for more. Kanak's face glowed with happiness, and she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that she had never felt before.
Unbeknownst to Kanak and her friends, So-Min was watching them from afar, a look of wonder and admiration on his face. But they didn't know that, and they continued to bask in the joy of their newfound musical talents.
The group of friends decided to practice at So-Min's house, and as they stepped inside, their jaws dropped in unison. The mansion was enormous, with high ceilings, marble floors, and lavish decorations.
"Wow, this is insane!" Amira exclaimed.
"I know, right?" Li Wei added. "I've never seen a house this big before!"
Pierre whistled. "This is like a palace!"
Somya grinned. "I think we're in the presence of royalty or something."
Kanak laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed. "It's just my husband's house," she said nonchalantly.
But her friends exchanged skeptical glances. "Your husband's house?" Amira repeated. "Kanak, what's going on? You're not exactly forthcoming about your personal life."
Kanak hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But as she looked at her friends, she saw the genuine concern and curiosity in their eyes. She trusted them, and she knew they would support her no matter what.
"Okay, fine," Kanak said, taking a deep breath. "I'll tell you the truth. My husband is Kim So-Min, the famous actor."
Her friends stared at her in shock, their mouths agape. "What?" Somya exclaimed. "Kanak, why didn't you tell us?"
Kanak shrugged. "I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. And besides, I'm not exactly used to talking about my personal life."
But to Kanak's surprise, her friends were incredibly supportive. They asked her questions, but they didn't pry or judge her. They simply listened and offered words of encouragement.
As the evening drew to a close, So-Min walked into the room, a smile on his face. "Hey, everyone," he said, his eyes scanning the room. "I see you're all having a great time."
"Mr. Kim!" Amira exclaimed, getting up from her seat. "We didn't know you were Kanak's husband!"
So-Min chuckled. "Please, call me So-Min. And yes, Kanak and I are married."
Somya stood up, extending his hand. "Hi, So-Min. I'm Somya, Kanak's friend from university."
So-Min's eyes narrowed slightly as he shook Somya's hand. "Nice to meet you, Somya. What do you study?"
"I'm a business major," Somya replied. "And you? What's it like being a famous actor?"
So-Min smiled wryly. "It has its perks, but it can also be quite challenging. There's a lot of pressure to perform, and sometimes it feels like I'm living in a fishbowl."
Kanak's friends nodded sympathetically, asking him more questions about his career. So-Min answered them graciously, but Kanak could sense a hint of tension beneath his polite smile.
As the conversation drew to a close, So-Min stood up, his eyes locked on Kanak's. "I think it's getting late," he said, his voice low and husky. "Why don't I walk you all out?"
Kanak's friends nodded, saying their goodbyes as So-Min escorted them to the door. As they left, Kanak couldn't help but notice the possessive glint in So-Min's eye. What was going on?
As soon as the door closed, So-Min turned to Kanak, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So, tell me more about Somya," he said, his voice low and even.
Kanak raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of trepidation. "What about Somya?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
So-Min's eyes seemed to bore into hers. "I just want to know more about him," he said, his voice dripping with intensity. "He seems like a very... interesting person."
Kanak walked into the kitchen, dropping her bag on the floor. So-Min was standing by the stove, stirring a pot of simmering vegetables. He looked up and smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Hey, welcome home," he said, his voice warm. "I made some dinner. Want to try some?"
Kanak shook her head, feeling a bit guilty. "Thanks, but I already ate lunch with Somya. He made some delicious Indian food."
So-Min's smile faltered for a moment, and Kanak caught a glimpse of something else in his eyes. Something that looked almost like... jealousy?
But then So-Min chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Indian food, huh? Well, I'm sure it's not that difficult to make. Korean food, on the other hand, is a whole different story."
Kanak laughed, feeling a bit relieved. "I'm sure Somya would disagree with you," she said, teasing him.
So-Min grinned, his eyes glinting with humor. "Oh, I'm sure he would. Well, next time, I'll have to cook something Korean for you, and we'll see who wins."
But as Kanak walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that So-Min's joking had been a cover for something else. Something that looked almost like... possessiveness?
And as So-Min watched her go, he couldn't help but think about Somya, and the way Kanak had smiled when talking about him. He felt a pang of... something, and he quickly pushed it aside.
But as he turned back to the stove, he couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Somya, you're going down."
So-Min walked into Kanak's room, looking for her. He had wanted to continue their conversation from earlier, but as he entered the room, he was taken aback by the sight before him.
Kanak had just stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her body. Her hair was damp and messy, and her skin was still flushed from the warm water.
So-Min's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a sudden jolt of awkwardness. He hadn't expected to walk in on Kanak in such a state of undress.
Kanak, too, was taken aback. She hadn't expected So-Min to enter her room, and she certainly hadn't expected him to see her in a towel.
For a moment, they just stood there, frozen in awkwardness. So-Min's eyes were fixed on Kanak's face, trying not to look at her body. Kanak, on the other hand, was trying to cover herself up with the towel, feeling embarrassed and exposed.
Finally, So-Min spoke up, his voice a little rougher than usual. "I'm sorry, Kanak. I didn't mean to intrude."
Kanak shook her head, trying to play it cool. "It's okay, So-Min. I just got out of the shower."
So-Min nodded, his eyes still fixed on her face. "I'll just... uh... leave you alone, then."
Kanak nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Yeah, that would be good."
As So-Min turned to leave, Kanak couldn't help but feel a little awkward. She had never been in a situation like this before, and she wasn't sure how to react.
But as she watched So-Min walk out of her room, she couldn't help but notice the way he looked at her. There was something in his eyes, something that looked almost like... attraction.
Kanak's heart skipped a beat as she realized that maybe, just maybe, So-Min felt something for her too.
Chapter 35: A Birthday Celebration
So-Min had been planning Kanak's birthday party for weeks. He wanted to make it a special day for her, one that she would never forget. He had invited all of his close friends, as well as Kanak's new college friends, including Somya.
As the guests began to arrive, Kanak walked into the room, looking stunning in a blue dress that perfectly complemented her skin tone. Her hair was styled in loose waves, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.
So-Min's eyes locked onto Kanak, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and possessiveness. He had never seen her look so beautiful, and he couldn't wait to celebrate her special day with her.
As the party got underway, Kanak was surrounded by her friends, laughing and chatting with ease. So-Min watched her from across the room, a smile on his face. But as he noticed Somya hovering around Kanak, his smile began to fade.
Just then, his friend Tae Ho jumped onto the stage, grabbing the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to celebrate Kanak's birthday in style!" he exclaimed, his voice booming through the room.
Tae Ho started doing a funny dance, waving his arms and legs around like a crazy person. The room erupted into laughter, and Kanak giggled, her eyes shining with amusement.
So-Min chuckled, shaking his head. "Tae Ho, you're such a goofball," he said, grinning.
Tae Ho struck a pose, his chest puffed out. "Hey, someone's got to bring the party to life!" he exclaimed, winking at Kanak.
Kanak laughed, blowing Tae Ho a kiss. "Thanks, Tae Ho. You're the best!"
As the party continued, So-Min made his way over to Kanak, expertly maneuvering himself between her and Somya. "Hey, birthday girl," he said, his voice low and husky. "Having a good time?"
Kanak smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah, I'm having a great time. Thanks for throwing me this amazing party, So-Min."
So-Min's eyes locked onto hers, and he felt a surge of emotion. He wanted to tell her how much she meant to him, how much he wanted to be with her. But he hesitated, unsure of how she would react.
Instead, he leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Kanak. You deserve it. But I think it's time for us to take a break from the party. Just for a little while."
Kanak's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded, allowing So-Min to lead her away from the party. They walked through the crowded rooms, nodding and smiling at the guests as they passed.
Finally, they reached the stairs leading up to the rooftop terrace. So-Min gestured for Kanak to precede him, and she climbed the stairs, her heels clicking on the stone steps.
As they reached the rooftop, Kanak gasped in surprise. The view was breathtaking - the city lights twinkled below, and the stars shone brightly above.
So-Min smiled, his eyes gleaming with pleasure. "I thought you might like this," he said, his voice low and husky.
Kanak nodded, her eyes shining with delight. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
So-Min stepped closer to her, his eyes locked onto hers. "I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice low and intimate. "I wanted to make tonight special for you, Kanak."
Kanak's heart skipped a beat as she looked into So-Min's eyes. She saw something there, something that looked almost like... affection.
But what did it mean? And why did she feel like her heart was racing with excitement?
So-Min's eyes were locked onto Kanak's, his heart racing with excitement. He thought he saw something in her eyes, something that looked almost like... affection.
But then Kanak spoke, her words piercing So-Min's heart like a dagger.
"So-Min, I need to tell you something," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not going to live here forever. I like you, but I don't feel the same way as you do. I know you love me, but sometimes I feel guilty that I'm not an amazing person like you are."
So-Min's eyes widened in shock, his heart sinking in his chest. He felt like he had been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him.
Kanak continued, her words cutting deep into So-Min's soul. "Please don't have hope, So-Min. This isn't me trying to be cruel or hurtful. I just need you to understand that I don't feel the same way. I'm sorry."
So-Min's eyes dropped to the ground, his heart heavy with sorrow. He felt like he had been living in a dream, a dream that had just been shattered into a million pieces.
He nodded slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I understand, Kanak. I'll respect your feelings."
But as he looked up at Kanak, he saw the guilt and pity in her eyes, and it cut him deeper than any knife ever could. He knew that he would never be able to go back to the way things were before, that their relationship would never be the same again.
So-Min couldn't bear to be around Kanak anymore. He felt like he was living in a constant state of heartache, and he didn't know how to escape it. He started to isolate himself from her, spending most of his time in his own room, away from the painful reminders of Kanak's rejection.
As the days went by, So-Min began to realize that Kanak was never going to be his. No matter how hard he tried, no matter how much he loved her, she just didn't feel the same way. It was a hard pill to swallow, but So-Min knew he had to accept it.
Meanwhile, Kanak was oblivious to the danger lurking in the shadows. The agency had started to take notice of her, and they saw her as a soft target. They began to make plans to exploit her innocence and naivety, and Kanak had no idea that her life was about to take a drastic turn.
As So-Min struggled to come to terms with his unrequited love, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. He had always been protective of Kanak, but now he felt like he was failing her. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew he had to find a way to move on from his feelings for Kanak.
Little did he know, Kanak's life was about to become a lot more complicated, and So-Min's feelings for her would be the least of his worries.
Kanak was laughing and chatting with her friends at the cafe, enjoying a rare moment of freedom from her responsibilities. But her carefree afternoon was disrupted when So-Min appeared out of nowhere, his eyes blazing with intensity.
He pulled up in his car, got out, and strode over to Kanak. Without warning, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the car. Kanak's friends watched in shock as So-Min sped away with Kanak.
"Why don't you understand, Kanak?" So-Min demanded, his voice low and urgent. "There's danger lurking around every corner, and you're just wandering around like a normal person. You can't do that. You're my wife, and I won't let anything happen to you."
Kanak's anger boiled over, and she refused to speak to So-Min for the rest of the night. She stormed into her room, slamming the door behind her.
So-Min followed her, a plate of food in his hand. "Kanak, please eat something," he said, his voice softening.
But Kanak turned her back on him, refusing to acknowledge his presence. So-Min's eyes narrowed, and he pulled out his dominant side.
"Kanak, listen to me," he said, his voice firm and commanding. "For the next year, I am your husband, and you will listen to me. You will do as I say, or I will make you listen. Do you understand?"
Kanak's back stiffened, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. She didn't know how to react to So-Min's dominant nature. Part of her was intimidated, but another part of her was drawn to it.
Slowly, she turned around, her eyes locked on So-Min's. Without a word, she took the plate of food from him and began to eat. So-Min's eyes never left hers, his gaze burning with intensity.
For a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the clinking of utensils on the plate. Then, So-Min turned and walked out of the room, leaving Kanak to wonder what had just happened.