Jieun was sitting at the table, surrounded by her family. Her parents and her younger sister, Yuri, an eighteen-year-old girl identical to Jieun in her large blue eyes, were quietly sharing their meal. The only difference between them was the color of their hair: Jieun's was naturally jet-black, while Yuri's was blonde, often a subject of debate between them.
—Jieun, you started working at LWS Entertainment today —said her mother proudly as she took a sip of soup.
But Yuri, visibly uncomfortable, let out a sigh.
—I think it's unnecessary. You'll soon marry a chaebol —said her father without looking up from his plate.
Jieun felt the tension rise in the air. She knew her family thought she should stay at home, prepare for her wedding, and live a comfortable life. It was what everyone expected of her—and, in some ways, what she had once believed too. But she didn't want to be stuck in that vision. Trying to shift the mood, she smiled nervously.
—It's a bit boring to be alone at home —she said, as if it were a valid excuse.
—Ha, right —said Yuri sarcastically, glancing at her sideways.
Jieun looked at her in confusion, but Yuri simply went back to eating, ignoring her completely. Their mother, trying to ease the atmosphere, smiled warmly.
—Whatever you decide is fine, dear. You'll always have our support —said her mother gently—. I'm very proud of you.
Jieun smiled gratefully, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. Before she could reply, her phone buzzed on the table—it was an email from the company.
The message stated there had been last-minute changes to the group's schedule: the commercial shoot was moved up to tomorrow at eight in the morning. Jieun sighed, feeling a slight pressure in her chest. Quickly, she picked up her phone and sent a message to the group members, but not everyone was happy with the news.
—Tomorrow? Seriously? We have a fan meeting… —said Ryo curiously.
—Do I have to go? Fan meetings require all members present —asked Haneul annoyed.
—Aren't you supposed to be more capable? Scheduling two things so close together will be a big problem —said Haze seriously.
—I know last-minute changes aren't ideal, but if Haneul and Haze finish the commercial quickly, they'll be able to make it to the fan meeting —said Jieun, trying to calm them.
—Do you really not know? Commercial shoots take their time until everything is perfect. Accepting last-minute changes is risky. Miss Park, think carefully. Do you believe Haneul and Haze will make it to the fan meeting? —said Doyun coldly.
—I promise both idols will be there on time —said Jieun firmly.
Reading the messages, Jieun felt trapped. There was a tension she couldn't shake off, but she knew she had to keep her composure. With one last glance at her phone, she locked the screen and lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling with a furrowed brow. Her mind was busy, but a sound interrupted her thoughts—it was Minseok.
—Minseok, you didn't call me all day. I was starting to worry. I thought you had found a prettier girl —said Jieun teasingly, relieved to hear his voice.
—I'm sorry to inform you that a pretty, smart, and sweet girl did appear. If I'm not mistaken, her name is Park Jieun —said Minseok playfully.
Jieun's smile widened at his words, and for a moment, the tensions of her day seemed to fade away.
—Should I be scared? —asked Jieun playfully.
—I suppose you should, since I'll be marrying her in six months —said Minseok jokingly, making Jieun's heart race just a little.
Jieun blushed. It felt like being a teenager again—lost in the rush of a first love. Their relationship had begun in high school, a typical K-drama cliché where the rich, handsome, and aloof boy found himself drawn to the girl without knowing how to show it. And so, their story began.
—I didn't know you could be this cheesy —said Jieun, chuckling softly.
—You haven't seen all of me yet, darling —said Minseok in his deep voice, as if holding something back.
—No, seriously —said Jieun nervously—. Since when are you so affectionate? I think someone swapped my Minseok.
A deep, husky laugh echoed through the line, making Jieun feel even more drawn to him.
—Maybe they did. How was your first day at work? —asked Minseok, changing the subject.
—I think it went well. You know, being the "babysitter" of a K-pop group can be frustrating —said Jieun honestly.
—You can quit anytime you want —said Minseok casually.
—Uhm… it's frustrating, but I didn't say I dislike it or can't handle it. After all, I'm Park Jieun, and I've never given up easily —said Jieun with determination.
—That's what I love most about you. I remember you always chasing after me, insisting —said Minseok warmly.
—You act as if you didn't like my persistence! —said Jieun playfully.
The conversation drifted as Jieun shifted position and moved closer to the window. The cool night air flowed in from the small balcony, giving her a sense of peace.
—I won't deny it —said Minseok with a smile in his voice—. We've been destined since day one.
A yawn came through the line, a sign that Minseok was exhausted.
—You should sleep if you're that tired —said Jieun with concern.
—I don't want to —said Minseok simply.
—You need to rest, and I have a lot of work tomorrow —said Jieun softly.
—Just a little longer —said Minseok quietly.
—I'm hanging up. Sweet dreams, oppa —said Jieun tenderly.
Jieun smiled as she ended the call, letting the weight of her day ease slightly.
But all of this was only in her thoughts—none of it was real. Her fiancé no longer called her with the regularity he once did. It was almost always Jieun who called him, but he was always too busy with work.