That day, Rhea was called on set for an ad project. A high-profile celebrity was part of it, but she hadn't even asked who. If it wasn't Jungkook, her heart didn't stir much. She arrived dressed simply: blue skinny jeans, a white loose top layered with an olive jacket, hair tied into a bun with wisps of bangs on her forehead, and a small maroon dot peeking through on her forehead. No fancy jewelry, no attempt to blend into the dazzling world around her. Just Rhea, authentic and unbothered.
As she walked alongside the director, the atmosphere shifted. Excited whispers filled the air. Heads turned. And then he walked in.
Kim Taehyung.
The man was surreal. Gorgeous, elegant, radiating a charm that felt almost otherworldly. Even Rhea, who had steeled her heart for years, couldn't deny the flutter in her chest. She had seen him countless times on social media, read about his charisma, but in reality, he was far beyond what words could capture.
Still… she thought of Jungkook.If Taehyung looks this unreal in person, how divine must my Jungkook be?
The set buzzed with admiration. Crew members stole glances, whispered to one another. Taehyung smiled politely before slipping into the changing room. Meanwhile, Rhea forced herself back into work mode.
When he returned, styled and camera-ready, the crew lit up even more. He laughed, exchanged easy words with staff, and created an aura of warmth that pulled everyone in. Girls on set tried sneaking photos, striking up conversations, giggling nervously around him.
But Rhea? She stayed quiet. If it had been Jungkook, she would have at least tried to step closer. But Taehyung wasn't Jungkook. So she kept her head down and focused.
Lunch Break
By midday, the first half of the shoot wrapped. Lunch was served. Tables were full, laughter spilled in pockets. Rhea quietly found a chair in the corner. The spread was heavy with meat dishes, and though no one cared, she carefully picked out rice, eggs, and some seaweed soup. She ate silently, her small world untouched by the noisy crowd.
From across the room, Taehyung noticed her. Something about her seemed different, not just her appearance, but her solitude. She didn't seem interested in him the way everyone else was. And that… intrigued him.
He strolled over casually, curiosity leading his steps."Hello," he said softly.
Rhea looked up, slightly startled, then offered a warm smile. "Hello."
His eyes scanned her features for a moment. "Foreigner?" he asked, his tone playful but genuinely curious.
She nodded. "Yes."
"Speak Korean?"
Rhea gave a small nod again. "Enough to have a decent conversation."
His lips curved into a smile. "Where are you from?"
"India," she replied simply.
"Ohhh." His voice carried a note of surprise, and then curiosity deepened in his eyes. "Why are you not eating properly?"
She chuckled softly, glancing at her plate. "Ah… actually, I don't eat much meat. Only eggs, chicken, sometimes fish."
His brows furrowed. "Why?"
Rhea's smile stayed gentle. "In my country, a majority of people don't eat beef or pork. It's cultural… religious, too, for many."
That shocked him. His wide eyes blinked. "Really? Then… how are you surviving here?"
Her laughter was soft but steady. "It's not easy. But I manage. I skip the meat, but I love other Korean dishes. Kimchi, tteokbokki, kimbap, ramen, those keep me happy."
He studied her for a moment longer, intrigued by her calm resilience. There was no bitterness in her words, only quiet acceptance. For someone used to people bending over backwards around him, her presence felt refreshingly… grounded.
And so, they talked about food, about small cultural differences, about India, about Korea. Just a few minutes stolen before the director's voice called everyone back to work.
As Taehyung walked away, something unspoken lingered in his chest. She wasn't like the others. She hadn't rushed to capture his attention, and maybe that's why she had it now.
And Rhea? She smiled faintly to herself, not realizing that the universe had just begun weaving a new thread in her story, one she had never expected.