EPISODE 9

Chapter 9: A Ripple Effect

Nabi returned to Seoul with a lighter heart after her unexpected day at the beach with Jung Hwan. The tranquility she felt lingered like an afterglow, but the moment she stepped back into her usual routine, reality hit hard. The media frenzy hadn’t let up, and her inbox was flooded with more messages than she could handle.

Minji and Jisoo did their best to shield her, insisting on walking her to class and pulling her into coffee shops for much-needed distractions. Still, Nabi couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was no longer her own.

Meanwhile, Jung Hwan’s world was equally turbulent. His manager, Mr. Park, had scheduled an emergency meeting with the group to address the PR crisis.

“Let me make this clear,” Mr. Park said, pacing the room. “This situation is spiraling out of control. We need to manage the narrative before it damages the group’s image.”

Jung Hwan, seated with his arms crossed, frowned. “She’s not part of the narrative. She’s just a person I care about.”

“And that’s the problem!” Mr. Park snapped, slamming his hand on the table. “You care too much about someone who isn’t part of this world. The fans don’t understand, and they’re not going to.”

Seo Joon leaned back in his chair, his tone measured but firm. “You can’t expect him to live like a robot. He’s allowed to have a personal life.”

Hyun Woo nodded. “It’s not like he broke any rules.”

Taeyang smirked, trying to lighten the mood. “Besides, it’s not every day we see Jung Hwan acting like a lovesick puppy.”

Jung Hwan glared at him, but the tension in the room softened just a fraction.

“Enough,” Mr. Park said, rubbing his temples. “I’m not asking you to stop seeing her. Just keep it private. The fewer rumors, the better.”

That evening, Jung Hwan found himself staring at his phone, debating whether to call Nabi. He’d promised to protect her from the fallout, but no amount of planning could erase the harsh spotlight she’d been thrust into.

When his phone buzzed with an incoming call from her, he answered immediately.

“Hey,” she said, her voice soft but strained.

“Hey. Are you okay?”

There was a pause before she replied. “I’ve been better. But I wanted to check on you too. This must be hard for you.”

“Don’t worry about me,” he said, his tone firm. “I can handle it. I just hate that you’re caught in the middle of all this.”

“I knew what I was getting into,” she said, trying to sound braver than she felt. “Well, sort of. I didn’t expect it to be this intense.”

Jung Hwan hesitated, then said, “What if I came over? We can talk in person.”

Nabi smiled despite herself. “You’re not exactly subtle, you know. But... yeah. I’d like that.”

As Jung Hwan made his way to Nabi’s apartment, he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were standing at a crossroads. He cared for her deeply, but the clash between their worlds felt insurmountable at times.

When she opened the door, he was struck by how tired she looked, though her smile was still warm.

“Hi,” she said, stepping aside to let him in.

“Hi,” he replied, taking a seat on the couch.

For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of their situation hanging heavily between them. Finally, Nabi spoke.

“I’ve been thinking,” she said, her voice tentative. “Maybe this... whatever we are... isn’t worth all the trouble.”

Jung Hwan’s chest tightened. “Don’t say that. You’re worth it, Nabi.”

She looked at him, her eyes glistening. “I don’t want to be the reason your life gets harder.”

“You’re not,” he insisted. “If anything, you make it better.”

The sincerity in his voice made her heart ache. “But for how long? Jung Hwan, I’m just an ordinary girl. I can’t compete with your world.”

He reached for her hand, his touch gentle but firm. “I don’t want you to compete. I just want you to be you.”

Her resolve wavered as she searched his eyes. There was no trace of doubt, only an unspoken promise that he would stand by her, no matter what.

“I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“So am I,” he said. “But I’m more scared of losing you.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Nabi’s heart leapt in panic. “Who could that be?”

When she opened the door, she found Minji and Jisoo standing there, their faces etched with worry.

“We saw someone taking pictures outside,” Minji said. “I think they were paparazzi.”

Jung Hwan’s expression darkened. “We need to leave. Now.”

Nabi grabbed her coat, her heart pounding. As they made their way out through a back entrance, Jung Hwan kept a protective hand on her back, guiding her through the maze of alleyways.

When they finally reached his car, Nabi let out a shaky breath. “This is what I was afraid of,” she said, her voice breaking.

Jung Hwan cupped her face in his hands, his gaze steady. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”

As they drove away, Nabi realized that their journey was only getting more complicated. But for the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope that, with Jung Hwan by her side, she might just be strong enough to face whatever came next.

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