EPISODE 14

Chapter 14: Cracks Beneath the Surface

The following week, Nabi did her best to resume a sense of normalcy. Her days were spent meeting with Minji and Jisoo, exploring hidden corners of Seoul, and occasionally crossing paths with Jung Hwan’s celebrity neighbors. Despite the lingering unease from the threatening note and Eun Soo’s cryptic warning, Nabi tried to focus on the present.

But the peace didn’t last long.

One evening, while Nabi was in her apartment preparing dinner, her phone buzzed incessantly. At first, she ignored it, assuming it was a group chat lighting up. But when the buzzing continued, she grabbed her phone, her stomach sinking as she saw the notifications.

A flood of messages and calls filled her screen. Most were from unknown numbers, and the texts ranged from curious to outright cruel.

“Who do you think you are?”

“Stay away from Jung Hwan!”

“You’re ruining his life!”

Her hands trembled as she scrolled through the vitriol. Someone had leaked her personal information online.

Nabi immediately called Jung Hwan. He answered after the first ring, his voice filled with concern.

“Nabi, are you okay?”

“No,” she admitted, her voice shaking. “My phone’s been blowing up. Someone… someone leaked my number.”

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end. “I’m coming over.”

Fifteen minutes later, Jung Hwan arrived at her apartment, his expression dark. Behind him were Seo Joon and Taeyang, who looked equally concerned.

“What happened?” Seo Joon asked, his voice calm but firm.

Nabi handed her phone to Jung Hwan, who scrolled through the messages with a clenched jaw. “This is getting out of hand,” he muttered, passing the phone to Seo Joon.

Taeyang, always the joker, looked unusually serious. “It’s probably some obsessive fans. They do this kind of thing when they feel threatened.”

Nabi sank onto her couch, her head in her hands. “Why me? I never wanted any of this.”

Jung Hwan knelt in front of her, gently taking her hands in his. “This isn’t your fault, Nabi. These people don’t know you, and their opinions don’t matter.”

“But it doesn’t stop,” she whispered. “It feels like I’m drowning.”

Seo Joon spoke up, his tone decisive. “We need to take action. Jung Hwan, tell your agency to handle this. They have the resources to track whoever leaked her number.”

Jung Hwan nodded. “I’ll talk to them first thing tomorrow.”

“And in the meantime,” Taeyang said with a grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes, “let’s change your number and get you a stronger security setup. I know a guy who can help.”

Over the next few days, Jung Hwan and his friends did everything they could to protect Nabi. Her number was changed, her social media accounts were secured, and Jung Hwan’s agency released a public statement condemning the harassment.

Despite their efforts, the experience left Nabi shaken. She found herself jumping at every unexpected noise and avoiding public places even more than before. The only solace she found was in Jung Hwan’s unwavering presence.

One evening, Jung Hwan invited Nabi to a quiet dinner at his apartment. It was their first moment of calm since the leak, and he was determined to make her feel at ease.

“I made pasta,” he announced proudly as she stepped inside.

“You cooked?” Nabi teased, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m full of surprises,” he replied with a grin.

The dinner was simple but delicious, and for the first time in days, Nabi felt herself relaxing. They talked and laughed, sharing stories about their childhoods and dreams for the future.

As they finished their meal, Jung Hwan reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “I know things have been hard, but I need you to trust me. We’ll get through this together.”

“I do trust you,” she said softly. “It’s just… overwhelming.”

He nodded, understanding. “You don’t have to be strong all the time. Lean on me when you need to. That’s what I’m here for.”

His words brought tears to her eyes, and she squeezed his hand. “Thank you, Jung Hwan. For everything.”

Later that night, as Nabi walked back to her apartment, she felt a renewed sense of hope. The journey ahead would be difficult, but with Jung Hwan by her side, she knew she could face whatever came her way.

However, as she approached her door, she noticed something that made her heart stop—a single red rose lying on the floor. Attached to it was a note:

“This isn’t over.”

Nabi’s breath hitched, fear clawing its way back into her chest. She quickly looked around, but the hallway was empty.

Without hesitation, she picked up her phone and called Jung Hwan.

“Something’s wrong,” she whispered, clutching the rose tightly.

“Stay where you are,” he said immediately. “I’m on my way.”

As she waited, her mind raced. Whoever was behind this wasn’t going to stop—and she wasn’t sure how much more she could take.

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