EPISODE 18

Chapter 18: Love in the Spotlight

The days after Nabi’s heartfelt conversation with Taeyang and Jung Hwan were both freeing and nerve-wracking. She had made her choice, and while she felt a sense of peace, she was also painfully aware of how complicated things could become.

Her relationship with Taeyang was still new and fragile, and with his fame as a K-pop idol, there were bound to be challenges. Meanwhile, her friendship with Jung Hwan had taken on a bittersweet quality. Though he had assured her he wanted to remain a part of her life, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of his lingering emotions.

A New Beginning with Taeyang

Taeyang, as expected, dived into their new relationship with his characteristic energy and charm. He was attentive and playful, constantly surprising Nabi with little gestures—a bouquet of her favorite flowers, late-night texts filled with silly jokes, and even an impromptu rooftop picnic under the stars.

One evening, as they sat together in his apartment, he leaned back on the couch, strumming his guitar.

“You know,” he said casually, “I’ve been thinking about writing a song.”

“For your group?” Nabi asked, curious.

“For you,” he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

She laughed, shaking her head. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to,” he insisted, setting the guitar down and leaning closer. “You inspire me, Nabi. And I want the world to know how amazing you are.”

His words warmed her heart, but they also made her nervous. “Taeyang, I appreciate that, but… what if people find out about us? You know how fans can be.”

He reached for her hand, his expression serious. “I won’t let anyone hurt you, Nabi. If they can’t accept that I care about someone, that’s on them—not us.”

She nodded, his confidence giving her strength. “Okay. But let’s take it one step at a time, okay?”

An Awkward Reunion

Despite her budding relationship with Taeyang, Nabi couldn’t avoid Jung Hwan forever. One afternoon, Minji invited her and Jisoo to a gallery opening, promising it would be a small, intimate event. What she failed to mention was that Jung Hwan would be there too.

When Nabi walked into the gallery and spotted him across the room, her heart skipped a beat. He looked as composed as ever, dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his polished charm.

“Nabi,” he greeted her warmly, his smile genuine but tinged with something she couldn’t quite place.

“Jung Hwan,” she replied, feeling a mix of emotions. “It’s good to see you.”

They fell into easy conversation, discussing the artwork and catching up on each other’s lives. But beneath the surface, Nabi could sense the unspoken tension between them.

At one point, Jung Hwan hesitated, as if debating whether to say something. Finally, he spoke.

“Are you happy?” he asked quietly, his gaze steady.

The question caught her off guard, but she answered honestly. “Yes. I am.”

He nodded, his expression softening. “That’s all I needed to know.”

The Storm Begins

Things took an unexpected turn a few weeks later when a photo of Nabi and Taeyang leaving a café together surfaced online. The image quickly went viral, sparking a frenzy among fans and the media.

By the time Nabi woke up that morning, her phone was flooded with notifications—texts from friends, missed calls, and a barrage of messages on social media.

“Taeyang, have you seen this?” she asked, holding up her phone when he came over later that day.

He nodded, his jaw tight. “Yeah. My manager already called me about it.”

“What are we going to do?” she asked, her voice filled with worry.

He reached for her hands, his grip firm but comforting. “We’ll face it together. I’m not going to hide how I feel about you, Nabi. But we’ll be careful, okay? We’ll set boundaries and take control of the narrative.”

True to his word, Taeyang addressed the rumors during a live broadcast that evening. While he didn’t confirm the relationship outright, he spoke about the importance of respecting privacy and expressed gratitude for the fans who supported him.

Jung Hwan’s Support

Amid the chaos, Nabi received a surprising text from Jung Hwan.

“I saw the news. Are you okay?”

She hesitated before replying.

“I’m managing, but it’s been overwhelming.”

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed again.

“If you need anything, I’m here. No matter what.”

The message brought tears to her eyes. Despite everything, Jung Hwan’s kindness and understanding never wavered.

A Love Worth Fighting For

As the weeks went on, Nabi and Taeyang navigated their relationship with care, finding joy in stolen moments and quiet nights away from the spotlight. They knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but they were determined to face it together.

Meanwhile, Jung Hwan remained a steady presence in Nabi’s life, their friendship evolving into something more grounded and sincere.

Though the love triangle had brought its share of heartache, it also taught Nabi the value of honesty, resilience, and following her heart. And as she stood at the crossroads of love and ambition, she knew one thing for certain:

This was just the beginning of her story.

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