In South Korea, the news had spread like wildfire. Every smartphone and television in the country was broadcasting a breaking news bulletin - actress Kang Jia was leaving the Hallyuwood industry indefinitely. There was no clear reason given for her departure, but the news had sent shockwaves through the country. People were discussing the news everywhere, with some voicing their support for Jia's decision while others expressed disappointment. The news had become the talk of the town, and speculation was running rampant.
***
Jia sat on a chair in her Entertainment agency's manager named Cha Minji's office, beside Bella. Her expression was serious and determined, a stark contrast to the manager's visibly agitated and frustrated demeanour. He was sitting across from them, his hands clasped tightly on the desk in front of him.
"You can't just leave like this. We have a contract, you know." Manager Minji uttered in disbelief and frustration.
Jia nodded calmly, her expression unchanged, and responded simply, "I know."
Minji was visibly uncomfortable, shifting in his seat as he struggled to contain his frustration and disbelief. He spoke up again, "But you have more projects lined up with us. And your fans, they're expecting more from you. You can't just leave them hanging like this."
Jia leaned forward as she responded. "I understand that. But this is something that I need to do. It's not just about my fans, it's about me."
Minji, taken aback by Jia's directness, countered, "What about us? We've invested a lot of time and money into your career. We've made you who you are today."
Bella sitting beside Jia clenched her fists, clearly irritated by Minji's dismissive tone and attitude.
But Jia remained unflustered, meeting Minji's gaze unflinchingly. She responded firmly, "I appreciate the investment you've made in my career. But you can't keep me chained to a life that I don't want."
Her unwavering determination startled Minji, who hadn't expected Jia to be so resolute in her decision to leave the industry. And he retorted. "You're making a huge mistake. Your career is at its peak right now. You're one of the biggest stars in the industry."
Jia leaned back on her seat, her arms crossed, her expression defiant, "I am aware of all that, but I don't want those things." She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. "And I think now you understand my decision well, so there's no point in discussing it further."
Hearing her, Minji tried to calm himself down, closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again, speaking with a forced calm tone, "Look Jia, think again, it takes people years to reach the level you've achieved in just four years. You're throwing away everything you've worked so hard for."
Jia continued to look at Minji with a defiant expression on her face for a few moments, then promptly gave her answer, "I've made up my mind, and this is my decision."
Standing up, she bowed slightly towards Minji and said, "Thank you for everything, so far." As she turned to walk towards the door.
Bella followed suit, directing one final remark towards Minji, "Consider her words as lines in stone."
After this, they exited the room, leaving Minji standing frustrated and helpless, banging his fists on the desk.
***
As Jia and Bella stepped out of the agency building and started walking towards their car, they were suddenly ambushed by a swarm of reporters, cameras, and microphones who appeared out of nowhere. Both Jia and Bella, along with her other bodyguards who were waiting for her, were taken aback by the sudden appearance of the reporters.
And her bodyguards immediately rush to shield Jia from the press, forming a barrier between her and the reporters. The reporters, with their cameras and microphones in hand, wasted no time in firing questions at her, their voices blending together in a frenzy of curiosity.
"Why are you leaving the industry?" one reporter shouted, their microphone trying to thrust in Jia's face.
Other reporters chimed in, each trying to get a chance to ask their own questions. The camera lights flash and the buzz of conversations filled the air.
Seeing the reporters not backing down, Bella, who was already protecting Jia, immediately tried to create some more space between Jia and them, but the reporters were relentless, continuing their barrage of questions. They were completely oblivious to Jia's discomfort, their focus solely on getting a response from her.
Frustrated, Jia finally spoke up in a louder and slightly irked voice, "If you all want answers, please quiet down."
Hearing her voice the reporters instinctively took a step back, creating some distance, and both Bella and the bodyguards released a small sigh of relief. While even the press temporarily backed off, they remained just as eager as before.
Standing in front of the reporters, Jia looked directly at them and she continued, "I appreciate all the support and love you've shown me throughout my career. However, I want you all to know that this decision to leave the industry was not made lightly. It's something I've thought long and hard about, and it's not up for debate." Her confident and firm voice resonated through the air, her words carrying a sense of finality. She paused for a moment before continuing, "Those fans who truly care about me and my happiness will respect my decision and not hold any ill feelings."
One of the reporters in the crowd spoke up, curiously. "Then what are you planning to do after leaving the industry?"
Jia responded calmly with a hint of mystique in her voice. "You'll have to wait and see what the future holds for me. All I ask is that you continue to support and respect my choices."
As she finished her sentence, a fan among the reporters suddenly cut through the commotion, determination and excitement clear in his words, "I'm with you, Princess. I'll always support you." Jia glanced in the fan's direction and warmly smiled at him, appreciating the unwavering loyalty.
Suddenly, an aggressive and toxic fan pushed through the press and snatched a microphone from one of the reporters. Frustrated and angry, he hurled the microphone towards Jia, shouting in a defiant tone, "I don't support your decision. We made you who you are and you can't just abandon us like that."
Both Jia and Bella, along with everyone else present, were taken aback by his actions. However, before the microphone could reach Jia and hit her, Bella quickly acted and catched it, shielding Jia from harm. Bella glared fiercely at the toxic fan, but he tried to maintain his composure despite feeling uncomfortable by her glare.
Without wasting a moment, Bella addressed the reporters with an authoritative tone, "I hope all your questions have been answered."
She then proceeded to guide Jia away from the reporters and towards their car, while Jia's own bodyguards also shielding her from the press. The reporters still continued to follow behind them, bombarding Jia with questions. However, Bella swiftly escorted Jia into the car before sitting herself and starting to drive away, leaving the scene and the persistent reporters behind.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
The setting was a tall hill, with a deep ravine beneath it and a thick jungle surrounding it. The wind was blowing fiercely, adding to the ominous atmosphere. Jae was standing behind that toxic fan that had previously attacked Jia. He had a tight grip on the fan's hand from behind, preventing him from escaping. The terrified fan wore a parachute bag on his back, desperately trying to pry his hand away from Jae's grip. His face was covered with serious bruises.
He pleaded and begged for mercy, fear evident in his voice. "Please, I won't make that mistake again, I swear!"
Jae, his voice calm yet dangerous, responded with a chilling tone. He spoke close to the fan's ear, ensuring his words cut through the wind. "You won't get the chance to do it again."
Jae's words caused the fan's eyes to widen with fear and he began to sob, pleading desperately for forgiveness. "Please, forgive me, please, please, please."
As the fan continued to plead, Jae ignored his cries and asked him, "Do you know how to use a parachute?"
The fan responded to Jae's question with a shake of his head, and through his tears he begged again, "No, no please."
Upon hearing his answer, a smirk appeared on Jae's face and he asked another question. "Do you believe in fate?"
The fan, crying uncontrollably, continued to plead desperately without answering his question, "Please, let me go, please."
Jae tightened his grip on the fan, causing him more pain, and said, "I don't like to repeat my words."
The fan, his body trembling and his voice trembling as well, quickly responded with a shaky "Yes, y-yes..."
The atmosphere around them was intense, with the wind howling and the fan's cries echoing.
Jae smirked as he said, "Alright then, the parachute is right there, let's see if fate spares you or not."
The fan became even more terrified and began crying even harder, his eyes widening in fear. He began to shake uncontrollably and pleaded even more desperately, but Jae didn't show any signs of mercy. Despite the fan's struggle to escape, he quickly pushed him off the edge of the hill into the deep ravine below, the sound of the fan's scream cut through the wind and reverberated throughout the area, adding to the already tense atmosphere.
It was clear that Jae had no qualms about delivering what he saw as the consequences of the fan's actions. Jae remained standing there, watching the fan's body fall deeper into the ravine until it completely disappeared from sight. He then took a deep breath, his expression hardening as he turned around and started walking towards his car. The wind was blowing strongly, rustling his light brown hair and flapping his blazer around. Jae's movements were deliberate and unrushed, giving off an air of confidence and authority.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
The night air was cold, and the sky was clear and starry. Jae was parked in front of his house, leaning his back against his bike, his arms crossed and his gaze fixed on the main door. He was waiting for Jia, who had stubbornly insisted on going to the amusement park with him late at night. After much convincing, Jae had finally relented and agreed to take her. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of reluctance and anticipation.
After a long wait, Jia finally appeared, and Jae's eyes widened in disbelief as he saw that she was wearing a full rabbit costume - from head to toe, with her face visible through the costume. Her excitement was palpable as she jogged towards Jae with a big smile on her face, and Jae was left speechless, still processing the unexpected sight before him.
Jia stood in front of Jae, her excitement obvious as she eagerly asked him, "How do I look? You know Sarah has a similar costume, but hers is a little different."
Jae was still taken aback by the unexpectedness of the situation, and for a few moments, he just stared at her in.
Finally, he regained his composure and asked, "Why did you wear this?"
Jia responded with a carefree attitude, "We're going to the amusement park, I can't dress like a model. I need to look more like a kid."
Jae couldn't help but look at her with a mixture of incredulousness and acceptance. He sighed and looked away for a moment, but then turned back to her and looked her up and down, taking in the full effect of the costume.
Deep down, he felt a hint of admiration, but he didn't show it on his face. Then he took a moment to put on Jia's helmet, prioritising her safety.
Once he was done he sat on the bike and put on his own helmet before instructing her to, "Sit."
She eagerly obeyed and took her seat on the bike behind him before locking her arms tightly around his waist. Feeling her grip tight around his waist, Jae couldn't help but smile discreetly behind his helmet. With that, he started his bike and rode off towards the amusement park.
***
Jae and Jia entered the amusement park, and Jia instinctively wrapped her arm around Jae's, not wanting to let go. As they walked through the park, Jia looked around with excitement, taking in the sights and sounds of the place.
The amusement park was even more beautiful at night, with the colourful lights and rides glowing in the darkness. There were not many people around, creating a sense of intimacy and privacy for the duo. The lack of crowds allowed them to take their time exploring the park without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. However, Jae's expression contrasted sharply with hers, appearing uninterested and aloof.
Despite his demeanour, he felt a small sense of contentment having Jia close to him. He stole a glance at her, watching as she took in the sights and atmosphere of the amusement park. Despite his attempts to appear unfazed, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of happiness at her unabashed enthusiasm.
Suddenly Jia spotted the bumper cars and immediately pointed towards that direction, eager to try them out, saying, "Come, come let's go there."
Despite his lack of enthusiasm, he found himself being dragged along and reluctantly seated in one of the cars. As they began to move, Jae tried to play along, even though his disinterest remained.
The next few hours passed by in a blur as Jia excitedly brought Jae from one ride to another, forcing him to participate and explore the rest of the park. Despite his reluctance, Jae found himself secretly admiring her enthusiasm and zest for life. Though he may act uninterested on the outside, Jae couldn't help but stealthily observe Jia. He let her lead the way, knowing he won't say no to her excited pleading. As the night progressed, he found himself secretly thankful for her company, even if he didn't show it aloud.
Finally, they reached the carousel, and to Jae's disbelief, Jia insisted and they sat on the same horse.
As the ride began to spin, Jia suddenly asked Jae a question, her voice laced with a hint of curiosity. "Are you not going to ask me what I'm planning to do next?"
"No." Jae casually replied.
Jia turned her head around and stared back at him with a mix of disbelief and amusement, her head bobbing up and down as she responded, "Why?"
Jae kept his gaze fixed on her eyes, his answer coming out casually, "Because whatever you want to do, I'll support you."
Jia's eyes sparkled with surprise and admiration as she looked into Jae's eyes, still trying to process his words in silence.
As the ride goes on, she couldn't help but feel a mix of happiness and lingering sadness as she remembered about Jae's past and how she wished to bring him joy. As the carousel came to an end and the noise dissolved into a quiet moment, Jia turned her head forward and looked up at the night sky filled with stars.
Her excitement and smile remained, and she said with a hopeful tone, "I love art and I aspire to open an art gallery in Seoul using the artwork I've created. It will be truly beautiful."
Jae couldn't help but smile subtly as he watched her talking about her dreams and sharing it with him. The cool night air lightly gusted past them, rustling the trees in the amusement park as Jae continued watching Jia admiring the night sky, her gaze filled with excitement and hope.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
The room was packed with people, the air thrumming with excitement and anticipation. A long runway stretched across the stage, lit up with bright lights. Several models strutted down the runway, their faces painted with expressions of both confidence and nervousness. The sound of applause filled the air as each model completed their walk, and the audience's eyes stayed fixed on the stage, watching each move intently. There was an undercurrent of tension in the room, each person wondering who will be chosen as the winner.
The judges sat at a table in the front, their expressions betraying nothing as they watched the models walk by. Some made notes on their scorecards, while others simply took in each model's walk. The host stood off to the side, microphone in hand, occasionally commenting on a model's outfit or presentation. Backstage, the models waited nervously, each one praying they'll make the final cut.
Suddenly Sarah made her grand entrance on the runway, all eyes turned towards her. She exuded a level of glamour and confidence that was unmatched. Her outfit was unlike any other, setting her apart from the other models. The way she walked, the way she carried herself, everything about her was captivating. The judges, the audience, and the other models were all drawn to her, mesmerised by her unique style and confidence.
As Sarah walked down the runway, her eyes unexpectedly landed on a man sitting in the audience in the distance, his face hidden behind a mask that only revealed his eyes. Despite the disguise, Sarah instantly recognizes him only with his eyes that he was none other than Samuel himself, and she felt both surprised and incredibly happy. As their eyes met, for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room.
Samuel had originally declined her invitation to attend the Competition, but unexpectedly, there he was, giving Sarah a pleasant surprise. His presence gave Sarah goosebumps, and her confidence skyrocketed, making her smile even more radiant and appealing to the audience and judges.
With joy and determination, Sarah continued her walk, her steps growing more confident with each stride. She knew Samuel was watching her, and that knowledge filled her with even more energy. As Sarah completed her walk, the audience erupted in applause, clearly impressed by her performance.
Soon, the moment came when all the models, including Sarah, stood together on the stage, waiting for the winner to be announced. The suspense in the air was palpable as the judges deliberate over their choice. The host took the microphone in hand, preparing to announce the winner of the competition. The room was tense and quiet, the only sound the occasional shuffle of feet or nervous clearing of a throat. The host stepped forward and gazed out at the eager faces of the models.
Then, they cleared their throat and declared, "And the winner of this year's modelling Competition is... Sarah!"
The applause broke out once again as the audience cheered the announcement, celebrating Sarah's triumph. Sarah's eyes widened in surprise as she heard her name being called out as the winner. A mix of emotions washed over her - shock, joy, disbelief, and perhaps a hint of relief. As the applause filled the room, she couldn't help but glance over at Samuel, who was watching, a hint of pride in his eyes.
The other models congratulated Sarah, some with genuine happiness and others with a hint of envy. But right now, Sarah's mind was consumed with the knowledge that she won, and that Samuel was there to witness it.
The judges came up to her, shook her hand and offered their congratulations. They praised her unique outfit, confident stride, and overall presence on the runway. Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment knowing that all her hard work had paid off. The host handed her a bouquet of flowers and a trophy, symbolising her victory in the competition. They then guide her to the centre of the stage, cameras flashing from all directions as they capture the moment.
She stepped up to the standing microphone, her heart still racing from the excitement of winning. She looked out at the audience and took a deep breath, her gaze briefly catching Samuel's eyes, he gazed back at her intently.
She took a moment to collect herself before speaking into the microphone. "Thank you to this show, the judges, the host and the audience for attending," she said, a radiant smile on her face. "I also want to express my gratitude to my competitors, who were equally worthy."
Sarah paused for a moment before continuing, her tone becoming more profound. "Well, when winners give speeches after winning, they often say some motivated lines. However, I want to say something similar to them but still different. I want to talk about the concept of Love."
The crowd listened intently, their eyes fixed on Sarah as she looked at Samuel for a brief moment then continued.
"We should love everything, even if it is evil," she said, her voice laced with conviction. "Because if you show love to an evil person, there is a chance that they can change and become good. Love doesn't just see the good in people, it also sees the good in those who are considered evil. Love has the power to bring out the good and make the evil appear blurry."
Sarah chuckled lightly before proceeding. "That's why people sometimes refer to love as blind," she said with a smile. "But the truth is, love is not blind. Instead, it has the power to bring out the best in people, to expose the good within them, and to make them aware of their own goodness. Everyone needs love, it is essential for everyone."
Sarah's words linger in the air, the room quiet as the audience absorbed her message. She looked around, her eyes scanning the faces in the crowd. Then, her gaze drifted towards Samuel, and she locked eyes with him, a deep connection passing between them through their gazes and she uttered her final words, her voice filled with emotion.
"And we should say 'I love you.'"
Sarah's last words caused the audience to erupt in applause and claps, their voices filling the room. Samuel, who sat in the audience, understood that Sarah's last line was deliberate and that she had indirectly confessed her love for him in front of the entire show.
There was a moment of silent communication, a connection that transcended the noise of the room. They were keenly aware of each other in that moment, the world around them fading into the background.
***
Samuel walked out of the show venue, and was heading towards his car, as the show was over, his face still hidden behind a mask, when suddenly, he heard someone calling his name from behind. "Samuel!"
The sound of Sarah's voice made him stop in his tracks and turn around. He saw Sarah jogging towards him, her sparkling eyes and a smile on her face, wearing a more comfortable outfit compared to the one she was wearing during the show. In her hands, she was holding a bouquet of flowers and the trophy that she won during the show.
Sarah continued her approach towards Samuel, she was breathing a little heavy just due to his short jog, a smile still on her face. "You turned out to be quite a sneaky hero, showing up to surprise me even after declining," she said, jokingly scolding him.
Samuel, however, remained reactionless and replied, "If you liked the surprise, I'll be going then."
He turned to continue walking towards his car, but Sarah quickly stopped him with a look of disbelief and said, "Hey hey, don't be so emotionless. Aren't you going to give me a reaction?"
Samuel paused and turned to face her, with his bored eyes. Sarah then added with a slight mischievous smile, "Since you're leaving anyway, how about giving me a lift? I don't have a car with me, and no one's here with me either."
As Sarah finished her line, her bodyguard suddenly appeared in front of them and told Sarah, "Let's go, Ma'am." Sarah was taken aback and started looking back and forth between her bodyguard and Samuel, her eyes wide with surprise.
Samuel, on the other hand, continued to glance at Sarah's bodyguard with a raised eyebrow before fixing his gaze back on Sarah.
Sarah then put on an awkward smile and tried to pretend not to recognize her bodyguard, saying, "Who are you, sir? I don't know you."
Her bodyguard appeared bewildered, but Samuel remained silent, clearly aware that Sarah was putting on an act.
Sarah continued to look at her bodyguard with an awkward smile and said again nervously, "You must be mistaken. I'm not your ma'am."
Saying this, she glanced at Samuel, who watched her with bored and knowing eyes. Sarah was in a hurry to avoid any further conversation and told Samuel hastily, "I'll just sit in your car on my own. You don't have to bother."
As soon as she said this, she walked quickly towards Samuel's car without wasting any time, while the bodyguard remained standing there, utterly confused.
Samuel let out a deep sigh at Sarah's behaviour and addressed the bodyguard, "Don't worry, I'll drop her home."
Samuel then started walking towards his car, where Sarah was already sitting in the passenger seat. The bodyguard remained frozen on the spot, looking dumbfounded as he watched Sarah and Samuel drive away.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
Max sat in his office, his focus solely on the laptop screen in front of him as he worked on his tasks. His fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard, expertly handling the various files and documents open on his screen. Every now and then, he would pause from his work to pick up the coffee cup that was placed beside his laptop, bringing the hot drink to his lips for a quick sip.
Max was dressed in a sharp suit, the fabric hugging his fit form, with his dark blonde hair neatly combed and settled. Despite the intensity of his work, Max couldn't help but exude a cool, composed demeanour.
As he was in the middle of taking a sip of his coffee when the door to his office suddenly slammed open, the sound made him flinch in surprise. Leo burst into the room, a mini notebook and pen in his hand, his voice loud and urgent as he exclaimed,
"When would you like to die?"
Hearing his words, coffee splashed out of Max's mouth caused him to sputter and choke. He sat there in shock, disbelief etched on his face, the impact of Leo's words still ringing in his mind. Leo stood before Max, his expression determined and unwavering.
Max, still trying to regain his composure, looked at Leo with a mix of frustration and disbelief, asking, "What are you babbling about–?"
Before Max could even finish his question, Leo responded quickly, "I want to know when my friends and family want to die. I mean, what do they need to accomplish in life before considering death? And you are my brother, then it's obvious to ask you."
Max, now staring at Leo incredulously for a moment before gesturing towards the door with a dismissive wave of his hand and said with a growl, "Get out of my office right now!"
Despite Max's stern command, Leo remained rooted in his spot. "I won't leave until you answer me," he said firmly.
Max clenched his jaw in frustration, his irritation growing with each passing moment. Looking at Leo, he repeated angrily, "I said, get out of my office right now!"
But Leo stood his ground, not budging an inch, saying, "No."
The two men engaged in a prolonged staring contest, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. Max, feeling the need to end the standoff, finally sighed in annoyance, averting his gaze and addressing Leo in a low tone.
"You're not going to listen to me, are you?" he said, his annoyance palpable. He turned his gaze back towards Leo, who still stood determinedly, not showing any signs of backing down. Max sighed again in resignation, saying, "Fine." and he turned his gaze towards the glass wall that provided a view of the city.
After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke, "I would want to die when I no longer have a purpose to live or a reason to carry on. And right now, I'm living because I have both."
As Max spoke, Leo diligently jotted down his words in his notebook. While Max remained silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought as he contemplated the view of the city.
Suddenly, he snapped his attention back to Leo and asked, "And what about you?"
Leo, who had been looking intently at his notebook, looked up abruptly at Max's question. Without hesitation, he replied, "I don't ever want to die. Bye,"
Saying this, he stormed out of the office like a whirlwind, leaving Max with an expression of disbelief as he watched him disappear, shaking his head.
"At least close the door before leaving." He muttered and just sat there for a moment, as he processed what had just happened. He then took a deep breath and turned back to his work, attempting to refocus on the tasks at hand.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●