violet .

07

The tension in the room was palpable, each second stretching like an eternity as Lyra's heart raced against her chest. She couldn't help but steal glances at Johnny, his expression mirroring her own sense of unease and apprehension. They both understood the gravity of the situation they found themselves in, waiting anxiously for the CEO of Johnny's company to arrive.

When the CEO finally entered the room, the atmosphere grew even more sombre. Johnny and Lyra sat in silence, exchanging glances that spoke volumes about the turmoil of emotions they were experiencing. It was a moment filled with unspoken questions and uncertainties, each of them grappling with the weight of the circumstances they had been thrust into.

Lyra took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. Breaking the heavy silence, her voice was slow and measured. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize about the rumours until now." Her eyes met Johnny's, filled with genuine regret and apology.

Johnny's shoulders sagged as he let out a sigh, weariness was evident in his demeanour as he rubbed his face with his hands. His voice, tinged with frustration and disappointment, cut through the tense air. "Not trying to sound rude, but where were you?" There was a raw honesty in his tone, a mix of hurt and confusion. "I was preparing for a comeback when the rumours came out, and I've been trying to reach out to you, Lyra. For months, I went through the comeback and promotions without a single word from you. I had to navigate everything on my own. Where were you?"

Lyra's mouth hung open in shock, realizing the extent of Johnny's struggle during that time. Her voice wavered with sadness as she replied, "I was at sea. I had applied for an offshore program when the rumours broke out, and I didn't know about them until a few days ago when I returned to land in Germany. I booked the first flight here to Korea the next day. I'm sorry, I didn't know."

The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air, both of them grappling with the consequences of the rumours and the misunderstandings that had arisen. It was a moment of raw honesty and vulnerability, where the lines between reality and perception blurred, leaving them both searching for clarity and understanding amidst the chaos.

The CEO cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence that enveloped the room. "With that being said," the CEO began, his voice carrying a sense of authority, "after months of silence and careful consideration, I've decided to confirm the rumours that the two of you are indeed dating and have been for a while now, even before the campaign."

The CEO's proposal left Lyra and Johnny stunned, their eyes wide with disbelief. Lyra's mind raced as she processed the implications of what was being suggested, while Johnny's frustration was palpable, his expression mirroring her shock.

"Sir, I didn't agree to this," Johnny spoke up, his voice tinged with apprehension. "We haven't talked about this. With all due respect, I like you as a person, but I don't think I'm comfortable taking it this far."

The room fell into a heavy silence once again, the weight of the CEO's proposal hanging in the air. It was a pivotal moment, one that would determine the course of their relationship and the challenges they would have to navigate together.

Sooman, the CEO, remained composed but firm in his decision. "No objections. I have already made the decision, and whether or not you agree, I have already drafted the statement to address the issue between the two of you. This is not me asking for your consent; this is me telling you what to do. It will be good PR for you, and it is not up for debate; it's a decision I've made," he stated coldly, his smile tight.

Johnny's frustration boiled over as he shook his head vehemently. "I appreciate the consideration, but I don't think this is the right approach. I don't care if it's good PR for me. She's not an idol; she doesn't know how to navigate this situation and the weight of it. We can just say we don't have anything. We should address the rumours truthfully, not fabricate a story for the sake of PR."