Addicted to You | Lovely Runner fanfic

CHAPTER 10: The Sol in His Eyes

Im Sol realizing how Ryu Sun Jae sees her.

"Yes, I am seeing someone special," Sun Jae declared, a dazzling smile breaking across his face.

Im Sol watched the press conference from the comfort of her office, her heart pounding in her chest. As Sun Jae began to speak, a mixture of nerves and excitement surged through her. The words he chose were perfect—careful and kind yet revealing just enough to acknowledge their love without exposing her identity.

"He's really doing it," she whispered, almost in disbelief.

They had talked about this moment countless times, with Sun Jae trying to convince her to release a statement to quell the incessant dating rumors linking him to various actresses and models. Hounded by constant dating rumors, he had finally reached his breaking point. However, she had always been adamant about keeping their relationship private due to the nature of their work.

Sol understood. Yet, the thought of the public dissecting their relationship, especially as she was just starting to make a name for herself as a director, sent shivers down her spine. She craved respect for her work, not tabloid fodder. She wanted to avoid the brutal comments and criticisms that could follow such a revelation. She was determined to carve out her own path, to be recognized for her talent and hard work, and to confidently assert that she deserved Sun Jae's love. But sometimes, in the quiet moments alone, she couldn't help but wonder why Sun Jae loved only her through all the four timelines they had experienced together.

Sun Jae, tall and handsome as a Greek god, seemed out of place with her. At a mere 5'3", she looked like a mushroom next to her towering 6'4" boyfriend. Even she admitted that they appeared mismatched when side by side. Yet, Sun Jae always assured her that her height was perfect for him, that they fit together like a piece of puzzle, a sentiment that never failed to bring a smile to her face. "You're the missing piece that completes my puzzle," as he always said.

As she listened to him speak, she could hear the underlying truth in his voice—their journey, their struggles, their undeniable bond. Sun Jae's voice resonated with sincerity and love, qualities that had drawn her to him from the beginning.

"She's been my light in the darkest period of my life." Sun Jae continued, his eyes shimmering with emotion. "We met when we were 19, and even back then, she was a star I couldn't reach. But fate has a way of bringing people together, and after 15 years, we found our way back to each other."

Tears welled in Sol's eyes as memories flooded back. The frantic rush of her first jump to save him played out again. She relived the gut-wrenching decision of the second jump, the heavy weight of her sacrifice on her third, the steely determination that fueled her fourth jump, the one where she tried to avoid him entirely, severing their ties together, came rushing back. Yet, fate seemed determined to reunite them. Years passed, and their encounter felt like a dream come true, a chance to rewrite their story together, to tie the once severed red strings of fate. There was no question in her mind - Sun Jae remembered everything, every timeline they shared.

"My girlfriend has this incredible ability to see the good in people, even when they can't see it themselves," he continued, his voice growing steadier. "She encouraged me to take small steps, to rebuild my confidence and find joy in the little things. Her optimism and strength became my anchor, guiding me through the storm."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Im Sol leaned back in her chair, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. She had always focused on the public's opinion on him and on her when they'll make their relationship public. Now, seeing herself through Sun Jae's eyes, she felt a newfound sense of appreciation for the person she was.

Tears welled up in Im Sol's eyes as she listened, touched by his vulnerability and moved by the depth of his feelings. Despite her fears about going public, she knew that Sun Jae's words were a testament to their bond—a bond that had weathered storms and grown stronger with time.

As Sun Jae asked for their privacy, Im Sol felt a rush of gratitude and relief. His respect for her wishes reassured her that their love would remain a sanctuary amidst the chaos of public life. She wiped away her tears, feeling a renewed sense of resolve.

As the interview concluded, Im Sol made a silent promise to herself. She would embrace this new understanding of her own strength and worth, not just for Sun Jae, but for herself. Their love had not only transformed him, but it had also given her the courage to see herself in a new light.

With a renewed sense of resolve, Im Sol knew that together, they could face any challenge. She closed her laptop, her heart full of gratitude and love for the man who had shown her the beauty of her own soul.