ONE NIGHT

VII

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With the turbulence of the rumors behind us, Fourth and I dive back into our careers. Both of us are busier than ever, with new projects and opportunities on the horizon. Balancing our professional lives with our relationship becomes our next big challenge.

Fourth's project with Marckris quickly gains attention, and their on-screen chemistry is praised by fans and critics alike. Meanwhile, I land a lead role in a high-profile drama series, which requires long hours on set and intense preparation. Our schedules are packed, leaving little time for each other.

We start to notice the strain. Late-night rehearsals and early morning shoots mean we barely see each other during the week. Our communication shifts to quick texts and brief phone calls. Despite our best efforts, the distance between us grows.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day on set, I come home to find Fourth already asleep. I quietly change and crawl into bed beside him, feeling a pang of loneliness. I miss our late-night talks and spontaneous outings. I lie awake, wondering how we can make this work.

The next morning, I decide we need to talk. Over breakfast, I bring up my concerns. "Fourth, we need to find a way to spend more time together. I feel like we're drifting apart."

Fourth looks up, his expression mirroring my own worries. "I know, Gem. I've been feeling the same way. But with our schedules, I don't know how we can manage it."

We brainstorm ideas, from scheduling regular date nights to setting aside time each day for uninterrupted conversations. It's clear we need to be intentional about maintaining our connection.

We start small, with nightly video calls when we're apart and weekend getaways whenever our schedules allow. It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction. We also make a pact to be more open about our feelings, ensuring that neither of us feels neglected or unappreciated.

As time goes on, we find a rhythm that works for us. Fourth becomes more involved in my world, visiting my set when he has a break, and I do the same for him. We support each other at premieres and public events, showing a united front despite the hectic pace of our lives.

One memorable evening, after the premiere of Fourth's series with Marckris, we attend a celebratory party. Amid the crowd of fans and industry professionals, Fourth pulls me aside to a quieter corner. "Gem, I want you to know that none of this would be as meaningful without you by my side."

I smile, touched by his words. "I feel the same way. No matter how busy things get, you’re my priority."

Our careers continue to soar, but we never lose sight of what's important. We learn to navigate the ups and downs, celebrating each other's successes and offering comfort during tough times. The support of our friends and families also plays a crucial role in keeping us grounded.

As the months pass, we grow even closer, our bond strengthened by the challenges we've faced. We become each other's biggest cheerleaders, and our love story becomes an inspiration to our fans.

One evening, after a long but rewarding day, Fourth surprises me with a special gift. It's a scrapbook filled with photos and mementos from our journey together—our first date, the places we've traveled, and the milestones we've reached.

I flip through the pages, tears welling up in my eyes. "Fourth, this is incredible. Thank you."

He smiles, pulling me into a hug. "I wanted us to have something to remind us of everything we've been through and how far we've come."

As we sit together, looking back on our memories, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Despite the challenges, we've managed to balance our careers and our relationship, proving that with love and determination, anything is possible.

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