Catching Her Heart

Ridhi's POV

As I entered my apartment, I went to my room and opened my laptop to work on the report Mr. Kim wanted. I checked and found that there were indeed some errors, but nothing major, so I was able to clear everything in less than two hours. Managing both work and acting can be tiring at times, but sometimes it’s a good thing that I’m too occupied to think of anything else.

Twisting my head to the side to release the stress, I happened to glance at the clock and saw it was 6 o’clock. I mailed the corrected report and decided to take a break from work. I headed to the kitchen and saw Swathi making tea for herself.

“Should I make some for you too?” she asked, hearing my footsteps as I walked towards her, stretching my hands in the process.

“Yes, please…” I answered. I took out two mugs from the cupboard as Swathi waited for the tea to boil.

“Guess who I met today?” I asked, tapping the kitchen countertop.

“Which celebrity this time?” Swathi questioned back. “You spotting celebrities doesn’t surprise me anymore…” she added, turning to look at me.

Swathi is my flatmate and also the one who encouraged me to try acting. She works in the entertainment industry as a creative art producer, so when she heard of a role open for South Asians, she didn’t waste any time letting me know. Having her as my flatmate is a blessing indeed. After moving to Korea, I found it very difficult to find accommodation that suited my preferences. After changing two or three apartments—because they were either too small, too far, or the flatmates weren’t friendly—I finally found Swathi. It was settled, and it's been so much better, especially because she’s also Indian, so communication and sharing cooking responsibilities is easier.

“I met Jungkook from BTS today on set,” I squealed with excitement. “And Cha Eunwoo spoke to me too,” I added, still jumping around excitedly.

“What?! You met Jungkook and Cha Eunwoo spoke to you?!” she shouted, struggling to process it all.

I nodded happily. “Yes! And there’s more—we went to lunch together… Oh God, it’s so unbelievable. I still think it’s a dream.”

“Oh my God! Ridhi, I’ve been working in the entertainment industry for as long as I can remember, and I still haven’t met any of these people or been that close to them. But you managed to not only talk to them but also go to lunch? No doubt, God definitely has a favorite child,” she joked, looking up at the ceiling in mock anger. She is so funny.

“That’s not even the most shocking part…” I said, grabbing her attention again.

“What now? You’ve already had enough!” she whined.

“The Jeon Jungkook asked for my number,” I said, taking her hands in mine.

Swathi stood there in shock, not moving an inch. But she had to snap out of it as the tea boiled and almost spilled over. I quickly turned off the stove just in time and let out a breath. “Phew, that was close.”

“So, how does it feel to be God’s favorite, huh?” Swathi joked as she poured the tea into the mugs.

I laughed and replied, “I’m not. He said he wants to try Indian food, so he probably just wants me to guide him. He still hasn’t texted or called, so I don’t think it’s what you’re imagining…” as we both walked to the living room and took a seat on the couch.

“If the rumors are true, you should stay away from him,” she warned, sipping her tea. There were rumors going around that Jungkook wasn’t as innocent as he appeared and had a lot of casual hookups. Nothing was confirmed—just gossip.

My phone rang, interrupting our conversation, and we both looked at the screen. Annoyed by the caller, I simply silenced it.

“Pick up the call, Ridhi. She must be worried. It’s not good to treat your mother like that,” Swathi advised with a sympathetic face.

“And do what? It’s always the same thing. I’m honestly getting tired of it. I left the country for peace, but even here they won’t leave me alone,” I replied, frustrated. There are things I don’t like to talk about.

“Talk to her. Tell her your worries. She’ll understand,” she tried convincing me.

One thing I don’t like about Swathi is that she keeps her family at the top of her priority list and kind of expects everyone else to do the same. But not everyone is blessed with a good family.

“You think I haven’t tried that already? No matter how much you explain, if the other person isn’t willing to comprehend what you’re saying, it’s useless. You just keep going in circles, and that’s the situation right now,” I informed her. “Also, Swathi… no offense, but don’t tell me how to treat my mother when you haven’t been in my shoes.” Completely annoyed by the conversation, I just got up and went to my room.

Seated at my work desk, I opened the book that was lying on top of it. A photo slipped out as I opened the book. I placed the photo in front of me and turned the page to make a new entry. Looking at the photo, I began to write:

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Dear Reshu,

I met your bias today. Yes, I met Jungkook, and yes, he’s as handsome as you always said. Cha Eunwoo spoke to me too, Reshu. He’s so damn good-looking; it felt like he was a fallen angel. You know what? I went to lunch with Eunwoo and Jungkook. Jungkook also spoke to me, Reshu. He’s so kind, just like you always said. You would have cried if it were you in my place today. But guess what? He asked for my number, Reshu. Why do you think he wanted my number? Maybe I’m making a big deal out of nothing. No need to think so highly of myself, right? But what if? Then what, Reshu? Don’t worry, he’s yours to keep. I don’t want him.

Reshu, I miss you so much! Why did you have to go so soon? How could you leave me alone like this? I’m scared, Reshu—very scared. I don’t trust anyone. Why didn’t you tell me, Reshu? You could have told me, your little Riri. I would have stood by you. I would have fought for you. Still, you chose to be selfish. How could you, Reshu? Didn’t you think of me? Why wasn’t I in your thoughts at that moment? Are you happy now? How does it feel, Reshu, to be free?

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The pen dropped from my hand, and a few tears fell onto the paper. That’s all I could muster. It’s been like this for the past four years. I can’t cry. Just a few tears fall, and then it’s dry. I tried therapy, but nothing works. They keep telling me to let my emotions out, but I can’t.

I placed the photo back in the book and closed it.

I went to my bed, grabbed my headset, and connected it to my phone. I played my comfort song—“Sweet Night” by V of BTS. V, aka Kim Taehyung, is my bias. He’s my bias because he always saves me from my nightmares—past memories, which I call nightmares. His words always turn my bad dreams into beautiful ones.

Before discovering BTS, I struggled to sleep. Some nights, I stayed awake on purpose because I didn’t want to relive those memories. Eventually, it became a habit. BTS came into my life like saviors. People might not understand it—they might call it obsession, childish, or whatever—but I don’t care. They’ve helped me in ways no one else ever could.

With all my thoughts fading away, I didn’t even notice when I dozed off.