Jade and Joshua were once the quintessential high school sweethearts, their young love blooming in the hallways of their school, filled with laughter and shared dreams. However, an unforeseen event shattered their once unbreakable bond, sending them...
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Their flight landed a mere two hours before the award show was set to commence, leaving Jiwon with a mere hour and a half to prepare. As she navigated through the chaotic airport, the incessant ringing in her ears melded with a throbbing headache, a constant reminder of her exhaustion. "Right, see you tonight," she said briskly, extending her hand to Joshua, who was dressed inconspicuously in black sunglasses, a mask, and dark clothing that mirrored her attire. Joshua offered a curt nod, his expression tinged with frustration. "I don't even have time to practise," he lamented, just as his manager beckoned him away. With a final wave of his hand, Joshua vanished through the departure doors.
Jiwon had no time to linger on her thoughts; there was simply too much to do. With no opportunity to check into a hotel, her designer, stylist, and assistant crowded into the airport bathroom, determined to transform her for the night. She would be performing her latest single, "APHRODITE," a song devoid of choreography, which brought her a sliver of relief. After a quick wash of her face, she slipped into a tight-fitting dress that hugged her curves, the hem falling just above her knees, and paired it with sleek black high heels.
Her stylist worked swiftly, first tending to her hair before moving on to her makeup. Time slipped away, and before she knew it, only fifteen minutes remained. As they finished, Jiwon was handed a pair of black sunglasses—despite the night sky outside—and a white leather coat that cascaded to her ankles. The added security detail made her feel even more stifled in her ensemble, heightening her awareness of every inch of her body.
Even as Hyunwoo, her manager, ushered her into the sleek BMW that would whisk her away to the event, anxiety gnawed at her. This was her first experience getting ready in an airport bathroom, and she silently cursed Hyunwoo for the last-minute notification about the prestigious award ceremony. Memories of how Joshua and Jeonghan would usually help calm her flooded her mind; they would hold her hand tightly or offer soothing words to ease her nerves.
Jiwon felt woefully underdressed for the occasion. She knew countless idols and industry veterans would be in attendance, each one likely to scrutinise her appearance. A stunning outfit usually bolstered her confidence, but tonight felt different. She imagined the judgmental glances, the whispered criticisms, the pointing fingers—and it set her on the damn edge.
Hyunwoo's incessant chatter about her packed schedule only added to her unease, as if he wanted her to feel guilty for taking a leisurely leave in Paris. Jiwon almost regretted it, her energy depleted by the nearly fourteen-hour commercial flight. Even during the journey, overzealous fans crowded her space, making her feel as if she were constantly being watched and recorded.
Just as she was about to slide into the car, Hyunwoo paused her. "Before you go," he said, his tone serious, "you'll be collaborating with Seventeen for your comeback. It's vital you maintain a good rapport with the boys." Jiwon caught the underlying implication: everyone was aware of the speculation surrounding her relationship with Yoon Jeonghan. She knew the Chairman had instructed her team to avoid discussing it, which only heightened her concern.
