Marriage Behind the Limelight

Chapter 13: Navigating Love and Distance

The months had flown by since Hajun and Ana had embarked on their whirlwind romance. The initial thrill of newfound love had given way to the familiar challenges of a long-distance relationship. Despite their best efforts to bridge the gap, time zones and conflicting schedules often conspired against them. They yearned for the simple touch of a hand, the warmth of a shared embrace, and the comfort of being in each other's presence.

Ana and Hajun are video chatting, their faces illuminated by the glow of their screens.

Ana: Darling, I miss you so much. It feels like it's been forever since we last saw each other.

Hajun: I know, Darling. I miss you too. This long-distance thing is tough. But hey, at least we're making it work.

Ana: Yeah, we are. And I'm so proud of you for everything you've accomplished lately.

Hajun: Thanks, Ana. It's been a whirlwind. But I'm trying to balance my career with our relationship.

Back at his agency, Hajun met with his CEO and Manager. The agency, ever vigilant in maintaining Hajun's public image, faced a new challenge: how to reconcile his popularity with his newfound relationship status. A series of meetings were convened to discuss potential scripts that would align with Hajun's evolving personal brand.

Hajun sat across from his agency's CEO and manager, a stack of scripts piled before them. The trio was carefully considering which projects would best align with Hajun's evolving public image. Since his secret relationship had begun, the agency had been working diligently to curate roles that would resonate with his growing fanbase while also hinting at a more mature, nuanced side of his personality.

"We need to discuss a shift in your public image," the CEO began. "Your recent relationship has changed your brand, and we need to reflect that in your roles."

"I'm leaning towards something with a darker undertone," Hajun remarked, his eyes scanning the pages of a thriller script. "Something that will challenge me as an actor and showcase a different side of my range."

The CEO nodded thoughtfully. "A well-crafted thriller could be a great choice. It would allow us to explore the complexities of Hajun's character without revealing too much about his personal life."

The manager chimed in. "We also need to be mindful of the potential impact on his existing fanbase. A sudden shift towards darker, more intense roles could alienate some of his younger or more casual viewers."

"We need to be cautious about the roles we accept," the CEO cautioned. "Hajun's image has always been that of a charming bachelor. We know that your relationship is not public yet, but a public relationship could potentially alienate a portion of his fanbase. We need to slowly transition and tread that future in case your relationship goes public"

"I think we can strike a balance," Hajun replied. "We could start with a project that incorporates elements of both investigative drama and thriller, something that will pique the audience's curiosity without being overly intense."

The CEO agreed. "A good compromise would be to choose a script that explores themes of mystery and suspense, but also offers opportunities for lighter moments and character development."

After careful deliberation, the trio settled on a script for an investigative drama set in a high-stakes corporate environment. The story followed a young, ambitious lawyer who becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving corruption and betrayal.

"This is perfect," Hajun exclaimed. "The character is complex and morally ambiguous, and the plot is full of twists and turns. It's exactly the kind of role I've been looking for."

As the meeting concluded, Hajun felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. He was eager to take on this new challenge and prove that he was capable of delivering a powerful performance that would captivate audiences and solidify his position as a versatile actor.

Meanwhile, at Kim's Law Firm, Hajun's father, the founder, was overseeing the drafting of non-disclosure agreements for several brands. The firm was tasked with informing these brands of Hajun's changed relationship status and ensuring that any promotional materials or campaigns reflected this new reality.

"I'm a little nervous about how some brands might react," Hajun admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I know this is a big change."

His father nodded understandingly. "It is a significant shift, but I believe that with careful management, we can navigate this situation successfully. The key is to be transparent and honest with our clients."

Hajun took a deep breath. "I appreciate your support, Dad. I know you're doing everything you can to protect my career."

"Of course," his father replied. "Your career is important to me. But it's equally important that you live your life authentically. If being in a relationship makes you happy, then that's what matters most."

Hanju nodded, his heart heavy. "I understand," Hajun replied. "I'm prepared for the possibility of losing some contracts." He knew that revealing his relationship would likely lead to some brands pulling out. But he was determined to prioritize his happiness and integrity over commercial gain.

As the months passed, Ana and Hajun faced additional challenges. There were times when their plans to meet up were disrupted by last-minute casting calls or urgent meetings. One such incident occurred when Hajun had to abruptly return to Seoul for an unexpected audition.

Ana stood at the airport terminal, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had been counting down the days until her reunion with Hajun, and now that the moment was finally here, she couldn't contain her excitement. As she watched the passengers disembark from the incoming flight, her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for his familiar face.

Just as she was about to give up hope, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw that it was Hajun calling. Her heart skipped a beat as she answered.

"Hey, Ana," Hajun's voice came through, sounding a bit rushed. "I'm so sorry, but I have some bad news."

Ana's stomach dropped. "What is it?"

"I just got a call from my manager," Hajun explained. "There's been an urgent casting call that came up, and they need me to be there immediately."

"I'm so sorry, Ana," he apologized over the phone, his voice filled with regret. "I really wanted to spend this time with you."

Ana's disappointment was palpable. "Oh, no. I was so looking forward to seeing you."

"I know, and I feel terrible about this," Hajun replied. "I tried to reschedule, but it's just not possible. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

Ana tried to sound cheerful, but her voice was tinged with sadness. "It's okay. I understand. Work comes first."

As they continued to talk, both Ana and Hajun could sense the underlying disappointment. They had been so excited about their trip together, and now it was being cut short. Despite their efforts to maintain a positive attitude, the weight of their separation was heavy.

"I'll call you as soon as I'm done with the casting," Hajun promised. "We can still video chat or something."

"That would be nice," Ana replied. "I'll miss you."

As they hung up, Ana stood alone at the airport, her heart heavy. She had been so looking forward to this trip, and now it was ruined. But she knew that Hajun had no choice, and she was determined to be understanding. After all, their relationship was built on trust and compromise, and she was confident that they would weather this storm together.

Despite the hurdles they faced, Hajun and Ana remained committed to their relationship. They found solace in their shared dreams and the unwavering love they felt for each other. As they navigated the complexities of their lives in the public eye, they knew that their bond was strong enough to weather any storm.