MEANT TO BE | JENLISA

Chapter 1: Unlikely Encounters

In the bustling hive of Incheon International Airport, Lisa found herself a quiet corner near the boarding gate. Dressed in casual, inconspicuous clothing, she was a stark contrast to the glamorous persona that graced billboards and magazine covers. Her cap pulled low over her eyes, sunglasses masking her features, she was a shadow seeking solitude in a world where she was anything but ordinary. Every now and then, her eyes darted around, a silent prayer to remain unrecognized.

Meanwhile, an unknown traveler wandered into the same boarding area, her heart a mix of sadness and newfound freedom. She scanned the area for a seat, her gaze landing on the secluded spot where Lisa sat hidden in plain sight.

"Is this seat taken?" the traveler asked, unaware of the celebrity she was addressing. 

Lisa, anticipating the usual fanfare, was surprised by the traveler's indifference to her fame. With a silent nod, Lisa allowed her the space, and the traveler settled beside her, opened a book, and put on her headphones. 

Lisa couldn't help feeling a twinge of worry with another person beside her. However, as she observed the cat-eyed woman, she found herself smiling, realizing there was nothing to worry about as her neighbor was lost in her book, a world away from the chaos around them.

Lisa appreciated the silence more than anything. It was a welcome break from the constant demands of her celebrity life. No autograph requests, no small talk. Just two strangers sharing a moment of peace. 

That tranquility, however, was short-lived, and her heart sank as she noticed a group of teenagers nearby. Their hushed whispers and curious glances were all too familiar. Their eyes were fixed on Lisa, and they began inching closer, phones in hand, ready to shatter the anonymity she had been desperately seeking.

Lisa's worry deepened, the last thing she wanted was to be recognized, especially when she was so close to experiencing the ordinary life she had yearned for. She unconsciously started playing with her fingers, pinching them nervously as anxiety coursed through her.

As the teenagers closed in, the cat-eyed traveler suddenly stood up stretching her arms and body, physically blocking their view of Lisa. 

Lisa was startled by the sudden action, but she couldn't help feeling a rush of gratitude for the traveler's interference. It was a welcome distraction that might just save her from being recognized.

Without uttering a word, the traveler engaged in a silent staring contest with the teenagers, her unwavering gaze a protective shield covering Lisa from their prying eyes. 

The teenagers, annoyed and unable to see Lisa, finally gave up and retreated, leaving Lisa in a rare state of speechless gratitude. She couldn't help but wonder if the traveler had recognized her and was intentionally protecting her anonymity, but the answer remained a mystery as they both returned to their respective solitudes – Lisa engrossed in her thoughts, and the traveler in her book and music.

As Lisa pondered over the cat-eyed traveler's unexpected chivalry, a pang of guilt struck her. She remembered Rosé, her best friend and manager, who had always been there for her. But this time, Lisa had chosen to be alone. She hadn't told Rosé about her sudden trip, which was unlike their usual talks.

The note she left for Rosé - "Don't come looking for me. I'll be back when I'm ready. I need this." - showed how much she needed to get away. Lisa knew Rosé would be worried when she found out. 

As her manager, Rosé would be very concerned about the problems it might cause. The thought of Lisa, her most important client, vanishing without a trace would be a nightmare scenario, professionally and emotionally.