Chapter 37: The Moment and The Milestone

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Rora's schedule had never been more demanding. She was everywhere—attending high-profile events, endorsing luxury brands, and gracing magazine covers with her radiant smile. It was all part of the idol life, but the relentless hustle was beginning to take its toll. Amidst this whirlwind, Julie was her constant companion—not just as a dedicated assistant, but as a true friend who could lighten Rora's mood with a simple joke or an encouraging pep talk. Whenever Rora felt overwhelmed by the flashing cameras, endless obligations, Julie’s presence made everything feel just a bit easier.

Yet, it was Asa who truly kept Rora grounded. Even though they had to maintain the façade of just being friends in public, their connection ran deeper than anyone could see. They wanted to protect the privacy of their relationship, keeping it untouched by the public eye for as long as they could. What they shared was something rare and precious—a love that didn’t need the world’s validation. In front of others, they were simply close friends, supporting each other through thick and thin. But in the quiet of their own space, Asa became Rora’s sanctuary, her source of strength amidst the chaos of her idol life.

On those exhausting nights when Rora would come home late from grueling schedules and endless photoshoots, Asa would be waiting for her. She never complained about Rora’s demanding career. Instead, she listened, comforted, and made sure Rora had a warm meal to come home to. Their whispered conversations late at night, shared in the soft glow of a single lamp, became moments of solace that melted away the day’s stress.

When the time finally came to move, it couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. Rora was ready for a fresh start, and the thought of a new home felt like a beacon of hope. But getting there was no small feat. After days of juggling work, packing, and planning, moving day finally arrived. Haerin and Minju showed up to help, their unwavering support making everything run smoother. Julie brought her knack for organization, turning what seemed like an impossible task into a manageable one. The entire process was filled with laughter, exhaustion, and the kind of camaraderie that made even the hardest tasks bearable.

By the end of the day, the moving truck had come and gone. Their new home was now filled with the familiar, comforting chaos of half-unpacked boxes, scattered furniture, and mismatched décor. Rora stood in the middle of the living room, hands on her hips, taking it all in with a satisfied smile. It was still a work in progress, but it already felt more like home than their old apartment ever had.

Asa walked in from the kitchen, holding a tray with two mugs of hot chocolate. "We have triumphantly endured the chaos. It seems only fitting that our first night in this new home calls for a celebration."

Rora accepted a mug, her eyes softening as she looked around. "Can you believe it? This place is really ours now," she murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Asa leaned against the counter, watching Rora with a fond expression. "Indeed, it feels as though I have stepped into a dream. I never thought we would find a place so utterly perfect. And yet, here we are."

They clinked their mugs together, basking in the peace that enveloped them. The sounds of nature from outside—the rustle of leaves, the distant chirping of crickets—felt like a lullaby, soothing away the stresses of their past.

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The next morning, sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a golden glow on the wooden floors. Asa woke first, stretching luxuriously before rolling over to find Rora still peacefully asleep beside her. She smiled to herself, leaning in to place a soft kiss on Rora's forehead.

Unable to contain her excitement, Asa quietly slipped out of bed, pulling on a light sweater. It was their first full day in their new home, and she was eager to explore the property properly. She had dreams of planting a garden, setting up a cozy reading nook in the corner of the living room, and, of course, making their new dog feel at home.

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