Mannon’s life had always been a delicate balance of career and personal life, but now, it felt like everything was shifting in ways she couldn’t control. The decision she had made—to stay with Amara while still pursuing her career—felt right in the moment, but with each passing day, the pressure mounted. She hadn’t realized how hard it would be to juggle everything.
Amara’s recovery was slow, but she was making progress, and Mannon was by her side every step of the way. But the weight of being the rock for everyone was starting to take its toll on her.
With her commitment to Versace back on track, Mannon knew she had to fly back to Korea for the campaign shoot, and quickly. But this time, she wasn’t doing it alone. Hyunjin had insisted on coming with her.
“I can’t let you go on your own,” Hyunjin had told her. “I know it’s going to be tough, but I’ve got your back.”
Mannon wasn’t sure if it was his presence she needed most or if it was just the reassurance that someone—other than Chan—was in her corner. Regardless, she had accepted.
---
Touchdown in Korea
The familiar buzz of Seoul was almost overwhelming after being in the quiet of Australia. Mannon had missed the energy, the buzz, and the chaos of her other life—the one that didn’t revolve around the quiet hospital room where she’d spent weeks taking care of Amara.
Hyunjin and Mannon made their way to the Versace office for the first fitting. Mannon’s mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming shoot, of how much work she had missed out on, and of how she could still make up for everything.
But Hyunjin, as usual, seemed to keep her grounded. “You’re going to do great,” he reassured her as they walked through the sleek lobby.
“You always say that,” Mannon said, laughing lightly. “But I don’t know how much I believe it myself right now.”
“You should,” Hyunjin said firmly, his eyes meeting hers. “I’ve seen you work. You’re a force. And you’re stronger than you think.”
His words settled in her chest, and for the first time in a long while, Mannon felt a flicker of hope that maybe she could really have both—the career, the friendships, and her family.
---
The Shoot
The first day of the Versace shoot felt like a whirlwind. Mannon was dressed in an array of high-fashion pieces, some of them bold and striking while others were elegant and delicate. Each outfit made her feel like she could conquer anything—until the last look.
The final outfit of the day was a stunning black gown with intricate beading that shimmered in the lights. The dress fit her perfectly, hugging her curves in all the right places, and the photographer was asking her to pose in ways that felt impossible.
Her confidence began to falter, her mind flashing back to the nights she spent lying awake, wondering if she was doing the right thing by being here instead of with Amara.
“Mannie, you’re fine,” Hyunjin said quietly, appearing beside her as she took a break between shots. He had been watching from the sidelines, his gaze fixed on her as she worked. “You’re killing it.”
She sighed, rubbing her temples. “I don’t feel like it.”
Hyunjin stepped closer, his presence comforting. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but don’t let it stop you. You’re strong enough to get through this, and I believe in you.”
Mannon met his gaze and gave him a small smile. “Thanks, Hyun.”
As the shoot progressed, her confidence began to build again. She was killing the poses, owning the camera with every movement. For the first time in a while, Mannon felt like she was in control—like she was on top of her game again.
---
Back in Australia
Mannon’s return to Australia was bittersweet. Amara was doing better, but there were still days when she needed Mannon to be there. And though she hated leaving her best friend for longer periods of time, the balance was slowly becoming manageable.
But there was another issue now—Hyunjin.
They hadn’t talked about it, but the tension between them was palpable. The late-night conversations, the quiet glances when she thought no one was looking, and the subtle touches that made her heart race—they hadn’t addressed it, but it was there.
One evening, as they sat in the living room with Amara and Jordan, Hyunjin looked at her, his gaze heavy with something unspoken.
“Are you okay?” Mannon asked, her voice quiet, noticing how distant he had been the last few days.
Hyunjin hesitated before answering. “I’m fine,” he said, but his eyes told a different story. “I just… I don’t want to see you struggle alone.”
Mannon didn’t know what to say. She had grown so used to pushing people away, to carrying the weight of everything on her own. But with Hyunjin, it was different.
“You don’t have to worry about me,” she said softly. “I’ll figure it out. I always do.”
But Hyunjin wasn’t convinced. “I don’t want you to figure it out alone,” he said, his voice low.
She swallowed hard, trying to maintain control over her emotions. But Hyunjin was slowly cracking the walls she had built up for years.
---
The Choices
Mannon stood at the edge of the balcony, looking out over the city. The stars were dim in the distance, and the lights from the city flickered like a thousand tiny sparks in the night. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—her best friend, her career, her relationship with Hyunjin that she wasn’t sure how to define.
“You know,” Chan’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “You’re allowed to lean on people, right?”
Mannon turned to face him, surprised to see him standing there. He smiled gently. “I’m your brother, but you know that doesn’t mean I have all the answers.”
“I know,” Mannon said softly, her eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and confusion. “But I’m just trying to find a way to make everything work. Everyone’s counting on me.”
Chan stepped forward, pulling her into a hug. “You don’t have to do everything on your own, Mannie. You just have to do your best. We’ll be here for you.”
As she closed her eyes, leaning into her brother’s warmth, Mannon realized that maybe, just maybe, she didn’t have to choose between everything. She just had to figure out how to balance it all—and for once, let herself be supported.
YOU ARE READING
Her Song, His Heart
RomanceMannon is more than just Bang Chan's sister. With her radiant light-brown skin, striking blue eyes, luscious coily brown curls, full rosy lips, and an hourglass figure that turns heads everywhere, she's a force to be reckoned with. But Mannon is far...
