I Hate The Way You Love

21 - Safe Flight

The screams of fans, the rapid flashes from cameras, and the swarm of people trying to get closer immediately filled the air as Yoon Jeonghan stepped out of his car at the airport.

Adjusting his clothes as if he had no intention of posing, he walked past the crowd, flanked by bodyguards struggling to keep the fans in place. Though the chaos annoyed him, Jeonghan still offered them his signature pretty smile—though, of course, it was all just for show.

"Yoon Jeonghan! Yoon Jeonghan!"

He heard a reporter call from his left.

"This is your fifth New York Fashion Week since your debut. Does it feel any different this time?"

Jeonghan gave a warm smile. "Every Fashion Week feels different and exciting for me... especially with so many new faces here. Yet, they still invite me," he replied calmly, maintaining his brisk pace.

"Jeonghan!" Another reporter called out. "I heard you're in New York for a holiday as well. How long will you be staying?"

Jeonghan chuckled. "Ah, no, not a long holiday. Just a few days to visit some relatives after the event. I still have a lot of work here..."

"Yoon Jeonghan!" A different voice called, making him turn. "There's a lot of news about your ex-husband, Kim Mingyu, and his husband expecting their first child. What's your response?"

Jeonghan's breath hitched, his steps nearly faltering as he almost tripped on his way to the departure gate. Though he had already known—and had, in fact, been the first to know—hearing it again made his mind momentarily go blank. Even after weeks of keeping his distance from Seungkwan, he still couldn't bring himself to rush into making plans again, only to fail as he had before.

Before he could react, more voices followed.

"The first heir of Kim Market Holdings is finally going to be born—do you have anything to say to them?" another reporter urged.

"Any response to that, Yoon Jeonghan?" They pressed as he remained silent. "Just a word or two? Maybe a congratulations?" The reporter paused before adding, "Or... is it true that you still have feelings for your ex? Is that why you haven't remarried or been in a relationship with anyone else?"

At those words, Jeonghan said nothing. He simply offered a faint smile before continuing his steps. He walked steadily until he reached the autogate, where he scanned his passport and face. As he stepped inside, the warmth on his covered face faded, replaced by a blank, unreadable expression.

***

"LA? Los Angeles??" Seungkwan squealed as he read the wedding invitation Mingyu had just handed him. "And it's in three days? Are you insane?"