A Promise Of Love

“Why there are no voices coming. It’s too silent for a party” Jimin tried to open the front door but it was locked. She pressed the bell and Rae Won opened the door. His face expression was holding a lot question still he was happy to see her.

“ Is everyone inside?” she asked.

“ You can come in,” Rae Won said puzzled. She entered the house and door closed again on its own.

“Have you not seen my messages ?” He asked.

“What messages?”

“ I messaged you that get together was cancelled and moved forward . But it’s okay. Since you are here, stay here for longer. I will show you my house,” Rae Won explained.

“ Your house?” she asked as her senses felt danger . “ Was he the one who messaged me for get together? Is that his trap because I blocked him?”

She took a step away from him. “I want to go home,” she said as she tried to walk to the door but he came in front of her.

“Wait, don’t go like this. I .....” his cell phone rang at the time and he picked up the phone. “Yes, I am Rae Won. Yes my house is one kilometre ahead. It’s blue gate.” He hung up the phone.

Is he is calling for more people? She stumbled away from him and her hands started trembling. He walked to her and said “ You can’t go home, you .....”

“I will do that, I will show it to you as you wish. But please let me go home,” She said in trembling voice as tears started streaming from her eyes.

“ What are you.....” he was still talking but her acts left him dumb founded.

She threw her cell phone and bag down and pulled up her dress altogether and it left her in her bra.

He wanted to calm her and came closer to her “Wait... What...”

But she started to get more scared and screamed. “Don’t come near me . please let me go. Please!”

He couldn’t understand her behaviour and took another step toward her . She fall on her back and started wailing and begging. “ Please let me go. Let me go home”

He saw her drenched in fear and her hands and legs were trembling. She didn’t seemed to be pretending. Her cries felt like some nails being pierced into his heart.

“ Okay, You can go now,” he said loudly so that she could hear. “But please wear your shirt first.” He picked up her shirt that she dropped earlier and threw it to her . He walked far away from her and door.

She quickly wore it and ran to the door heading out. He walked to the window and saw her running from the street.

He looked at the bag and cell phone she just left and her mesh that she wore upon the dress.

He closed his eyes , took a deep sigh and picked up her things. He put them on the table and sat down in front of them. No matter how much he thought it didn’t made sense to him.

WEEKS EARLIER

Rae Won couldn’t help but smile warmly as he looked at her. Her presence lit up the room. Her large, expressive eyes and round face were framed perfectly by her shoulder-length hair, adorned with delicate white flower pins above each ear. From the moment she walked onto the set, he was captivated by her charm.

They were part of a variety show called Celebrity vs. Fan, where fans compete against their favourite celebrities for prizes. The atmosphere was electric as the MC announced, “Mr. Rae Won, it’s your turn to hit the punching machine.”

Rae Won prepared himself, stretching his arms before delivering a powerful punch that resounded through the set. “Yes, 856 points!” the MC exclaimed. “Now it’s Ms. Jimin’s turn. Whoever scores higher wins this round.”

Jimin ran towards the machine. She punched the bag with all her might, only for it to recoil and strike her forehead. The crowd erupted in laughter, and Rae Won quickly stepped forward to steady her, gently touching her forehead with a warm smile. Despite her apparent clumsiness, the machine flashed a score of 859. Everyone, including Rae Won, was stunned. Jimin might have seemed fragile, but she was undeniably strong.

As the shoot wrapped up and the crew dispersed, Jimin hurried away, anxious not to miss the last bus. Rae Won followed, hoping to ask for her number, but hesitated, fearing it might seem intrusive. He found himself at the bus stop behind her, contemplating his next move. I should leave it for today. He thought. I’ll ask the producer for her number.

As Jimin boarded the bus, Rae Won acted on impulse, wedging his hand in the closing door to hop on. Disguised with a mask and hat, he took a seat opposite to her, watching as her hair fluttered in the breeze. She looked content, basking in the fresh air. He smiled, captivated by her presence.

Why am I so drawn to her? He pondered.

Jimin got off at her stop, and Rae Won followed, but then thought better of it. Respecting her privacy, he turned away, replaying her beautiful smile in his mind. Lost in thought, he nearly bumped into a group of teenage girls who recognized him immediately. “You’re actor Kang Rae Won, right?” one of them asked excitedly.

Caught off guard, Rae Won’s initial reaction was to flee. “Hey, it’s really him!” they shouted, and soon, a small crowd was chasing him. He darted into a nearby building, hiding behind some plants until the coast was clear.

Meanwhile, his manager, Yong Hwa, was frantically searching for him. “Where could he be without informing me?” he muttered, dialing Rae Won’s number.

“Yong Hwa, I’m at the bus station. Come pick me up,” Rae Won whispered urgently into his phone.

Back at home, Rae Won lay in bed, unable to shake thoughts of Jimin. Her way of talking, her deep eyes, her laughter , all of it made his heart flutter. He turned over, lost in the memory of their interactions.

Their chemistry was undeniable, captivating the audience. Viewers adored their sweet exchanges and Rae Won’s extra attentiveness towards her. They demanded the pair return to the show, and soon enough, offers for couple themed commercials began pouring in.

When they reunited for a commercial shoot, Rae Won’s heart pounded as they sat close, forced to display intimacy for the camera. Despite his attempts to control his emotions, his eyes and actions betrayed his feelings. Rumors of them dating began to circulate, but Jimin, being a huge fan, was delighted by his friendliness.

After the shoot, Rae Won found Jimin in the waiting room. She stood as he entered, but he quickly assured her, “You don’t need to stand up.” Nervously, he added, “I just wanted to ask for your number, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure,” she replied, extending her hand. He handed her his phone, and they exchanged numbers.

“Have you been contacted by Celebrity vs. Fan for a special episode?” he asked.

“Yes, I have,” she responded.

“What did you say? Will you go again?”

“If I have time,” she smiled, and Rae won felt a wave of relief, knowing he would see her again.