Page 19 of Public Image, Private Heart (K-Drama Love Story #1)

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Ji-yong

I t’s been a month since grandma passed, and while the shock is slowly fading, I’m finding comfort in remembering her full and wonderful life.

But something’s off with Yumi.

At first, I thought she was just worn out from our crazy work schedule.

We’d been killing ourselves with 12 to 16-hour shoots almost every day.

But lately, I noticed she had been keeping her distance.

On the rare occasions she did stay over, a shadow seemed to hang over her, and her usual warmth was noticeably missing.

I’m starting to wonder if Jun-ho’s comment about Min-hee is bothering her, even though she said it wasn’t. Something’s definitely up, and I have no clue what it is.

I had been eagerly counting down the days until Chuseok, which was just a bit more than a month away—our only three-day break from the relentless shooting schedule. I planned to use that time for a surprise getaway with Yumi.

But just as I was about to start searching for a secluded spot, my phone erupted with calls and messages. A sinking feeling washed over me; this could only mean one thing: bad news.

I picked up the next call. It was Mrs. Lee, my agent’s second-in-command. Her voice, cold as ice, cut through the phone. Without even a hi, she asked me directly: “Ji-yong, have you seen what’s circulating online?” Panic seized me. I couldn’t respond immediately. Finally, I managed a shaky “No...?”

A deep sigh preceded Mrs. Lee’s words, “Someone snapped a photo of you and Min-hee in your car. Just the two of you, looking pretty suspicious.”

I was engulfed by panic. It had to be that night I drove Min-hee home when she was about to black-out from the drinks. The timing couldn’t be worse. Yumi would find out, and it could destroy our relationship.

I was speechless. Rumors about me and my co-stars were nothing new, but an actual photo? Even if it was innocent, it was a disaster waiting to happen.

Ignoring my silence, Mrs. Lee continued, “Don’t worry about anything for now. We’ll coordinate with Min-hee’s agency and decide on a public statement if necessary. Since you’re both starring in the same drama and on-screen lovers, this could even boost the show’s ratings.”

I couldn’t believe how the industry worked sometimes. It was all built on facades and lies, to the point where it made me feel sick.

“Just to be clear, you’re not involved with Min-hee, right?” she pressed.

“No!” I replied forcefully. Mrs. Lee murmured an acknowledgment before hanging up. The phone slipped from my hand as a cold dread washed over me.

I tried to calm my racing heart. I had to think clearly. This could ruin everything. My career, yes, but more importantly, my relationship with Yumi. She was the only constant in my chaotic world.

I replayed the night in my mind. I had been a gentleman, making sure Min-hee got home safely. There was nothing to hide, but the public wouldn’t see it that way. The image they would conjure would be far from the truth.

I knew I had to talk to Yumi, explain everything. But how could I? Words felt inadequate. The fear of losing her was a suffocating weight on my chest. I had to protect her from this mess, even if it meant sacrificing my own peace of mind.

The drive to Yumi’s place was a haze. My mind raced, trying to anticipate her reaction. I rang the doorbell, my heart pounding in my chest. When she finally opened the door, I was met with a Yumi I didn’t recognize. Her eyes, usually sparkling with life, were dull and lifeless.

I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. “Yumi, can we talk?” My voice sounded feeble, even to my own ears.

She nodded, her gaze fixed on an unknown point in the room. There was a distance between us, a chasm I couldn’t seem to bridge. I wanted to reach out to her, to hold her, but my hands felt frozen.

I began to explain about the photo, my voice trembling slightly. But I was met with a blank stare. It was as if she wasn’t listening, her mind worlds away. A pang of guilt shot through me. Maybe this wasn’t the right time. Maybe I should have waited.

I hesitated, searching for the right words. Then, I saw a flicker of pain in her eyes. “Yumi... is something wrong?” I asked.

Soft sobs escaped her lips, quickly escalating into racking sobs. I held her tightly, offering what comfort I could. Helplessness washed over me. I’d come to explain, to apologize, but her pain seemed far greater.

“Yumi, talk to me,” I whispered, stroking her hair gently. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

Her sobs gradually subsided, replaced by deep, ragged breaths. When she finally looked up at me, her eyes were red and swollen. The sight of her distress tore at my heart.

“Ji-yong,” she managed to say, her voice barely a whisper. “Something happened at work. Something terrible.”

My mind raced. What could have happened? “Tell me, Yumi. I’m here for you.”

She took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she began to recount what had happened with Ryan. My blood ran cold as I listened to her ordeal. Anger, protectiveness, and a deep sense of shame consumed me. How could I have been so oblivious to her pain?

I held her close, offering silent comfort. Gently stroking her hair, I kissed her forehead. She needed time to process everything. A plan began to form in my mind. I would protect Yumi at all costs. Ryan would pay for his actions.