Page 27 of Public Image, Private Heart (K-Drama Love Story #1)
“W hoa, I can’t believe this,” Yumi exclaimed, her eyes glued to the TV. She tucked her legs under herself on the sofa, cozy in her loose pajamas and with a cup of tea in hand.
Ji-yong froze mid-step, his eyes widening in shock as he listened to the evening news.
“The famous actor Ryan Kim, who holds dual citizenship, is now facing extradition from Canada to South Korea. This comes after an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and non-consensual relations with a minor,” the broadcaster announced solemnly on TV.
Beside it, a photo frame of Yumi and Ji-yong taken on the set of Princess of Cosmos stood next to a few mini-figurines. Since Yumi moved into Ji-yong’s place, he finally relented, allowing her to decorate parts of the apartment and add some color.
As the broadcaster announced more details about Ryan Kim’s case, Yumi and Ji-yong exchanged glances.
“Did you...?” Yumi began, her voice trailing off as she looked at Ji-yong. He shook his head in response, confirming her unspoken question.
Two years had passed since Yumi last saw Ryan Kim. After wrapping up their drama Hospital Emergency , she still had to see him for a few promotional activities, during which she remained completely professional.
Despite the drama’s tumultuous background, Hospital Emergency received excellent reviews and became one of the top ten most-watched dramas worldwide.
However, Yumi was unsure how to react to this success, as seeing the scenes on TV with Ryan Kim only reminded her of the daily hardships and threats she faced while working with him on set.
With Ji-yong by her side for all the follow-up tasks and staying in the background, Ryan didn’t dare to make a move. Looking back, it was a truly unsettling time.
Ji-yong and Yumi managed to keep their relationship private until about a year ago, when an Asian paparazzo caught them on vacation in Greece. With their secret out, they had no choice but to make a long-overdue public announcement.
Fortunately, the announcement didn’t create much of a stir, as the timing was less precarious. Ji-yong was occupied with filming an action movie rather than a romantic drama, and Yumi had returned to theater production, stepping away from the spotlight of screens and cameras.
“He really is a piece of shit,” Ji-yong cursed, unable to hold himself, as the broadcaster continued with the news about Ryan.
“Not only did he mess things up two years ago with you, but now he’s ruining tonight too.” Ji-yong sighed, revealing a large box with a bow on top that he had been holding.
Yumi got up from the sofa, her excitement tinged with a bit of concern. She patted Ji-yong’s arm to reassure him. “Don’t worry... nothing can ruin tonight,” she said with a wide smile. “Is this... an early Christmas gift for me?” Unable to contain her excitement, she jumped up and down a little.
Ji-yong nodded with a soft smile as the box shifted slightly, making a faint sound. Yumi’s eyes lit up with excitement as she eagerly guessed what might be inside.
“Is this... what I think it is?” she asked, her voice full of anticipation. Ji-yong handed her the box, and she carefully opened it.
Inside, she found a tiny tabby kitten with a dark chocolate coat, meowing and looking a bit frightened. Overcome with joy, Yumi let out an ecstatic squeal only bats could hear, her excitement barely contained.
“I was going to wait until Christmas to give you this,” Ji-yong said, his voice slightly hurried. “But since the shelter’s closed for the holidays, I had to pick up the kitten earlier than planned. Do you like him? We can come up with a name together.”
Yumi was so absorbed in gently cradling and petting the kitten that she didn’t respond right away. Her eyes were shimmering with happy tears, and she could only nod.
She noticed that the kitten had a loose bow around its neck, which prompted her to carefully remove it. Underneath was a beautiful ring with a pear-shaped diamond.
Yumi’s eyes widened in surprise as she saw the ring. She glanced up at Ji-yong, not quite believing what she was seeing.
Ji-yong took a deep breath, his voice filled with emotion. “Yumi, I love you so much and want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
He gazed at her for a moment before adding, “Will you marry me?”
Without hesitation, Yumi gently set the kitten down and leaped into Ji-yong’s arms, her legs wrapped around his waist and her face beaming with joy. “A thousand times yes,” she said through her tears, her voice muffled against his shoulder, overflowing with emotion.