Over the next week, Jin continued to help Minji navigate the problems that surrounded her career. The more time they spent together, the more Minji opened up, showing him glimpses of the person behind the idol image—a hardworking, determined young woman who carried more weight on her shoulders than she let anyone see.
Jin admired her resolve. Even after long hours of rehearsals, after the endless pressure from managers and fans, she never complained. Instead, she pushed forward, trying to become better every day. But Jin could also see the exhaustion in her eyes, the way she forced a smile when things became too much.
One evening, after Minji finished a long rehearsal, Jin waited for her outside the agency building. The street was mostly empty, quiet under the dim glow of streetlights. Minji stepped out, her bag slung over her shoulder and a tired look on her face.
"You're still here?" Minji asked, surprised when she saw Jin leaning casually against the wall.
Jin smiled. "I figured you could use some company. Long day?"
Minji sighed, brushing her hair behind her ear. "You have no idea. I think my feet might fall off."
Jin chuckled and pushed himself off the wall. "Come on, let's grab something to eat. You need a break."
Minji hesitated, glancing back toward the building. "I don't know… I'm supposed to head back to the dorms."
Jin raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to go back to the dorms, or do you want to take a breather for yourself?"
That was all it took. Minji let out a small laugh and nodded. "Fine. You win."
---
Jin took Minji to a small, quiet ramen shop tucked away in an alley. It wasn't flashy or glamorous, but it was warm and comfortable. The smell of broth and fresh noodles filled the air as they sat in a booth near the window.
Minji looked around, her expression softening. "This is nice. I don't remember the last time I ate somewhere like this."
Jin placed an order for them both, glancing at her. "No cameras, no fans, no managers. Just you and a bowl of ramen."
She smiled, resting her chin in her hand as she looked at him. "You make it sound so simple."
"It is simple," Jin replied. "Sometimes you just need to let yourself breathe. You can't carry the world on your back all the time."
Minji's smile faltered slightly, and she looked down at the table. "It's not that easy for me, Jin. I've worked so hard to get here. If I mess up, I'll lose everything. My career, my dreams… I'll disappoint everyone who believes in me."
Jin leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. "And what about you? You're so busy worrying about everyone else—when do you get to take care of yourself?"
Minji looked up at him, her dark eyes searching his face. For a moment, she didn't say anything, but Jin could tell his words hit their mark.
The food arrived, breaking the tension. Minji picked up her chopsticks and stared at the steaming bowl of ramen. "It smells so good," she said softly before taking her first bite. Her eyes widened, and she let out a happy sigh. "Oh wow. I think this might be the best thing I've eaten in months."
Jin grinned. "Told you it's simple."
They ate in comfortable silence, the warmth of the food easing some of Minji's tension. After they finished, Jin paid the bill and they stepped back outside into the cool night air. Minji hugged her coat tighter around herself, looking up at the sky.
"The stars are so clear tonight," she said softly.
Jin stood next to her, following her gaze. "It's peaceful, isn't it?"
Minji nodded, turning to face him. "Jin, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
She hesitated for a moment, as if choosing her words carefully. "Why are you helping me? I mean… really helping me? You could've just walked away after telling me about the blackmail. But instead, you've stuck around. Why?"
Jin met her gaze, his expression sincere. "Because you needed someone to be on your side. Someone who doesn't want anything from you. I know what it's like to feel alone, to have no one to trust. I don't want you to feel that way."
Minji's eyes softened, and for the first time, Jin saw the walls around her start to crumble. "You're different, Jin. Everyone else only sees Minji the idol. But you… you see me."
"I do," Jin replied quietly.
The air between them grew still, filled with an unspoken understanding. Minji stepped closer to him, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you… for everything."
Jin didn't move, his eyes locked with hers. "You don't have to thank me."
Minji hesitated for a brief moment before reaching out and gently taking Jin's hand in hers. "I feel like I can breathe when I'm with you," she admitted softly.
Jin squeezed her hand gently, a small smile on his lips. "Then let me be the person who makes sure you can keep breathing."
Minji smiled back, her cheeks flushed slightly, though whether it was from the cold or something else, Jin couldn't tell.
"Walk me back to the dorms?" she asked softly.
"Of course."
---
The walk back was quiet, the only sounds coming from the occasional car passing by. Minji stayed close to Jin's side, their hands brushing together a few times as they walked. When they finally reached the dorm building, Minji stopped just outside the entrance.
She turned to Jin, a soft smile on her lips. "I had a really good time tonight. I feel… lighter, somehow."
"I'm glad," Jin replied. "You deserve to feel that way."
Minji looked at him for a long moment, then suddenly stepped forward and hugged him. Jin was momentarily surprised, but he quickly wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
"Thank you, Jin," she whispered against his shoulder.
Jin rested his chin lightly on her head. "Anytime, Minji."
When she pulled back, her face was slightly red, but she was smiling. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Jin replied, watching as she disappeared inside the building.
As Jin walked away, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a notification from the system.
[System Alert: Bond Level with Minji Increased!]
[Reward Unlocked: Influence Boost in Entertainment Industry.]
Jin smirked as he slipped the phone back into his pocket. Things were moving exactly how he wanted. Minji was starting to trust him, and through her, new opportunities were opening up.
"This is just the beginning," Jin murmured to himself as he walked into the night, ready for whatever came next.