The evening breeze was cool as Jin walked Minji to her apartment. The streetlights cast a soft glow on the pavement, and the city around them buzzed with life. Yet, in this small moment, everything felt quiet and peaceful.
"Are you sure you don't want me to call you a car?" Jin asked, glancing at Minji as they strolled.
She shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "No need. I like walking, especially when it's this quiet. Besides… I don't mind walking with you."
Jin chuckled lightly. "Fair enough."
Minji looked ahead, her expression thoughtful. "You know, before I met you, I never really felt… safe around anyone. It's like everyone wanted something from me. Fans, managers, even some friends."
Jin didn't respond right away. He knew how the entertainment industry worked—people were often surrounded by others, yet completely alone.
"Now?" Jin asked softly.
Minji glanced at him and smiled again, this time more sincerely. "Now it feels different. You don't treat me like a product. You just… listen. That means a lot to me."
Jin nodded quietly, understanding the weight of her words. "I'm glad. You deserve someone who sees you for who you are, not just what you can do for them."
They reached the front of Minji's apartment building. She turned to face Jin, her face lit softly by the warm lights spilling from the entrance.
"Do you want to come up for tea?" she asked hesitantly, looking both hopeful and nervous.
Jin considered her invitation for a moment, but he could see that she really wanted company. "Sure. Tea sounds nice."
Minji smiled, relieved, and led him inside.
---
Minji's apartment was small but cozy. The decorations were simple—framed photos, soft throw blankets, and a small shelf filled with books and awards. It felt lived in, a reflection of her personality.
"Make yourself comfortable," Minji said as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Jin sat on the couch, taking a moment to glance around. There were pictures of Minji with other idols, some of her performances, and a photo of what appeared to be her family. He could tell she valued those connections, even if her life had made it hard to trust people.
"Here," Minji said, returning with two cups of tea. She handed one to Jin and sat beside him on the couch, tucking her legs under herself.
"Thanks," Jin said, taking a sip. The tea was calming, a faint hint of chamomile. "This is nice."
Minji laughed softly. "I'm not great at making tea, but I'm glad you like it."
A comfortable silence settled between them. Jin could feel Minji relax beside him, the stress of her day melting away.
"Jin," Minji said suddenly, breaking the silence. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Jin replied, looking at her.
Minji hesitated for a moment, as if choosing her words carefully. "Why are you so kind to me? You're helping me without asking for anything. Most people wouldn't do that."
Jin set his cup down on the table. "Because you're worth helping, Minji. I don't need a reason beyond that."
Minji stared at him, her dark eyes searching his face for any sign of dishonesty. When she didn't find any, her shoulders relaxed. "That's… really rare."
Jin leaned back against the couch, smiling softly. "Sometimes people just need someone to believe in them. I'm glad I can be that person for you."
Minji looked down at her tea, her voice quieter now. "I've been thinking a lot about what I want for my life. Ever since I became a trainee, I've been chasing other people's dreams for me. I never stopped to ask myself what I want."
"What do you want, then?" Jin asked gently.
Minji paused, her expression pensive. "I think… I want to be free. Free to make my own choices, to live without being scared of what other people think."
Jin nodded, understanding her completely. "You can have that, Minji. You just need to take it one step at a time."
She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and gratitude. "It's easier to believe that when you say it."
For a moment, they just sat there, looking at each other. There was something unspoken between them, a bond that had grown stronger with every interaction. Jin felt it too—this quiet, mutual trust that neither of them had expected.
"Jin," Minji whispered, her voice barely audible.
"What is it?" Jin asked, his voice equally soft.
Minji hesitated before speaking. "Can I… stay like this? Just for tonight? I feel safe when you're here."
Jin's heart softened at her words. He could see how much this meant to her—how much she longed for someone she could rely on.
"Of course," Jin replied. "I'll stay as long as you need me to."
Minji smiled faintly, setting her tea down. She leaned her head against Jin's shoulder, letting out a quiet breath. For a while, they just sat there, the room filled with a comfortable silence. Jin could feel her relax completely, as though a weight she had been carrying for years was finally lifting.
"You really are different, Jin," Minji murmured softly.
Jin didn't respond, but he rested his hand gently over hers, a simple gesture of reassurance.
---
As the hours passed, Minji slowly drifted off to sleep, her head still resting against Jin's shoulder. Jin looked down at her, feeling a mix of protectiveness and admiration.
She looked so peaceful like this—free from the worries that usually clouded her expression. Jin couldn't help but smile faintly.
His system buzzed softly in his mind.
[System Update: Relationship with Minji deepened.]
[New Reward Unlocked: Increased Influence in Idol Management Network.]
Jin shook his head slightly, smirking to himself. "You really are something," he whispered, more to himself than to Minji.
Carefully, Jin shifted so that he could rest against the couch without disturbing her. He knew this was just the beginning—Minji's journey was far from over, but he would be there for her every step of the way.
As he closed his eyes, Jin felt a sense of calm settle over him. His goals were still the same—power, influence, wealth—but the connections he was building with people like Minji made it all the more worthwhile.
And as the night deepened, Jin knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, this quiet moment was enough.