In a well-lit living room.
Shuri Lee was focused on her laptop screen, her adorable Pomeranian resting on her lap as she watched a Y-Tube video with excitement in her eyes.
"We have with us today, Noran Lee, an architect whose talent has been recognized globally." The interviewer paused before turning to the gentleman beside her. "Mr. Lee, it's truly an honor to have you here."
As the camera zoomed in on Noran, seated gracefully for the interview, Shuri shrieked like a fangirl meeting her idol for the first time.
"Oh my god, Snowball! Did you see who this is? It's Daddy!" Shuri exclaimed excitedly, gesturing for her white Pomeranian to look at the charming man who had appeared in the video.
Shuri continued to stare at the screen, admiring her husband whose presence commanded attention from anyone watching him.
Dressed in a sharp black professional suit, Noran exuded an air of refined elegance that effortlessly complemented his surroundings.
"Thank you for having me. I'm truly honored to be here."
Shuri's smile widened with each word Noran uttered, totally captivated by the divine creature on the screen.
Indeed, Noran's looks were nothing short of divine; his features seemed sculpted by the hands of a celestial artist, each contour and curve a testament to his breathtaking beauty.
Even the interviewer couldn't help but keep staring at him. "Winning prestigious awards like the Young Architects Award and the International Architects Award is a testament to your exceptional skill and vision.
Your designs, such as the breathtaking 'Aurora Tower' and the innovative 'Zenith Plaza,' have captivated audiences worldwide. How do you approach your projects, and what inspires your unique creations?"
"I'd say it's just a reflection of the incredible teamwork and dedication of my colleagues…"
"KYAA!! My RAN~!!" Shuri shrieked whenever it was Noran's turn to speak, prompting Karlene Lee to emerge from the kitchen with an annoyed look on her face.
"Oh my god, would you just shut up? How many times are you planning to rewatch your husband's interview? You've been married for a decade, yet you're still fangirling like it's your first time meeting your idol."
Shuri paused the video and glared at Karlene, clearly unhappy that her older sister had interrupted.
"My Ran deserves everyone to rewatch his interview a million times! Just look, the video was just released today and already hit a million views! That just proves how amazing my Ran is…"
"Stop… Just stop talking!" Karlene interrupted Shuri, showing her disinterest in hearing her sister go on about Noran, especially when Shuri would call him using an affectionate nickname.
"My poor sister knows nothing about love," Shuri replied, pretending to pity Karlene as she shook her head. "You've been single for too long. It's about time you find yourself a good man but I doubt there's anyone better than my Ran…"
"Shut it. I'm not interested in an obsessive man," Karlene interrupted as she rolled her eyes.
"My Ran is nothing like that!"
"Are you kidding me? He gave up on music, distanced himself from his family, and even changed his last name to follow yours. He's always checking up on you and insists I keep you company whenever he's not around. If that's not obsessive, I don't know what is."
"You obviously don't understand what love is." Shuri shrugged, clearly unfazed. "Shoo, shoo! Don't disturb me while I admire my Ran."
"Geez, a pair obsessed with one another," Karlene commented in exasperation as she returned to the kitchen.
Shuri giggled at her sister's comment and turned back to her laptop, only to find Snowball hitting the keyboard with his tiny paw.
"Naughty boy, you mustn't do that…"
She stopped reprimanding Snowball when she noticed the title of the next video, stating, "The Real Identity of Noran Lee."
The video played, showing a younger Noran playing the piano on the grand stage. It was a recording from when he was still known as Noran Kingston, a piano prodigy with the nickname "Liszt Luminary."
"So, they found out…" Shuri sighed. "Since he's getting more famous now, I guess it can't be helped."
Karlene wasn't exaggerating when she mentioned Noran sacrificing his music career for Shuri. His parents opposed their relationship because the Kingstons were a prestigious family. They couldn't bear to see their only heir marry someone they considered a commoner like Shuri.
Like his parents, Shuri didn't think she was worthy of Noran. However, Noran was determined to be with Shuri. He not only left the country to distance himself from his parents, but he also abandoned his family surname and adopted hers.
As Shuri continued to watch the video that uncovered Noran's past, she thought about their twelve years together. In the beginning, they led a simple but rough life together after leaving the country.
After winning various music competitions, Noran used the prize money to pursue his interest in architecture, while Shuri opened a small café with Karlene to earn a living.
Since they lived in a quiet outskirts area, not many people recognized Noran, so he would sometimes take on odd jobs to sustain their life together.
No matter how challenging life became, he never once used his musical talent to earn money, keeping his promise that he'd only play the piano for her.
Shuri clicked on another video that appeared on her recommendation list, one that showed an eighteen-year-old Noran playing the piano.
As the video began to play, Shuri realized she was once again captivated by his effortless elegance and charm.
She watched as his fingers danced gracefully across the keys, coaxing out melodies that seemed to fill the room with magic.
His talent was undeniable, evident in every stroke of the keys and every subtle expression that crossed his face. He seemed to belong on the stage, commanding attention with his magnetic presence and skillful performance.
"It's a pity…" Shuri muttered under her breath, feeling a tinge of regret that he could no longer shine on stage because of her.
She wasn't sure if it was due to getting a bit emotional, but she started to feel a slight headache and noticed her nose bleeding.
"Ahh… Not again."
When Shuri was about to grab a tissue to clean off the blood, Karlene entered the living room and noticed her nosebleed.
"Oh my god! Are you alright?" Karlene hurried over and asked in concern.
"I… I'm fine. Don't worry," Shuri muttered as she wiped off the blood.
"Don't lie to me. This is not the first time I've seen you with a nosebleed. How many times do I need to remind you to schedule a check-up with a doctor? Do you want me to tell Noran about this?"
Karlene was clearly annoyed that Shuri showed such little concern for her own health.Top of Form
"Please don't tell Ran, alright? I don't want to worry him. You know how he'd drop everything if he found out I was sick. He's already busy enough with work. I don't want him to neglect his job to take care of me. I've already been to the doctor for a full check-up, and I'll get the results in a couple of days."
"You only care about him. I bet if I hadn't threatened to tell him about your condition, you wouldn't even have scheduled a check-up..."
"Alright, alright. I know my Lene cares about me the most." Shuri grinned as she moved closer to Karlene and rubbed her face against Karlene's arm like a kitten.
"Get lost! This tactic only works on Noran. It doesn't work on me." Karlene pretended to be annoyed by Shuri acting cute, but couldn't resist patting Shuri on the head in the end.
"You must inform me once you receive your medical report, do you hear me?"
"Yes, yes! You will be the first to know!"
"I can't trust you. I think I should accompany you…"
"Ah! Look at the time! It's almost 10 p.m.!" Shuri interrupted Karlene. "Don't you have to open shop early tomorrow? You should go back and rest early."
Shuri pulled Karlene to the door, eager to get her sister to leave and avoid any more of her nagging.
"Hey, I'm not done talking…"
"I know, I know… Stop treating me like a child. I'm already in my thirties, you know? I can take care of myself just fine."
Karlene gave Shuri an exasperated look before sighing.
After their parents died in a car accident, Shuri, despite being younger than Karlene, was there for her as her main support, so how could Karlene not be worried about her only family member?
Karlene never once thought she loved Shuri any less than Noran.
"Noran should be back soon right?"
"Yes, he should be home by ten tonight."
Karlene looked at Shuri smiling brightly.
Just mentioning his name would light up his younger sister's face with a bright smile. Karlene couldn't help but feel both grateful and jealous of Noran at the same time.
She patted Shuri on the head one last time. Then, she reminded Shuri to rest early before departing.
Shuri let out a sigh as she closed the door. "My husband and sister worry too much."
The house became much quieter after Karlene left.
Shuri picked up Snowball and proceeded to the sofa to check on her phone, realizing that Noran hadn't replied to her previous message.
"Maybe he's busy…"
She contemplated whether to text him again, but decided against it, not wanting to disturb him. He had mentioned he'd be back after attending a gala.
However, even when the clock struck twelve, there was still no sight or news from him. Thinking something bad might have happened to him, Shuri tried calling him repeatedly, but the calls wouldn't connect.
Noran had never ignored her texts or calls before, let alone not reached out to her.
As worries crept in, Shuri had a sinking feeling that something terrible might have happened to Noran.