Again

Chapter 22 - Roar

Se-Ri takes no pleasure in contradicting her father and in an ideal world, they would be able to sort things out immediately with him and Se-Ri and Jeong Hyeok could live their happy ever after.

But real life is rarely ever that easy and if there was a couple that knew that it would be them.

After the conversation with her parents, they decided to take the rest of the day off. Once Max and Mina's needs were attended to, Se-Ri took a shower and told Jeong Hyeok she wanted to take a nap. "Do you mind staying with me until I fall asleep?"

Jeong Hyeok nodded, knowing that even if she had not expressed the words for it, she was hurting and terribly sad at what happened. They lay side by side, Jeong Hyeok stroking her hair and singing a song for her.

"I almost forgot you sing," Se-Ri whispered. "You don't sing for me often enough."

"Okay, I'll sing more," he promised. "Anything else?"

"Hmmm...," she sounded but didn't say anything. Glancing down at her, Jeong Hyeok saw that she was starting to drift off. "Maybe for your public image we'll make you an idol."

Jeong Hyeok snorted. "I'm unfortunately not that good."

"You are. I'll think about it later. I'm too tired right now," she said. Tightening her hug, she molded herself into his form and then finally slept.

As Se- Ri slumbered, Jeong Hyeok couldn't help but send a prayer to the universe. 'I need a miracle,' he thought. 'I know I've asked for a lot of help already but if there is one more you could spare? I hope her father could forgive me... I hate seeing Se-Ri hurt.'

*

At the venue where his interview and photoshoot will take place, Se-Ri and Jeong Hyeok walked into the studio together. They were side by side but there was no physical contact.

They had coordinated outfits though -- with Se-Ri wearing a white blouse and pants with brown belt and shoes, while Jeong Hyeok was in a mostly brown ensemble with a dark brown shirt, khaki colored slacks and a similar brown belt and shoes as her.

People couldn't help but stare at them when they walked in. Partly because Se-Ri was a famous star and more beautiful in person. The other part of it was Jeong Hyeok. He towered over most men in the room and his face and built would rival most actors and idols in the industry.

A production assistant provided their team with the list of questions that will be thrown at Jeong Hyeok. "How did you get your start... what are your considerations when you invest... there are some questions here about your family background, are you okay with this?" Se-Ri asked.

"Can we limit it? Maybe a short paragraph on it but I don't want to answer anything about them," Jeong Hyeok said.

The interviewer showed some surprise when Se-Ri met her first. "I'm working for Mr. Lee with his public relations. Can we go over the questions before you start?"

Once they had an agreement, the two women headed to where Jeong Hyeok was being photographed. He was being instructed to look in different directions, with the photographer murmuring, "This man has an amazing side profile."

Se-Ri beamed proudly, even if she had absolutely nothing to do with Jeong Hyeok's handsome features. After a few more shots, Se-Ri noted that no one dared ask Jeong Hyeok for a smile. So, she loudly commented, "Mr. Lee! How about a smile? Show us those dimples!"