Year 2016
The headline blazed across every entertainment portal in Korea:
DISPATCH EXCLUSIVE: G-DRAGON'S SECRET RELATIONSHIP
Photographs captured them in moments they thought were private - a late-night dinner, hands briefly touching, a stolen glance that spoke volumes.
{{user}} paced the room, anxiety radiating from every movement. "This changes everything," she said, her voice tight with worry.
Ji-Yong sat casually on the couch, scrolling through his phone. His response was almost eerily calm. "It's just another story," he shrugged.
"How can you be so indifferent?" she demanded. "Your entire career could be impacted. Fan reactions. Medias involvement. Everything."
He looked up, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. "I've been navigating public perception since I was a child. This?" He gestured to the headlines. "This is nothing."
Her hands were shaking. The weight of potential consequences pressed down on her.
Ji-Yong stood, crossing the room. He touched her hand - a gesture of reassurance that spoke more than words.
"Trust me," he said simply.