It was a bright morning, the streets slowly starting to wake with activity. Few people walked the streets and the roads were almost clear of traffic, seeing as it was still rather early. Hyun Ae briskly walked down the sidewalk, wearing comfortable attire – grey sweats, a black tank top, and a blue sweater. Her hair was up in a messy bun and she wore a pair of Ray-bands. She always enjoyed a morning stroll to the market because the streets were empty and she was able to properly enjoy a walk without having to cover up who she really was.

Finally reaching a small market, she peered into the empty shop, and then her eyes found a large stack of apples. Grabbing a plastic bag and ripping a few from a roll, she picked a few Royal Galas and tossed them inside the bag. She tied it and shifted over a little bit, and found a whole table of what seemed to be fresh papayas. Carefully examining two at a time, she weighed them in her hands and finally decided on the lighter one, placing it in yet another plastic bag. Pausing for a second, she thought about what else she may be missing.

“Oh, Hyun Ae, back again so soon?” Hyun Ae spun around and found a little middle-aged woman smiling at her.

“Ah, good morning Mrs. Lee, I just felt like making myself a shake this morning, but turns out the Kangs haven’t gone out grocery shopping yet, so we only have a bowl of strawberries. You have a great selection of papaya by the way.” Hyun Ae grinned happily, gesturing to her picks. Mrs. Lee chuckled and pulled her hand out from behind her back, which carried a bag and then handed it to her.

“Here you go child, some ddukkboki to go with that fruit shake.” Grateful, Hyun Ae took the bag and sneakily snuck a few thousand won into Mrs. Lee’s hands.

“For the fruit, thanks so much for this Mrs. Lee, I’ll eat it well!” Bowing curtly, Hyun Ae stepped out from the little space while waving goodbye.

As she began to walk back towards her apartment, she found her way blocked by two flustered looking girls about her age, wearing school uniforms.

“Um h-hello, Miss Hyun Ae!” One girl stuttered while the other cowered behind her friend’s back. Hyun Ae warmly smiled at them.

“Good morning, what can I do for you?” The one who spoke nervously took out a small pad of paper and a pen and held it out to her.

“Can you p-please sign this for us?” She asked in a small voice. The other girl looked at her with hopeful eyes. Hyun Ae briefly looked between the two of them before flashing them yet another smile and nodded.

“What are your names?” She asked while flipping between two pieces of paper.

“I’m Jin Ri, and this is my friend Yuri. We’re really b-big fans of you.” Hyun Ae couldn’t help but to smile widely while signing the two sheets of paper. After adding a little happy face by each of her autographs, she handed the girl back the notepad and pen.

“Well, I’ve got to run, have a good day at school!” Hyun Ae bowed politely to them, and the pair shyly nodded back. As she turned around, Hyun Ae could hear faint squeals as she walked away. The smile on her face seemed to widen as she turned a corner to walk the familiar path to her officetel.

It wasn’t uncommon for people to walk up to her to ask for her autograph, or even a picture. In truth, her face was widely known to the public, but never had she sought the need to cover up whenever she went out. She was probably the only celebrity comfortable enough to stroll around the streets, wearing no disguise whatsoever. In that respect, fans and antis alike somewhat revered her for her boldness, therefore allowing her space, something idols and celebrities remain envious of.

Whistling a familiar tune, Hyun Ae bounded up the stairs to the second floor, where she lived with Mr. Hyo Kang and Mrs. Kyung-soon Kang. They were both lively, middle-aged folk, who were Hyun Ae’s good friends. They had taken her in after Hyun Ae’s parents’ car crash, vowing to care for her as if she were their own. The Kangs had no children, but were – in Hyun Ae’s opinion – one of the greatest guardians she’s ever had, aside from her own parents.

Just as she was about to input the lock code for their apartment, the door swung open, revealing a petite woman with her hand on her hip.

“And where were you this morning, Missy?” Hyun Ae blinked twice, almost surprised that Mrs. Kang had known she was gone. When Hyun Ae had left, both Mr. and Mrs. Kang were sound asleep.

“Aunty – oh, don’t be like that, you know I get irritated when I start to crave my shakes. I just went for a short walk to the grocery stall down the street; don’t be mad, I’ll make you some, eh?” Hyun Ae attempted a bribe but only received a sharp glare from Mrs. Kang. Immediately Hyun Ae stopped and sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck.

“Honestly, just because people don’t mob you like every other celebrity out there, doesn’t mean it can’t happen!” Mrs. Kang said as she hurriedly ushered Hyun Ae inside, closing the door in the process. Hyun Ae couldn’t help but to roll her eyes and let out and exasperated sigh.

“Come on Aunty, you know I can handle myself. Heck, I’ll be damned if I put all my old skills to waste.”

“But this is different Hun – if you start busting out some crazy martial arts move, people will start talking…” Hyun Ae was now bustling around in the kitchen, gathering a few supplies to make her shake while Mrs. Kang trailed along behind her.

“So let them talk, have I ever cared about that stuff, Aunty?” Mrs. Kang looked thoughtfully at Hyun Ae who stared back sceptically. Finally, Mrs. Kang through her hands up in defeat.

“Okay, fine! But Hun, you’re supposed to be done with that stuff anyway, and just in case it does happen – and may God forbid – then The Great Alliance will be down your throat!” Hyun Ae stopped chopping the strawberries and looked sadly at Mrs. Kang.

“Aunty, you of all people know I wouldn’t, I just can’t…” Hyun Ae’s voice trailed off and Mrs. Kang gently patted her shoulder.

“I know Honey-bun, but you know how the Director is. Nonetheless, you’ve always got me and Uncle by your side; we promised your parents that we would never let anything happen to you. And they know you’re a big girl who, pardon my language, can kick !” At Mrs. Kang’s words, Hyun Ae’s chest felt a little lighter and she bent down to kiss Mrs. Kang on the cheek and she resumed her chopping.

“Oh, and you might as well take the shake along with you, the CEO wants you to finish up that script you’ve been working on.” Hyun Ae groaned.

“Aw man, I thought he forgot about that assignment!”