As I strolled along the enchanting streets of Paris, I couldn't help but capture the breathtaking scenery with my trusty old DSLR camera. It had taken years of hard work to save up enough money for this European getaway, especially as a junior manager supporting a large family. But finally, the moment had arrived, and I was savouring every second of it.

The tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee lured me towards a hidden gem of a café. Its Victorian facade and exquisite vintage decor exuded an air of exclusivity, while its secluded location in a small alley away from the bustling heart of Paris offered a serene ambience.

"Anything for you miss?" A friendly waitress approached my table to take my order, and I couldn't help but radiate a warm smile. I placed my request, and she nodded before disappearing momentarily, only to return with a plate of delectable tiramisu and a rich black espresso—just the way I liked it. With my treats in hand, I decided to make a Skype call to someone special, the senior manager at my office. Though our relationship had yet to become serious, a comfortable and adorable bond had begun to form between us. He never said that he likes me or wanted to date me, but for now, we were just friends with some romantic interest. 

After savouring every bite of my coffee and cakes, I stretched my body and turned lightly to relieve the tension in my spine. But then, my eyes widened in disbelief as I spotted a familiar face across the café. It was my ultimate bias, Kim Taehyung from BTS. I couldn't believe my luck this year. Without wasting a moment, I gathered my courage and made my way towards him, flashing the best smile I could muster. Taehyung sat in a secluded corner, holding hands with a lovely girl around his age, their touch delicate and gentle.

"Hi, V! Could I have your autograph? I'm a huge fan of yours," I chirped as soon as our eyes met. The girl, initially smiling, withdrew her hands from Taehyung's grip and turned sour. She shook her head, donned her sunglasses, and left. My attention shifted away from her as her silhouette disappeared through the café's front door. Still smiling, I offered Taehyung my notebook and a pen.

"Forget it!" He pushed away my notebook and pen, standing up and attempting to leave. Undeterred, I persisted, asking, "Can I take a picture with you?" He turned around and locked eyes with me, his face turning red, on the verge of exploding. "Don't disturb me!" he yelled, startling me and some of the waitstaff. I nodded silently and made my way to the exit. Taehyung followed suit, his celebrity aura enhanced by sunglasses. Coincidently both of us exited the cafe simultaneously. It was my fault for ruining his private session with the one he loved.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have intruded on your privacy," I said, feeling guilty for interrupting his date. He turned to look at me, mustering a bitter smile without saying anything. I mirrored his action, putting on my own sunglasses. He look at me when I waved my hand as a sign of farewell. After a nod of acknowledgement, I departed as soon as I spotted my chauffeur, whom I had hired to explore Paris. That was my final day in France before embarking on my journey to Italy the following day. Within a week of meeting Taehyung in France, I traversed Europe and returned to Seoul, Korea.

—♦—♦—♦—

"Good morning, Sunbaenim!" I cheerfully greeted him upon our encounter. Hyeongseop, the senior manager I harboured feelings for, merely nodded and walked away with his assistant. His cold shoulder left me questioning whether he had lost interest in me. I proceeded towards my desk, like any other ordinary workday, but this time, I couldn't help but notice the odd attention from my colleagues. None of them greeted me with a smile or even started a conversation with me, which was very odd.

As the workday drew to a close, I exited the office, only to be met with a sudden barrage of camera flashes and a throng of people. I found myself being pulled into the chaos, struggling to breathe. Panic and distress set in as the crowd tugged at my hair. I cannot help but wonder if is there a politician paying a visit to my company or some big celebrities behind me. Unable to move at my own will, I was pushed around by the huge crowd and some even take the chance to scratch me. 

But then, a black van emerged, bringing an eerie silence to the crowd. Dizzy and disoriented, I managed to take a few faltering steps forward before someone caught my falling body. Strong arms wrapped around my waist, providing support as we moved slowly. Unable to see things clearly, I accepted the helping hand. I glimpsed several imposing figures forming a protective circle around us, shielding me and my mysterious helper from the crowd.

The last thing I remembered was stumbling into the black van, succumbing to exhaustion. My eyes fluttered open, and I winced as I touched my left hand, noticing a long scratch that fortunately hadn't drawn blood. The room I found myself in exuded luxury far beyond what I was accustomed to. Clad in my office attire, I rose from the bed and explored my surroundings. Newspapers and tabloid magazines caught my eye, their headlines screaming, "V and a Mysterious Woman Spotted Dating in Paris?!" My heart skipped a beat as I perused the articles. One even featured a photograph of me talking to Taehyung in front of the café where we had met. None of these publications were telling the truth. Perhaps this explained Hyeongseop's avoidance and cold behaviour towards me. But he had never expressed his true feelings. Determined, I searched for my handbag, eager to return home and clear up the gossip. Once I located it, I grabbed my phone.

"Hello? Omma! Did you read the gossip in the newspapers?" I asked, my voice filled with urgency. "Yes, the news about you dating some boy. Why didn't you tell me earlier?" My mother's voice remained calm and soothing, devoid of any hint of anger. Instead, she sounds worried. "It's just rumors, Omma. I bumped into him at the café, and we coincidentally left at the same time. I greeted him and left. Nothing happened." I tried to keep my explanation brief and simple, hoping to spare my mother any worry. "Alright, dear. Take care. You should stay at a friend's place tonight. Reporters are camping outside our house. Bye." She hung up after bidding farewell. I sighed and headed towards the door.

Suddenly, a man whisked me into a meeting room, where a few people eagerly awaited my arrival. "Kang Hiseol, please have a seat," a serious-looking man in his forties said. Intrigued, I complied, observing that all the members of BTS were present as well. But the excitement that should have coursed through me on any other day was absent. I wasn't a little bit close to excitement right now, worry and anxiety had taken over my soul as I walked into the room. 

"As the director of this agency, I'm requesting your cooperation," the serious man began, his tone resolute. "I want you to keep all the stories to yourself and refrain from speaking to any reporters. Let the agency handle the situation." I looked at him, puzzled.

"What stories? I believe it's crucial to address this gossip promptly. I don't want to be entangled in a media frenzy." I carefully chose my words, hoping not to hurt anyone in the room, including Taehyung, who stared at me intently. 

"No, no. You'll only exacerbate matters. They'll twist your words. For now, we'll admit that you're V's girlfriend," he continued, while the others in the room nodded in agreement. Taehyung seemed a bit lost whilst listening to the words of the Director.

"I think it would be best to reveal the truth-" I couldn't finish my sentence as Taehyung grabbed my arm. What was wrong with him? He gave me his sweetest smile and attempted to embrace me from behind. I wriggled free from his grasp, shaking my head, and walked out of the room. I refused to be touched and to be used, despite whoever the man is.

"It's fine. I'll handle this," I heard Taehyung's voice and his footsteps following me.

"What is this about?" I asked him as he held my hands again once was able to catch me. He ushered me into a room with his name on the door and closed it behind us.

"I'm so sorry, but could you please pretend to be my girlfriend? The girl you saw in France wasn't even my girlfriend; we were merely flirting, and she's a trainee. This gossip could ruin her career." Taehyung pleaded, kneeling before me with puppy eyes. I sighed and took a seat on the nearby sofa, massaging my temples. The episode of the people crowding me and flashing lights from the camera had caused enough trauma for me, I definitely preferred not to be involved in a media frenzy. 

"And what makes you think this won't ruin my career and life too?" I inquired, desperate for a satisfactory answer. Otherwise, I would resent him forever. "I'm sorry. I know it could harm your career as well. But the agency would suffer more if the gossip about the trainee and me were exposed rather than the rumours about the two of us." He explained, his eyes locked with mine. I remained silent, simply observing him. What should I do now? I sighed once more, glancing at my wristwatch. Knowing how hard BTS had to work to be this far and how much they have to sacrifice to get there causes me to have a tough decision making. As an avid fan of BTS and an Army, with a bitter smile,

"Okay, I'll help you," I gave in to his request, prompting him to pull me into a tight hug. "Thank you," He muttered in gratitude.