Gaining acceptance
Love in the ShyShy LaneFor the promotion event, Seung Ho did the interview in Taipei on his own as Sohyun arrived just in time for the rehearsal. The group had an early dinner and although the conversation was easy around the table, Seung Ho did feel discomfit. It was clear that Mrs Kim had an eagle eye on them. She minimised any interactions between Seung Ho and Sohyun outside the event.
During the event, the MC was clearly a SHySHy shipper. He asked many embarrassing questions which fanned the hearts of all shippers at the promotion. Seung Ho and Sohyun played along when answering the questions as it was part of the promotion. They talked about the drama and reenacted a few scenes that were popular in drama to entice the potential viewers. Throughout the event, they were very careful to draw a line to ensure that their secret remains.
Mrs Kim was relieved to see that both Seung Ho and Sohyun played their part well. She had been on tenterhooks after being warned by CEO Man a month ago, of the severe impact on Sohyun’s career if she was found to be in a relationship. Her presence at the promotion events was to prevent any scandals from erupting.
During the break when Seung Ho and Sohyun changed to a new outfit before going over, they had a private moment when both their stylists left to get them drinks. Seung Ho pulled Sohyun in for a quick kiss and reluctantly let go in fear of being caught. He hung his lead low, breathing slowly to relieve himself of the frustrations. “Oppa,” Sohyun whispered. Seung Ho raised his head and gave her a weak smile. “I’m sorry, I really don’t know why my mom is watching our every move. Tonight, after she sleep, I’ll sneak out and shall we go somewhere?” Sohyun offered. Seung Ho shook his head. “I don’t want to sneak around your mom. I want her to trust us. I want her to accept us,” he sounded dejected. Sohyun wanted to hold his hands to reassure him but the door opened and the stylists came in with their drinks. They drank and went back to the stage to complete the event.
After the event, Seung Ho kept a proper distance from Sohyun and went back to his room. He even declined joining the group for supper and went back to his room, claiming he was tired. He listened to the scheduled timing to meet at the lobby before they depart for the airport and wished everyone good night before leaving. Sohyun texted him, worried about his reaction but he just stated that he was very tired and wanted to sleep early. Actually, he could not help but feel upset and hurt that her mom still did not accept him. Hence, he rather be alone.
At the Taipei airport, there were a lot of fans. Sohyun walked ahead with her mom while Seung Ho was a few steps behind. There wasn’t enough security to prevent the hordes of fans from trying to reach them and the shoving and pushing cause Sohyun to almost fall. Seung Ho rushed up and held onto Sohyun until she found her footing again. He then quickly put his arms across Sohyun’s and her mom’s shoulder and guided both of them into the immigration safely. The moment, they were away safely from the fans, he removed his hands and apologized to Sohyun’s mom and took a step back. Mrs Kim acknowledged that he did that for their safety sake and thanked him.
In the lounge as they waited for the flight, Seung Ho was on the phone with the Producer. His face was taut with anger. He angrily told him what happened at the airport and firmly asked to ensure that sufficient security met them in Hong Kong. “I’m scheduled to leave Hong Kong first, so make sure their departure is also secured!” Sohyun had not seen Seung Ho this angry before. His eyes were blazing and his jaw clenched. She stared at him, mentally willing for him to look at her but he kept his eyes elsewhere and distance from her and her mom. Sohyun's mom was also observing Seung Ho quietly.
Suddenly he spoke to Manager Lee, “Hyung, could you change your flight and return with Sohyunnie and her mom? I want you to help Manager Jung.” Manager Lee and Manager Jung looked at him in surprise. “What about you, your security?” Manager Lee asked. “I’m ok. I can handle it.” Manager Lee disagreed. “Ok, you can send me to the airport up to immigration if you are that worried CEO Kim will be upset. And then you get back to the hotel. I don’t think I feel at ease leaving Sohyun and her mom behind after the state of the security today. From Incheon, I can get home easily and I had planned to drive myself to my schedule tomorrow anyway. Please hyung,” Seung Ho urged. Manager Lee nodded.
Sohyun overheard the conversation and spoke up. “Oppa, I think it would be ok. Producernim would not let it happen again.” Seung Ho stared at her for several seconds before he spoke firmly, “I don’t want to take any chances.” Softening his voice, “Are you ok? In the melee earlier, did you get hurt?” Sohyun shook her head. He gave her a smile and then turned away.
Fortunately, their arrival in Hong Kong was well contained. They were able to wave to their fans and even signed autographs before reaching their hotel. After a quick lunch, it was rehearsal and then the event itself. Seung Ho said a quick goodbye to Sohyun backstage. Reminding her to take care of her safety, he left from the event to the airport.
Sohyun and Seung Ho did not have any chance to meet up before the Tokyo promotion event. When she was backed in Seoul, Seung Ho had left for Tokyo as he would be visiting friends there. Sohyun was scheduled to arrive during Seung Ho’s fanmeet, as she was not participating in his fanmeet.
At the second part of the fanmeet, Seung Ho and the MC were playing games with the audience. Winners get hugs from Seung Ho and the
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