The cab dropped them off a block from AUREYA Entertainment.
Old habits. Soorin's safety protocol.
Even though they were public now, some instincts stuck.
"Ready?" Haejin asked. Squeezed her hand gently.
Soorin took a breath. Let it out slow.
"Not even a little bit. But let's go anyway."
They walked the final block. Holding hands. Openly.
For the first time ever in public.
Reality hit immediately.
People recognized them. Stopped dead. Stared.
Phones came out everywhere.
"Is that HAEL?"
"And his girlfriend!"
"They're holding hands!"
"She's even prettier in person!"
"Get a picture!"
Haejin kept walking. Professional. Calm. But his thumb traced small circles on her hand.
Reassuring. Grounding.
'I've got you,' he thought.
She squeezed back. 'I know.'
A group of fans waved enthusiastically. "HAEL! We support you!"
"Soorin-ssi! We love you!"
Haejin waved back naturally. Practiced. Easy.
Soorin lifted her free hand. Waved awkwardly. Uncertain.
