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2.Arrival in Seoul

Author's POV

Two days later, the departure had finally come.

Standing outside the bustling airport, Akash was busy unloading Saranya's luggage from the trunk of his car. The air buzzed with the noise of cars pulling up and people saying their goodbyes, but the weight of their conversation made everything else fade into the background.

"You could've used the private jet," Akash muttered, grunting as he set down her last bag.

"You're the one who told me to stay low-profile," Saranya replied, adjusting the strap of her handbag. "If I take a jet, the paparazzi will know in seconds. Flying economy with everyone else keeps things quiet."

Akash smirked but didn't argue. As they walked toward the check-in counter, he stopped suddenly and pulled her into a hug.

"Anya, take care of yourself," he said, his tone softer now. "The company has arranged a house for you there. When you land, go to the company to collect the keys." She nodded silently.

"And," he continued, "I've also arranged for a bike and a car there since you can't take your own. Your international license will cover you, so don't worry about that. Someone will pick you up from the airport."

"No need for that," she interjected. "Just have the car dropped off. I'll manage myself."

He gave her a small nod, respecting her independence. "Fine. Call me the moment you land, okay?"

"I will," she said, her voice steady but distant.

"Take care. Call me if you need anything—anything at all. I'll be there in a second."

She sighed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I know. And you—take care of the company." He gave her a mock-annoyed look, crossing his arms. "And you could tell me to take care of myself, too, you know."

Saranya chuckled lightly. "Okay, fine. Take care of yourself too, Akash."

Satisfied, he hugged her one last time and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Saranya gave him a small wave before walking away, the weight of their goodbye settling as she headed toward a new chapter in her life.

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Arrival in Seoul

After a long, almost seven-hour flight, Saranya stepped out into the cool night air of Seoul, South Korea. The city was alive, even in the late hours, its neon lights casting a warm glow over the streets. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before heading toward the airport exit.

At the entrance, a man stood holding a sign with her name: Ms. Saranya Shekhawat.*She approached him.

"Saranya Shekhawat," she said, her voice calm but firm.

The man gave a polite bow. "Good evening, ma'am. Welcome to Seoul."

She returned a small nod, watching as he took her luggage and loaded it into a sleek black car waiting outside.

'He told me to stay low-key, and then he sends a Range Rover,' she thought to herself with a wry smile, shaking her head.

"Madam, your luggage has been loaded. Here are the keys," the man said, handing her the set with another respectful bow.

"Thank you," she replied in careful Korean before sliding into the driver's seat.

Once inside, Saranya connected her phone to the car's Bluetooth and input the address for HYBE Corporation into the GPS. With the route set, she started the engine and drove through the brightly lit streets of Seoul, the city's vibrance an overwhelming contrast to the quiet corners of her mind.

She called Akash to inform him of her safe arrival, keeping the conversation brief, before ending the call.

As she pulled into HYBE's parking lot, her heart quickened. The massive building loomed ahead, a symbol of both opportunity and uncertainty. She parked, took a moment to compose herself, and pulled a mask and cap from her bag. Tucking her waist-length hair into a messy bun, she stepped out of the car, ready to take the first step into her new life.

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Meanwhile, in HYBE's Practice Room

Inside the practice room, BTS members were winding down after a grueling rehearsal session for their upcoming album shoot. The door opened, and their manager, Sejin, walked in.

"Guys," Sejin announced, clapping his hands to gather their attention. "I have some news."

The seven members turned to him, curiosity sparking in their tired eyes.

"As you know, your previous event manager left last week," he began, "and starting tomorrow, you'll have a new manager."

"Oh?" came the collective response.

"Finally, hyung!" RM, their leader, said with a small smile. "It must've been exhausting for you to handle everything alone."

"Hyung, is it a girl?" Jimin asked, his eyes lighting up with playful mischief.

"Yes, it's a girl," Sejin confirmed.

"Is she hot?" Jungkook asked, taking a sip from his water bottle.

The room filled with muffled laughter, except for Jimin and Taehyung, who exchanged knowing looks.

Sejin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't know, Jungkook. I haven't met her yet. But please, behave. No flirting on her first day—especially you two," he said, pointing at Jungkook and Jimin.

The members chuckled, except for one who sat quietly, lost in his thoughts. Taehyung, as always, seemed more interested in finishing up and heading home than engaging in playful banter.

"Alright, pack up. I'll drop you all off at the dorms," Sejin said, ushering them out of the room.

As they walked toward the exit, a girl in baggy black clothes passed by them in the hallway. Her cap and mask obscured her face, and she seemed entirely absorbed in her phone.

For a brief moment, the members exchanged glances, surprised by her indifference. It wasn't every day someone walked past BTS without a second look.

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Saranya, unaware of the attention, continued toward the entrance. HYBE's doors opened before her, and with a deep breath, she stepped inside. This was it—a new city, a new job, and, hopefully, a chance to heal.

'Let this be the start of something better,' she thought, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead.

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