Chapter Seventy-seven: The Weight of Expectations.

The following day, Min Jun sat at his desk, staring blankly at the proposal in front of him. The firm had been pushing him to take the lead on an international project in Singapore, a massive opportunity that would elevate his status within the industry. But the idea of spending months abroad, away from Soo Jeon, felt wrong.

He thought about their conversation from the night before. The uncertainty in Soo Jeon's voice when she spoke about her role lingered in his mind. She was carrying her own burdens, and the last thing he wanted was to add to her stress by leaving her alone for long stretches of time.

But what if turning it down made him seem weak or uncommitted? Min Jun rubbed his temples, feeling the familiar pressure tighten around him.

At that same moment, Soo Jeon was halfway through a grueling rehearsal. Her muscles screamed with every movement, but she pushed through the pain, determined to nail the choreography. The director's voice echoed in the background, shouting corrections.

"Soo Jeon, more height in the leap! You're the lead now—everything has to be perfect!"

Her chest tightened at the word "perfect." It felt like an impossible standard. The weight of everyone's expectations pressed down on her, and for the first time, she wondered if she could live up to them.