A Love Rekindled

It had been weeks since the debut, and Ji-eun's pregnancy was no longer something she could keep hidden. The constant rehearsals, interviews, and public appearances were starting to take their toll, and the world was beginning to notice. The whispers had started, rumors swirling around the internet about Ji-eun's apparent exhaustion, her glowing skin, and the subtle changes in her appearance.

It wasn't long before the press caught wind of it. One afternoon, as Ji-eun was leaving a meeting with her bandmates, a reporter caught her off guard.

"Ji-eun, can you confirm the rumors? Are you pregnant?" the reporter asked, thrusting a microphone in her face.

Ji-eun froze. The question was blunt, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop spinning. How could she respond? She had always dreamed of this moment, but now that it was here, she was terrified. Her heart raced, her palms began to sweat, and she instinctively glanced around, hoping for a way out.

But before she could say anything, Ji-hoon stepped forward, his presence immediately commanding attention. "We have no comment on that right now," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for further questioning.

He placed a protective arm around Ji-eun, guiding her toward the car. As they drove away, Ji-eun couldn't stop shaking. She had known this day would come, but she wasn't prepared for it. The reality of her pregnancy—of their secret—was no longer something she could keep hidden. The world would know soon enough.

---

That evening, as Ji-eun sat alone in her room, Ji-hoon came to check on her. He found her sitting by the window, staring out into the night.

"You okay?" Ji-hoon asked gently, sitting beside her.

Ji-eun looked at him, her eyes tired but determined. "I don't know how to do this, Ji-hoon. How do I face everyone? The agency? The fans? My bandmates?"

Ji-hoon took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "We'll face this together. You're not alone in this. I'm here for you. Always."

Her heart swelled with gratitude. She had always feared the worst—the judgment, the criticism, the expectations. But in that moment, with Ji-hoon by her side, Ji-eun knew she wasn't facing this alone. The love they shared, the trust they had built over the years, was stronger than any obstacle they might face.

---

As the weeks went on, Ji-eun's bandmates rallied around her, and so did Ji-hoon. They decided it was time to tell the world. It wasn't going to be easy, but they were ready to face the consequences, together.

The press conference was scheduled, and when Ji-eun stood before the cameras, her heart raced, but she stood tall, confident in the support of those who loved her.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Ji-eun began, her voice steady despite the pounding of her heart. "I want to be honest with you all. Yes, I'm pregnant. And yes, it changes things. But it doesn't change who I am, or what I want to do with my life. I will continue to be a part of this group. I will continue to pursue my dreams. And I will do so with the love and support of my bandmates, my manager, and all of you."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of her words hanging in the air. But then, slowly, the applause began. The reporters, the fans, everyone who had followed her journey—no one expected this, but everyone respected her honesty.

As the conference ended and Ji-eun walked offstage, Ji-hoon was waiting for her. He pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I'm proud of you," he whispered. "We did it."

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Ji-eun believed it. Despite everything, they had made it. Together.