Chapter 7: Chasing Dreams, Hand in Hand

Months flew by like autumn leaves caught in a whirlwind, each day a kaleidoscope of schoolwork, auditions, and stolen moments with Shawn. My initial foray into the world of acting had ignited a fire within me, a passion that burned brighter with each passing day.

While I hadn't landed a major role yet, the auditions themselves had become a thrilling adventure. Each casting call was a chance to step into a different character, to explore new emotions, and to showcase the depths of my talent.

Shawn, ever my unwavering supporter, was there every step of the way. His presence a calming force amidst the pre-audition jitters.

When the schedule permitted, he'd even accompany me to the auditions, his quiet presence a reassuring anchor in the often-intimidating atmosphere of casting studios. He'd offer words of encouragement, a gentle squeeze of my hand, or a playful wink that never failed to lighten the mood.

There were times when the disappointment of rejection stung, when the casting director's polite "thank you, but we'll be in touch" felt like a punch to the gut. But even in those moments, Shawn's unwavering belief in me was a balm to my wounded spirit.

"Don't let it get you down, Ryung," he'd say, his voice laced with sincerity. "You're talented, and your time will come. Just keep honing your craft, and never give up on your dreams."

His words, spoken with such conviction, were a lifeline, a reminder that my journey was far from over.

Our relationship, a secret carefully guarded within the walls of SGA, continued to blossom. Stolen glances in the hallways, whispered conversations in the library, and shared laughter during lunch breaks were the threads that wove our tapestry of affection.

In public, we maintained a façade of casual friendship, careful not to arouse suspicion among our classmates.

Our secret rendezvous became a delicate dance of stolen moments and hidden affections. In the hallways of SGA, our hands would brush against each other, a fleeting touch that sent a thrill through me. When no one was looking, our fingers would intertwine, a silent affirmation of the bond we shared.

During lunch breaks, as we sat side-by-side in the cafeteria, Shawn's arm would discreetly drape over my back, a subtle gesture of possessiveness that warmed my heart. We'd people-watch together, our shoulders touching, our laughter blending with the symphony of lunchtime chatter.

In the park, we'd find a secluded bench, a haven from the prying eyes of the world. Shawn's hand would find mine, our fingers interlacing as we watched children play, their carefree laughter a stark contrast to the secret we held close.

At the mall, amidst the throngs of shoppers, we'd navigate the maze of stores, our hands brushing against each other as we reached for the same item on a shelf. A lingering touch, a shared smile, a silent understanding that transcended words.

On the crowded streets of Seoul, as we strolled around, Shawn's thumb would gently caress my cheek, wiping away an imaginary stain with a tenderness that made my heart flutter. Our eyes would meet, a silent exchange of affection that spoke volumes.

Shawn's attentiveness was a constant source of warmth and reassurance. He'd notice the slightest change in my expression, a flicker of sadness or a hint of frustration, and his hand would instinctively reach for mine, offering a silent message of support.

His touch was a language of its own – a gentle caress on my arm when I felt overwhelmed, a reassuring squeeze of my hand when I doubted myself, a playful nudge when I needed a reminder to lighten up.

And when my jealousy flared, triggered by a lingering glance from a classmate or a flirtatious remark from Choi Soo-jin, Shawn would sense my unease, his gray eyes meeting mine with a silent understanding. His hand would find mine, his fingers interlacing with mine, a silent declaration of his affection, a reminder that I was the only one who held his heart.

Our secret relationship was a delicate dance, a balancing act between concealing our affections from the world and expressing the depth of our feelings for each other. But even amidst the challenges, the stolen moments, the lingering touches, and the silent exchanges of affection were undeniable proof of the strength of our bond.

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The arrival of summer break brought with it a bittersweet mix of emotions. The prospect of six glorious weeks of freedom from school was exhilarating, but the thought of being separated from Shawn for an entire month filled me with a sense of longing.

As usual, Shawn would be spending a month in Germany with his family, a tradition that had become a yearly ritual. This year, however, fate had a pleasant surprise in store for me. My mother had decided to take Hana and me to Germany as well, to visit our grandparents who lived in a humble little town nestled in the Bavarian countryside.

The thought of spending a month in Shawn's homeland, of exploring the picturesque landscapes and immersing myself in the culture that had shaped him, filled me with a sense of excitement. But more importantly, it meant that I would have the opportunity to see Shawn, to spend precious time with him in a setting far removed from the prying eyes of our classmates and the watchful gaze of our teachers.

We had made a pact, a secret promise to meet each other in Germany, to explore his homeland together, to create memories that would last a lifetime. The anticipation of our reunion was a constant source of warmth during the long weeks leading up to our departure.

The day finally arrived, and I found myself standing at Incheon International Airport, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. As I boarded the plane, I couldn't help but imagine Shawn waiting for me on the other side, his gray eyes sparkling with anticipation, his arms open wide to embrace me.

The flight was long and arduous, but the thought of seeing Shawn kept my spirits high. As the plane touched down at Frankfurt Airport, I felt a surge of adrenaline, a sense of adventure that propelled me forward.

My grandparents' home was a cozy little cottage nestled in the heart of the Bavarian countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and lush meadows. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome change from the humid summer heat of Seoul.

After settling in and exchanging warm greetings with my grandparents, I couldn't wait to contact Shawn. I sent him a quick message, informing him of my arrival and eagerly awaiting his reply.

His response was almost instantaneous. "Willkommen in Deutschland, Ryung!" he wrote, followed by a string of emojis that conveyed his excitement. "I can't wait to see you. How about we meet tomorrow at the Marienplatz in Munich?"

My heart skipped a beat at his suggestion. The Marienplatz, the heart of Munich, a place steeped in history and culture. It was the perfect setting for our reunion.

The next morning, I woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. I dressed in my favorite outfit, a casual yet stylish ensemble that reflected my excitement for the day ahead. As I made my way to the train station, my heart pounded with anticipation.

The train journey to Munich was a blur of picturesque landscapes and villages. As I stepped onto the platform at Munich Central Station, I felt a surge of adrenaline, a sense of anticipation that made my hands tremble slightly.

I followed the signs to the Marienplatz, my heart quickening with each step. And then, I saw him.

Shawn stood near the Fischbrunnen fountain, his back to me, his gaze fixed on the intricate details of the fountain. He was dressed casually in a black t-shirt and jeans, his hands shoved into his pockets, his hair tousled by the gentle breeze.

I approached him cautiously, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum. "Shawn?" I called out, my voice barely above a whisper.