The Idol and The Manager

The First Encounter

Carmela's POV

Eight months later

Carmela’s heart pounded in her chest as she stepped off the plane, the weight of the long flight lifting from her shoulders. The past several hours had been a blur of turbulence and discomfort—every little shake of the plane making her stomach twist painfully. But now, she is finally here. The familiar hum of Incheon International Airport greeted her like a new beginning. Her fingers wrapped around the handle of her bag, the cold metal beneath her touch, as she took in a deep breath.

Thank goodness, she thought, glancing around at the bustling terminal. I’m here. South Korea.

Her legs were sore from sitting for so long, and she was grateful to be standing. She couldn’t wait to stretch out and get to her new apartment. A small sense of excitement bubbled up as she realized how much was about to change.

Her mind wandered back to the conversation with her Operations Manager before she left.

“I’m glad you accepted the offer, Carmela. This will be good for you. You’ll grow and learn a lot in Korea.”

But did I make the right choice?

It wasn’t exactly the promotion she had dreamed of, but it wasn’t a bad deal either. The salary, the incentives, and especially the apartment she wouldn’t need to pay for all made it easier to accept. She could save more, and that felt like the practical thing to do.

It’s not bad. Just... different.

She pushed the cart with her bags toward the baggage claim, shaking off any lingering doubts. After all, this was an opportunity. Even if it wasn’t exactly what she had imagined, it was still something to look forward to.

The conveyor belt started moving, and soon her bag appeared, rolling down toward her. She quickly grabbed it and made her way toward the exit, ready to take a taxi to her new place.

But just as she was about to leave the terminal, someone bumped into her from behind.

“Oh! Mianhamnida,” Carmela blurted out, stepping back in surprise.

The person didn’t stop or even turn to acknowledge her apology. He just kept walking, his head down and face obscured by a hood. Carmela frowned.

Really?

She was a little taken aback by the lack of even a glance. It wasn’t like she expected a full conversation, but an apology or at least some acknowledgment would’ve been nice.

She rolled her eyes, and then she just shrugged her shoulders and continued pushing her cart forward and continuing toward the exit. But as she reached the door, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

She turned around, her eyebrows raised, ready to give whoever it was a piece of her mind. But when she looked, it was the same person—the one who’d bumped into her.

In his hand, he held her passport.

“Your passport,” he said, his voice deep but calm, still a little muffled under the hood.

Carmela blinked, suddenly feeling embarrassed. Her passport must have slipped out of her bag. She quickly took it from him, grateful that she hadn’t lost it.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice quieter now, the irritation from earlier melting away.

The guy nodded but didn’t say anything more, and for a moment, Carmela just stood there, staring at him.

His face was still partially hidden by the hood, but she could see enough to notice the shape of his features—sharp, like someone who knew exactly how to pull off an air of mystery. His jawline was strong, and though she couldn’t see his eyes clearly, there was something about him that made her heart skip a beat.

Who is this guy?

She snapped out of her thoughts and quickly looked away, realizing she’d been staring.

“Th-thank you very much,” she stuttered, feeling her cheeks flush.

He smiled then, the kind of smile that softened his face and made him seem less distant. It was a small thing, but it felt warm.

“You’re welcome,” he replied simply, his voice still smooth and easygoing.

Carmela’s heart did a little flip. She hadn’t expected to feel this... flustered.

Get a grip, Carmela.

She cleared her throat, trying to shift the awkwardness away. “Ah, by the way, I’m Carmela—or Carm. You can call me either way,” she said, and extended her hand to him.

The guy tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable for a moment. But then he reached out and shook her hand with a firm but easy grip.

“Jay,” he replied.

She smiled, a little less awkward now. There was something so easy about him, even though she still didn’t know him.

Just then, the sound of another voice interrupted them.

“Jay-a, ka ja.”

Carmela glanced over at the person who had called out to him. The man had been the one who’d spoken to Jay earlier, and now he was standing there, waiting for him.

Jay looked back at Carmela, then back at his friend. “I need to go. It was nice meeting you,” he said, offering a final, fleeting smile.

Carmela nodded. “Bye, Jay.”

As Jay turned and walked away, Carmela couldn’t help but watch him for a moment longer than she should have. His features had been sharp, but his attempt to stay in the shadows, the way he kept his face mostly hidden, made her wonder if he was trying not to be seen.

Why hide his face like that? Could he be someone important?

She shook her head. Don’t get too wrapped up in this, Carmela. Focus on the here and now. You’ve got a new life to start.

But still, as she made her way out of the airport and into the taxi, she couldn’t shake the thought that her path and Jay’s might cross again sooner than she expected. Maybe he’s someone famous? She mused. Who would go to such lengths to stay out of the spotlight?

The thought nagged at her, but she pushed it aside. She had enough on her plate right now.

But the curiosity lingered, just as his fleeting presence did.