My National Boyfriend

The day felt long, but in the best way possible. We walked through alleys lined with lanterns, tried enough street food to last a week, and filmed smiles I didn't know I still had.

Back at the hotel, I took a long, hot shower. The kind that makes you sigh out the cold and steam off all the fatigue. The scent of her laughter still lingers—somewhere between the mandu stall and the tteokbokki cart.

I flop onto the bed, face buried in the pillow for a few seconds, before reaching for my phone.

To Y/N: 

Where are we going tomorrow?

A few seconds later, the screen lights up with her reply.

Y/N: A little far…The town where you can wear hanbok.

I blink at the message, a smile curling at the corner of my lips. 

I type back.

Me: You're making me a prince tomorrow?She takes a while to reply, but when it comes, it's sharp as ever.

Y/N:

Nah. More like a court jester.

But maybe the cute one.

I laugh out loud alone in the dim-lit room, shaking my head.

Day 4 – Vlog: Rabin in Jeonju

Author POV 

Rabin (bright smile):

"Hello guys! Rabin Angeles here again with a new vlog!"

[He waves with both hands, the backdrop revealing narrow cobbled alleys, wooden roofs, and the soft fluttering of hanboks in the breeze]

"Today, I'll be touring Jeonju — a town wildly known for its rich and preserved traditional Korean culture."

[Camera pans to show hanok houses, stalls with calligraphy, and vendors selling traditional snacks]

Rabin (playfully turning to the camera):

"Oh, should I try a hanbok? Hmm… do you guys want to see that?"

[He raises his brows and winks at the lens]

"Shall we?"

[Winks again dramatically]

"Let's gooo!"

walking into a hanbok rental shop, soft Korean instrumental music playing

Rabin (inside the shop):

"Look at all these colors… should I go for royalty vibes or soft boy in spring?"

[He holds up a sky blue hanbok with golden embroidery, glancing toward the camera with a teasing grin]

"Wait till you see what I pick."

Rabin coming out from the dressing room dressed in a princely hanbok. Navy blue with silver accents. Hair styled softly. He walks out, arms slightly open like a K-drama lead]

Rabin:

"Ta-da~"

[Laughs]

"Now tell me, do I look like your crown prince or your local troublemaker?"

He strolls outside into the village, interacting with vendors, trying jeon (Korean pancakes), sipping makgeolli (low alcohol traditional drink), and stopping to pose with fans who recognize him

Rabin (to a fan):

"Nice to meet you, thank you for supporting me!"

He bows gently and signs a small notebook

Later – Rabin and Y/N walk together with the town square behind them, golden hour sunlight turning the scene ethereal

Rabin (softly):

"This town feels different. Like time slowed down. You feel it too?"

She nods

"Glad I came here… glad you're the one filming."

Last scene for the vlog: he bows in hanbok at the traditional gate

Rabin (cheerfully):

"Thank you for following me today in Jeonju! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more. Annyeong~!"

Back at hotel

It's already 10 p.m.

I sit near the window…

I pull the curtain aside gently and rest my chin on my knees, arms wrapped around them.

The city lights below are glowing like tiny stars fallen to earth—warm, soft, and a little far away. 

It's quiet.

Peaceful.

On the table beside me, my phone lights up.

A message.

Rabin: Still awake?

Y/N: "Need something?"

Rabin: "Open the door."

Y/N, still sitting near the window with the city lights reflecting in her eyes, stood up lazily and walked to the door.

She opened it slightly, and there he was—Rabin Angeles, hoodie on, cap low, the hotel hallway's dim light casting a quiet glow over his features.

Rabin: "Come… bring your hoodie."

Y/N: (half-suspicious) "Where exactly are we going?"

Rabin: (with that teasing half-smile again) "You'll see."

Y/N: "You keep saying that. Is it a kidnapping or a surprise?"

Rabin: "You'll find out. But you'll need the hoodie—it's cold."

With a reluctant sigh and a sharp glance, Y/N turned back to her room and grabbed her hoodie. She pulled it over her head as she joined him again.

They stepped into the cold underground parking lot, echoing with faint hums of parked engines. Y/N blinked twice when Rabin confidently walked over to a sleek black motorbike.

Y/N: "Where did you get the bike from?"

Her voice was laced with suspicion.

Rabin: (grinning as he pulled the helmet over his head)

"Magic."

Y/N: (crossing her arms)

"What kind of magician carries a license?"

Rabin: "The handsome kind. Now hop on."

Y/N hesitated, narrowing her eyes at the bike, then at him. With a sigh, she climbed onto the back seat. As she settled, Rabin looked over his shoulder, voice a little softer but still teasing—

Rabin:

"Hold me tightly… or else you'll be flown off like a leaf."

Y/N: (wrapping her arms around his waist slowly)

"If I die, I'm haunting you."

Rabin: (chuckling as the engine revved)

"Then I better drive safely."

The bike roared to life, and they sped into the Seoul night—her arms wrapped around him, hearts beating against the city wind.

Author POV – Han River Night Scene

The motorbike slowed to a soft halt near the banks of the Han River, the city lights shimmering in the water like fireflies. A light breeze danced through the trees, carrying with it the scent of cold river air and distant street food.

Rabin parked the bike and took off his helmet, his hair a little messy from the wind.

Y/N got down slowly, pulling her hoodie up. Her cheeks were flushed, partly from the ride, partly from the chill.

They walked without speaking, guided by the soft glow of the streetlamps that lined the river path. A few couples passed by, bundled in coats, laughter blending with the calm sound of flowing water.

Eventually, they found a quiet spot—a small bench tucked under a lamppost, overlooking the calm ripple of the river. The silence wasn't awkward. It was… peaceful.

Rabin sat down first, patting the space next to him.

Y/N sat without a word, their shoulders barely touching, but close enough to feel each other's presence.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

The moonlight reflected in Rabin's eyes as he leaned back, resting his elbows on the bench's edge.

He exhaled softly, as if finally releasing something he'd been holding in for a long time.

Rabin:

"I always thought about walking along the Han River… with someone I feel comfortable with by my side."

Y/N turned her head slightly, her eyes narrowing in curiosity.

Y/N:

"Hmm? What do you mean by that?"

She asked it casually, but her fingers fidgeted slightly around the warm can of coffee in her hand.

He didn't look at her. Instead, he smiled—gentle and unreadable.

Rabin: (softly, almost playfully)

"Nothing."

And with that, he sipped from his coffee again.

But the smile lingered. A little longer than it should've.

And Y/N, despite herself, felt her heart flutter in the silence that followed. Not loud. Just a whisper… like the river's breeze brushing her cheek.

The cool breeze swept softly between them as they sat side by side, both gazing out over the twinkling waters of the Han River.

Rabin:

"Tomorrow, we're going back to the Philippines…"

His voice was low, thoughtful.

Y/N: (nods slowly)

"Umm… back to work, back to our usual routine."

She tried to sound casual, but something in her tone gave away a quiet reluctance.

Rabin glanced sideways at her, his eyes lingering a second longer than usual.

Rabin:

"Does it feel strange? Like… this whole trip was a pause from something we didn't realize we needed?"

Y/N let out a soft breath, her eyes still fixed on the water.

Y/N:

"Maybe. Or maybe it's the calm before the next storm."

Rabin: (chuckling softly)

"Then let's remember this calm. Right now. You, me, this view."

Silence returned, not awkward—but comforting.

Under the Seoul night sky, they didn't need to say much.

Because sometimes, it's the unsaid that means the most.

 Morning | Agency Lounge

Y/N's POV

She typed away on her laptop, scheduling meetings, confirming interviews, and updating Rabin's calendar. The office was bustling as usual—stylists going in and out, makeup artists discussing looks, and managers whispering about new offers.

Manager:

"Y/N, confirm the brand shoot on Wednesday. Also, we might have to move the script reading for still falling for you to Friday evening."

Y/N:

"Got it. I'll update Rabin's calendar and remind him after rehearsal."

⸻

Scene: Dance Studio | Rabin's Rehearsal

Rabin was already drenched in sweat, perfecting choreography for an upcoming variety show. The choreographer clapped her hands.

Choreographer:

"One more time from the chorus! Rabin, more energy on the turn."

Rabin:

"Got it, kuya."

Y/N peeked in from the door, holding up a bottle of water. He took it without a word, gulped it down, and gave a quick nod before getting back to practice.

Scene: Later in the Car

Y/N sat beside him in the backseat, flipping through her notes.

Y/N:

"You have a radio interview tomorrow morning, fitting in the afternoon, and script reading in the evening."

Rabin: (eyes closed, head resting against the seat)

"Do I get to eat in between?"

Y/N:

"Only if you behave."

He smirked, eyes still closed.

Rabin:

"Did I tell you I missed your sarcasm?"

Y/N:

"You didn't have to. Your manager missed my efficiency more."

The week rolled in with a tidal wave of back-to-back schedules.

From early morning shoots to late-night meetings, Team Rabin had no room to breathe.

He was up before sunrise again for a commercial shoot that lasted until late afternoon. Y/N was constantly on the phone—coordinating transport, checking props, making sure meals arrived on time. She barely had time to eat herself.

By Saturday night, the exhaustion caught up.

Rabin leaned back on the couch in the lounge, eyes closed. Y/N sat beside him, her laptop still open.

Rabin:

"Remind me why I chose this life again?"

Y/N: (without looking at him)

"Because you wanted to be loved by millions."

Rabin: (grinning slightly)

"Only love I get these days is from my caffeine."

Y/N:

"That's because caffeine doesn't argue."

Script Reading Day – Author POV

The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, revealing Rabin and Y/N stepping into the buzzing floor of their agency. Both were dressed comfortably but neat—Rabin in an oversized cream knit and black slacks, Y/N in a muted blazer over a plain tee, clutching her ever-reliable file folder.

The meeting room for the script reading was already half-full.

Inside, the long rectangular table was lined with the show's director, writers, camera heads, and the main cast. The atmosphere was casual, but the air carried a subtle weight—it was the first reading, after all.

Director:

"Good to see everyone here. Let's have a strong start."

Rabin gave a small bow and took a seat. Right next to him was Raya, his co-star—the one dubbed the "nation's little darling." Petite, bright-eyed, and always smiling.

Raya: (squealing softly)

"long time no see!"

She reached out, casually looping her arm around his without warning.

Y/N stood behind Rabin's seat, eyes blank but jaw tightening slightly.

Y/N (internal monologue):

"Let the clinginess begin."

Rabin only gave a polite chuckle, not pulling away, but also not leaning into her either.

Y/N bent down slightly, whispering to him without acknowledging Raya.

"Your lines are marked blue. Highlighted scenes are numbered in the tab."

Rabin glanced up at her with a soft smile and nodded.

"Thanks."

The script reading began.

As pages flipped and actors read in character, Rabin's voice shifted smoothly—calm, intense, then vulnerable when needed. Raya, meanwhile, did her part… but her eyes often strayed from the page to Rabin's face—over-acting her smile, laughing a little too loud at any of his remarks.

Between lines, she'd whisper:

"should we practice our scenes later? Just the two of us?"

Y/N's pen tapped quietly against her file. She didn't interrupt—but she didn't smile either.

Break Time

Cups of coffee were passed around. Rabin stood near a corner sipping his, while Y/N checked a call schedule on her phone. Raya, of course, followed Rabin like a magnet.

Raya:

"Let's post a pic for the fans~ We'll trend for sure!"

Rabin: (glancing around awkwardly)

"Hmm… I think we should keep a low profile till the teaser drops, no?"

Just then, Y/N appeared beside him.

Y/N (to Rabin):

"Director wants to discuss your character arc in private before you leave."

Rabin (quickly):

"Oh, okay. Let's go."

And just like that, he gently peeled away from Raya, following Y/N out of the room.

Y/N (still neutral-faced):

"Practicing with co-stars after hours isn't in your schedule."

Rabin (teasing):

"Hmm? Are you being strict because I'm your actor… or are you just a little jealous?"

Y/N rolled her eyes and kept walking.

But the soft shade of pink rising in her ears betrayed her silence.