Three years ago, Minjin and Oliver Wright were intoxicated in Las Vegas. They had been dating for three months. Their friends suggested they get married, and they agreed. They quickly spread the news, arranging a last-minute ceremony. 

Despite being tipsy, they stood facing each other as the officiant prepared to marry them. The ceremony felt surreal, like a dream, and they shared a passionate kiss, with their friends cheering and shouting their congratulations.

Minjin, a doctoral student at Harvard, was unsure how to explain her impulsive wedding to her family in LA and friends in Seoul. Despite her busy academic life, she maintained a strong relationship with Oliver, a Harvard professor.

They shared breakfast and dinner dates, discussing their studies and breakthroughs. Oliver, a professor of business economics, appreciated her intellect and supported her. 

###

Two years later

Minjin was engrossed in her groundbreaking research on quantum gravity, analyzing equations and formulas on a whiteboard while classical piano music filled the room with intensity.

She focused on a complex equation, analyzing every detail and double-checking her work. As she reached the final steps, her eyes widened in realization.

Her hand trembled as she wrote the last piece of the puzzle. She stopped, frozen in the moment. "I am now one of the greatest scientists of the 21st century," she thought to herself.

Minjin meticulously reviewed an equation, examining every symbol and step, until she reached for her phone, feeling overwhelmed and satisfied.

"Siri, call Oppa," she commanded.

The AI promptly replied, dialing the number. 

As the phone rang, Minjin bit her nails nervously, waiting for the call to connect. After a few rings, a groggy, half-asleep groan answered. 

"Oppa," Minjin said, her eyes wide with shock. "I... I think I... just became one of the greatest scientists of all time," she said in English, her voice trembling with emotion. 

There was a pause as the man on the other end tried to process her words. "W-what?" he finally responded, also in English, his voice soft and confused. 

Minjin's composure broke, and she cried, recalling her past with Minjun and realizing the sacrifices were finally worth it.

She tried to speak again, but her voice was trembling. "O-oppa..." But she couldn’t hold back any longer as she sobbed openly. 

###

Minjin became the first female physicist to establish a groundbreaking theory in quantum gravity and was suddenly widely recognized in America.

Minjin encountered numerous journalists at the university, where students and professors congratulated her on her achievements. Despite initially dismissing her, they now supported her success, which caused her to remain indifferent.

The scientific community celebrated Minjin, but it felt uneasy about the heavy expectations to claim the mantle of Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

Minjin's two-year marriage to Oliver became public, attracting attention from the press and the university community. Despite paparazzi following them, Minjin's presence at Harvard stirred admiration and curiosity among students and colleagues, expressing her intelligence and charm.

Oliver received unexpected attention from his colleagues. Despite polite greetings and admiration, he felt discomforted by the sudden change in their dynamic.

Minjin's popularity surged, making her classes highly sought after. Social media played a significant role in her fame, with viral videos showcasing her unique teaching approach, including impromptu icebreakers, singing, dancing, and guitar playing. These videos earned her global praise.

Minjin and Oliver watched a news segment about her viral classroom moments, feeling embarrassed and frustrated by the attention.

Oliver, sitting beside her, watched her reaction quietly before leaning over to kiss the top of her head. He chuckled softly and said, "You’re a star now, babe."

She sighed, still covering her face. "I never asked for this," she muttered. 

"I know, but you handle it better than anyone could," Oliver gently said as he kissed her head.

Although they shared a quiet moment of affection, the reality of Minjin’s sudden fame weighed heavily on both of them. What had once been their private life was now in the public eye, and Oliver couldn’t shake the feeling of discomfort.

One day, Minjin received an invitation to the White House but initially hesitated because of political issues that conflicted with her principles. Oliver, understanding her concerns, offered her the option to decline the recognition if it was truly her decision.

Minjin's decision to decline an honor sparked a media frenzy in the U.S. and internationally. This led to a flood of opinions on social media, making it a hot topic in public discourse.

The Vice President of America contacted Minjin for a private conversation at Harvard University. The Vice President shared insights about America's involvement in complex issues as an immigrant and offered new perspectives that Minjin had not considered before.

After a thoughtful discussion, Minjin was persuaded to reconsider. She chose to accept the White House recognition, balancing her principles with a broader understanding of the situation.

On the day of the ceremony, Minjin stood proudly, receiving her honor from the President of the United States. Oliver, as always, stood by her side, providing support.

But as the cameras rolled and flashes went off, Oliver felt a creeping sense of discomfort. Though proud of his wife’s success, the constant attention and media presence began to wear him down. 

It wasn’t jealousy—he loved Minjin and her achievements—but the overwhelming nature of her fame was slowly draining him. Oliver couldn’t help but wonder how much longer he could bear the weight of it all. 

###

Minjin attended her niece's baptism in LA after being recognized by the White House. The private ceremony was filled with joy, but paparazzi gathered outside to capture every moment. Photographers closely followed the event.

Oliver grew irritated by the incessant camera clicks as he walked beside Minjin. When a relentless paparazzo bumped into him, Oliver shoved him aside, intensifying the situation as more paparazzi eagerly waited for a reaction.

"Oliver, no! Stop!" Minjin exclaimed, trying to hold onto his hand as he turned to confront the crowd. 

"Go away!" Oliver shouted angrily.

In a moment of frustration, he pushed the intrusive photographer again, causing the commotion. Minjin felt a rush of anxiety and fear as she grabbed Oliver's hand and led him away from the chaos. 

They quickly reached their car, and Oliver fumbled with the keys, his hands shaking slightly as he turned the engine on. He pulled Minjin inside and drove away from the scene, the headlights illuminating the darkening streets of LA. 

"Are you okay?" Minjin asked softly, glancing at him with concern. 

Oliver let out a heavy sigh. "I am fine." His voice was flat.

###

The incident sparked a media frenzy, with tabloids and rude outlets portraying Oliver pushing the paparazzo negatively, leaving Minjin feeling heartbroken and angry due to the portrayal of Oliver.

Despite her attempts to comfort him, Oliver was withdrawn and unwilling to discuss what had happened.

After a long, tense silence, he finally decided that he needed space to breathe and escape the media circus that surrounded them. 

"I'm going back to Boston. I need some time away from all of this." Oliver said, his tone firm.

Minjin felt a pang of sadness at his words but understood his need for distance. 

"I get it," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. 

She reluctantly agreed, hoping the space would bring him clarity and peace. She was unaware of Oliver's struggles with her fame and felt powerless to help.