Hyun-ki had made it clear that this date would be something different from their previous interactions. For Na-yeon, the anticipation was palpable. She couldn't help but wonder what a "traditional" date with him would entail.
The evening began with a surprise. Hyun-ki arrived at her door with a bouquet, a classic gesture that felt both romantic and thoughtful. After a brief moment of awe, Na-yeon couldn't help but ask.
"Hyun-ki, how did you find my address? I never gave it to you."
"Ah, well, that's a story. You know, I've been knocking on doors in this apartment complex, doing the old 'search. It was purely a trial and error process," Hyun-ki chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
"You've been knocking on doors?" Na-yeon raised an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and scepticism.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have done that. As we're going on a traditional date, I thought I should be transparent with you. To be honest, during one of the lessons with A-ri, I sort of implied where you live. But I promise it's all in the name of a little romance," Hyun-ki nodded, then quickly added.
Na-yeon couldn't help but chuckle, charmed by the quirkiness of the situation. Hyun-ki's unusual method made the date feel full of spontaneity and fun, and she was eager to see what else the evening had in store.
They decided to start their date with dinner at a charming, candlelit restaurant with an elegant ambience. The menu featured an array of delectable dishes, and they shared recommendations, revealing a shared love for certain flavours and cuisines.
As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation flowed effortlessly. They talked about life, dreams, and their experiences, gradually getting to know each other on a more personal level.
"You know, Na-yeon, this is quite a different experience for both of us," Hyun-ki leaned in with a curious smile.
"It sure is not what I expected at all. I mean if you had only taken this approach during our first date, I would have had a different impression," Na-yeon nodded, a hint of curiosity in her gaze.
Hyun-ki's stories provided a glimpse into his life. He talked about growing up in a small town and how that had influenced his early artistic interests. He mentioned that he had faced various challenges to establish himself as an art critic, which eventually led him to take on the role of a mentor for aspiring artists. In a sense, he's telling the truth while hiding the fact that he and Eun-tae was a close friend.
"Your journey is quite fascinating, Hyun-ki. I'm learning more about you today," Na-yeon listened intently.
"And your story, Na-yeon, is equally intriguing. Your dedication to journalism is admirable," Hyun-ki nodded, appreciating her interest.
In return, Na-yeon shared stories of her journey. She spoke about her passion for journalism and her drive to excel in her field. Hyun-ki was intrigued by her determination and the sacrifices she had made to achieve her goals.
"Na-yeon, your determination is truly something. I'm getting to know you better tonight," He leaned forward, genuinely curious.
"Well, it's not often I share so much with someone I tried to manipulate," Na-yeon chuckled and blushed slightly.
Their laughter and conversations continued, with a mutual understanding that this was only the beginning of their journey to understand each other. While they had shared stories and experiences, there was still much to uncover about the person sitting across from them.
As the evening continued, the atmosphere grew lighter, and they found themselves laughing and joking. Hyun-ki's playful teasing brought out a side of Na-yeon that was carefree and spontaneous, far from her usual serious self. She found herself giggling at his witty remarks and enjoying the banter, which was a refreshing departure from their initial confrontational encounter. It was evident that the date was allowing them to see new facets of each other.
Their conversation naturally transitioned to their mutual friends, A-ri and Eun-tae. They shared stories of the couple's journey, from how A-ri had always believed in true love to Eun-tae's unwavering support for her artistic endeavours. It was clear that Na-yeon and Hyun-ki cared deeply for A-ri and Eun-tae and were genuinely happy for their friends' happiness.
Hyun-ki, usually a man of few words, opened up about the role A-ri had played in his life, and how her passion and determination had inspired him to become a mentor. Na-yeon, too, shared her admiration for Eun-tae's unwavering love and support for A-ri. They both agreed that A-ri and Eun-tae's love story was one for the books.
With each passing moment, the enigmatic art critic seemed to become less of a mystery and more of a person with his joys and struggles. Na-yeon realized that, despite their unconventional start, this date revealed a side of Hyun-ki she hadn't expected. She found herself drawn to the depth and complexity of his character, leaving her eager to uncover more layers of the man behind the enigma.
As for Hyun-ki, he was equally intrigued by the enigmatic journalist, seeing her as a friend of A-ri's and as an individual with her unique journey. Their connection deepened, and a sense of possibility hung in the air, hinting at what could be the start of something significant.
As the evening unfolded, Na-yeon couldn't help but acknowledge the odd sense of calm she felt in Hyun-ki's presence. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. In some ways, it was as if she had been yearning for this kind of company.
Before A-ri's marriage to Eun-tae, Na-yeon and A-ri had been inseparable. They would chat, share stories, and chill together, making memories that added vibrancy to their lives. But as Eun-tae became a permanent part of A-ri's world, Na-yeon found herself gradually spending less time with her best friend. The conversations grew fewer, and their lives took separate paths. Although she was truly happy for A-ri, there was a tinge of loneliness that crept into Na-yeon's heart.
It wasn't that she didn't like Eun-tae; in fact, she thought he was a great match for her friend. It was more about her longing for a similar connection, a romantic companionship of her own. She had entertained the idea of applying for a contract marriage herself, just to have someone to share her life with.
As she sat across from Hyun-ki, she couldn't help but wonder if this connection, despite its peculiar beginnings, was what she had been unconsciously seeking. Their date had unfolded unexpectedly, and their conversations had ventured into personal territory, revealing layers of themselves they hadn't initially shared. Na-yeon was left to ponder whether this encounter might be the answer to the void she had been feeling, a connection that could fill the space left by her changing friendship with A-ri.
As the evening continued, Na-yeon and Hyun-ki found themselves in a beautiful park, where the moonlight bathed everything in a soft, ethereal glow. They strolled along a cobblestone path, hand in hand, the silence between them comfortable, and the occasional rustle of leaves creating a soothing soundtrack for their conversation.
"You know, Na-yeon, as a child, I used to imagine I could touch the moon. I wanted to be an astronaut," Hyun-ki began.
"Really? An astronaut? I would have never guessed," Na-yeon laughed softly.
"Well, things change. And it always had for me until I found art. Now, I find myself exploring the cosmos through art and stories, a different kind of adventure," Hyun-ki smiled.
As they continued their walk, they came upon a picturesque pond with swans gracefully gliding across the water. Hyun-ki had brought breadcrumbs, and they both took turns feeding the swans. The elegant birds seemed to dance to their rhythm, and the quiet moments they shared watching the swans felt like a timeless escape.
"You know, these swans, they remind me of grace and beauty. They seem so peaceful," Hyun-ki broke the silence.
"Yes, and yet, they have their challenges, I'm sure," Na-yeon nodded,
"You're right. Grace and beauty often come with their share of struggles," Hyun-ki's eyes sparkled.
Hyun-ki suggested they stop by a small, charming cafe they discovered along the way. They shared a cup of hot cocoa, and their conversation turned playful, filled with teasing and laughter.
"Who would have thought that an art critic could be such a great conversationalist?" Na-yeon teased.
"You'd be surprised. We're not all aloof critics; some of us can be quite charming," Hyun-ki chuckled.
The evening's finale was sitting on a cosy park bench, gazing up at the stars. Hyun-ki's knowledge of constellations was surprising, and he shared the stories and myths behind the different stars and clusters. All that he learnt as he took stars and sky as a form of art.
"You see that cluster there, the Pleiades? In Greek mythology, they were the Seven Sisters, daughters of the Titan Atlas. Each star has its own story," Hyun-ki said.
"I've never looked at the stars like this. It's magical," Na-yeon listened in awe.
"Some stories are written in the stars, waiting for someone to uncover them. I came across that conclusion as I was learning about them," Hyun-ki replied.
The date had become a tapestry of shared stories and experiences, and Na-yeon couldn't help but feel like she was discovering a completely new side to the enigmatic art critic.