As Gin sat alone in the café, the mystery of the woman in Jeno's office lingered like an unsolved puzzle. She had encountered many women associated with Jeno over the course of her time at the company, but none had made an impression like this one. This woman, with her striking appearance—pale skin and blonde hair—was unlike anyone Gin had seen before. It was clear she came from abroad, adding an exotic flair to her already captivating presence.
Gin couldn't shake her growing curiosity about the woman. Who was she, and what was her relationship with Jeno? The fact that she had never seen her before, despite her own long tenure at the office, only deepened the intrigue. It seemed that this woman had appeared out of nowhere, commanding Jeno's attention with an ease that left Gin feeling sidelined and uncertain.
Her mind swirled with resentment and speculation. The more she thought about it, the more her feelings of animosity towards Jeno grew. He had always been known for his charm and flirtatious nature, but seeing him with this new, enigmatic woman only fueled her frustration. The idea of him being a playboy—something she had tried to overlook—now seemed more palpable and disheartening.
Gin's lunch grew cold as she continued to stew in her thoughts. Each bite was a reminder of how unsettled she felt, unable to escape the growing sense of betrayal and jealousy. The woman's presence, so new and unfamiliar, had opened old wounds and exacerbated her feelings about Jeno.
As she finished her meal in silence, Gin resolved to use her time away from the office to gain some perspective. She knew she couldn't confront Jeno right now, nor did she want to confront the mystery woman. Instead, she needed to focus on herself, her own well-being, and perhaps, in time, find a way to address her feelings more constructively. For now, all she could do was grapple with the confusion and let her thoughts about Jeno's playboy reputation simmer in the background.
After her solitary lunch, Gin returned to her condo, feeling an emotional exhaustion that was heavier than any physical fatigue. The morning's events and her growing suspicions about Jeno had left her feeling unsettled and disheartened.
Once inside her apartment, she sank onto the couch, pulling out her phone. With a heavy sigh, she composed a brief text to Jeno, letting him know that she wasn't feeling well and would be taking the rest of the day off.
Gin hit send and watched as the message disappeared into the digital ether. Within moments, she received a notification: Jeno had liked her text. There was no reply, no words of concern or inquiry about her well-being—just a simple, impersonal acknowledgment.
The change in Jeno's response struck Gin like a cold, unfeeling blow. Just yesterday, their interactions had been filled with warmth and intimacy, marked by a kiss and a hug that had seemed to promise something more. Now, in the wake of the woman's unexpected presence, Jeno's demeanor had shifted dramatically. His response—or lack thereof—felt like an echo of his new, distant attitude.
Her heart ached as she replayed the recent events in her mind. The contrast between yesterday's affection and today's indifference left her feeling abandoned and heartbroken. It was as if the connection they had shared was now overshadowed by the arrival of someone new and captivating.
Gin lay back on the couch, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling with hurt and confusion. The woman had unknowingly caused a rift that she couldn't yet understand, and Jeno's coldness only deepened her sense of betrayal.
As she wrestled with her feelings, Gin realized she needed to give herself space to heal and reassess her situation. The emotional turbulence of the day had revealed a painful truth: Jeno's affection was fickle, and she needed to find a way to navigate her own heart amidst the shifting tides of his attention.
To soothe her weary mind and take her focus off the day's disappointments, Gin decided to immerse herself in planning her upcoming birthday celebration. A beach party was on the horizon, and she envisioned it as a chance to escape from her troubles and embrace a carefree atmosphere.
She sat at her dining table, spreading out colorful invitations and a list of potential guests. As she made her list, she found herself momentarily distracted by a flurry of thoughts about who should and shouldn't be included. Jeno's name appeared on the list, a remnant of her prior intentions, but as she looked at it, a wave of irritation washed over her.
Without a second thought, she grabbed her pen and drew a dramatic, emphatic line through his name, followed by a hundred more crosses in a fit of frustrated energy. The sight of Jeno's name completely crossed out brought a grim sense of satisfaction. It was her way of asserting control over a situation that had left her feeling powerless and hurt.
Gin stared at the crossed-out name, her emotions a tangled mess of anger and sadness. Despite her decision, she felt a pang of guilt for excluding him, but she couldn't muster the courage to confront him directly. The thought of facing him and airing her grievances felt too daunting, and she was unsure of how to approach the conversation.
Instead, she poured her focus into organizing every detail of her beach party. She envisioned a lively celebration with friends who could bring positivity and joy into her life. As she continued with her planning, she felt a small sense of relief. The beach party was not just a celebration of her birthday but also an opportunity to reclaim her happiness and surround herself with those who truly valued her.
In the end, the beach party would be her refuge, a place to temporarily escape the complexities of her relationship with Jeno and to embrace the joy and freedom she needed.
Gin also didn't receive any words from Jeno or even call since that day. She just let it be and wanted to savor her birthday. She started calling her friends, especially Kath and Blake and all the others except Jeno. Who didn't even greet her.