The luxurious Grand Hyatt Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, was abuzz with the city's elite. The elegant lobby, adorned with marble floors and crystal chandeliers, led to a grand ballroom where a reunion party was in full swing. The cream of society had gathered to celebrate the return of Hyun Lee Ahn, a diplomat, and her daughter, Bora, after years abroad.
Hyun Lee Ahn, a stunning woman in her early fifties, with piercing brown eyes and raven-black hair, mingled with her friends, her Champagne gold Versace gown shimmering in the light.
Hyun Lee Ahn, who recently returned to Korea with her daughter Bora, awaited news from the Blue House on her next diplomatic posting. To pass the time, she caught up with old friends and spent quality time with her husband -Hyun Jeong Mi, a successful businessman, stood by her side, beaming with pride, smiling from ear to ear.
The men, dressed in tailored suits, engaged in lively discussions about sports and business, their laughter and handshakes filling the air. Meanwhile, the women, resplendent in their designer dresses, chatted about their children, their voices filled with warmth and concern.
The air conditioner shot its cool and gentle breeze throughout the hotel, casting comfort upon each person's skin. The attendants, dressed in the cliché black and white outfit kept a measured pose, their heads held up high, their shoulders straight, and their professionalism on full display - serving the tables as the neverending chattering of guests prolonged.
"Ahhh…" Lee Ahn sighed, "It's been a very long time since I had this kind of conversation, for the first time in a few years I'm talking about the past and how it shaped myself, my secrets and all that. It is so fun. Don't get me wrong, the beauty of Paris is exquisite and intriguing. But no place like home, right?"
"I just hope you still know how to speak Korean, Lee Ahn," Bang Su Ki's Mom - Bang In-Ah teased, swirling her cup of white wine.
Lee Ahn's eyes narrowed, and she raised an eyebrow, "of course I do, I've been speaking it since forever," Lee Ahn boasted and everyone had a hearty laugh.
Every one of them was a "major league player." They were either conglomerate owners, owners of law firms, government officials, or top-tier military personnel.
Yeong Seok, a petite woman with a kind face, her disposition was calm, and her makeup was mild, fitting perfectly into her chin-high black gown, sat beside Lee Ahn, her fingers drumming against each other. "Ahhh...it's been so long since we had a night like this, Lee Ahn," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Cha On Dam's mother and Lee Ahn's best friend, Cha Yeong Seok, was still trying to fit into the crowd, she wasn't from a prestigious family like the remaining of them, even though she was married to the owner of the biggest law firm in the country and also had her law firm which was well-to-do, she found it hard to relate with her remaining friends. Yeong Seok was able to attend the same school as they all did through the school's scholarship program, and during those times, Lee Ahn, Jeong Mi and her husband - Seung Gwang were the only people who treated her nicely.
Lee Ahn always knew that Yeong Seok had been unable to relate with them ever since their high school days, and it remained the same up till now. She always saw them as above her, even though she was doing better than most of them, the dread of their high school memories still haunted her. As they chatted, Yeong Seok's fingers drummed against each other, her eyes darting around the table. Lee Ahn noticed her friend's unease and placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "Calm down," she whispered, dousing her anxiety.
As they chatted, Seung Gwang, Yeong Seok's husband, looking dashing in his navy blue dinner suit caught her eye, and her face blushed. In-Ah, a stylish woman with a mischievous grin, teased, "Yeong Seok, your face is beet red, Wae (what's wrong)?." She looked at Seung Gwang and then back at Yeong Seok, "still blushing after twenty-five years?" The table erupted in laughter, and Yeong Seok's face turned a deeper shade of red.
Yeong Seok immediately started feeling embarrassed, her perfect skin reflected the rays of the light as she bent down to avoid In-Ah's eyes, "I-I'm sorry..."
In-Ah rolled her eyes in confusion, "Sorry for what? Looking at your husband?" She jested, gulping her cup of wine. Again the table erupted in another loud pour of laughter.
As the night wore on, the women's table erupted in laughter and chatter. Lee Ahn regaled them with stories of her diplomatic adventures in Paris, while In-Ah shared her latest business triumphs. Yeong Seok, initially hesitant, began to open up, sharing her own successes and struggles as a lawyer.
In-Ah, noticing Yeong Seok's unease, made a conscious effort to include her in the conversation. "Yeong Seok, I'm so proud of you! Your law firm is doing amazing work." Yeong Seok smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude.
As the night progressed, the conversation turned to their children. In-Ah mentioned Bora and Su Ki, sparking Lee Ahn's interest. "Bora doesn't talk about her love life, but I think she needs time," she said, her brow furrowed with concern.
In-Ah, sensing the tension dissipating, leaned in. "Bora and Su Ki don't seem to be on good terms anymore. Maybe she's seeing someone else?"
Yeong Seok's eyes widened. "Really? Who is it?"
Lee Ahn rested on her chair and crossed her legs, holding a glass of wine in her hands, "I don't know if she's seeing anyone. Like I said, she doesn't talk about her love life to me."
In-Ah's expression turned serious, her eyes narrowing. "Jinja... (Seriously)?"
Lee Ahn nodded. "Yup."
In-Ah's mischief hit its peak, prying like a nagging wife, "But they've known each other since birth, and Su Ki still seems smitten."
"Well I don't know about that though, she probably needs time," Lee Ahn muttered.
"Bora is still into Su Ki. My intuitions are never wrong. Try asking her yourself. Or besides, we can just set it up. You're her mother, she'd listen to you."
Yeong Seok placed a gentle hand on Lee Ahn's arm. "Let Bora choose who she wants, Ahn. She's old enough to make her own decisions."
"Yeong Seok-a, don't be such a perfectionist, our children are at the most vulnerable time of their lives right now, they'll make a series of mistakes. In other not to have to help them get over the pain we can. As well as just prevent it. Plus, a little matchmaking wouldn't hurt." Ji-Hyun's mom - Kim Eun-seo commented.
The whole table started validating her point, pointing out one thing or the other in their children and how they are still meant to control their lives. The whole mumbo jumbo got Lee Ahn sucked into it and decided to set Bora and Su Ki, "Well they had known each other since they were kids, it'd be good for the family and business too." She added.
"Don't think that way, Lee-Lee, Bora isn't a kid anymore. The more you try to orchestrate her life, the more defiant she becomes. We were like that too. Don't forget that."
Lee Ahn's face beamed with joy and her heart was filled with emotions that she had forgotten the message that Yeong Seok had given. She heard what her best friend said but the fact that she called her by her nickname made her face blush, "Lee-Lee, you still call me that..."
"Of course, I gave you that name - Lee-Lee coined it from your birth name, Lee Lee Ahn." Yeong Seok said.
In-Ah, the Duke of mischief came around again with her regular teasing, "you guys just gave me goosebumps, look, look," she said, showing her skin to Joong Oh's mom - Nam Do Sam.
The debate continued, with the women offering their opinions and advice. Meanwhile, the men had moved on to more serious topics, their voices hushed and intense.
"Call Su Ki and Bora, set up the meeting this night," Do Sam suggested, "we all already have blind dates for our kids, we know you..." She said pointing at Lee Ahn, "...and In-Ah wouldn't want that, so just set them up with each other, besides there a good fit."
Back at Jukheon, Bora shared a story with her roommates, On Dam and Jo Jo, about a rude classmate. "...he literally snubbed me. I talked to him not once, not twice, and he just kept mute... it was so annoying." The lot laughed it out. Their conversation turned to Kenji, a naughty boy from their high school days who was into Bora, but she didn't seem to have the same feelings as he did and usually kept mute whenever he talked to her. Bora's phone buzzed with a message from her mother: "Meet me at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. NOW!"
"Aish... Jinja (gosh... seriously)." Bora lamented, burying her head into her pillow.
On Dam, who seemed inquisitive, was about to ask what was wrong when her phone rang. She looked at the screen, and it was a call from her mom, "That's weird, she never calls me at this time of the day." She said to herself. She took a deep sigh and answered the call, "Annyeong eoma (hello mom).... right now...isn't it too late...appa!...ne, ne, ne (okay, okay, okay) I'd be there in a minute. Immediately, a smile ran down her face, she hadn't seen her dad in a while, and she was going to see him. She cared less than it was late.
Their last roommate, Jo Jo was left in the blank, trying to understand why one was happy and the other was wearing a long face, "what's wrong?"
Bora sighed heavily, "My mom wants me to come to meet her at the Grand Hyatt Hotel right now. I mean it's already late. Would you like to come with me, Jo Jo?"
"Ani (no), I'm tired. Go with On Dam. She seems to be going somewhere. You guys can move together."
On Dam received a similar message from his mother and ran to her wardrobe, her heart racing with anticipation. She pulled out a stunning navy blue boat-neck gown made of silk fabric that shimmered in the light, accentuating her curves with its subtle sheen. A white coat overlayed on top added sophistication, its soft texture and classic design framing her shoulders, while a white muffler bound around her neck framed her heart-shaped face, creating a polished, chic look that radiated confidence and poise.
"Grand Hyatt, is it? I'm headed there too. I guess both our moms are together."
They both headed out, curious. Unbeknownst to them, the Top Tier Boys had also received summons from their parents to the same location.
As the evening drew to a close, the women shared a group hug, their laughter and chatter lingering in the air. The men joined in, their smiles and handshakes a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship.
As their children arrived at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Bora and On Dam were surprised to see the Top Tier Boys and the reaction from them was also the same. The women's laughter and chatter filled the air. The Top Tier Boys joined. Lee Ahn was surprised by the rate at which Su Ki had grown over the years and invited Su Ki to dinner, her eyes shining with warmth.
"Surely, I'd love to have dinner at your place," Su Ki answered.
Lee Ahn smiled widely, "Can't wait, it's been so long since I saw you and Bora sit and eat together. Friday alright by you?"
Su Ki nodded, "Of course, it is, and I get to eat with Bora, so anytime is fine by me."