They say the world works differently and mysteriously, we might not know where we might meet again, or when, or how, or why, but it all adds up to our making.
Before Jukheon, Lee Ahn studied abroad, where she met a friend - Mun Tae Gwang. They were the only Koreans in the whole of West Finland, and attending the same elementary and junior high school made them very close.
Mun Tae Gwang was more than just a friend to Lee Ahn; he was her confidant, partner in crime, and soulmate. They shared every secret, laughed together, and explored the Finnish wilderness as if it were their playground. But as they grew older, their paths began to diverge. Mun Tae Gwang's family moved back to Seoul, while Lee Ahn's stayed in Finland.
They promised to keep in touch, but as time went by, their communication dwindled. Lee Ahn would occasionally think about Mun Tae Gwang, wondering what he was up to if he was happy, and if he ever thought about their adventures together.
Years went by, and Lee Ahn returned to Korea, enrolling in Jukheon High School. She never expected to see Mun Tae Gwang again. As she navigated the complex social hierarchy of her new school, the image of Yeorin began to fade away from her memory slowly.
Meanwhile, Tae Gwang went on and schooled in Yeongdu High School, the most prominent high school in Iteawon. Unlike Jukheon High School, Yeongdu didn't have a glaring class differentiation system but it was impossible for there not to be those of the high class in society and the lower class
Years passed by, and both Tae Gwang and Lee Ahn had become what they always wanted to - one a lawyer and a CEO and the other, a diplomat. Everything they always talked about on their way home from school, in a part filled with purple roses were all realized, apart from their family.
Both Tae Gwang and Lee Ahn weren't very close to their kids. Lee Ahn always thought of how close she and her kid were going to be, she had a very good interpersonal relationship with people so she never thought connecting with her child would be difficult, but Bora was always at loggerheads with Lee Ahn.
For Tae Gwang, he was always reserved and quiet, shy but confident at the same time so he knew his connection with his child would be perfect since he always saw family as the first and best thing. But Yeorin only saw his Dad as the person who gave birth to him, rather than a confidant. Yeorin was a stack resemblance of his Father in character, but he was a worse version. Though, Yeorin was still under the influence of his Father - Tae Gwang still had an astounding say over Yeorin's life.
It's been 24 years already, 24 years since Lee Ahn and Tae Gwang saw or heard each other, 24 years of ups and downs. But the universe knows what it has in stock for us... We always expect the least what it gives.
Lee Ahn never knew she would cross paths again with Mun Tae Gwang at a charity gala. Lee Ahn always saw Tae Gwang as the most heartless person there is, things never really hurt him. He once told her that her didn't care about orphans since he wasn't the cause of their misfortune. Seeing him here was quite ironic.
The grand chandelier above the gala reception cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the room. As Lee Ahn scanned the crowded gala, her golden Saint Laurent gown shimmered under the soft glow of the gala lights.
The sweet aroma of exotic flowers wafted through the gala reception, transporting Lee Ahn back to her time in Finland.
Her eyes landed on a figure that made her heart skip a beat. It couldn't be. She took a step forward, her eyes locked onto the familiar smile...
Lee Ahn's eyes widened as she took in Tae Gwang's familiar features. Her voice caught in her throat, barely above a whisper, "Mun Tae Gwang?"
Mun Tae Gwang turned around, his eyes locking onto Lee Ahn's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the past and present colliding. Then, a slow smile spread across Mun Tae Gwang's face.
"Lee Ahn," he said, his voice low and smooth. He squinted his eyes and scratched it, "Han Lee Ahn? Is that really you Short legs?" (Short legs was the name he gave to Lee Ahn when he eventually became taller than her).
"Ya! TG (the initials of Tae Gwang's name)." She shouted shifting the attention of everyone within her vicinity to her. She looked at them and apologized for causing noise.
"Mun Tae Gwang, you're still annoying, gosh I'm gonna kill you," she said and started pursuing Tae Gwang around the gala reception.
Everyone began to look at the two acting immature, running around like toddlers who were given a free hand by their parents.
Lee Ahn came with Hyun Jeong Mi, but he was too focused on prospective collaborations and business connections rather than just lavish talk. He saw his wife running around, pursuing a man. In his black-striped suit, he began to walk in her direction. The sound of Jeong Mi's loafers clicking on the tiled floor echoed through the room as he approached his wife.
"Lee Ahn," he called out. On hearing her husband's voice, Lee Ahn came to an abrupt stop, her golden Saint Laurent gown glimmering in the white light illuminating the room.
Seeing Lee Ahn had stopped chasing him, Tae Gwang adjusted his dark gray tuxedo and approached Lee Ahn like a sophisticated man.
They were both married, with kids, and had built successful careers. The initial shock of seeing each other after all these years gave way to warm smiles and awkward hugs.
"Oh, Jeong Mi-iya," she called the attention of her husband who was already tranced by the mystery man who dared to exchange hugs with his wife in his presence. "You remember one time back then In High School, when I was telling you about my time in Finland - the friend I had was this guy," she said pointing at Tae Gwang.
"Naneun Mun Tae Gwang-ib nida (I am Mun Tae Gwang)," he said stretching his hand for a gentlemanly handshake. Jeong Mi was feeling intimidated by the closeness this stranger had with his wife, he knew bout their past and that made him even more anxious.
Jeong Mi's jaw clenched as he shook Tae Gwang's hand, his smile strained, "Hyun Jeong Mi. Nice meeting you." As they exchanged pleasantries Lee Ahn immediately locked hands with Tae Gwang dragging him away from her husband. Jeong Mi's eyes widened as he glared at Tae Gwang in annoyance.
As Lee Ahn and Tae Gwang caught up at the other side of the gala, Lee Ahn couldn't help but notice the changes in Mun Tae Gwang. He seemed more polished, more refined, but also more guarded. "Who would have thought I'd meet a demon like you at a charity event, have you forgotten what you always told me about orphans?"
"I'm not the cause of her misfortunes," they both echoed and had a hearty laugh. "You remember?" Tae Gwang said surprisingly.
"Come on big head, how could I forget, you're the most heartless person I've seen." Lee Ahn jested.
Lee Ahn looked at Tae Gwang and sensed a deep-seated pain behind his eyes, one that he couldn't quite hide.
Mun Tae Gwang, too, was struck by Lee Ahn's radiance. She was still the free spirit he remembered, but now she exuded a quiet confidence and wisdom.
"You grew into a fine lady," Tae Gwang complimented.
Lee Ahn shrugged - "tsk, what do you mean, I was always a beauty."
Tae Gwang gave a hard laugh, one almost enough to be insulting. "Miin (beauty)?" He said and laughed again, "That was probably your past life."
Lee Ahn laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "You're still annoying, gosh I'm gonna kill you!"
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like no time had passed at all. They talked about their families, their children, and their dreams. Lee Ahn mentioned her daughter, Bora, and her struggles in school and how what she thought building a family was all a wild dream, "I'm not saying I regret my decision on getting married to Jeong Mi or having Bora, but it isn't all that rosy as I thought when I was a kid."
Jeong Mi stood aloof, watching as they both connected and flowed effortlessly his eyes narrowed as he watched Lee Ahn and Tae Gwang's effortless banter. 'Who was this man, and why did he have such a hold on his wife's past?'
Mun Tae Gwang shared stories about his own family how he and his wife were apart and the effect on his son.
"How old did you say your son is again?" Lee Ahn asked. Tae Gwang smiled widely, "really? You wanna hook them up?"
Lee Ahn rolled her eyes around every corner, "Just answer the question, TG."
"He's 20, he schools here though at Jukheon University."
Lee Ahn scoffed, "Woah, talk about coincidence, my daughter - Bora, is a year older but she also attends Jukheon University, and she is also a freshman just like your son and she's an art lover too. Speak of destiny."
As the night wore on, Lee Ahn and Tae Gwang found themselves lost in conversation. Meanwhile, Jeong Mi watched with growing unease, observing their uncanny reunion.
Lee Ahn and Tae Gwang both jested and caught up, remembering the past and how it shaped their future. The mention of their children's shared interests sparked a new idea in Lee Ahn's mind, and a spark of intrigue ignited within them. Could their kids be friends? Could they reconnect with their children?
Lee Ahn and Mun Tae Gwang exchanged numbers, promising to stay in touch this time. They talked about arranging a blind date for their kids.
Lee Ahn left the gala with a sense of nostalgia and wonder, her heart was heavy with emotions and her eyes filled with happiness at the man Tae Gwang grew up to become. She couldn't believe that she had reconnected with her old friend and that their children might become friends too.
As she approached the exit of the gala with her husband, a gentle smile played over her lips, Lee Ahn's thoughts drifted back to her conversation with Tae Gwang as she walked away. Her steps subsequently became slower as if she was reluctant to leave the gala behind, in her golden dress she walked under the gala light which cast a soft glow on her face making it even more radiant, she waved goodbye to Tae Gwang.
Unbeknownst to them, this chance encounter would set off a chain of events that would bring Bora and Yeorin together, changing the course of their lives forever.