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The bustling streets of Seoul were alive with the sounds of chatter, honking cars, and the rhythmic click of heels on pavement. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the city as people rushed to finish their errands before evening set in. Amid the throng of people, a young woman named Hana Kim hurriedly navigated her way through the crowd, clutching a stack of books tightly to her chest. Her long, chestnut hair swayed with each step, and her glasses slid down her nose, making her look more like a frantic student than the diligent office worker she was.
Hana worked as a junior editor at a small but prestigious publishing house. Today was particularly important as she had to deliver a manuscript to a famous author who had a notoriously short temper. Her mind was so preoccupied with the task at hand that she didn't notice the tall figure coming towards her until it was too late.
A collision was inevitable.
Books flew into the air, papers scattered like autumn leaves, and Hana found herself on the ground, her glasses askew. She winced, trying to gather her scattered belongings while muttering apologies. The man she had collided with crouched down, helping her pick up the mess.
"I'm so sorry," Hana stammered, feeling her face flush with embarrassment.
"It's okay, no harm done," the man replied with a warm smile. He handed her the last of her papers, and their eyes met.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Hana found herself looking into the most captivating eyes she had ever seen. They were a deep, soulful brown, full of warmth and kindness. The man had an air of effortless elegance, dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, his dark hair perfectly styled.
"Thank you," Hana managed to say, tearing her gaze away. She adjusted her glasses and quickly stood up, her heart racing for reasons she couldn't quite understand.
"Are you sure you're okay?" the man asked, standing up as well. "You seem in a hurry."
"Yes, I'm fine. Just running late for a meeting," she replied, glancing at her watch. "I really have to go."
The man nodded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I see. Well, be careful. Seoul can be quite unforgiving to the distracted."
Hana smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks again."
With a polite bow, she turned and hurried away, feeling the man's gaze linger on her for a moment longer. As she made her way to the publishing house, she couldn't help but replay the encounter in her mind. There was something about him that felt oddly familiar, as if they had met before in another life.
Meanwhile, the man watched her disappear into the crowd, a curious smile playing on his lips. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, ornate locket. Opening it, he glanced at the photograph inside—a picture of a woman who looked strikingly similar to Hana.
"Could it really be her?" he mused, closing the locket and slipping it back into his pocket. Shaking his head, he continued on his way, the chance meeting lingering in his thoughts.
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Hana arrived at the publishing house, breathless but relieved to have made it on time. She handed over the manuscript to her boss, who gave her a rare nod of approval. As she settled into her desk, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't yet comprehend.
Little did she know, the man she had collided with was none other than Min Joon, a renowned author known for his mysterious and reclusive nature. And their paths were destined to cross again, bringing with it a whirlwind of emotions, secrets, and a love story that would spa
n lifetimes.
** end of chapter 1**