The warmth of the night before still lingered in Soo Jeon's heart as she woke the next morning, a soft smile on her lips. Min Jun had left early for a meeting, but not before kissing her forehead and whispering promises of the day to come. Everything felt right, but as the day unfolded, an unsettling feeling began to creep into Soo Jeon's thoughts.
At the dance studio, Soo Jeon moved through her routines with mechanical precision, but her mind wasn't fully present. Her conversation with Ji-Eun weeks ago lingered in the back of her mind like an unwanted shadow. She had been so sure after the confrontation, but now, doubt gnawed at her. What if Ji-Eun hadn't given up? What if she was still scheming behind the scenes, manipulating Min Jun's family or plotting to drive a wedge between them?
Soo Jeon tried to shake off the thoughts as she practiced her choreography, but every wrong step and fumble felt like Ji-Eun's presence weighing her down. Her muscles tightened with frustration, and her instructor took notice.
"Soo Jeon," the instructor's voice cut through the studio, halting the music. "You're not focused today. What's going on?"
Soo Jeon blinked, shaking herself from her thoughts. "I'm sorry, I'll do better."
The instructor sighed but nodded. "I know you've been working hard, but remember to stay present. Everything else can wait."
Soo Jeon nodded, though her mind still wandered as the music restarted. The pressure from her career, Min Jun's family, Ji-Eun—it was all building up, threatening to overwhelm her. She needed a moment to breathe, to figure out how to balance everything.
After practice, Soo Jeon sat alone in the changing room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She was supposed to meet Min Jun later that evening, but a part of her hesitated. She didn't want him to see her like this—unsure, anxious, and full of doubt.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Min Jun.
Min Jun: "Can't wait to see you tonight. I'll pick you up at 7.
She smiled at the message but felt the pit in her stomach deepen. What if Ji-Eun was still trying to undermine their relationship? What if Min Jun's parents were listening to her, even now? Soo Jeon didn't want to let these thoughts consume her, but they were growing louder, more insistent.
Deciding she needed clarity, she called her best friend, Hye Rin, and asked if they could meet for coffee. Within an hour, they were sitting at a small café near the studio, the comforting scent of brewed coffee wafting between them.
Hye Rin could tell something was off right away. "Okay, spill. What's going on?"
Soo Jeon hesitated, staring down at her cup. "It's just… everything. Min Jun, his family, Ji-Eun. I don't know if I can handle all of it."
Hye Rin leaned forward, her eyes narrowing in concern. "Is Ji-Eun still causing problems?"
"I don't know," Soo Jeon admitted. "But I can't shake the feeling that she's still lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike."
Hye Rin sighed, tapping her fingers against the table. "I get it, but you can't let her control your thoughts like this. Ji-Eun is manipulative, sure, but Min Jun chose you. He's made that clear, hasn't he?"
Soo Jeon nodded slowly. "He has. He even went out of his way to make last night special, just for us. But still… his family. I don't think they'll ever accept me. And what if Ji-Eun convinces them I'm not right for him?"
"Listen," Hye Rin said, her voice firm but caring. "You and Min Jun are strong. Stronger than you realize. Ji-Eun's power only exists if you give it to her. As for his family, I'm not saying it'll be easy, but Min Jun has already chosen you. You've got to believe in that, in him, and in yourself."
Soo Jeon took a deep breath, her friend's words sinking in. "You're right. I need to trust in what we have, not in what Ji-Eun is trying to destroy."
"Exactly," Hye Rin said with a smile. "And besides, Ji-Eun can't fight a battle that's already been lost. You're not alone in this."
Soo Jeon nodded, feeling a small weight lift off her shoulders. Hye Rin always knew how to ground her, to help her see things from a clearer perspective. As they finished their coffee and parted ways, Soo Jeon felt a renewed sense of determination. She wasn't going to let Ji-Eun's presence haunt her anymore.
That evening, when Min Jun arrived to pick her up, Soo Jeon greeted him with a smile, feeling lighter than she had in days.
"You look happy," Min Jun noted as he pulled her into his arms.
"I feel happy," Soo Jeon said, resting her head against his chest. "I've been thinking a lot, and I realized something. I've been letting Ji-Eun and your family get to me, but I can't do that anymore. I trust you, Min Jun. And I trust in what we have."
Min Jun kissed the top of her head. "I'm glad you're feeling better. We'll face this together, Soo Jeon. No matter what happens."
As they drove off into the night, Soo Jeon stared out at the city lights, feeling a renewed sense of hope. The road ahead was still uncertain, and there would undoubtedly be more obstacles, but she knew now that she wasn't facing them alone.
They had each other, and that was enough.