Seoul was alive with colour, the vibrant streets humming with the sounds of laughter and chatter. As Jina Han stepped out of her cozy apartment, she took a moment to breathe in the crisp autumn air, the smell of street food wafting through the bustling neighbourhood. She adjusted the oversized scarf around her neck, her mind racing with ideas for her fashion designs. Today, however, was not about work, it was about family.
"Jina! Are you ready?" called out her best friend, Minji, as she bounced down the stairs, her energy as bright as the yellow dress she wore. Minji's hair was pulled into a messy bun, with a few rebellious strands framing her face, giving her a youthful charm that never failed to lift Jina's spirits.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Jina replied, forcing a smile. Her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and anxiety. They were heading to a family wedding, and while Jina loved her family, the prospect of facing distant relatives who would undoubtedly ask about her career and her love life filled her with dread.
As they walked to the subway, Minji chatted animatedly about the latest fashion trends, her passion infectious. "You should have seen the looks at the last showcase! If you'd been there, you would've wowed them! Your designs are so unique, Jina!"
"I appreciate the vote of confidence, but my designs are still just sketches in my notebook," Jina replied, her voice tinged with self-doubt. "And besides, I'm not sure I'm ready to showcase them to anyone outside our circle."
"Don't sell yourself short," Minji said, her tone turning serious. "You're talented, and you deserve to be recognized. This wedding could be the perfect opportunity to network." Minji's unwavering belief in her talent always lifted Jina's spirits, even if she struggled to believe it herself.
The subway ride was filled with familiar sights, the colorful ads, the diverse crowd, and the rhythmic clattering of train wheels against the tracks. As they arrived at the wedding venue, Jina's stomach twisted with anticipation. The venue was a stunning garden adorned with autumn flowers, the golden hues of the leaves creating a picturesque backdrop.
Once inside, the atmosphere buzzed with the sounds of joy and celebration. Family members greeted Jina with warm hugs and playful banter. "Jina! When are you going to settle down?" one aunt teased, and Jina's cheeks flushed crimson.
"Soon! Just as soon as I find a guy who can handle my chaotic life," she replied, forcing a laugh, though the question gnawed at her. She felt pressure not just to succeed in her career but also to conform to societal expectations.
"Let's grab a drink," Minji suggested, leading Jina to the bar. As they sipped on sparkling grape juice, they spotted the groom, Jinwoo, who was surrounded by friends, laughter echoing through the hall.
"Look at him! He's so happy," Jina mused, watching the celebration unfold. "I hope I can feel that kind of joy someday."
Minji nudged her playfully. "You will, especially once you start putting yourself out there! Speaking of which, who's that guy?" She pointed toward a tall figure standing at the edge of the crowd, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity as he watched the festivities.
"That's Hyunsoo, Jinwoo's cousin," Jina replied, feeling a sudden warmth in her cheeks. "I've heard he's pretty successful in the business world but hasn't been around much."
Minji's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, he's certainly easy on the eyes. Maybe this wedding is your chance to make a connection."
Before Jina could respond, Hyunsoo approached the bar, a confident stride to his step. He was dressed in a tailored suit, his dark hair neatly styled, giving him an air of sophistication. As he reached for a drink, their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.
"Hey, Jina!" he said, his voice smooth and inviting. "It's been a while. You look great!"
"Thanks, Hyunsoo! Good to see you," Jina replied, surprised at how easily the words flowed despite her racing heart.
"This is a lovely wedding, isn't it?" he continued, glancing around the room. "It feels good to be back with family, even if it's just for a day."
"Absolutely," Jina said, her nerves settling slightly. "I'm just here to support Jinwoo. Weddings can be a bit overwhelming, though."
"Tell me about it," he chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "I'm sure there will be plenty of questions about my life choices, too."
Minji watched the exchange with a knowing smile, nudging Jina gently. "I'll let you two catch up. I'll be over there." With that, she slipped away, leaving Jina and Hyunsoo standing side by side.
As they chatted, Jina discovered they had more in common than she initially thought. They talked about their careers, their family dynamics, and shared a few laughs about the ridiculous questions their relatives would inevitably ask. The connection felt easy, like they were old friends rather than distant cousins.
However, as the conversation flowed, Jina couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Hyunsoo than he let on. There was a depth in his eyes, a hint of something unspoken, as if he too was grappling with the expectations of his family.
"Hey, do you want to dance?" Hyunsoo asked suddenly, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Dance? Me?" Jina stammered, her heart racing at the thought.
"Why not? It's a celebration!" he said, extending his hand toward her.
With a mix of excitement and nervousness, Jina placed her hand in his. As he led her to the dance floor, she felt a spark, a connection that hinted at something deeper. The music swirled around them, and in that moment, the rest of the world faded away.
Little did they know, this encounter was only the beginning of a journey that would intertwine their lives in ways neither could anticipate. The wedding was merely a backdrop for a story that was yet to unfold, one filled with unexpected connections, family secrets, and a fated romance that would change everything.
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