One morning, when Taeyang had just finished breakfast, his cell phone rang. He picked it up, finding that it was an incoming call from a lecturer known to Jiwon. Taeyang was a little surprised to hear the lecturer's voice on the other end of the line.
"Good morning, Mr. Taeyang. I wanted to let you know that Jiwon has been absent from class for several days, and we haven't received her tuition payment. Do you know what happened?"
Taeyang heard the question carefully. Without Jiwon knowing, he felt somewhat anxious about how the situation might affect Jiwon. Even though they were just friends, Taeyang felt like he cared enough to help.
"Thank you for letting me know, sir. I'll try to contact Jiwon and make sure everything is okay," Taeyang replied in a calm tone. After that, he hung up, though his mind was already full of questions.
Without telling Jiwon, Taeyang decided to contact the university and resolve the issue. He knew that although Jiwon was trying hard to appear independent, she must be struggling with the tuition fees. Taeyang immediately transferred some money to the university's account to cover Jiwon's tuition fees, hoping that she wouldn't find out about this.
A few days later, when Jiwon finally arrived home after college, Taeyang was sitting in the living room, relaxing as usual. Jiwon walked in and greeted with a big smile, but Taeyang's expression was slightly different.
"Why is your face so serious?" asked Jiwon as she put down her bag.
Taeyang just nodded, smiling slightly. "You know, your professor contacted me earlier. About your lecture... and that payment."
Jiwon was surprised, then her expression turned somewhat nervous. "Ah, I completely forgot," she replied, trying to hide her embarrassment. "I've just... been in a lot of trouble lately."
Without telling Jiwon what exactly had happened, Taeyang simply nodded. "I've already taken care of it. Don't worry anymore, Jiwon."
Jiwon stared at him for a moment, feeling both confused and grateful. "Why are you helping? I can take care of it myself..."
Taeyang smiled. "Because sometimes, we all need a little help. You don't have to feel ashamed about it."
Jiwon could only remain silent, feeling very grateful despite not knowing what Taeyang was actually doing. However, from the look in his eyes, it was clear that he really appreciated what his new friend had done.
With a lighter heart, Jiwon sat next to Taeyang, realizing that Taeyang's presence in her life was more than just a coincidence. Something new was beginning to grow within her, though she didn't know what would happen next.
The atmosphere in the living room was quiet, with only the sound of the clock ticking softly. Taeyang sat on the sofa with an expression that was hard to read, while Jiwon had just sat beside him after organizing her bags and belongings.
Suddenly, Taeyang broke the silence with a soft but clear voice. "Jiwon, I want to talk about something."
Jiwon turned to Taeyang with some confusion. "What is it?" she asked, a little worried as Taeyang's tone sounded serious.
"I think it's time for you to stop working here," Taeyang said quietly but firmly. "I know you have a lot to focus on, especially your studies and your thesis. You should give yourself some space for that."
Jiwon was silent for a moment, trying to digest Taeyang's words. "But I... I find this helpful, Taeyang. I can keep working and studying at the same time, right?"
Taeyang nodded, but his expression remained serious. "I understand, but it'll just wear you out. Your studies are important, Jiwon. That thesis could determine your future. I don't want you to be torn between two big things."
Jiwon felt her chest tighten a little. She was touched by the attention Taeyang was giving her, but also found it hard to let go of the role she had taken on at home.
"But... I feel bad," Jiwon said quietly, her eyes lowering slightly. "I feel like I should help. You've helped me a lot, Taeyang."
Taeyang sighed and looked at Jiwon gently. "You've helped enough, Jiwon. I appreciate it more than you know. But now it's time to focus on yourself, on your future."
Jiwon looked at her, a little confused. "What should I do after that? I still feel... not enough."
Taeyang smiled a little, looking at her warmly. "You're more than enough. Just focus on your studies. Don't worry about anything else. I can take care of the house without any problems."
Jiwon paused, then nodded slowly. She felt awkward, but also felt an overwhelming sense of calm. "I... will try, Taeyang. Thank you for caring."
A little hesitantly, Jiwon stood up and walked towards the door, but before she went out, Taeyang called out to her. "Jiwon."
Jiwon turned around, and Taeyang gave her a meaningful smile. "I'm sure, you'll succeed. Your thesis, your studies, everything. You have more potential than you realize."
Jiwon felt warm inside at Taeyang's words. She smiled widely, although she was a little moved. "Thank you, Taeyang. I will try."
At that moment, Jiwon felt there was a change in her. Taeyang was not only a friend who saved her from various difficulties, but also someone who truly cared about her future. And although she felt unprepared to give up her work at home, she knew that Taeyang's decision was the best for her.
With a lighter heart, Jiwon leaves Taeyang's house to go to college and face new challenges, while Taeyang, in his lonely home, feels a little calmer, knowing that Jiwon will find her own way.
A few days after that conversation, Taeyang noticed a big change in Jiwon. Jiwon began to focus more on her studies, spending time in the library, and working on her thesis with passion. Taeyang saw Jiwon taking her work more seriously, with more determination than ever before.
Although Taeyang's house was quiet again, there was a sense of relief flowing through him. He felt that Jiwon had made the right decision for her future, and Taeyang felt proud that he could help Jiwon find a better path.
One day, as Taeyang was sitting in the living room reading some reports, the front door opened with a soft sound. Jiwon entered with a slightly tired but energized face. In her hand was a bag filled with books and a laptop.
"Hey, you're home early today," Taeyang said as he looked at her from his seat.
Jiwon smiled and placed her bag on the table. "I just wanted to let you know that I just did pretty well on the first chapter of my thesis. It feels... like I'm making progress."
Taeyang smiled and stood up to approach Jiwon. "That's amazing, Jiwon. I knew you could do it."
Jiwon felt a bit of relief, although there was still pressure on her mind regarding the thesis and exams. "I don't know what I would have done without your support," she said sincerely.
Taeyang patted her shoulder. "You've done well, Jiwon. I just gave you a little push. All the effort is yours."
Jiwon looked at Taeyang gratefully. "I'll try hard not to disappoint you."
Days passed, and Jiwon got closer to her graduation. Taeyang remained by her side, though their roles had changed. Taeyang was no longer the one who guided Jiwon in her homework, but rather a friend who provided moral support. They shared laughs, stories, and even occasionally talked about their future.
One night, after Jiwon successfully finished the last chapter of her thesis, she sat on the couch with Taeyang. The two spent time enjoying a cup of hot tea, and taking in the silence that felt so comfortable.
Jiwon looked up at Taeyang, her eyes twinkling. "Thank you, Taeyang. I don't know how to express my gratitude. You've helped me so much."
Taeyang smiled and lifted the teacup. "There's no need to thank you. It's not about favors, but more about us supporting each other. I'm glad to see that you can accomplish all this."
Jiwon nodded slowly, then with a big smile said, "I'll make you proud, Taeyang."
The two exchanged glances, and in that look, there was an understanding without words. Perhaps, neither of them fully knew what the future held, but one thing was certain-they would always be by each other's side.
With a lighter feeling, Jiwon stepped into her future, while Taeyang, despite feeling lonely in the big house, knew that the change within Jiwon was something more precious than anything he could ever hope for.
While Taeyang was looking for something in the kitchen, his cell phone rang. It was a call from Minseok, but Taeyang who was busy getting a drink didn't immediately realize that the phone was being picked up by Jiwon who had just passed by in the living room.
Jiwon accidentally picked up Minseok's phone. "Hello?" she answered, confused and not knowing who was calling.
On the other end of the line, Minseok sounded excited, speaking in an enthusiastic voice. "Taeyang, it's your birthday tomorrow, right?! Celebrate, come on! Some of our friends are waiting to celebrate together."
Jiwon, who heard that, was silent for a few seconds. He knew about Taeyang's birthday, but never thought there would be a big celebration. When Taeyang returned to the living room, Jiwon who was holding the phone looked at him with a curious look.
"Is it your birthday tomorrow?" asked Jiwon, trying to probe casually.
Taeyang, who had just entered with a slightly clumsy face and childish style, grinned. "Yes, it's my birthday tomorrow. I'm 25 now," he replied while looking at Jiwon with a little confusion.
Jiwon looked at Taeyang for a moment, then smiled. "25 years old? Why did you just say that?" she asked, still with a smile on her face.
Taeyang shrugged, a little awkwardly. "I don't like too much attention, Jiwon. But Minseok insisted, saying we should celebrate. So, yeah, maybe I'll come tomorrow."
Jiwon nodded slowly. "Huh, only four years difference in age," she said with a big smile. "I thought we were more different, but it turns out it's only four years."
Taeyang looked a little surprised. "Oh, yeah? That's it," he replied, as if he'd just realized that fact.
Jiwon laughed. "We argue a lot, but it doesn't feel that different, does it?"
"So what?" asked Taeyang, feeling a little confused about the direction of this conversation.
Jiwon shrugged with a mischievous smile. "No, it's just... you look younger than I thought. I thought you were much older."
Taeyang chuckled, feeling a little awkward. "Maybe I'm more mature than I look. But, why are we discussing age? What matters is that we can hang out together."
Jiwon smiled wider. "No wonder you look like you're the same age as me. It's just your mature demeanor that makes me think you're older. Turns out you're still young, huh?" she said with a hint of teasing.
Taeyang looked at him with a chuckle. "You're the one who feels older, right?" he replied, somewhat avoiding the topic, though a little surprised by the way Jiwon looked at him.
Jiwon nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, it could be! But it feels like we're not that different."
Taeyang just shook his head with a big smile, "Well, the important thing is that now we can work together."
Jiwon nodded. "But, it's your birthday tomorrow, right? We have to celebrate, otherwise your friend will get cranky!"
Taeyang just nodded slowly. "Maybe, but only if friends actually come."
There, the two of them exchanged smiles, although the atmosphere was still awkward. However, something felt different between them. Even though they often argued or joked around, the closeness began to grow, without them realizing it.