The morning sun streamed through the loft's large windows, casting a golden glow on the four girls sprawled across the living room. Coffee cups, magazines, and laptops lay scattered as they debated the pressing issue of the day.
"I'm telling you," Vanessa said, dramatically throwing her hands up, "I didn't pack a single thing that screams 'art gallery chic.' It's all giving 'Nigerian auntie goes to market.'"
Asha rolled her eyes from the floor where she was flipping through her phone. "Vanessa, you literally packed half your wardrobe. You could dress for a red carpet right now."
"Yes, but not a classy red carpet," Vanessa countered. "I need vibes, not volume."
"Okay, drama queen," Chloe said, sipping her coffee. "We'll just go shopping. Seoul's fashion scene is insane. We'll find something."
"You say that like it's going to be quick," Asha muttered. "This one"—she gestured at Vanessa—"is going to drag us through every boutique."
Vanessa clapped her hands. "Oh, Asha, darling. You know me so well."
Jisoo, who had been quietly sketching in her notebook, chimed in. "Shopping sounds good. Besides, if we're going to this gallery, we should make an impression. It's not every day we get to experience something like this."
"Exactly!" Chloe said, standing up. "Let's go, ladies. Time to elevate our style."
Myeongdong was alive with energy as the girls darted from store to store. Vanessa and Chloe took charge, rummaging through racks of sleek dresses and accessories, while Asha kept them grounded with her sarcastic commentary.
"Vanessa, that dress is basically a disco ball," Asha said, holding up a silver sequined gown Vanessa had picked out.
"And?" Vanessa said, striking a pose. "Shine bright like a diamond, baby!"
Chloe laughed, pulling Jisoo toward a rack of pastel-colored dresses. "Come on, Jisoo. You need something that says 'I belong here, but I'm also effortlessly stunning.'"
Jisoo hesitated before picking a soft lavender dress with delicate floral embroidery. She held it up to herself. "What do you think?"
Chloe's jaw dropped. "Oh, my God. That's it. You're going to look like an actual angel."
Vanessa and Asha poked their heads over. Vanessa whistled. "Girl, if you don't get that dress, I'm disowning you as a friend."
By the end of the day, they had all found outfits that screamed elegance. Vanessa chose a bold red gown that hugged her figure perfectly, Asha went for a sleek emerald-green jumpsuit, Chloe picked a sophisticated black midi dress with intricate lace detailing, and Jisoo glowed in her lavender masterpiece.
As they left the last store, laden with bags, Vanessa smirked. "Ladies, tomorrow, we're shutting it down."
The gallery was a masterpiece in itself, with its high ceilings, polished marble floors, and soft lighting that made every piece of art glow. The air buzzed with quiet excitement as Seoul's most stylish individuals mingled, sipping champagne and discussing the exhibits.
The girls entered, their elegance turning heads immediately. Vanessa led the way, her confidence radiating as if she owned the place.
"I feel like royalty," Asha whispered, adjusting her jumpsuit.
"That's because you look like it," Chloe said, looping her arm through Asha's.
Jisoo lingered at the back, taking in the grandeur. Her heart raced—not from the glamour of the evening but from a strange sense of anticipation she couldn't quite place.
They wandered through the gallery, admiring the artwork and occasionally snapping discreet photos.
Jisoo was standing in front of a breathtaking oil painting of a serene countryside when she felt someone step up beside her. She turned her head slightly and froze.
It was him.
The mysterious stranger from the street, now even more striking under the soft gallery lights. He was dressed in a tailored navy suit that accentuated his broad shoulders, and his dark eyes were focused on the painting, a small smile playing on his lips.
Jisoo's heart thudded painfully in her chest. "It's you," she blurted out before she could stop herself.
He turned, and recognition flashed in his eyes. A faint smile spread across his face. "Jisoo, right?"
Her name on his lips sent a shiver down her spine. "Yes," she said, her voice softer. "And you're…still a mystery."
He chuckled, a low, warm sound that made her toes curl. "Lee Kyo Jin. I suppose I owe you that much."
Jisoo smiled, feeling a strange warmth spread through her chest. "Well, Kyo Jin, thank you again for what you did the other day. You didn't have to step in, but you did."
"It was the right thing to do," he said simply, his gaze holding hers. "They didn't deserve to speak to you like that."
For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade. Jisoo could feel the weight of his words, the sincerity in his tone.
"So," Kyo Jin said, breaking the silence, "what brings you here tonight?"
"My friends," Jisoo said, gesturing vaguely toward the others, who were engrossed in a sculpture. "One of them got tickets, and we thought, why not?"
"And you?" she asked.
He smiled, tilting his head. "I'm here for the art. But I suppose fate had other plans."
Jisoo laughed softly. "Fate seems to have a thing for dramatic entrances."
Their conversation flowed easily after that. They talked about the exhibits, Seoul, and even their favorite childhood memories. Jisoo found herself smiling more than she had in days, her nerves replaced with a giddy sense of comfort.
At one point, Kyo Jin leaned in slightly, his voice low. "You have a beautiful laugh."
Jisoo's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, trying to hide her smile.
From across the room, Vanessa nudged Asha. "Is it just me, or is Jisoo having a full-blown K-drama moment over there?"
"Oh, it's happening," Asha whispered back. "Cue the romantic OST."
As the evening wound down, Kyo Jin turned to Jisoo. "I should let you get back to your friends. But I hope we meet again."
"Me too," Jisoo said, her voice tinged with both hope and reluctance.
He reached into his pocket and handed her a small card. "In case fate takes too long."
Jisoo took it, her fingers brushing against his briefly. She glanced down at the card: Lee Kyo Jin, CEO.
Her eyes widened, but before she could say anything, he gave her one last, heart-melting smile and disappeared into the crowd.
Jisoo stood there, clutching the card, her heart racing. Vanessa, Chloe, and Asha appeared at her side moments later.
"So," Vanessa said, smirking. "Are you going to tell us who Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome was, or do we have to pry it out of you?"
Jisoo smiled, tucking the card into her bag. "Maybe I'll tell you tomorrow."
"Oh, she's smitten," Chloe said, laughing as they headed for the exit.
As they stepped out into the cool Seoul night, Jisoo glanced back at the gallery, a strange mix of excitement and curiosity bubbling inside her.
For the first time in a long time, she felt like something extraordinary was just beginning.