CHAPTER 28

                                    

                                          
AUTHOR'S POV
THE BUSINESS TRIP
The day after the fashion show, the buzz hadn't died down. Ji-won's performance had been the highlight, and everyone was talking about it. However, Soo-hyun couldn't shake off the sight of countless men admiring Ji-won and Chang-wook's lingering presence.
The day after the fashion show, the buzz hadn't died down. Ji-won's performance had been the highlight, and everyone was talking about it. However, Soo-hyun couldn't shake off the sight of countless men admiring Ji-won and Chang-wook's lingering presence.
As Ji-won sat at the kitchen table scrolling through her phone, Soo-hyun approached her, his mind racing with unresolved feelings. He knew he needed to address his insecurities openly.
"Ji-won," he said softly, pulling out a chair and sitting across from her. "Can we talk about the fashion show?"
Ji-won looked up, her expression curious but supportive. "Of course, Soo-hyun. What's on your mind?"
Soo-hyun sighed, trying to find the right words. "I thought I was ready for it, seeing you up there and all the attention you get. But it's harder than I expected. Especially with Chang-wook around."
Ji-won reached across the table and took his hand, her touch soothing his anxiety. "I understand, Soo-hyun. It's natural to feel that way, but you have to know that you're the one I care about. No one else."
Soo-hyun squeezed her hand, appreciating her reassurance but still feeling a twinge of doubt. "I know, and I trust you. It's just... seeing it all happen, it's overwhelming."
Ji-won nodded, her eyes full of empathy. "I get it. Maybe we need to create some boundaries, especially with Chang-wook. We can talk to him together if that helps."
Just then, Soo-hyun's phone buzzed. It was a message from Ji Chang-wook asking if they could meet. Soo-hyun showed the message to Ji-won, and she nodded in agreement.
"Let's meet him and clear the air," Ji-won suggested.
A few hours later, they met Chang-wook at a quiet café. The atmosphere was initially tense, but Chang-wook quickly broke the ice.
"I wanted to apologize for any discomfort I might have caused," Chang-wook began, looking genuinely remorseful. "I never intended to come between you two."
Soo-hyun appreciated the gesture but remained cautious. "Thank you, Chang-wook. It's important that we all respect each other's boundaries."
Ji-won added, "We value our friendship, but we need to be clear about our relationship. Soo-hyun and I are serious about each other, and we hope you can support that."
Chang-wook nodded, understanding the gravity of their words. "I respect that, and I want to support your relationship. I'll keep my distance and make sure I'm not overstepping."
They all clinked their glasses in a toast to their renewed understanding, the tension finally easing. The conversation flowed more easily after that, with shared stories and laughter filling the air.
That night, as they returned to Ji-won's apartment, Soo-hyun felt a sense of relief. "Thank you for standing by me, Ji-won. It means a lot."
Ji-won smiled, wrapping her arms around him. "We're a team, Soo-hyun. And we'll always stand by each other."
The next few days were a whirlwind of work and personal time, but their bond only grew stronger. They spent evenings cooking together, going on spontaneous dates, and talking about their future.
One afternoon, Ji-won received an invitation for another high-profile fashion event. She was excited but also apprehensive, knowing the impact it could have on their relationship.