CHAPTER 37

                                    

                                          
AUTHOR'S POV
THE GARDEN PARTY
The garden party was in full swing by the time Soo-hyun and Ji-won arrived. Their families had spared no expense, transforming the expansive backyard into a lavish setting complete with twinkling fairy lights, elegant table settings, and an array of gourmet food stations. Classical music played softly in the background, adding to the sophisticated atmosphere.
Soo-hyun and Ji-won stepped into the garden, exchanging glances filled with anticipation. "Ready to face the battlefield?" Soo-hyun whispered with a grin.
Ji-won chuckled. "Always."
As they moved through the crowd, they engaged in conversations with various family members and friends, each encounter laced with witty banter and subtle flirtation.
At one point, Soo-hyun found himself talking to Ji-won's cousin, Jisoo. "You and Ji-won seem to be getting along well," Jisoo remarked.
Soo-hyun smiled. "We are. She's quite the challenge, but I enjoy every moment of it."
Nearby, Ji-won was speaking with one of Soo-hyun's uncles. "Soo-hyun is very fond of you," he noted.
Ji-won blushed slightly. "He's not so bad himself."
Their competitive spirits flared up when they encountered a game set up on the lawn-a ring toss competition. With guests watching, they decided to make a bet.
"If I win, you have to make me dinner," Soo-hyun challenged.
Ji-won raised an eyebrow. "And if I win, you have to clean my apartment."
"Deal," Soo-hyun agreed, extending his hand for a shake.
They took turns, each tossing rings with focused determination. The crowd around them cheered, enjoying the playful rivalry. In the end, Ji-won managed to win by a narrow margin.
Soo-hyun pretended to be disappointed. "Looks like I'll be cleaning your apartment."
Ji-won laughed. "Don't worry, I won't make it too hard for you."
As the evening progressed, the flirtation between them became more obvious. They exchanged playful glances and whispered comments that made each other smile.
During a quiet moment, Soo-hyun found Ji-won standing by a rose bush, admiring the flowers. He approached her and gently took her hand. "You look beautiful tonight," he said softly.
Ji-won's heart fluttered. "Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself."
They stood close, the chemistry between them palpable. Just then, the sky lit up with a burst of fireworks, drawing everyone's attention. The vibrant colors reflected in their eyes as they watched, standing side by side.
After the fireworks, they wandered away from the crowd, finding a secluded spot in the garden. Sitting on a bench, they enjoyed the serene moment.
Ji-won broke the silence. "I never imagined we'd end up like this."
Soo-hyun nodded. "Me neither. But I'm glad we did."