50

                                    

                                          
Everything was starting to fall back into place. It felt like a quiet kind of magic, as though the universe had realigned itself, setting things right again. The group of four — Minji, Junkyu, Jihoon, and Jinhee — were back to their usual routine, the laughter and easy conversations flowing like they hadn't skipped a beat. It felt like the days when everything was simpler, when their lives had just begun intertwining in ways that felt effortless and natural.
Jihoon and Jinhee, in particular, had started to grow even closer. Each day, he proved himself to her, earning her trust little by little. His presence in her life had become a constant — comforting, steady. He had never been one to back down from the challenge of earning her trust, and now, it was a process that felt almost second nature. There were no more walls between them, only moments of quiet understanding and tenderness.
One of Jihoon's favorite things to do was visit Jinhee at the cafe where she worked, always buying her a drink or a dessert she loved. He had quickly learned that it wasn't just about being there for her, it was about making sure she felt seen, appreciated. He had once teased her about her refusal to take breaks, but now, he was doing it because he knew it was the only way to coax her into slowing down and taking care of herself.
At first, Jihoon had tried to convince her to quit the job, worried that it was too exhausting on top of her studies. But Jinhee had firmly refused, insisting she needed to support herself and wouldn't rely on anyone else. Eventually, Jihoon had relented, respecting her determination, though it didn't stop him from looking out for her whenever he could.
Every visit was a little gift, a small reminder that he was there, not just for the big things but for the everyday moments too. Sometimes, he'd sit at a corner table, sipping on his own coffee, watching her work as if nothing else mattered. And slowly, she began to let him in, not just with her words, but with her presence. There were fewer moments of hesitation, fewer walls between them.
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As spring began to bloom, Jihoon's birthday was approaching. It was a time of renewal — a time for new beginnings, just as the season itself suggested. But this year, there was something different in the air. Something felt more hopeful. Jihoon wasn't sure if it was the way Jinhee was starting to open up to him more, or the way he felt about her, but there was a subtle shift in how he saw the world. Things were no longer just about his own expectations, about fulfilling his responsibilities. Now, it was about being with her, about building something that could last.
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The day before Jihoon's birthday, Jinhee stared at her phone, preparing herself to send a text that felt oddly nerve-wracking. She had rehearsed it in her head at least ten times before finally typing.
Jinhee: Hey. I'm doing the evening shift today and closing up the cafe. You don't have to come pick me up tonight. It'll be late.
Jihoon: Evening shift? I thought you had the afternoon one today.
Jinhee paused. She should've known he'd catch that. He was too attentive for his own good sometimes. She quickly typed back.
Jinhee: Oh, yeah. One of the staff asked me to swap with her last minute. I agreed to cover.
Jihoon: I don't mind coming late, though. You shouldn't walk alone at that hour.
Jinhee groaned softly, feeling both flattered and frustrated. Why did he have to be so considerate? She scrambled to come up with another excuse.
Jinhee: No, seriously. It's fine. Minji said she'd drop by later, so I won't be alone when I leave.