Then I Met You | Lee Jeno

9~ See You Soon

The incident from the gala was imprinted in Yuri's mind. The constant flashbacks and memories from the past were distressing her. But one thing was for sure the way Jaehyun stood in front of her that evening wasn't the same Jaehyun she fell in love with.

Just like how Yuri couldn't forget that night, there was one person who was in the same position as her. It was none other than Jeno.

He couldn't stop thinking about her. Everything about her was very beguiling to him. She was like a puzzle. One, that he desperately wanted to solve. Even if he met and spoke to her for mere 3-4 hours yet he could see how tall her walls were built up to protect herself.

Taeyong usually found his younger brother day dreaming a lot since the gala. Jeno was in his office when Taeyong entered. "I hope you're not busy?" he said poking his head inside.

Jeno looked up and found his brother peeking inside, "Uhh? Come inside, why are you standing like that?" he asked. "You seem lost?" Taeyong said as he entered the office. He made himself comfortable on the couch. Jeno joined him too.

"Lost as in?" Jeno questioned him. "Umhm, you always seem to be in a daze. Can't get Yuri off your mind?" the elder said in a teasing tone. "W-what? Pftt what are you talking about?- ok I might be thinking about her but how did you know that?" Jeno denied but eventually agreed while mumbling with a pout.

A hearty laughter left from Taeyong's lips as he caught his brother spot on. He ruffled Jeno's hair. "Are you forgetting that I'm your elder brother. I know you very well our little nono,"he said, playfully pulling the younger's ear.

"It's just- it's just something about her that is so captivating. I have had girls swoon over me, I've also seen girls who are impeccably beautiful. But Yuri, she's just different and she has this all mysterious vibe. It makes me curious, UGhhhhh!" Jeno groaned and messed up his hair, leaning back on the couch.

The elder could only chuckle at him. Never in his life has he seen Jeno get so worked up over something especially over a girl.

"Calm down. Why don't you try talking to her?" Taeyong suggested. "I don't have her number," Jeno replied with a frown.

"You didn't take it last time?" Taeyong asked a bit amused. "Naaah," the younger replied and heaved a sigh. "Well can't help you there then," Taeyong comforted him.

Jeno heaved a sigh and closed his eyes. He comforted himself saying she was a "once in a lifetime person" but only he knows how he would pray to the heavens so that he can meet her again.

Jeno was so keen to know and learn about her but Yuri had her walls built up very high. After Jaehyun she did not even seek out for another chance at love, instead she drowned herself in work and responsibilities as an older daughter.

Her past with Jaehyun affected her so deeply that she started expressing herself less. Her personality and demeanor went from a bright, happy going girl to a reserved and taciturn person.

Even Jisung often used to have a hard time to get Yuri to talk about things that were disturbing her and somehow by the lines, he matured into a more understanding and patient teen, a quality that Iseul found to be attractive.

For Yuri that night wasn't just eventful but something in her heart tingled that night. A feeling she had been avoiding for the past years.

To her, Jeno's observing personality was something that fascinated her. He was not just observant but also considerate about how she was feeling.

Many men in his situation would have been verbally violent with Jaehyun leading to an unwanted ruckus but Jeno, he kept quite and yet managed to mark boundaries while staying respectful. Yuri found it to be very rare. He did the bare minimum but it was so impactful.

In the end, it all concluded in one thing, she would definitely like to meet him again.

Sometimes dream that come true are the dreams you never even knew you had. A strong desire to meet each other, Yuri and Jeno were subconsciously waiting for it to happen again.

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. Yet they couldn't stop thinking about each other.

Yuri and Jeno both were occupied with their responsibilities, slowly giving up on the thought of meeting again. Until one day, a news unintentionally brought a small smile on their face.

An envelope was sent to both Yuri and Jeno. It was an invitation for:

'Imperial Business Awards 2021'

This awards was considered to be one of the most influential awards. It either makes or breaks the image of a business corporation, it had that power.

Yuri went ahead and opened it.

'Imperial Business Awards 2021'
Greetings, Ms. Park Yuri!
We are from the South Korean Business Association public relations team. We are pleased to invite you to the 'Imperial Business Awards 2021' ceremony which is held every year. 'Imperial Business Awards' recognizes the performance and contribution done by different organizations in the business world. It is a globally acknowledged and celebrated award ceremony bestowed to the outstanding, deserving organizations and community. We look forward for your presence in the evening. Hope you have a great day!
~Regards, South Korean Business Association.

Yuri knew about this award as she had attended some of them when her father was the CEO. Now she was definitely looking forward to the evening. A strong gut feeling was indicating her that she will be meeting him soon.

Lee Corporation had successfully bragged the first place in the number of organizations in the past. She was sure that he must have gotten the invitation too.

"See you soon, I guess," Yuri said while eyeing the invitation as a soft smile grazed her lips.