Serendipity

Chapter Six

Jennifer's POV

My new job had been an absolute delight, and on one particular Friday, I finally had a day off. I couldn't wait to meet up with my dear friend Kenza for a leisurely lunch. We hadn't had the opportunity to catch up in almost a month! A flurry of excitement and anticipation filled me as I thought about sharing the latest happenings in my life with her, especially my blossoming friendship with HongJoong. He was not just a boss to me anymore; our connection had grown into a strong and supportive friendship, and I was eager to discuss every little detail with my best friend over lunch.

As I prepared for my lunch date with Kenza, I put on a light, floral dress and my favorite pair of sandals. I was feeling extra cheerful, thanks to the beautiful summer sun shining brightly outside. Before leaving my apartment, I took one last glance in the mirror to make sure my appearance was perfect. Satisfied with what I saw, I grabbed my purse and sunglasses and headed out.

Kenza and I had decided to meet at that small French bistro we both loved – its quaint patio area was a lovely spot to dine and chat under the shade of a large umbrella. Arriving a bit early, I managed to find a table hidden away from the prime spots near the entrance. I wasn't too keen on having an audience while catching up on our lives' recent events. As I waited for Kenza, I couldn't help but smile as thoughts of HongJoong filled my mind.

Upon Kenza's arrival, her face instantly lit up as she saw me sitting there; she looked beautiful as always in her stylish ensemble, although it was evident that she'd just hurried from her demanding job in fashion. We exchanged warm hugs and enthusiastic greetings before sitting down and diving into the menu – despite being regulars at this bistro, we still reveled in exploring the unique dishes they offered.

As we sipped our chilled glasses of white wine while waiting for our appetizers to arrive, Kenza inquired about how life had been treating me lately. A genuine excitement radiated within me as I recounted my new job's highlights, including the fantastic people I'd met and the brilliant projects that were keeping me engaged.

And then came the subject of HongJoong – my face flushed ever so slightly as I brought him up. If there were anyone who would understand just how significant his impact on my life was becoming, it would be Kenza. She had known me for years and bore witness to my journey of job searching and soul-searching.

I described HongJoong's charm, his passion, and his kindness towards me as my confidant and mentor. With an affectionate grin, Kenza listened intently and offered a few playful teases – suggesting that perhaps our friendship had room for more than just platonic and employment.

"No, we're just friends..." I insisted, waving it off.

"But you like him.. don't you?" she chuckled.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit embarrassed. Yes, there was something special about HongJoong that I couldn't quite explain. He was such an important presence in my life – both as a boss and a friend – and it made my days at work even more enjoyable. Taking a deep breath, I slowly replied, "Well, I suppose I do like him, but it's strictly a friendly admiration."Kenza raised an eyebrow and glanced at me with that knowing look she often had when she sensed there was something more than what met the eye. She didn't press on; she knew I needed to process my feelings and thoughts at my own pace.

As we feasted on our sumptuous meal – a delightful assortment of hors d'oeuvres followed by elegantly-presented main dishes – our conversation drifted to other aspects of our lives. We talked about Kenza's experiences in the fashion world, her upcoming vacation plans with her boyfriend, and the latest TV series that we both had gotten into. It was refreshing to enjoy such stimulating discussions with someone who understood me so well.