Chapter 3

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My fingers hover over the phone screen, contemplating the message I'm about to send to Jeongyeon. Tonight's dinner with Chaeyoung is looming, and an unexpected wave of nerves washes over me. Will the evening go smoothly? What if we don't get along as well in person as we do in our professional exchanges? Taking a deep breath, I begin to type my concerns to Jeongyeon. "Hey, Jeong. Dinner with Chaeyoung tonight, and I'm feeling a bit nervous. What if it's awkward or we don't connect?'

Few minutes later, Jeongyeon's teasing response appeared on my screen. "Momo Momo Momo. Why so nervous? You didn't even tell me about this dinner plan last night when we FaceTime. Spill the details, girl!" I can almost hear her playful tone in the text, and I can't help but smile. Jeongyeon always has a way of lightening up the mood. I quickly filled her in on the dinner arrangement, explaining how the idea came up unexpectedly and how I didn't want to jinx it by talking about it too soon. Her response is swift. "Typical Momo move! Alright, spill more. What's Chaeyoung like? Any common interests or topic you can use to break the ice?"

As I share more details about Chaeyoung and our common ground, Jeong offers her usual mix of wisdom and humor. "Relax, Momo. Just be yourself. Chaeyoung is lucky to have dinner with someone as awesome as you. And hey, let's not forget the importance of a killer outfit. What are you planning to wear?"

I confess that I haven't given much thought to my outfit amidst the dinner jitters. Jeongyeon, being the fashion savvy friend she is, immediately shifts into stylist mode. "Alright, let's fix that. Describe the vibe you want, and we'll find the perfect outfit to boost your confidence." As I type a brief description, she starts throwing outfit suggestions my way, mixing and matching pieces in her mind. The exchange becomes a delightful distraction from my nerves, and I can feel the anticipation shifting from anxiety to excitement.

With her visual styling assistance, I settled on an outfit that strikes the right balance between casual and chic. I thank her for the last minute rescue and promise to keep her updated on how dinner unfolds.

My phone vibrates, drawing my attention to a new message. It's Chaeyoung and the text reads, "Hey! Would you like me to pick you up from your place for dinner? I can swing by if you're okay with it." A warm smile spreads across my face as I read her considerate offer. It's a thoughtful gesture, and I appreciate the kindness in her words. For a moment, I contemplate the idea of being chauffeured to the restaurant, but a sense of independence nudges me to decline her offer. Quickly typing my response, I assure her, "Thank you so much for the offer, Chaeyoung! I really appreciate it. However, I've got my car, so I'll drive myself. See you at the restaurant!" Sending the message, I reflected on the exchange. It's not that I don't welcome the idea of being picked up – it's more about a desire to retain a touch of familiarity. Driving myself to the restaurant allows me to control my pace and savor the anticipation of the evening.

As I gather my belongings and head out the door, I feel a sense of excitement. The courteous offer from Chaeyoung has added a touch of warmth to our dinner plans. It's a small yet significant detail that speaks to her considerate nature.

The night air is crisp as I unlock the door to my home, the familiar scent of comfort greeting me. Tonight is special, and I want to take a moment to prepare for the evening ahead. I decided to indulge in a nice, warm bath, letting the soothing water wash away the remnants of the day. As the bathtub fills, I can feel the tension of the day easing, replaced by a gentle tranquility. The warm embrace of the water invites a moment of reflection, a pause before the excitement of the evening unfolds.

After the luxurious soak, I step out feeling refreshed, wrapping myself in a fluffy towel. The outfit that Jeongyeon helped me pick out hangs gracefully on the bedroom door, a testament to her styling prowess. Casual yet chic, it's the perfect choice for tonight's dinner. I take my time getting ready, savoring each step. The soft hum of the hairdryer, the subtle fragrance of the perfume, and the gentle rustle of the fabric as I slip into the carefully chosen ensemble create a symphony of preparation. Standing in front of the mirror, I admire the final look. The casual chic vibe strikes the right balance – a nod to the evening's sophistication without losing the comfort of casual elegance. I feel confident, ready to embrace the night.

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