Korean Model

When they started liking each other

When did he realise he liked her: 2025/01/20

It was the evening of January 20, 2025, and the sprawling MMCH home was alive with a festive buzz. The occasion? The joint birthday celebration of Yoon Jongwon and Han Jinyoung, two of South Korea's most cherished Gen Z celebrities, who also shared a bond of lifelong friendship. The house was decked with balloons and lights, laughter echoing through the halls as family and friends gathered.

Jongwon and Jinyoung were busy herding a small army of nieces and nephews. Jongwon's nine nieces and nephews mingled with Jinyoung's niece, their youthful energy adding to the joyous chaos. Among the guests was the group IVE, who were super popular with kids. When Jongwon's nieces and nephews saw them enter the building, some became shy, and others became excited.

"Jongie Oppa! Look who's here!" Wonyoung greeted Jongwon with a bright smile as she held a bouquet of flowers.

Jongwon's heart skipped a beat. "Wony! Thanks for coming."

Wonyoung giggled, "Of course Jongie Oppa! I wouldn't miss it for the world. Happy birthday!"

As the party unfolded, Wonyoung found herself interacting with Jongwon's youngest nephew, a delightful one-year-old, and his two-year-old niece, with a contagious giggle and eyes full of love. Jongwon watched from a distance, his eyes inadvertently tracing Wonyoung's movements as she sat with the youngest two on both her laps while she played with them, kissing them and giving them all her attention. She was a vision of kindness and joy, her interactions genuine and tender.

Jongwon's older sister Jeongyeon sidled up to him, noting his gaze. "Wonyoung is really good with kids, isn't she?" she commented, nudging him.

Jongwon replied, his eyes never leaving Wonyoung, "Yeah, she really is."

Jeongyeon smiled knowingly but chose not to press the matter. Instead, she wandered off to attend to her own kids, leaving Jongwon with his thoughts.

As the evening progressed, the realization dawned on Jongwon. The warmth he felt towards Wonyoung wasn't merely platonic or born out of familiarity. It was deeper, resonant, and profoundly affectionate. Watching her now, radiant and full of life, he understood that her feelings were a mirror to his own—a mirror he had been too apprehensive to look into until now.

Later, as the cake was cut and the birthday song echoed through the room, Jongwon found himself standing next to Wonyoung. They shared a smile over the candle-lit cake, their hands brushing briefly. The contact sent a jolt through him, affirming his newfound feelings.

Wonyoung leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling. "Happy birthday, Jongie Oppa," she whispered, her voice soft and sincere.

Jongwon felt his heart race. "Thanks, Wony. It means a lot," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

Just then, Jongwon's nieces, Sooyoung and Mina, approached them with mischievous grins. Sooyoung, with her big curious eyes, tugged on Jongwon's sleeve. "wesuk , you should marry Wonyoung Unnie! She's so much fun!"

Mina nodded enthusiastically, her pigtails bouncing. "Yeah, marry her! Please, sukppu!"

Jongwon's face turned crimson as he glanced at Wonyoung, who looked equally surprised but amused. Before either of them could react, the two girls grabbed Wonyoung's hands and pulled her away, giggling. "Come play with us, Wonyoung sungmo!"

Wonyoung laughed, allowing herself to be led away. "Alright, alright! Let's go play!"

Jongwon watched them disappear into the crowd, a warm smile spreading across his face. The innocence of the children's request echoed in his mind, intertwining with his newfound feelings. He spent the rest of the evening in a daze, his heart quietly acknowledging what his mind had just realized. Yet, despite this clarity, he chose not to confess. The fear of changing the dynamics of their long-standing friendship held him back.