Lovely Runner Oneshot

Baek In- Hyuk: Ryu Sun Jae's Personal Relationship Counselor

Baek In-Hyuk didn't realize his knack for relationship counseling until Ryu Sun Jae fell for Im Sol. When Im Sol came into Sun Jae's life, In-Hyuk found himself becoming his best friend's love counselor. Though he wasn't in a serious relationship himself, he provided Sun Jae with valuable advice on navigating his relationship. Sun Jae listened intently and followed his advice, making In-Hyuk appreciate their friendship even more.

1. The Night Sun Jae Texted Him in the Middle of the Night on How to Impress a Woman

One night, In-Hyuk's phone buzzed, waking him from his sleep. He squinted at the screen to see a message from Sun Jae. The bright light of the phone contrasted sharply with the dark room, making him blink several times.

Sun Jae: Yah, what do you do to impress a woman you like?

In-Hyuk sighed, rubbing his eyes before replying. He could hear the clock ticking softly, the only other sound in his quiet apartment.

In-Hyuk: Finally getting over your Sol-itude, huh? I told you, don't be a lovesick puppy around Producer Im. You're just embarrassing yourself. How many times has she declined you, man?

Sun Jae: Yeah, something like that. Any tips?

In-Hyuk stared at the ceiling, thinking. He could picture Sun Jae, probably pacing around his apartment, desperate for advice. (😉 Refer to The Very First Night)

In-Hyuk: Be yourself. Make her laugh. Show her you care in small ways. And whatever you do, don't try too hard. Women can sense desperation a mile away.

Sun Jae: Thanks, man. I'll try.

With that, In-Hyuk put his phone down and rolled over, hoping to get some more sleep before morning.

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2. The Day He Called While In-Hyuk Was in the Shower Just Asking for a Best Dating Spot

In-Hyuk was in the shower, hot water cascading over him, when his phone rang. He cursed under his breath, quickly rinsing off and wrapping a towel around his waist. Dripping wet, he answered the call.

"Yah, I need your help planning my first date with Im Sol. What's the best dating spot in Seoul? And the best restaurant for privacy?" Sun Jae's voice was urgent, almost frantic.

"For a romantic atmosphere, Namsan Tower. Dinner? La Yeon at the Shilla Hotel. It's private with an amazing view," he replied, his patience thinning as the water dripped onto the bathroom tiles.

"Thanks, man. You're a lifesaver!" Sun Jae exclaimed before hanging up, leaving In-Hyuk to finish his interrupted shower.

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3. The Day He Planned to Propose to Im Sol After a Month of Dating

In-Hyuk still cringed at the memory of accompanying Sun Jae to shop for an engagement ring. They had visited an upscale jewelry store, its bright lights reflecting off the glass cases filled with glittering diamonds.

The saleslady had laughed as he modeled rings on all ten fingers, her laughter echoing in the spacious store. "Are you really going to get married?" In-Hyuk asked, flabbergasted, as she took away the rings.

Sun Jae, lovingly gazing at the ring he had chosen, replied without hesitation, "I don't want to stay away from Sol even for a moment."

In-Hyuk took a deep breath, trying to talk some sense into his best friend. "Dating is one thing, but marriage is another. Do you think everything will go well once you propose? Did you get the families' approval?" he asked matter-of-factly.