Business owner Kim Ji-won and lawyer Kim Soo-hyun are under intense family pressure to marry. Ji-won's parents want her to wed her ex, photographer Ji Chang-wook, while Soo-hyun is bombarded with blind dates, including persistent heiress Seo Ye-ji...
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Ji-won adjusted her sunglasses as she glanced at her reflection in the café window, her heart fluttering in spite of her firm resolve. It wasn't a date. It couldn't be. It was just a casual outing with Soo-hyun, no different from the other times they had hung out.
Yet, something about today felt different-special even. He had asked her to go with him to the new art exhibit downtown, and though she had hesitated at first, Ji-won had agreed.
Soo-hyun arrived a few minutes later, dressed in a simple yet stylish outfit, his usual charm on full display. "You're early," he said with a smile, his eyes twinkling as they met hers. Ji-won shrugged, hiding her sudden nervousness behind a cool demeanor.
"Don't read too much into it," she said. "I just didn't want to wait in line."
"Of course," Soo-hyun replied, amusement coloring his tone. "After all, this is definitely not a date."
They exchanged a knowing look, both too stubborn to acknowledge the tension in the air, yet neither willing to admit it.
The gallery was crowded but peaceful, with soft lighting accentuating the vibrant pieces of art on display. As they walked through the exhibit, they made casual conversation, commenting on the abstract paintings and sculptures.
But every now and then, their hands would brush against each other, sending sparks down Ji-won's spine. She would glance at Soo-hyun, who always seemed to be trying to hide a smirk.
"This one's interesting," Ji-won said, stopping in front of a large painting. It was a mess of swirling colors that somehow captured an intense emotion she couldn't quite place.
Soo-hyun stood beside her, hands in his pockets, studying the piece. "It's chaotic but... beautiful in a way. Kind of like you."
Ji-won felt her heart skip a beat, but she quickly masked her surprise. "Are you comparing me to abstract art?"
Soo-hyun chuckled softly. "Maybe. You're hard to figure out sometimes, but that's what makes you interesting."
Ji-won rolled her eyes playfully, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her. "Careful, Soo-hyun. You're starting to sound like you're flirting."
He raised an eyebrow. "And if I was?"
There it was-that lingering tension, the unspoken feelings simmering between them. Ji-won opened her mouth to retort, but before she could, Soo-hyun took her hand gently, his expression softening.
"Look," he said, pointing to a piece of art in the corner of the room. "That one reminds me of the first time we met."
Ji-won followed his gaze to a delicate watercolor painting, soft hues blending together to form a peaceful, dreamlike scene. It was simple, yet beautiful-just like the memory of their first encounter.
"I thought we weren't being sentimental today," Ji-won teased, but her voice was quieter now, more vulnerable.
Soo-hyun's smile was genuine as he met her eyes. "Maybe I just wanted an excuse to spend time with you. Date or no date."
