Choi Seungcheol, CEO of Savor & Spice, is the most wanted bachelor in Seoul, but his heart is set on Yoon Jeonghan, the company's HR head. Seungcheol is determined to win Jeonghan's heart despite the company's strict no-dating policy set by his fath...
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It was a sunny, crisp day in early October, and ten-year-old Jeonghan could barely contain his excitement.
His birthday was always his favorite day of the year, and this time, it felt extra special.
His mother had promised him they would go to his favorite street food area, a bustling marketplace just a few blocks from their home, where the scent of grilled meats and savory pancakes filled the air.
Jeonghan loved the atmosphere there, the colorful stalls, the happy chatter of people, and the endless array of delicious treats that seemed to call out to him.
His father was supposed to meet them there, and they would all celebrate together like they always did.
His heart fluttered with anticipation.
Jeonghan's small hand clung to his mother's as they weaved through the crowd.
The sounds of sizzling food, clinking utensils, and cheerful vendors greeting their customers brought a smile to his face.
His mother, her kind eyes always warm, was chatting with one of the stall owners while Jeonghan bounced on his toes, eagerly scanning the area for his father.
He couldn't wait to start their celebration, his dad always made birthdays extra fun.
He would bring a gift, sometimes a toy, sometimes something practical, but it didn't matter.
For Jeonghan, his father's presence was the greatest gift of all.
"Where's appa?"
Jeonghan asked, pulling gently on his mother's sleeve.
His eyes sparkled with youthful joy, and his smile was as bright as the afternoon sun.
"He'll be here soon."
His mother replied softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
She glanced at her phone, a fleeting shadow of worry crossing her face, but it disappeared almost as quickly as it had come.
"He said he was on his way."
Jeonghan nodded eagerly, his excitement undeterred.
He could already taste the tteokbokki, his favorite spicy rice cakes, and his mouth watered just thinking about it.
Every year, his father would joke about how Jeonghan could eat his weight in tteokbokki, and Jeonghan would laugh, his heart swelling with the warmth of their family moments.
This birthday would be no different, he told himself.
As the minutes ticked by, Jeonghan began to fidget.
The usual joy that pulsed through the market felt like it was growing faint, and the warmth of the day felt cooler somehow.
His mother was checking her phone again, her lips pressed into a thin line.
