When Fate Threads Us Together

Crossing Paths

Over the next few days, the International Fashion Festival unfolds in a whirlwind of activity. Designers showcase their collections, journalists rush to cover the latest trends, and industry insiders gather to network and discuss future collaborations. In the midst of all this, Seo Kang Joo and Joo Eun Ho find themselves constantly crossing paths, as if fate is deliberately pushing them together.

The Rekindling of Friendship:

After their heartfelt conversation on the beach, something shifts between Kang Joo and Eun Ho. Their old friendship begins to rekindle, bringing with it a sense of comfort and familiarity. Each morning, Eun Ho wakes up to a text message from Kang Joo, a simple “Good morning” or “Have a great day!” that never fails to make her smile. These small gestures remind her of the closeness they once shared, and she starts to look forward to their interactions.

Kang Joo, on the other hand, finds himself eagerly anticipating every moment he might see her. Whether it’s during a morning coffee run or a quick encounter backstage, he can’t help but smile like an idiot, just like he used to during their university days. The sight of her brightens his day, and he realizes how much he’s missed having her in his life.

Shared Moments:

On the second day of the festival, their growing closeness does not go unnoticed. Spectators at the fashion shows begin to whisper among themselves, curious about the nature of Kang Joo and Eun Ho’s relationship. Her teammates notice how her mood has lifted, and they quietly speculate about what—or who—might be behind her newfound energy. Kang Joo’s colleagues and friends also start to talk, recognizing the familiar warmth in his demeanor whenever Eun Ho is around.

The rumors escalate when it’s revealed that Eun Ho has been invited as a VVIP by Kang Joo. She’s seated next to him at the wrap-up fashion show, an event that includes performances by several famous singers and performers. The two of them seem completely at ease in each other’s company, sharing laughs and whispers throughout the evening, oblivious to the attention they’re drawing. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it only fuels the rumors swirling around them.

Despite the buzz, Kang Joo and Eun Ho remain unfazed, fully engrossed in their time together. They enjoy the show, the music, and most of all, each other’s presence. For a while, it feels like they’re the only two people in the room, their connection stronger than ever.

An Evening to Remember:

On the third day of the festival, as the final fashion show concludes and the crowd begins to disperse, Kang Joo finds himself standing backstage, watching as Eun Ho wraps up an interview with one of the designers. She looks radiant, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she discusses the latest trends. Kang Joo feels a swell of pride watching her work, and he knows he doesn’t want the festival to end without spending some real time with her—just the two of them.

As Eun Ho finishes her interview, Kang Joo approaches her, his heart pounding slightly in his chest. “Eun Ho,” he begins, his voice a bit hesitant, “I was wondering… would you like to have dinner with me tonight? I know we’ve been catching up here and there, but I’d really like to sit down and have a proper conversation. No interruptions this time.”

Eun Ho looks up at him, her heart fluttering at the invitation. She remembers how comfortable she’s felt in his presence over the past few days, how much she’s enjoyed their time together. Without hesitation, she smiles and nods. “I’d love that, Kang Joo.”

That evening, Kang Joo takes Eun Ho to a quaint restaurant by the beach, one that he remembers from his childhood. It’s a quiet place, with the soft sound of waves crashing in the background and a breathtaking view of the ocean at sunset. They sit at a table near the window, where the golden light casts a warm glow over them.

As they order their meals, the conversation flows effortlessly. They talk about their lives—the highs and lows, the lessons they’ve learned, and the dreams they still hold close to their hearts. Kang Joo shares stories from his time in Paris, the struggles of building his fashion empire, and the loneliness that often accompanied his success. Eun Ho listens intently, offering words of encouragement and admiration, her respect for him growing with each passing moment.

In turn, Eun Ho opens up about her journey as an announcer, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and the satisfaction of finally achieving her dreams. Kang Joo is captivated by her passion, and he finds himself even more drawn to her resilience and determination. These shared stories draw them closer, and they both feel the weight of the years they spent apart slowly lifting.

As the night deepens, the conversation turns more personal. They reminisce about their university days, laughing over old memories and shared experiences. There’s a sense of nostalgia in the air, but also a recognition that they’ve both grown and changed in ways that make them even more compatible now than they were before.

At one point, Kang Joo considers confessing his feelings. He wants to tell her how much she means to him, how he’s never stopped thinking about her, even during their years apart. But as he looks into her eyes, he hesitates. They’ve only just reconnected, and he doesn’t want to rush things. He’s afraid that if he moves too quickly, it might scare her away. Instead, he simply says, “I’m really glad we’re spending this time together, Eun Ho. It feels like… like we’re picking up right where we left off.”

Eun Ho smiles at him, her heart swelling with affection. She can see the man Kang Joo has become—a confident, successful leader in his industry, admired by many. But she also sees traces of the boy she once knew, the one who made her laugh and shared her dreams. In this moment, she realizes just how much she admires him—not just for his success, but for the person he is.“

He’s really grown up,” she thinks to herself. “From that foolish boy in university to this incredible man. How did I get so lucky to be here with him now?”

As they walk along the beach after dinner, the cool breeze brushing against their faces, there’s a comfortable silence between them. The past, the present, and the future all seem to merge in this one perfect moment. Kang Joo gently reaches for Eun Ho’s hand, and when she doesn’t pull away, he feels a surge of warmth and contentment.

“Eun Ho,” he says softly, turning to face her, “I’ve really enjoyed these past few days with you. It feels like we’ve picked up right where we left off, and… I’d like to keep it going. What do you think?”

Eun Ho looks up at him, her heart full of emotion. She knows that this is more than just a rekindling of friendship—it’s the beginning of something deeper, something she’s wanted for a long time. “I’d like that too, Kang Joo,” she replies, her voice steady and sincere.

As they stand there, hand in hand, with the waves gently lapping at their feet, they both feel a sense of hope and excitement for what lies ahead. Their paths may have diverged once, but now they’ve crossed again, and this time, they’re ready to walk it together.