When Fate Threads Us Together

The Final Day

The final day of the International Fashion Festival dawned with a sense of both accomplishment and melancholy. The event had been a resounding success, with attendees buzzing about the innovative designs, insightful seminars, and the impressive mini fashion shows that had taken place. The day was filled with interviews, last-minute demonstrations, and a final wrap-up that left everyone feeling both fulfilled and exhausted.

A Heavy Heart:

Eun Ho and Kang Joo had breakfast together that morning, sitting at their favorite spot in the cozy café near the venue. The conversation was light, filled with the usual banter that had become their comfort zone over the past few days. But underneath the surface, there was an unspoken heaviness in the air. Both of them knew that the festival was coming to an end, and with it, their time in Busan. They had grown so close, and the thought of parting ways left a dull ache in their hearts.

“Promise me we’ll have dinner tonight,” Kang Joo said, his voice soft yet filled with meaning. “Before we head back to our busy lives.”

Eun Ho smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I promise,” she replied, feeling a tug at her heart. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye, not yet.

Their closeness had not gone unnoticed. Whispers and rumors circulated among the festival attendees, including Eun Ho’s teammates, who teased her about the attention she was getting from the charming CEO. But each time, Eun Ho brushed it off, denying anything more than a rekindled friendship. Inside, though, she couldn’t deny the feelings that had grown between them.

An Unexpected Encounter:

That afternoon, after wrapping up her final interview, Eun Ho decided to take a break at a nearby café. She ordered a cup of tea and settled into a corner seat, trying to savor the last moments of the festival. As she sipped her tea, she looked up and noticed someone approaching her—Ji Yeon.

Ji Yeon smiled, but there was no warmth in her expression. Instead, there was a sharpness in her eyes, a look that made Eun Ho’s stomach twist. “Mind if I join you?” Ji Yeon asked, though it was clear she wasn’t really asking.

“Of course,” Eun Ho replied, forcing a polite smile as Ji Yeon took a seat across from her.

They exchanged a few pleasantries, but Eun Ho could sense that there was more behind Ji Yeon’s sudden approach. It didn’t take long for Ji Yeon to get to her point.

“You’ve probably heard about my role here at the festival,” Ji Yeon began, her tone casual but with an edge. “My company has been collaborating with Kang Joo’s for years now. We’ve built something really special together.”

Eun Ho nodded, unsure of where this was going. “That’s impressive. You must be very proud.”

Ji Yeon’s smile tightened. “I am. That’s why I’m concerned about the rumors I’ve been hearing. You know how these things can get out of hand, right? Rumors aren’t good for Kang Joo’s company. He’s got a reputation to maintain, and anything that could jeopardize that... well, it needs to be handled carefully.”

Eun Ho felt a knot forming in her stomach. “I understand, but I’m not sure what you’re implying.”

Ji Yeon leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “Let’s be honest, Eun Ho. You’re not exactly... the type who fits into Kang Joo’s world. You’re not fashionable enough, not pretty enough. People are talking, and it’s not good for him. You wouldn’t want to drag him down, would you?”

The words hit Eun Ho like a punch to the gut. She felt her face flush with embarrassment and shock. “I didn’t realize... I never meant to cause any problems,” she stammered.