Swipe Right for Love | WinRina

Chapter 1

The soft glow of the Seoul skyline filled Kim Minjeong's apartment, casting long shadows across the minimalist furniture. She stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the city below, though her thoughts were elsewhere. The day had been long and draining, filled with endless meetings and negotiations. Yet, for once, it wasn't work that weighed on her mind.

Her phone buzzed on the sleek glass coffee table, a small vibration that seemed louder in the silence of her home. Minjeong glanced at it, the now-familiar dating app icon staring back at her. She hadn't opened it since downloading it the night before, half-regretting the decision already. Dating had never been a priority; it was something she had dismissed as a distraction. But the quiet loneliness that greeted her each night was becoming harder to ignore.

She hesitated before picking up her phone, her thoughts drifting back to the weekend.

Her family had gathered for their monthly dinner two days ago, a tradition Minjeong had attended more out of obligation than desire. Her parents, still very much in love after thirty years, sat at the head of the table, their expressions warm and expectant. Her older brother, Jungwoo, already married for two years, chatted animatedly with his wife, their hands intertwined.

Minjeong felt the familiar pang of being the odd one out, a feeling that had only intensified in recent years. She was proud of her success—running a thriving company at her age was no small feat—but in her parents' eyes, it wasn't enough.

"Minjeong-ah," her mother began, her tone gentle but laced with concern, "have you thought any more about what we discussed last time?"

Minjeong stiffened, knowing exactly where this conversation was headed. "Mother, I'm doing fine. The company is growing, and I'm focused on that."

Her father chimed in, his voice kind but firm. "We're not saying you aren't doing well. But we worry about you. You're always working, and you never bring anyone home. We just want you to be happy."

Minjeong forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I am happy. Work is what makes me happy."

Her brother's wife, trying to be helpful, added, "You know, my cousin met her husband through a friend. Maybe I could help?"

The suggestion was met with nods of approval from around the table, but Minjeong felt a surge of irritation. She didn't want to discuss her love life—or lack thereof—over dinner. She quickly changed the subject, steering the conversation back to safer topics, but the unease lingered.

Later that night, Minjeong met her best friend and co-worker, Aeri, for a late drink at a cozy bar near their office. Aeri had always been her confidante, the one person she could vent to without fear of judgment.

"So, how was family dinner?" Aeri asked, already guessing the answer.

Minjeong sighed, swirling the wine in her glass. "The usual. They're worried about me being alone, think I should settle down. It's exhausting."

Aeri chuckled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Maybe they're right. You're not getting any younger, you know."

Minjeong shot her a withering look, but Aeri just grinned. "Okay, okay. How about try one of those dating apps? I hear they're all the rage. You might meet someone interesting. Or at least get some good stories out of it."

"Please," Minjeong scoffed. "I don't have time for that nonsense. Besides, what are the chances of meeting someone who's serious about marriage on one of those things? It's a waste of time."

Aeri raised an eyebrow. "You never know. Stranger things have happened."

Minjeong dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand, changing the subject to work. But Aeri's suggestion lingered in the back of her mind, even as they moved on to other topics.

Now, standing in her apartment, Minjeong found herself revisiting that conversation. Maybe Aeri was right—maybe it wouldn't hurt to try. She opened the app, scrolling through the profiles with a detached curiosity. Most of them seemed unremarkable, but she kept going, telling herself it was just a distraction, nothing more.

Her own profile was sparse, almost clinical. She had opted not to upload a display picture, not wanting to invite unnecessary attention. Her description was equally minimal: "Looking for someone serious about settling down in a short time. I value honesty, commitment, and shared goals." It wasn't designed to attract casual interest—if anything, it was a filter, meant to weed out those who weren't looking for the same things she was.

And then, a profile caught her eye. Karina, a law student in her final year, smiled brightly from the screen. Her description was lighthearted but sincere, something about it striking a chord with Minjeong.

She hesitated, her thumb hovering over the message button. Finally, she typed out a simple message:

Winter: Hello. I found your profile interesting. Would you like to chat?

Minjeong put the phone down, not expecting much. Yet, when the reply came almost instantly, a small spark of something—hope, curiosity—ignited within her.

Karina: Hi! I'd love to. You seem like someone who gets on here with a goal already set in mind. I admire that.

Minjeong couldn't help but smile. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be a waste of time after all.

tbc .