Soo-jin had always been the quiet one in her office. At 28, she jiggled her role as a diligent assistant at a tech company while secretly dreaming of becoming a writer. Her best friend, Mi-kyung, constantly encouraged her to take chances, especially when it came to romance.
One afternoon, the office buzzed with excitement about the upcoming company gala. Mi-kyung leaned over Soo-jin's desk, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Soo-jin, did you hear? Joon-ho is looking for a date for the gala! You should volunteer!" Mi-kyung suggested.
Soo-jin's heart raced at the thought. Joon-ho, the charming CEO, was known for his good looks and sharp business mind. But he was also intimidating.
"I'm just an assistant," Soo-jin protested. "He wouldn't pick me."
"Why not? You're amazing! Plus, it could be a great story for your writing!" Mi-kyung insisted.
Later that week, while grabbing coffee at a nearby café, Soo-jin accidentally bumped into Joon-ho, who was deep in conversation on the phone. Her coffee spilled all over his tailored suit.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" she stammered, her face flushed.
Joon-ho looked surprised but quickly softened his expression. "No worries! Just a suit, right? Are you okay?"
"Yes, just clumsy," she replied, trying to brush it off.
As they chatted briefly, Soo-jin felt a spark. Joon-ho's warm smile disarmed her, even as she fumbled over her words.
At the office, Soo-jin finally mustered the courage to approach Joon-ho.
"Um, I heard you need a date for the gala?" she asked, nervously twisting her hair.
Joon-ho raised an eyebrow. "Are you interested?"
"sure! I could... help out," she replied, surprising herself with her boldness.
"Great! Just act like my charming date," he said with a playful grin.
The night of the gala arrived, and Soo-jin transformed into a vision in a stunning dress, her nerves tingling with excitement. Joon-ho greeted her at the entrance, looking dapper in a sleek suit.
"You look incredible, Soo-jin," he complimented, making her heart flutter.
As the night progressed, they mingled with guests, sharing laughs and stories. Soo-jin found herself feeling more confident, especially when Joon-ho teased her about her habit of mixing up words.
"Are you trying to create a new language?" he joked, laughing heartily.
"Just my own brand of charm!" she shot back, earning a playful nudge.
As they danced under the stars, Soo-jin felt a magnetic connection. Joon-ho leaned in closer, and for a moment, it felt like the world faded away. Just as their lips were about to touch, Mi-kyung's frantic call interrupted them.
"Soo-jin! Emergency at the café!" she shouted through the phone.
"Ugh, can't a girl catch a break?" Soo-jin murmured, rolling her eyes.
After the gala, Soo-jin couldn't shake her feelings for Joon-ho. The next day at the office, she was distracted, daydreaming about their dance. Mi-kyung noticed.
"Spill! You like him, don't you?" Mi-kyung pressed, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Maybe... but he's my boss," Soo-jin replied, sighing.
"Doesn't matter! Go for it! What's the worst that could happen?" Mi-kyung encouraged me.
Days passed, and Soo-jin finally decided to take the plunge. She approached Joon-ho during lunch at the café.
"Joon-ho, can we talk?" she asked, her heart racing.
"Of course, what's on your mind?" he replied, looking genuinely curious.
Taking a deep breath, she confessed, "I know our date was a fake one, but I really enjoyed our time together. I'd like to get to know you better."
Joon-ho smiled, his eyes lighting up. "I was hoping you'd say that. I feel the same way."
From that day on, their relationship blossomed. They enjoyed casual dinners and late-night coffee runs, sharing stories and laughter. Soo-jin even started incorporating her experiences into her writing, crafting a romantic comedy that mirrored her life.
One evening, as they strolled through a park, Joon-ho stopped and looked into her eyes. "Soo-jin, I never expected to find someone like you. You bring out the best in me."
Her heart swelled. "And you inspire me to chase my dreams."
They shared a tender kiss, sealing their newfound love.
Weeks later, Joon-ho surprised Soo-jin with a special dinner, complete with candles and soft music. As they ate, he took her hand.
"I've been thinking... how about we make this a real partnership?" he asked, his tone serious yet warm.
Soo-jin's eyes widened. "Are you proposing?"
"Not quite yet! I want us to work together, combining your creativity with my business sense. Let's launch a project together," he clarified, grinning.
Soo-jin laughed, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. "I'd love that!"
THE END🍃
