You Belong With Me | Jeongcheol Fanfic

Chapter 76

The crisp autumn air carried a gentle breeze as Jeonghan strolled along the lively streets of Seoul. The city hummed with life—bustling vendors called out to passersby, the aroma of street food mingled with the faint smell of roasted chestnuts, and the occasional rustle of fallen leaves punctuated the distant chatter of the crowd. Jeonghan moved through it all with a quiet sense of purpose, his headphones snug over his ears, playing a curated R&B playlist that gave the day a cinematic quality.

Dressed in a beige coat that complemented his effortless style, Jeonghan had one hand tucked into his pocket and the other loosely holding a reusable shopping bag. With Seungcheol busy at work, this solo outing was a rare chance for Jeonghan to enjoy his own company. He had mapped out a relaxed itinerary for the day: a stop at his favorite café to sketch some new designs, a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, and finally, a visit to the local grocery store to pick up ingredients for dinner.

As he turned down a quieter street lined with quaint shops and charming boutiques, Jeonghan found himself slowing down, captivated by the character of the area. Unlike the busier parts of Seoul, this street had an old-world charm, with rustic storefronts that seemed to whisper stories of the past. The golden afternoon sunlight cast a warm glow over everything, making the moment feel almost magical.

It was then that he noticed it—a modest, empty shop tucked between two vibrant stores. The white-painted façade was unassuming but clean, with large glass windows that offered a clear view of the interior. A simple "For Lease" sign was taped to the inside of the glass door, its bold lettering catching his attention. Jeonghan's steps slowed until he came to a stop directly in front of the shop.

Something about the space called out to him. He took a few tentative steps closer, peering through the glass. The interior was small but cozy, with light wooden floors that seemed to glow in the sunlight streaming through the windows. The walls were bare but pristine, creating a blank canvas just waiting for a creative touch. In the corner, a wooden staircase spiraled up to a second level that he could only imagine.

Jeonghan's heart skipped a beat as a familiar feeling washed over him—excitement mixed with the slightest hint of fear. For years, he had dreamed of opening his own boutique, a space where he could merge his love for design with his desire to create something meaningful. Standing here now, in front of this empty shop, it felt as though the universe was offering him an opportunity.

He pressed a hand against the cool glass, tilting his head to get a better view. The space was far from extravagant, but that's what made it perfect. It was manageable, intimate, and entirely his style. In his mind's eye, he could already see racks of carefully curated clothing, soft lighting illuminating the displays, and a welcoming atmosphere that invited customers to linger.

Jeonghan pulled out his phone, snapping a few photos of the storefront and the leasing details. As he stepped back to take in the full view, ideas began to swirl in his mind—layouts, themes, even potential names for the boutique.

~

He found a nearby bench and sat down, removing his headphones so he could focus. Pulling up a property search app, he quickly located the listing for the shop. The rental terms and price were listed, and while it wasn't cheap, it was within the realm of possibility. The space also came with the second level, which he imagined could serve as an office or a storage area.

Jeonghan sat back, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. This could be it—the start of something new and exciting. But with excitement came uncertainty. He and Seungcheol had only recently settled into their lives in Seoul. With Seungcheol's new job and their plans to grow their family, was now the right time to chase a dream like this?