Well Done Again Today

Cho Jihyun, The Programmer

This is my friend, Cho Jihyun. She is an attractive, smart, kind young woman in her 20s. However, she spends most of her days slaving over her computer. She works as a junior game developer at Zeze Game Company in Seoul, South Korea. Everyone she works with knows that she is a massive fan of the biggest Korean idol group, Big Bang. While coding, she always listens to their songs and her office area is full of pictures of her favorite member, GDragon. 

Unfortunately, she doesn't have the time nor money to attend their performances and concerts. Jihyun works hard until late at night everyday with the thought of someday being able to do whatever she wants and enjoy her life without worrying about the money. 

One winter evening, she was working hard at her desk, trying to finish the code under a fleece blanket to keep warm. "Jihyun-ah." Someone said from behind her. She thought it was her supervisor but as soon as she turned around, what she saw made her question if she was still awake or already dreaming.

It was Kwon Jiyong aka GD aka GDragon from Big Bang!!! "So, you're Jihyun." He said.

All Jihyun could do was stare at him with her hands covering her mouth because she couldn't stop smiling.

"Are you working?" GD asked her.

Jihyun finally managed to form words. "Wah~ Oppa, is this really happening?"

"What are you doing?" GD asked, before pointing to the desktop background on one of the screens which was a fantaken picture of him. "You're not just looking at my face, right?"

"I glance at it every once in a while." Jihyun replied with a smile.

GD smiled back at her and it's a shock that Jihyun didn't die at that exact moment. "Wow, there are so many of my pictures here. Daebak~" GD pulled up a chair and sat beside Jihyun. "I want to see you eye to eye." He added as he sat down. "Nice to meet you, Jihyun. We have quite similar names, don't we? Jihyun and Jiyong."

"How did you come here?" Jihyun asked, still surprised at her idol's sudden appearance.

GD thought for a bit. "I followed your scent from the outside and then I came here."

"Ah~ this feels like a dream." Jihyun said, grinning. 

Suddenly, GD swiveled her chair so that they were facing each other. "Look here. You have a really pretty smile."

Jihyun felt her cheeks burn red. "Are you okay?" GD asked before placing both of his cold hands on Jihyun's cheeks.

"Thanks." Jihyun told him.

"So you do your daily routine here?"

"Yes, I work here for twelve hours every weekday." Jihyun explained. "I need to work hard to help my mom because she's old and can't work anymore. My mom always apologizes to me because I'm obligated to work so we can eat. That makes me feel really sad. Most people do what they can when at age 20 but to enjoy everything, you need a lot of money and time. I couldn't spend money so easily because my family's financial resources are limited, especially now that I can't depend on my mom. I think that's the hardest thing, when my friends are going out and having fun, I really feel alone."

"I started in the entertainment industry when I was very young." GD started. "During that time, my parents weren't really open to the thought of me giving up having a typical childhood, like going to school, then going to university and eventually having a real job. It was hardest when it came to my high school years. Kids my age would call me stupid and uneducated because I was training to be a singer. I felt really bad. But when I sang, I felt happy. A lot of people tried to pull me down. At one point, I even thought of giving up because there was this lingering feeling that I won't ever become successful. But then I think, I've already gotten this far, I'm pretty sure I can go further. "

Jihyun started to tear up, so GD immediately leaned forward to hug her. "Thank you." She said with a croaky voice.

"Now, wipe your tears so we can take a commemorative photo." GD told her.

Jihyun wiped away her tears and smiled. "I'd like that."

"You like that?"

"Yes."

GD smiled at her. "I like you."

After taking a couple of pictures, the two of them went to a nearby restaurant to eat dinner. GD, like a true gentleman, grilled the meat and fed Jihyun. "Should we order some soju?" He asked.

"I don't really drink alcohol." Jihyun replied.

"That's cute. You're really feminine and lovely. I like that."

Jihyun blushed. "I'm not really. I just don't really like the taste of it."

"This is my first time having a meal with a fan." GD told her. "But I've always wanted to try it. You guys know so much about me and I want to know more about you guys too."

Jihyun smiled at him. "It's an honor."

"I'm honored too." GD replied. "I'm Jihyun's fan. Seeing you work hard in life makes me think that I should work harder too."

After eating, GD offered to walk Jihyun home. "Since I'm walking you to your house.." GD started. "Can you walk me home, too?"

Jihyun giggled. "We can walk each other."

GD smiled back at her.

"For the first time, it feels a bit sad that I'm on my way home." Jihyun said. "I feel like there's still so much we could talk about."

"It's because we don't have many similarities, that's why we have a lot of stuff to talk about. Opposites attract, right?" GD told her. "I'll always think of you when there are hard times the same way you look at me and gain strength."

As they stood in front of Jihyun's house, GD took some pieces of paper from his coat pocket. "I got some things for you. I have a ticket for you to come to our fanmeeting. Then this one is for a spa that you can go to with your mom."

"This is too much." Jihyun said. "I've already gotten so much today."

"No, no." GD insisted. "I received so much love from you and this is just my way to give back."

"Thank you."

"Oh." GD reached into his pocket again. "Valentine's day is coming up, so I got you some chocolates. Have this hot pack too, so you won't feel cold."

"Thank you so much." Jihyun felt like she was on the verge of tears and as soon as GD wrapped his arms around her, she felt tears streaming down her face. 

"Be careful going back to your room." GD told her. "I'll always be by your side, so don't worry. Let's meet each other again soon, okay?"

Jihyun, always remember that your hard work will pay off. Never give up because difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.

Well done again today, Jihyun.