Episode 4

The next few days passed in a blur of routine. Eun-Ji focused on her work, her conversations with Ji-Ah, and the occasional text exchange with Tae-Min about his upcoming birthday party. She had no expectations for the event, but it would be a welcome break from her usual schedule.

By Friday evening, Eun-Ji stood in front of her closet, staring at the limited options hanging before her. Ji-Ah leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a look of mock horror on her face.

“This is your big plan?” Ji-Ah said, pointing to the simple navy dress Eun-Ji had picked out. “You’re going to Tae-Min’s party looking like you’re going to a PTA meeting?”

Eun-Ji shot her a dry look. “It’s just a party, Ji-Ah. It’s not the Oscars.”

Ji-Ah rolled her eyes and stepped forward, rummaging through Eun-Ji’s wardrobe. “Tae-Min’s parties are never ‘just a party.’ You know how he is, he’ll make a whole spectacle out of it. Here.” She pulled out a flowy, knee-length dress in a soft lavender shade. “This. It’s simple but elegant.”

Eun-Ji hesitated. She didn’t like drawing attention to herself, and lavender wasn’t exactly her usual color. But Ji-Ah was already holding it up against her and nodding in approval.

“Fine,” Eun-Ji said with a sigh, taking the dress.

Twenty minutes later, Eun-Ji emerged from her room, dressed and ready. Ji-Ah gave an exaggerated gasp. “See? You look amazing!”

Eun-Ji smoothed the fabric nervously. “It’s just Tae-Min’s party. No one’s going to care what I look like.”

Ji-Ah smirked. “That’s where you’re wrong. Now go and have fun. And don’t come back too early, I want all the details tomorrow morning.”

Tae-Min’s party was held at a cozy rooftop lounge overlooking the city. Fairy lights hung overhead, and the warm hum of chatter filled the air as Eun-Ji stepped out of the elevator. She scanned the crowd for Tae-Min, eventually spotting him near the bar, laughing with a group of friends.

He caught sight of her almost immediately and broke into a wide grin. “Eun-Ji!”

She barely had time to react before Tae-Min pulled her into a quick hug. “You made it! And you actually dressed up! I’m so proud,” he teased, stepping back to get a better look at her.

“Happy birthday,” she said, holding up the small gift bag she’d brought.

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” he said, taking the bag with a wink. “But I’ll accept it anyway. Go grab a drink and relax, I’ll find you later!”

Eun-Ji wandered toward the drink table, feeling slightly out of place amidst the lively crowd. She poured herself a glass of sparkling water and took a seat near the edge of the rooftop, where the view of the city lights stretched endlessly into the horizon.

It wasn’t long before Tae-Min returned, dragging someone behind him.

“Eun-Ji, you have to meet, ” Tae-Min began, but his voice was drowned out by the sound of someone calling his name.

Eun-Ji glanced up at his companion and froze.

Sanghoon.

He stood there, looking just as composed and polished as ever, dressed in a casual blazer and dark jeans. His expression flickered with recognition when he saw her, and for a brief moment, Eun-Ji wondered if she’d imagined the slight tilt of his lips.

Tae-Min, oblivious to the tension, clapped a hand on Sanghoon’s shoulder. “This is Sanghoon, my cousin. I thought I’d introduce him since you’re both here tonight.”

Eun-Ji’s jaw slackened. “Your… cousin?”

Sanghoon smiled, a quiet amusement in his eyes. “It’s nice to see you again, Eun-Ji.”

Tae-Min frowned, looking between them. “Wait, you two know each other?”

“She works at the café I’ve been visiting lately,” Sanghoon explained smoothly, his gaze never leaving Eun-Ji’s.

“Oh, no way!” Tae-Min grinned. “Small world. So what do you think of my cousin? Pretty famous, huh?”

Eun-Ji resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “He’s… polite.”

Sanghoon chuckled softly, clearly catching her hesitation. Tae-Min, meanwhile, looked completely pleased with himself.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to catch up,” Tae-Min said, already turning to greet someone else.

Now left alone, Eun-Ji shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t know you were Tae-Min’s cousin.”

Sanghoon leaned against the railing, his expression relaxed. “It didn’t seem relevant at the time. Besides, I wasn’t expecting to run into you here.”

“Neither was I,” she admitted.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The city lights glittered below, casting a soft glow over the rooftop.

“You still don’t seem impressed,” Sanghoon said finally, his tone teasing.

Eun-Ji arched an eyebrow. “By what? That you’re Tae-Min’s cousin or that you’re famous?”

“Either.”

She smirked slightly. “I’m not the type to be impressed easily.”

Sanghoon laughed, the sound low and genuine. “I can see that.”

Eun-Ji took a sip of her drink, unsure what to say next. It felt strange to be standing here, talking to someone who was practically a household name, yet he didn’t seem to carry any of the arrogance she’d expected.

“So,” Sanghoon said, breaking the silence, “are you enjoying the party?”

“It’s fine,” she said with a shrug. “Tae-Min always knows how to throw a good one.”

“And yet you’re sitting here alone.”

Eun-Ji glanced at him, her lips twitching into a faint smile. “I like the quiet.”

He tilted his head, studying her. “You’re different.”

“Different how?”

“Most people don’t treat me like you do. It’s… refreshing.”

She wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so she said nothing, letting the hum of the party fill the silence.

Before long, Tae-Min returned, his arm slung around another friend. “Eun-Ji, come join us! We’re starting a game!”

Eun-Ji hesitated, glancing at Sanghoon, who gave her a slight nod.

“Go ahead,” he said, his voice soft. “I’ll see you around.”

She followed Tae-Min, her thoughts a jumble as the party continued. No matter how much she tried to push it aside, she couldn’t ignore the subtle shift in her perception of Sanghoon.

Maybe there was more to him than she’d thought.

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