Familiar Strangers

Episode 5 – Familiar Strangers

The second meeting at Jung Corporation ended earlier than expected. As Ji Ah packed her laptop, Hyun Woo stepped closer.

“You work too fast,” he said lightly.

“I don’t see the point of wasting time,” Ji Ah replied.

For a moment, neither moved. The usual tension of negotiations was missing...replaced by something quieter.

Hyun Woo surprised her with a suggestion.

“There’s a café across the street. Their espresso is the only reason I survive these board meetings. Care to join?”

Ji Ah hesitated. Judges didn’t casually sit for coffee with CEOs. But something in his tone, half serious, half teasing,made her nod.

Minutes later, they sat across from each other in a quiet corner of the café.

“You don’t smile much,” Hyun Woo remarked.

“And you talk too much,” she countered, sipping her drink.

He chuckled. “So that’s a no to small talk?”

“I prefer honest talk.”

“Alright then… tell me, Judge Han what do you actually think of people like me?”

Ji Ah met his eyes, unwavering. “Dangerous. But… intriguing.”

For the first time, Hyun Woo didn’t have a quick reply.

The Milan shoot wrapped, but fate wasn’t done. Ji Won was scheduled for the next flight home..guess who was in the cockpit again?

When she boarded, Tae Hyun leaned casually against the entryway.

“Welcome aboard, Miss Han. We really should stop meeting like this.”

Ji Won rolled her eyes. “Do you rehearse these lines before flights?”

“Only for special passengers.”

She brushed past him, muttering something about arrogant pilots. But when turbulence hit mid-flight, she gripped her armrest tightly.

A calm voice came through the speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain. Nothing to worry about we’ll be smooth again in minutes.”

Her chest eased at the sound. After landing, she waited at baggage claim, only to find Tae Hyun standing beside her, holding a suitcase.

“You looked nervous earlier,” he said gently.

Ji Won bristled. “I wasn’t.”

“Of course. Then next time, you can sit in the cockpit with me. Best seat in the house.”

She turned away quickly, but her lips twitched.

That night, both sisters returned under the same roof. Ji Ah placed files on the table; Ji Won collapsed dramatically on the couch.

“You’re late,” Ji Ah noted.

“So are you,” Ji Won shot back.

They exchanged knowing looks, but neither spoke of the men who lingered in their minds. Instead, Ji Won teased, “At least tell me you didn’t bore your company with laws.”

“And you? Did you pout your way through another photoshoot?”

Both laughed rare, genuine laughter.

But when the room quieted, Ji Ah stared at her coffee cup, and Ji Won fiddled with her phone. Two sisters, both caught by the same invisible thread.

Hyun Woo glanced at his phone late that night. One unread message from an unknown number: “You left your file on the table. Don’t forget it.”

He smiled faintly.

Meanwhile, Tae Hyun scrolled through Instagram, pausing on Ji Won’s latest photo. He shook his head, amused.

Neither realized they were already thinking like friends.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***