{KOREAN-ENGLISH}
"Thank you for coming tonight," Joon So Min said softly, walking beside Lee Seo Jun under the evening sky. "You didn't have to. I know how busy you are."
"I wasn't busy," he replied, smiling gently. "And the food was amazing. I had a great time."
So Min looked down, a warm smile on her lips. "Thank you... for everything. Dae's so happy to be home. I don't know how to ever repay you."
Lee Seo Jun stopped walking and looked at her. "So Min... my father's birthday banquet is in a few days. I want you to come with me. As my date."
Her eyes lifted to his, uncertain but glowing. "Sure," she whispered. "I'll be your date."
A rare smile touched his lips,genuine, soft. "Then let's walk a little longer," he said, offering his hand. She nodded, laughing quietly as they continued under the streetlights.
⸻
The following days passed in a blink.
"Hello," Lee Seo Jun greeted the visiting businessmen in crisp English. The foreign investors, suited and sharp, each held a leather briefcase.
"You're Mr. Lee?" one of them asked—Louis, a blonde with a confident gaze.
"Yes. This way, gentlemen," Seo Jun said, leading them into his office.
"Take a seat."
The men sat around the polished glass table.
"So," he began, "how's Korea been treating you so far?"
"Well. I'd love to try some authentic homemade dishes though," Louis said, smiling.
"Come to me anytime," Seo Jun offered with a chuckle. "I'll take you to the best."
"We reviewed your project," another investor—Derick,began. "It's good... but building a Korean therapy home for heartbreak? It seems emotionally driven."
Seo Jun leaned forward. "Heartbreak leads to depression, even death. This isn't just a project,
it's healing. It saves people."
"We'll think about it," Derick said diplomatically, rising from his seat.
Seo Jun bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your time, gentlemen."
⸻
Later, in his office, Seo Jun sighed.
"They're not convinced," he told Mr. No.
"They just need time. Your idea is sincere and ahead of its time," Mr. No reassured.
"I'll speak to my father after the banquet tonight," Seo Jun said. "Did you send the dress to So Min?"
"Yes, sir. I picked it myself. It will look perfect on her."
⸻
At home, So Min was curled up on the couch watching a film with Cheong Ra and Dae. The doorbell rang.
"I'll get it!" Cheong Ra called out, skipping to the door.
Standing outside was Mr. No, holding an elegant black box.
"Hello," she greeted.
"I'm here for Miss Joon So Min."
"I'll call her. Come in," she said cheerfully.
Mr. No stepped inside and saw So Min and Dae giggling on the couch.
"Miss So Min," he said.
She stood quickly, flustered. "Yes?"
"Sir asked me to deliver this. He didn't want you to stress about finding a dress. He chose one himself."
Her lips parted in surprise as she took the box, bowing gratefully. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Mr. No said and excused himself.
Cheong Ra clutched her chest dramatically. "He does so much for you. I'm jealous!"
Dae looked at So Min curiously. "Did your boyfriend send you that?"
"Yes!" Cheong Ra jumped in. "She has the sweetest boyfriend ever!"
"You're my boyfriend, right?" she teased Dae.
"No!" Dae huffed. "I'm marrying Aunt Sua after I make money!"
They all burst out laughing. So Min fled to her room, overwhelmed by emotions.
Inside, she slowly opened the box.
A gasp escaped her lips.
It was a pristine white designer gown,delicate, ethereal. She pressed the fabric to her chest, smiling like a girl who just received a love letter for the first time.
⸻
"Sir, are you going to pick her up yourself?" Mr. No asked.
"I am," Seo Jun replied.
⸻
That evening, So Min stood outside her house, radiant in the white dress. Her hair was tied back simply, her earrings delicate.
Seo Jun stepped out of the car in a black tailored suit, eyes widening at the sight of her.
"How do I look?" she asked shyly.
"Beautiful," he said without hesitation, unable to look away.
She blushed. "You don't look bad yourself."
He opened the door, and she stepped into the car.
⸻
They arrived at the grand venue,the banquet hall glittering with chandeliers, lined with Seoul's elite.
"Let's go in," Seo Jun said, offering his hand again.
She took it, her fingers trembling slightly.
As they entered, heads turned. They were breathtaking together.
So Min's heart pounded. She wasn't used to this level of luxury, this level of attention. The dresses around her sparkled, the jewelry gleamed. Everything screamed power and wealth.
"Are you okay?" Seo Jun asked, sensing her nervousness.
"Yes," she lied with a smile. "I'm fine."
But she wasn't.
This wasn't her world.
And yet, tonight, she was walking through it,with him.