The next morning, Serin woke up earlier than usual. The sunlight streaming through the window felt exceptionally warm. She checked the bedside table, wondering if her meeting with Junhyuk last night had been a dream. His business card lay there.
'Kang Junhyuk - Architect'
Holding the card in her hand, everything from last night vividly came back to her. His warm voice, his sincere eyes, and even the last thing he said.
Her phone rang. It was an unknown number, but Serin somehow knew who it was.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Serin-ssi. This is Kang Junhyuk."
The voice she expected answered. A smile naturally spread across Serin's lips.
"Hello. You called early."
"I was worried you might not have slept well last night. Are you alright?"
His thoughtful consideration warmed Serin's heart again.
"Yes, I slept soundly for the first time in a while. I think it's thanks to you, Junhyuk-ssi."
"That's good to hear. If you have time today... shall we have lunch together? I thought you might want something delicious after yesterday's troubles."
Serin hesitated for a moment. Since she had abruptly resigned yesterday, she should rest at home for a while, but her desire to see him again was stronger.
"Okay. Where shall we meet?"
"I know a quiet and delicious restaurant near Hongdae. I'll send you the address."
After hanging up, Serin looked in the mirror. Her face glowed with a long-forgotten excitement. She chuckled to herself as she opened her closet, debating what to wear. When was the last time she worried about such a thing?
She finally chose a neat beige knit top and jeans. It was a suitable style, neither too dressed up nor too casual.
When she arrived at the meeting spot, Junhyuk was already waiting. Unlike seeing him in the darkness last night, he was even more charming in the bright daylight. He looked like he had stepped out of a magazine, dressed in a grey coat.
"Hello. Have you been waiting long?"
"No, I just got here."
Junhyuk smiled and opened the restaurant door. It was a small but cozy Italian restaurant.
"The pasta here is really good. It's a place I often come to."
"Do you come alone?"
"Yes, usually. I sometimes come when I need to clear my head from work."
As they talked while looking at the menu, Serin suddenly had a question.
"Junhyuk-ssi, why were you at Han River Park yesterday? So late at night..."
Junhyuk hesitated for a moment before answering honestly.
"Actually... I was having a tough time too. A project I'd been working on for three years fell through. The investor suddenly pulled out..."
"Ah, I see..."
"Yes. I was frustrated, so I went out for some air and met you, Serin-ssi. Strangely, comforting someone else made me feel a lot better too."
Serin's heart swelled at his words. Two people going through difficult times had met and comforted each other.
"So, we both met on the worst day of our lives."
"But it's strange. It was the worst day, but the best encounter happened."
Serin's cheeks flushed slightly at Junhyuk's words.
The pasta arrived, and the two naturally began to share their stories. Junhyuk spoke of his philosophy on architecture, and Serin confided her dream of running a cafe.
"A cafe? That's a truly wonderful dream."
"It's been a dream since I was little... but I ended up working in a company because I thought realistically. I'm thinking of really trying it this time."
"You absolutely should. Serin-ssi, I'm sure you can create a wonderful cafe."
His sincere encouragement gave Serin courage. It was the first time someone had supported her dream like this.
"Perhaps... could you design the cafe's interior?"
"Of course. I'd be happy to help."
When they finished their meal and came out, the sun was already setting. They had been so engrossed in conversation that they hadn't noticed the time.
"Shall we go for another cup of coffee?"
Serin nodded at Junhyuk's suggestion. She didn't want to say goodbye yet.
They sat at a nearby cafe, drinking coffee and continuing their conversation. There was no awkwardness at all. It was comfortable, as if they had known each other for a long time.
"Serin-ssi, do you happen to have time tomorrow as well?"
"Yes, why?"
"I'd like to show you some of the buildings I've designed. For reference for your cafe interior."
Serin knew his offer wasn't solely about the cafe. She felt the same way.
"Okay. I'll look forward to it."
After leaving the cafe, Junhyuk walked Serin home and said,
"I had a really enjoyable time today. It's been a long time since I felt so comfortable."
"Me too. Yesterday I was comforted, but today I was truly happy."
They promised to meet tomorrow as they parted ways in front of her house. Serin kept smiling as she entered her home.
'This is what excitement feels like...'
Her heart pounded with a long-unfelt emotion. Just yesterday, everything had seemed to be over, but now a new beginning seemed to await her.