Chapter 2: A Trip to Jeju
Ji-woo stood in the middle of the small airport terminal, still unable to believe what was happening.
Just yesterday she was walking out of another failed interview in Seoul. Now she was holding a boarding pass to Jeju Island.
Her sister really meant it.
Ji-woo sighed and looked outside the large glass window as the airplane prepared for boarding.
"Maybe a short trip isn't a bad idea…" she whispered to herself.
A few hours later, the fresh ocean breeze of Jeju Island welcomed her.
The air felt different from the busy streets of Seoul. It was calm and peaceful.
For the first time in weeks, Ji-woo felt her mind relax.
She took a taxi to the small hotel her sister had booked for her.
The driver smiled kindly.
"First time in Jeju?"
Ji-woo nodded.
"Then you should visit the beach tonight. The night view is beautiful."
Ji-woo thanked him and checked into the hotel.
Her room had a small balcony facing the ocean.
She stood there for a moment, watching the waves under the sunset sky.
"Maybe things will get better…" she said softly.
Later that evening, Ji-woo decided to walk near the beach.
The streets were filled with warm lights, tourists, and music coming from nearby restaurants.
But as she walked past a luxury hotel entrance, something unexpected happened.
Someone bumped into her.
Hard.
Her bag slipped from her hands and papers scattered on the ground.
"I'm sorry—" Ji-woo quickly bent down to pick them up.
A tall man in a black suit stood in front of her.
His expression was calm but cold.
He also bent down and picked up one of the papers.
For a moment, their eyes met.
Ji-woo quickly looked away and grabbed her things.
"It's fine," she said quickly, embarrassed.
But the man kept looking at her for a second longer than expected.
Then his phone rang.
He answered with a serious voice.
"Yes. I've arrived in Jeju for the meeting."
Ji-woo didn't realize it yet…
But this small accident would soon become the beginning of the biggest change in her life.
And the man she had just met…
Was Min-jun.