{KOREAN-ENGLISH}
"You know what you should do?" the police officer asked, leaning against his patrol car.
"No, sir," Lee Seo Jun replied, pushing himself off the hood where he had slumped.
"Keep trying," the officer said. "Show her you're the man for her."
Seo Jun blinked. "You really think I should do that?"
"Yes, lad. But don't flash your wallet at her. Women like that feel bought, not loved. Just show up. Be present. Take her places she likes. Listen."
⸻
"Thank you," Seo Jun bowed deeply.
"Good luck with your girl. I didn't get my wife back, but maybe you'll be luckier than me," the officer said with a wry smile, waving him off.
Seo Jun nodded gratefully and got into his car.
⸻
"Why did you reject him?!" Hye Sua asked, arms folded as she sat across from Joon So Min in their living room.
So Min let out a breath. "He doesn't want to date me. He wants to heal,and I'm just the nearest distraction."
Hye Sua's expression softened. "So Min... I think he genuinely likes you."
So Min shook her head and changed the subject, voice perking up. "Enough about me. What about you and K playboy? What's happening there?"
Hye Sua's cheeks pinked. "We went on another date... He invited me to his house again, but we're taking it slow."
So Min grinned like a proud older sister. "Finally! You found someone. And not just anyone."
She grabbed the remote and gave a nod. Hye Sua laughed and flicked the lights off, switching on the tiny disco lamp. The TV glowed to life, music pulsing.
The girls started dancing in their short pajamas, laughter spilling as they spun around the living room. Soju was opened and quickly spilled, adding to the chaos and joy.
Then the doorbell rang.
"That must be the pizza," Hye Sua giggled, skipping to the door.
She opened it and froze.
Her mouth dropped open.
"So Min!" she called, eyes wide.
Still dancing, So Min paused. "Why is she taking so long—?"
She walked toward the door and stopped beside Hye Sua.
Standing there were Lee Seo Jun and Lee Min Jun, both holding white tote bags.
"Won't you invite us in?" Min Jun grinned, clearly amused.
So Min and Hye Sua were too stunned to speak. They were in messy hair, pajamas, and soju-splashed shirts.
"Come in," Hye Sua said at last, mortified.
The men removed their shoes and stepped inside.
"How... Why are they here?" Hye Sua whispered, panic in her eyes.
"I'm more shocked than you," So Min muttered.
"Oh no! The music's still playing. And the drinks—ugh!" Hye Sua hissed.
They rushed back into the living room to find the men sitting casually, tote bags on the table.
"You guys still listen to my music?" Min Jun asked, amused as his own songs echoed from the speakers.
"Y-Yes," So Min mumbled, switching off the TV while Hye Sua flipped on the main lights and shut off the disco lamp.
"So why are you here?" Hye Sua asked, arms crossed.
"I'm working on a project," Seo Jun said. "It's about fun local places in Korea, but I don't really know Seoul well. I asked Min Jun, but he's useless at this. So we thought... why not ask you two?"
So Min and Hye Sua exchanged a look.
"My dearest sister-in-law," Min Jun grinned, standing and winking at Hye Sua. "Will you show us how to really have fun?"
The girls stared... then smiled wickedly.
"Give us ten minutes."
They dashed into their rooms.
Seo Jun and Min Jun shared a confused glance.
⸻
"Let's go on the roller coaster again!" Hye Sua said excitedly.
"Are you okay?" Seo Jun asked So Min, noticing the tension in her hands, the way her eyes avoided the towering metal loops ahead.
"I'm fine," she said quickly. She hated heights but didn't want to ruin the outing.
Seo Jun paused. "Why don't you two go on ahead?" he suggested gently. "So Min, why don't you show me some cool street food spots instead?"
So Min blinked. She looked to Hye Sua, who suddenly realized and frowned, ashamed she'd forgotten her best friend's fear.
"Yes, go with him," she said softly. "I'll be fine."
So Min nodded. Part of her didn't want to be alone with Seo Jun, not after everything but she also didn't want to seem like she was avoiding him.
⸻
"This roasted seaweed is amazing," Seo Jun smiled, sitting beside her at a humble street stall.
"Are you upset with your husband?" the old woman behind the stall asked kindly.
Husband?
"No—"
"Yes," Seo Jun interrupted, turning to So Min with puppy-dog eyes. "She thinks I don't love her anymore."
The old woman smiled, her wrinkles creasing sweetly. "Ah, young people these days... Always giving up too quickly."
She turned to So Min. "The world's changed, sweetheart. But love? It still needs patience. I see the way he looks at you. Don't let that go."
So Min gave an awkward bow, flushing.
She glared at Seo Jun as soon as they stepped away.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" she hissed.
He laughed softly. "You're here. So yes, I am."
So Min turned away, pretending not to hear him. But a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.