The next day, Serin stood in front of a building in Gangnam, following the address Junhyuk had sent her. Its modern exterior, a harmonious blend of glass and steel, was impressive.
"Wow, it's truly magnificent..."
"Do you like it?"
Serin turned at the voice behind her. Junhyuk today was dressed in a casual denim shirt and chinos, exuding a different charm than yesterday.
"Yes, it's truly beautiful. Did you design this, Junhyuk-ssi?"
"Yes. It's a multi-cultural complex completed two years ago. The first floor is a gallery, the second is a book cafe, and the third is a small performance hall."
Seeing the building again after hearing Junhyuk's explanation made it even more astonishing. Each floor had a different purpose, yet the overall feeling was harmonious.
"Shall we go inside?"
Upon entering the first-floor gallery, Serin gasped in admiration. The ceiling designed to let in optimal natural light, the lighting that highlighted the artworks, and the comfortable flow for visitors—everything was perfect.
"I think the artworks would look even more beautiful when exhibited in this space."
"That's what I intended. I wanted the space to be a medium connecting art and people."
As they went up to the second-floor book cafe, Serin's eyes sparkled even more. Cozy reading nooks were nestled between bookshelves, and the aroma of coffee mingled with the scent of books, creating a perfect healing space.
"This is exactly the kind of cafe I dream of!"
Junhyuk was pleased with Serin's enthusiastic reaction. It was the first time he had met someone who genuinely loved his work so much.
"Then, let's have a cup of coffee while I explain in more detail."
Sitting at a window seat in a corner of the book cafe, drinking coffee, Junhyuk spoke about the challenges he faced during the design process. He talked about how to make people feel comfortable and what materials to use to bring the space to life.
"Junhyuk-ssi, you truly design with people in mind..."
"Architecture is ultimately for people. If someone can be happy in that space, that's the greatest reward."
Just then, Serin's phone rang. It was Sujin, her former colleague.
"Excuse me for a moment. Hello?"
"Serin! It's a disaster. The company's in chaos!"
"What..."
"Kim Section Chief's embezzlement was discovered! All the responsibilities you were burdened with were his doing!"
Serin was startled and stood up. Junhyuk looked at her with a worried expression.
"The company is looking for you. They're asking you to come back... no, they're even offering you a promotion!"
After hanging up, Serin stood blankly. Just three days ago, she had been unfairly framed and practically chased out, and now they were offering her reinstatement.
"What's wrong?"
Junhyuk approached and asked. Serin explained the situation.
"That's a relief. Your name is cleared, isn't it?"
"Yes... but it's strange. Instead of feeling happy, I feel conflicted."
Serin gazed out the window, lost in thought. It was clearly good news, so why did her heart feel so heavy?
"Perhaps... you don't want to go back?"
Junhyuk's words made Serin realize. While she had been wronged and furious about quitting her job, there was also a sense of relief. Now, being asked to return, she felt reluctant.
"I... I want to try running a cafe. Really."
"Really?"
"Yes. At first, it was just a dream, but yesterday you encouraged me, Junhyuk-ssi, and seeing this space today, I'm certain. I know what I truly want to do."
A smile spread across Junhyuk's face.
"Then I'll help you. Truly."
"But I don't have money, and I don't have experience..."
"You can save money step by step, and you can gain experience. What matters is your heart, isn't it?"
Just then, Junhyuk seemed to remember something and said,
"If you're interested, I can introduce you to my friend. She runs a cafe in Hongdae and is looking for staff. You could learn about cafe work, gain experience, and earn money."
Serin's eyes sparkled.
"Really? That would be wonderful!"
"Okay. Then shall we go together tomorrow?"
Serin nodded. Suddenly, everything felt like it was becoming a reality.
After finishing their tour of the third-floor performance hall and leaving the building, Junhyuk asked,
"How was today?"
"It was really good. Thanks to you, Junhyuk-ssi, my dream feels like it's starting to take shape."
"I'm happy too. If I can watch you achieve your dream from your side..."
Junhyuk stopped speaking and looked at Serin. Their eyes met.
"May I join you? In the process of achieving your dream..."
Serin's heart pounded. His words seemed to hold a deeper meaning than just the cafe.
"Yes... that'd be nice."
Under the sunset sky, the two looked at each other and smiled. Their story, which began with a fateful encounter, was now entering a new chapter of pursuing a dream together.
"Then shall we meet at 10 AM in Hongdae tomorrow?"
"Yes. I'll look forward to it."
Serin's heart swelled with emotion all the way home. Just three days ago, she thought everything was over, but now she was preparing for a new beginning with a new dream and a new person.