As closing time approached, Se-rin took off her apron and bid Ji-young farewell.
"You worked hard today, unnie."
"You too, Se-rin. But do you really have plans with Jun-hyeok?"
Se-rin stammered, flustered.
"No... Jun-hyeok just..."
"Alright, I won't ask where you're going," Ji-young said with a knowing smile.
Stepping out of the cafe, Se-rin saw Jun-hyeok waiting. He was sitting on a bench outside the cafe, sketching something in a sketchbook.
"What are you drawing?"
Jun-hyeok looked up and smiled.
"Oh, Se-rin. I was sketching the cafe's exterior. I plan to use it as a reference later when I design your cafe."
Se-rin's heart warmed. Jun-hyeok always sincerely supported her dreams.
"Thank you. But I didn't actually have plans..."
"I know. It's just... Tae-min seems a bit too forward." Jun-hyeok confessed, and Se-rin laughed.
"Are you admitting you're jealous?"
"That... well..." Jun-hyeok scratched his head, hesitating. His awkwardness made Se-rin laugh even more.
"It's okay. I understand. I'd feel weird too if you were talking to other women."
Jun-hyeok's eyes sparkled.
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
As they smiled at each other, Jun-hyeok carefully said, "Then... since we're already acting like we have plans, would you like to have dinner together? You weren't feeling great today."
Se-rin hesitated for a moment. Having dinner alone with Jun-hyeok was both exciting and a little daunting.
"Where would we go?"
"I know a place you'd like. It's a quiet, cozy little restaurant with really delicious pasta."
"Then... okay."
The place Jun-hyeok led her to was a small Italian restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley. It had warm lighting and a cozy interior.
"Do you come here often?"
"Sometimes. It's where I come to clear my head. But this is the first time I've come with someone else."
A waiter came to take their order. Se-rin ordered cream pasta, and Jun-hyeok ordered tomato pasta.
"Thank you so much for today. When Mr. Kim came..."
"It was nothing. It was the least I could do."
Jun-hyeok looked at Se-rin's hand and carefully said, "Se-rin, you don't regret it, do you? Quitting your job, I mean."
"No, not at all. In fact, I'm really happy working at the cafe. I learn something new every day, and talking to customers is fun too..." Se-rin paused, then continued. "And I'm even happier because I get to see you, Jun-hyeok."
Jun-hyeok's face flushed.
"Me too. My everyday life has changed since I met you, Se-rin."
Their food arrived, and they naturally continued their conversation. Jun-hyeok talked about the buildings he designed, and Se-rin discussed her concrete plans for running the cafe.
"So, when do you plan to seriously start preparing for your cafe?"
"I haven't set an exact date yet, but I want to learn more at Ji-young unnie's cafe for about six more months. During that time, I'll save up money and review the designs you've drawn in more detail..."
"If there's anything I can help you with, please just say the word. Besides interior design, anything at all."
Se-rin was touched. "Thank you so much. But... I have a question."
"Ask me anything."
"Why are you helping me, Jun-hyeok? Since we first met until now..."
Jun-hyeok hesitated for a moment, then said earnestly, "At first, I just wanted to help someone who was struggling. But as time went on... I feel comfortable and happy when I'm with you, Se-rin. And..."
"And?"
"I like you. I like you, Se-rin."
Suddenly, the restaurant seemed to fall silent. Se-rin's heart began to pound rapidly.
"I... I like you too, Jun-hyeok."
A bright smile spread across Jun-hyeok's face.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. When I'm with you, everything feels like it'll be okay."
As they smiled at each other, Jun-hyeok carefully reached out his hand. Se-rin naturally took it.
"Please... take good care of me from now on."
"You too."
As they left the restaurant, Jun-hyeok said, "Se-rin, today feels like a truly special day."
"Me too. I was in a bad mood because of Mr. Kim, but now I'm so happy."
"I'll be by your side, even if things get tough in the future."
Se-rin nodded.
"I'll be by your side too, Jun-hyeok. Always."
The moonlight illuminated them, as if blessing their new beginning. Se-rin and Jun-hyeok held hands tightly and walked slowly. Their anticipation of being together outweighed any fear of the future.
"See you at the cafe tomorrow."
"Yes, see you tomorrow. Have sweet dreams."
On her way home, Se-rin kept smiling. She was excited that her relationship with Jun-hyeok had progressed to a new stage. And most of all, she was so grateful to have someone by her side who would support her dreams.
This was truly a new beginning.