After the art room incident, Min Hyun knew that rushing toward Kang Soojin was not an option. She was mysterious, careful, and completely absorbed in her own world — qualities that both intimidated and fascinated him. Instead of bold gestures, he chose a slower approach: observing her, understanding her routines, and finding small, natural ways to be near her.
Jihoon continued to drag him into ridiculous schemes, which often led them into places where Soojin might appear. One rainy afternoon, the boys got caught sneaking into an old library basement, pretending it was an "explorer's lair." Soojin happened to be there, sketching quietly in a corner, oblivious to their noisy antics. Min Hyun watched her for a long moment, silently chuckling as Jihoon knocked over a stack of old books. She didn't notice him, yet he felt a strange satisfaction in simply being near her, protecting her from the chaos without her knowing.
Slowly, he started small gestures: offering to carry her books when the teacher assigned them to move supplies, helping her reach high shelves in the library, or saving a stray sketchbook from blowing into a puddle. At first, she seemed indifferent, polite but distant. But over weeks and months, her smiles became slightly warmer, her "thank you" a little more genuine.
Their friendship deepened over time. They began sharing little secrets, like favorite hidden spots in the city, jokes about their classmates, and quiet debates about art and books. Min Hyun learned she loved painting cherry blossoms — no wonder he had subconsciously called her the "cherry girl." He also discovered that, despite her calm exterior, she had a dry sense of humor and a surprisingly daring streak, revealed only in private moments.
The slow, careful pace gave them space to understand each other fully. Min Hyun respected her boundaries, admired her focus, and found himself falling in love with her mind and spirit before even fully admitting it to himself. And Soojin, over time, started to notice the boy who always seemed to be quietly there — reliable, observant, and patient, even amidst Jihoon's absurd chaos.
Three years passed like this: laughter, small adventures, quiet conversations, and little tests of patience and trust. By the end of high school, it wasn't just friendship anymore. Both realized that the bond they had built was deep, rare, and something neither wanted to lose. The cherry girl and the wealthy, mischievous boy had slowly, undeniably, intertwined their hearts.
After high school, Min Hyun and Kang Soojin went their separate ways for university, each choosing courses not out of passion but practicality — courses that would prepare them to manage and expand their respective family businesses. Min Hyun pursued statistics and engineering, gaining technical knowledge and analytical skills that could later fuel his father's industrial empire. Soojin, ever diligent and methodical, focused on business administration and finance, ensuring she would be fully equipped to handle her family's affairs, despite having no personal passion for the field. She embraced her responsibilities with quiet determination, always pulling through as a model student.
Meanwhile, Jihoon, their longtime friend and the source of so many adventures, matured considerably. He finally prioritized his studies, but his love for spontaneous exploration never faded. For a year, he still dragged Min Hyun along on his ridiculous "tours" around the city — sneaking into old libraries, climbing hills, or discovering hidden corners of Seoul — keeping laughter alive amidst their rigorous academic routines. Eventually, Jihoon left to study abroad, leaving Min Hyun and Soojin to focus entirely on their paths.
They thrived in their respective universities, excelling in their programs and gaining practical knowledge that would serve them in the future. Yet, despite the distance and busy schedules, Min Hyun's thoughts often wandered to Soojin — the quiet, meticulous girl who had become so integral to his life.
It was only after they graduated, both ready to take the first steps toward their family responsibilities, that Soojin's father discovered the truth about their relationship. He realized that their bond was no fleeting teenage infatuation — these two had spent years building trust, understanding, and an unspoken partnership that could endure even long separations.
Her father's reaction was a mixture of stern concern and cautious hope. He saw the potential in both Min Hyun and Soojin, their diligence and skill, yet he worried whether their feelings could survive the pressures and responsibilities that awaited them.
e wanted to ensure that both Soojin and Min Hyun could stand on their own before committing to each other fully.
He set a conditional compromise, detailed and strict:
Separation for Three Years: Min Hyun and Soojin would have no contact during this period. The purpose was to let both grow independently, proving they could survive, succeed, and make responsible decisions without relying on family wealth or connections.
Soojin's Path: Soojin would be sent to Busan, where her paternal uncle lived. For the first six months, her identity would be partially hidden — she would receive quiet support from her uncle. After that, she would have to live completely on her own, relying only on her skills, intelligence, and resourcefulness. She would take jobs that allowed her to survive independently and learn life skills, gradually becoming a sensible, capable young woman before reconnecting with Min Hyun.
Min Hyun's Path: Meanwhile, Min Hyun would join her father's company in a worker-level position, starting at the bottom despite his wealth. Over the three years, he would prove himself on merit, learning the business, handling challenges, and gradually earning respect and authority.
The compromise was tough, but the underlying goal was clear: by the end of the three years, both would be independent, responsible adults, fully prepared to meet life's demands and sustain a strong partnership, whether in business or in love.
When Min Hyun announced his plan to join Soojin's father's company, his father's face darkened with anger. "Hyun! Why would you go there? You already have everything here — our company, our resources! Why throw all that away to prove yourself elsewhere?"
Min Hyun stood his ground, voice steady but resolute. "Father, I understand your anger. But I need to grow on my own. This isn't about what I can do in our family; it's about earning respect, facing real challenges, and becoming the person I need to be — for myself and for Soojin."
His father slammed the table lightly, frustration evident. "So you'll risk everything? Just for... for some girl? For a promise?"
"I'm not risking anything," Min Hyun said firmly. "I'm choosing to build myself properly. I want to return stronger, capable, and worthy — of life, love, and your pride. This is my decision, and I will see it through."
His mother, worried, stepped in softly. "Hyun... it's not that we doubt you, but this path... it will be hard. Lonelier than you think. Are you certain?"
"I am," he replied, unwavering. "I'll pray, I'll work, and I'll grow. And when the time comes, I'll return not just for Soojin, but for all of us.This is why I have to do this. Not just for love, but to honor the people I care about and to become someone worthy."
Min Hyun stood in the study, facing his father, whose face was red with anger. Papers lay scattered across the polished desk, but his father barely noticed.
"Hyun! How can you even think of this?" his father bellowed, voice echoing off the walls. "You have everything here — our company, our reputation! You can prove yourself without going to her father's company. Why do you insist on this foolishness?"
Min Hyun's jaw tightened. "Father... I've thought about this more than you can imagine. This isn't foolishness. There is no other way to show Soojin's father that I am capable, responsible, and worthy. Staying here would only prove what I already know — that I'm privileged. That's not enough for her, and it's not enough for me."
His father slammed his hand on the desk. "You're throwing away your future for... for a girl? For a promise made in youth? Don't you see the danger? The humiliation? The risks?"
"I see it," Min Hyun said firmly, meeting his father's gaze without flinching. "And I accept them. This is the only way to truly earn respect — not just for myself, but to prove to Soojin, to her family, and to you, that I am not just the son of this family. I want to become a man on my own terms. There's no alternative path that will satisfy this."
His father's voice rose, filled with disbelief and frustration. "And what if you fail? What if you return empty-handed, humiliated, beaten down?"
Min Hyun stepped closer, his voice steady but strong. "Then I fail as a man. But at least I tried on my own. I cannot, will not, rely on wealth or influence to win this. My love, my promise, and my future depend on proving myself. That's all I ask you to respect — not my choice, but my resolve."
For a long moment, the study was silent except for the faint tick of the grandfather clock. His father's chest heaved, torn between anger, pride, and reluctant understanding. Finally, he exhaled sharply, his hand brushing his temple.
Will they both join in this 3 year test of commitment ?