As soon as they arrived in Busan, Soojin led them down a narrow side street lined with small shops and a bustling street market tucked between low-rise buildings.
"Wow... Soojin, how do you even know about a place like this?" Jihoon asked, eyes wide.
Soojin shrugged casually, smiling. "Living on my own, you pick up a few tricks. I bet you guys are doing this too, huh?"
Min hyun chuckles and says. " Yeah....We did on our own way."
"All right," Soojin said, eyeing the racks. "Let's see if we can get you two into something that actually fits."
Jihoon glanced at Min Hyun. "Something that fits? I haven't worn anything like this in ages."
Soojin ignored them and approached the shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a thin mustache. "These two jackets — yes, the striped ones. How much for both?"
The man rattled off a price that made Jihoon's eyes widen.
Soojin tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm... I see. But look at the seams here — not perfect, right? You'd sell me for less, yes?"
The shopkeeper hesitated. "I... maybe... little less."
She shook her head, smiling sweetly. "Little less? My friends here are students — very poor. You know how it is in Busan, right?"
Jihoon whispered to Min Hyun, "She's actually doing it... she's bargaining!"
Min Hyun leaned closer. "I can't believe it. Look at her go."
Soojin leaned in, speaking softly but insistently. "Come on, tell me a fair price. Don't cheat a girl trying to survive in the city."
The shopkeeper finally relented, muttering a much lower price. Soojin clapped her hands together. "Perfect! Boys, did you see that?"
Jihoon froze, staring at the bills in her hand. "I... I can't believe she just got all that for that amount."
Min Hyun shook his head, jaw tight. "She's terrifying... and impressive."
With clothes secured, they wandered toward a small 90s-style restaurant along the street. Steam rose from bowls of tteokbokki, fried mandu, and kongnamul-guk. Soojin ordered several takeaway boxes.
"Careful with the tteokbokki," she warned, sliding the boxes into a bag. "It's hot, and you two will probably spill it on yourselves."
On the way back, Jihoon tried to peek into the bag, accidentally nudging the mandu box. "Oops—"
Soojin swatted his hand lightly. "Focus, not on eating yet!"
Back at her apartment, the three of them tumbled inside, shedding bags and jackets.
After clearing the last of the tteokbokki and mandu from the low table, Min Hyun and Jihoon plopped down onto the floor, stretching their legs, while Soojin stayed perched on the couch, leaning back comfortably with her arms crossed behind her head.
Soojin watched them, smiling. "You two look like you finally remembered what comfort feels like."
Jihoon rubbed his stomach dramatically. "I think I could nap right here... but I'll spare you the horror of snoring."
Min Hyun laughed, leaning back on his hands. "It's nice, though... just being able to sit and not worry about anything for a bit."
Soojin tilted her head, playful curiosity in her eyes. "So... life update time. What have you been up to lately?"
Min Hyun shrugged. "Not much, honestly. I got promoted recently, things that used to feel impossible... they're starting to settle. I've even started training — kendo, some exercises at home. Helps clear my head."
Soojin leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "I see... well, I've been busy too. Visiting bakeries, orphanages sometimes, and preparing for... future plans, I guess. Figuring out what I want to do, what I can do."
Jihoon chimed in, a little hesitant. "I tried to join my father's business when I got back, but... it didn't really click for me. So I've been taking lessons from Hyun, trying to see how he does it, how he manages everything."
Soojin tilted her head, smiling. "It's good, though, that you're trying. Learning from someone you trust is always better than stumbling alone."
Min Hyun chuckled. "True. And somehow, despite everything, it feels like we're all starting to find our rhythm again."
Jihoon let out a small laugh. "Yeah... little victories, big or small, I guess. Makes these moments... sitting here, laughing together, even more worth it."
Soojin reached over, nudging them playfully. "Exactly. Even when the world's messy, we figure things out... in our own way."
The three of them settled back, sipping tea, letting the quiet warmth of the apartment and their easy conversation stretch into mid-afternoon.
The apartment was quiet after lunch, the scent of tteokbokki still lingering faintly in the air. Jihoon and Min Hyun lounged on the floor, lazy and full, while Soojin leaned back on the couch, absently tracing circles on her teacup.
Then, all at once, her eyes widened. "Ah! I completely forgot about work— Mr. Park!"
Min Hyun blinked up at her. "Who's that?"
"My colleague," she said, already getting up. "I was supposed to call him yesterday. If I don't, he'll think I vanished."
She hurried to the little corner desk, where a cream-colored rotary phone sat beside a stack of papers. The soft clicks of the dial filled the small room, followed by the faint hum of the line connecting.
"Yoboseyo?" came a calm male voice.
"Mr. Park, it's me— Soojin. I'm sorry for calling so late," she began. "Something unexpected came up. Two of my relatives suddenly arrived from out of town, and I had to help them settle in. I wasn't able to inform you earlier."
"Oh, I see," Mr. Park replied, relief in his tone. "I thought maybe you'd fallen sick."
Soojin laughed lightly. "No, nothing like that. They'll be staying here for a couple of days, but you know my place— one room, one dining area. It's already cramped. I was wondering if... perhaps they could stay at your place temporarily? Just for two nights."
There was a small pause, then Mr. Park sighed good-naturedly. "You really do get into odd situations, Soojin. But sure— I'll prepare the guest room. Tell them to come by this evening. I'm usually home after six."
Soojin smiled, relief washing over her. "Thank you so much. Really. I owe you."
"And," Mr. Park added teasingly, "you can repay me by treating me to coffee— after your cousins stop invading Busan."
"Deal," she said with a laugh before hanging up.
Turning back to the two men, she grinned. "Good news— I've found you a place to stay. You'll be staying with my colleague, Mr. Park. He's kind, but a bit too serious, so try not to scare him."
Jihoon perked up. "Wait— what exactly did you tell him about us?"
Soojin smirked. "That you," she pointed at Jihoon, "are my cousin from Seoul. And you," she turned to Min Hyun, "are my best friend. Just in case my family ever hears something later and decides to ask questions."
Jihoon chuckled. "Smart. Complicated, but smart."
"Learned from experience," Soojin said with a wink.
By late afternoon, the trio left Soojin's apartment, the air warm and breezy as they walked through Busan's narrow streets. The sun dipped low, painting the sky in soft golds and pinks. They stopped at a small bakery along the way, buying a few sweet buns and bottled milk for the road.
When they reached Mr. Park's neighborhood, the scent of the sea mixed with the faint aroma of street food. Mr. Park was already waiting outside a modest two-story house, wearing his usual beige cardigan and that slightly amused smile.
"So these are your mysterious relatives," he said, eyeing Jihoon and Min Hyun curiously.
"Long story," Soojin replied quickly. "But they're good people."
He chuckled. "Well, come in then. My house is small, but at least it has enough rooms to keep you from tripping over each other."
That evening, after settling down and unpacking, Soojin stayed for a short while— sharing some pastries, chatting softly about work, and outlining plans for the next two days.
"We'll show you around Busan tomorrow," she said. "The beach, the pier, maybe the market. I want you to see the real city."
Jihoon smiled faintly. "After everything we've been through... that sounds perfect."
Min Hyun nodded. "Yeah. Just... normal days for once."
Soojin's gaze softened. "Normal days are worth more than people think."
After settling their bags in Jiyoon's apartment, the three of them sprawled on the couch and floor, stretching tired limbs and sighing in relief.
"So... what's the plan for tonight?" Jihoon asked, brushing his hair back and finally feeling a bit more like himself.
Soojin, now clean and comfortable in loose 90s attire, smiled and leaned against the couch. "I was thinking we could just roam downtown for a couple of hours — check out the markets, maybe grab some street food. Nothing too crazy, just... a taste of Busan at night."
Min Hyun nodded. "Sounds good. I could use a bit of fresh air, and the city's lights probably make it feel... normal for once."
Jiyoon, now relaxed in his room, came out and joined them. "I can guide you guys safely. There are a few areas where people actually hang out late — well-lit streets, small shops, some local food stalls."
Jihoon's eyes lit up. "Late-night food adventures? I'm in!"
They discussed which areas to visit first, making small plans. Soojin even pulled out a folded street map she had tucked in her bag, pointing out markets, alleys with neon signs, and a few famous snack spots.
"And tomorrow morning," Soojin added thoughtfully, "we'll call work and ask for two days off — that way we can spend the whole day sightseeing without worrying. I'll bring three, maybe four more friends too, so it'll be fun in a group."
Min Hyun and Jihoon exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and nervousness crossing their faces. "Friends?" Min Hyun asked.
"Yes!" Soojin said with a grin. "Two guys and two girls. You'll see — they know the city really well. We can hit the piers, the small alleys, maybe even Taejongdae tomorrow. Trust me, it'll be unforgettable."
Jihoon leaned back, grinning. "Unforgettable is good. I think we deserve that after... everything."
The city streets buzzed softly as the group stepped out, neon signs flickering above small shops, casting warm reds and yellows onto the pavement. The smell of frying mandu and sweet tteokbokki drifted through the air, blending with the faint saltiness from the nearby harbor.
Soojin led the way confidently, waving back at familiar shopkeepers. "Alright, team, follow me. You want the real Busan, not the touristy stuff."
Jihoon and Min Hyun fell into step behind her, their eyes wide. "This... smells amazing," Jihoon whispered, his stomach growling despite the late lunch.
"First stop," Soojin said, stopping in front of a tiny stall with a rotating grill of fish cakes. "Mandu and odeng. You have to try it like a local."
Min Hyun peered into the skewered odeng, then carefully picked one up with the stick. "It's... hot!" he exclaimed, taking a tiny bite and blowing on it.
Jihoon, trying to mimic him, grabbed two at once and burned his tongue. "Ow! Ow! Soojin! This is evil!"
Soojin laughed, covering her mouth. "Welcome to Busan street food! You'll get used to it... eventually."
They wandered further into a narrow alley, the walls painted with murals of fish, waves, and 90s-style graffiti. One of Soojin's friends, a tall guy named Hyunwoo, pointed at a cartoon crab painted on a door. "Look! That crab is bigger than the door!"
Jihoon doubled over laughing. "Who made this? Was it drunk?"
Min Hyun picked a small paper fan from a stall and waved it, pretending it was a sword. "I am the mighty hero of Busan!" he announced dramatically, making Soojin and the group laugh even harder.
After a few blocks, they reached a small pier overlooking the sea. The harbor lights shimmered on the water, and the gentle breeze carried the faint cries of distant gulls. Soojin and her friends kicked off their shoes, letting sand and gravel crunch beneath their feet.
"Race you to the end of the pier!" one of the girls shouted, sprinting off. Jihoon and Min Hyun exchanged a glance, then sprinted after her, tripping slightly on the wooden planks, laughter echoing over the water.
They stopped at the edge, catching their breaths, watching a fishing boat bob gently in the waves. Hyunwoo handed everyone a bottle of cold orange soda he'd bought from a nearby vendor. Jihoon took a sip, letting the fizzy bubbles make him giggle like a child.
Soojin leaned against the railing, watching her friends' faces light up. "See? This is why I love nights like this. Simple, loud, messy... alive."
As they walked back toward Jiyoon's house, they passed another small market stall. Min Hyun eyed a tray of chestnuts spinning over a tiny open fire. "We have to try these," he said, pointing.
Jihoon groaned but followed, realizing the night had turned into an unofficial tasting tour. By the time they returned to Jiyoon's apartment, the group was exhausted, sticky from street food, but grinning from ear to ear.
Inside, the warmth of the apartment felt welcoming. They kicked off shoes, collapsed onto the floor, and Soojin poured everyone a cup of tea. "Tomorrow, we start the big sightseeing adventure — Taejongdae, Gwangalli, maybe even a hidden café I know. But tonight... rest and tell stories."
Jihoon sighed happily. "I haven't laughed this much in... I don't even know how long."
Min Hyun nodded, eyes closing briefly. "Me neither. This... this feels normal. For once."
Soojin smiled, sipping her tea. "That's the magic of Busan at night — small streets, small adventures, and friends who make it all bigger."
Sunlight spilled over the quiet streets of Busan as Min Hyun, Jihoon, and Jiyoon arrived at the small café near the meeting point. Soojin was already there, holding a bag of essentials and chatting animatedly with four of her friends — two bakers she had befriended at her small bakery, a young librarian from the nearby library, and one colleague from her office.
"Morning, everyone!" Soojin called, waving. "Ready for the real Busan experience?"
Jihoon blinked at the lively group. "Wow... this is... a lot of people."
Min Hyun chuckled softly. "It feels like a small tour squad just for us."
The bakers waved, holding small pastries they had brought along, while the librarian carried a camera, and the office colleague carried a map and a list of hidden spots. Soojin introduced everyone quickly, smoothing over the slight awkwardness:
"This is Min Hyun, my best friend, and Jihoon, my cousin for today's purposes," she said, a grin on her face. "And this is my bakery friends, Mina and Hyejin, the librarian Sunhee, and my office mate Jiwon. Together, we're going to show you Busan from corners most tourists don't see."
The group set off toward Gwangalli Beach, the morning sun reflecting off the gentle waves like scattered diamonds. The salty sea breeze tousled their hair, carrying the faint scent of grilled seafood from nearby stalls. Mina and Hyejin ran ahead, squealing as the sand squished between their toes, while Jiyoon and Min Hyun lagged slightly behind, quietly enjoying the rhythm of the waves.
Jihoon kicked off his shoes and let the water lap at his ankles. "Why didn't anyone tell me Busan was this beautiful?" he exclaimed, splashing Min Hyun lightly.
"Careful!" Soojin laughed, catching the spray. "You're going to soak the pastries!"
Min Hyun grinned, bending down to pick up a small pebble. "I think it's perfect. The beach, the waves... and no goons in sight."
After a while, they wandered toward Jagalchi Market, a riot of colors and smells. Vendors called out their goods: fresh fish gleaming under the sun, dried squid hanging in neat rows, and sizzling fried mandu that made everyone's stomachs rumble.
"Try this," Mina urged, handing Jihoon a piping-hot tteokbokki. His eyes widened at the spicy aroma. "It's got a serious kick!"
Jihoon took a bite and immediately flailed, coughing and laughing. "Oh wow... this isn't just a snack, it's a warning!"
Sunhee snapped photos of the scene, capturing the chaos of laughter and the busy market behind them. Jiwon pointed toward a narrow alley lined with hand-painted murals. "Over here — you'll love this. Hidden spots like these are everywhere if you look closely."
They wandered down the alley, stopping frequently. Jiyoon crouched to examine a mural of children flying kites. "Look at the details... the shadows, the brush strokes. It's amazing."
Min Hyun nudged Jihoon. "You should try mimicking one of the kids."
Jihoon struck a dramatic pose, pretending to hold a kite string, while Soojin laughed so hard she almost toppled into the street.
By noon, the group made their way to Taejongdae, the cliffs towering over the sea. The wind tugged at their clothes, carrying the faint scent of salt and pine. They climbed slowly, pausing to admire the lighthouse in the distance and the tiny fishing boats bobbing below.
Soojin leaned on a railing, smiling at her friends' antics. "See, this is why I love Busan. Quiet corners, breathtaking views, and... a little adventure if you look for it."
Jihoon raised a hand dramatically toward the horizon. "I hereby declare today officially the Best Day Ever!"
Jiyoon chuckled, adjusting his camera strap. "It's really... peaceful, though. I didn't expect to feel this calm in a city so lively."
In the afternoon, they stumbled upon a small café overlooking the pier. Steam rose from mugs of sweet hot chocolate and small plates of fried snacks. Mina and Hyejin chattered about new bakery recipes, Jiwon pointed out hidden streets on his map, and Sunhee eagerly photographed every angle.
As they sipped drinks, Soojin leaned back and smiled at the three men. "Busan isn't just about beaches and fish markets. It's about finding these little moments — friends, laughter, and hidden corners."
Min Hyun nodded, glancing at Jihoon and Jiyoon. "I think this is the first time in a long while we could just... breathe."
Jihoon grinned, raising his cup. "And eat without looking over our shoulders!"
Laughter rippled through the group, blending with the sounds of waves and distant seagulls. Each step through the streets, every taste of street food, every mural and cliff view felt alive, as if Busan itself were guiding them on this small, perfect adventure.
After a light snack at the café, the group stretched and yawned, the morning sun warm on their shoulders. Soojin clapped her hands. "Alright, everyone, let's call it a half-day for now. Time to head back to our apartments, freshen up, and get ready for tonight."
Min Hyun nodded, rubbing his eyes. "Good idea. I could use a proper shower after all that walking and market chaos."
Jihoon groaned dramatically. "And a change of clothes! I can't believe I've been stuck in the same outfit all morning."
Jiyoon smiled quietly. "Let's go then. Evening's still young, and I'm curious what games you have planned."
The group parted ways briefly, each returning to their respective apartments. Warm showers, clean clothes, and a little rest left everyone feeling refreshed.
By evening, the group had gathered in Jiyoon's cozy apartment, carrying foods they had picked up on the way as the soft hum of the city outside their window. Soojin spread a deck of cards on the low table, while Mina, Hyejin, Sunhee, and Jiwon settled onto cushions, joining Min Hyun, Jihoon, and Jiyoon.
"All right, everyone," Soojin announced, "let's see who's lucky tonight. Go-Stop, anyone?"
Jihoon's eyes widened. "I warn you — I am a master at card games! Tremble before me!"
Mina rolled her eyes. "We'll see about that, drama king."
Jiyoon smiled faintly, arranging his cards. "Just remember, it's not about winning. It's about making sure Jihoon doesn't cry every time he loses."
Jihoon shot him a mock glare. "Hey! My tears are artistic expression!"
Min Hyun leaned back, smirking. "Artistic expression? More like theatrical disaster."
Jihoon pointed a finger at him. "Hey! You take that back! You wouldn't survive one round of my genius moves."
Jiyoon raised an eyebrow. "Genius, huh? You call flopping on the floor 'genius'?"
The game began, cards flicking across the table with occasional misfires. Min Hyun carefully studied his hand. "Hmm... maybe I'll try a defensive approach this time. Can't let Jihoon's theatrics ruin me."
Jihoon groaned dramatically, "No! I refuse to be outplayed by a calm, calculating friend!"
Sunhee giggled, holding up her winning hand. "Maybe it's because you're too busy showing off!"
Hyejin nudged Mina. "I'm telling you, he's ridiculous!"
Jiyoon quietly laughed, leaning over to nudge Min Hyun. "At least he makes the game fun. Though I have to admit, his bluffing is... spectacularly bad."
Min Hyun smirked, whispering back, "I'll let him have his moments. They're... entertaining."
Jihoon tried bluffing, only to be caught immediately by Sunhee, who laughed so hard she nearly knocked over her tea.
"Gotcha!" Sunhee exclaimed.
"Impossible!" Jihoon groaned, flinging his cards in mock defeat.
Jiyoon shook his head with a smile. "And that, folks, is why Jihoon's dramatic flair will never beat teamwork."
Soojin clapped her hands. "All right, quiet down, everyone. Remember — it's supposed to be fun, not a battlefield!"
Min Hyun chuckled, picking up a small pile of cards. "Honestly, though, I'm having more fun watching Jihoon suffer than playing."
Jihoon glared. "You're enjoying this too much, aren't you?"
Jiyoon laughed softly. "He's right, Min Hyun. Don't hide it."
Min Hyun shrugged, still smiling. "Okay, maybe a little. But it's worth it for the laughs."
By the end of the night, everyone was laughing, sharing snacks, and recounting the day's small adventures in Busan. Jihoon dramatically flopped on the couch one last time. "I demand a rematch tomorrow!"
Jiyoon leaned back, watching the group with a quiet smile. "Sure, we'll give you one — as long as you promise less drama."
Soojin rolled her eyes, laughing. "No promises!"
The apartment was warm, cozy, and full of energy — a perfect night of camaraderie, games, and 90s nostalgia.
How might their be their tomorrow ? Fun like today or Tense like yesterday?