The time goes back to the afternoon in Jeju.
After the honest confession made by Kang Min-ho and the gentle joke by Eun-soo, the heavy atmosphere between them finally became light.
They began to talk about normal things, like how their daily lives were going and what they usually do for fun.
No one mentioned the "date," the "arranged marriage," or the expectations of their elite families anymore.
After walking for some time, Eun-soo and Kang Min-ho reached the designated eating area within the Forest of Healing.
"I have booked the Charong Healing Lunchbox for us," Min-ho said, looking at the peaceful surroundings.
"It is a specialty here. The meals are prepared by local residents using seasonal ingredients from Jeju."
"I heard it includes boiled pork, rice balls, and even Omegi-tteok—that traditional rice cake made with millet and red beans. I thought you would like it."
Eun-soo smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I have heard a lot about these lunchboxes, but I never had the chance to try one. Let's eat."
They went to the nearest wooden daybed and sat down after washing their hands at a nearby tap.
A local resident brought their food in a Charong, which is a beautiful, traditional hand-woven bamboo basket.
Kang Min-ho and Eun-soo began to nimble their food slowly, enjoying the quiet sounds of the forest.
Eun-soo really liked the flavor and looked at Min-ho. "This food is light and healthy. It's not over-spicy either. I like it a lot."
Min-ho nodded in agreement. "Yes, I like this kind of food too. It feels very clean."
Eun-soo then thought of something. "Speaking of which, why didn't your sister, Ara, come with us today?"
"She had some urgent work, so she already left for Seoul," Min-ho explained.
Eun-soo acknowledged his answer, and for a moment, only the sound of the wind in the trees could be heard.
Then, Min-ho looked at her seriously. "Eun-soo, can I ask you something personal?"
Eun-soo hesitated for a second, but then she nodded. "If I can answer it, I will."
Min-ho took a breath and asked, "Why and how did you fall in love with Jin-woo?"
Listening to this question, Eun-soo stared at Min-ho for a long time.
She took a deep breath and looked up at the green canopy of the trees.
"I don't really know when I fell or how I fell for him," she said softly.
"It might be the small things he did, or maybe it's just who he is. It's hard to put into words."
Min-ho listened to her answer and sighed quietly. He didn't know what to say to that.
After a pause, he asked another question. "Does Jin-woo know that you like him?"
Eun-soo shook her head. "I think he likes me, but... that is just my woman's intuition. He hasn't said anything."
Min-ho whispered, almost to himself, "How will you confess to him?"
Eun-soo sighed and looked at her hands. "I don't know yet."
After her answer, they both became silent.
On one hand, there was Min-ho, who had confessed his feelings clearly but was rejected.
On the other hand, there was Jin-woo, who had never said a single word about love, but he was already accepted in Eun-soo's heart.
Neither of them knew how fate plays such strange jokes on people.
They did not talk about this topic again for the rest of the afternoon.
They completed their tour of the forest, and during the drive back to the hotel, they both felt more relaxed.
They had already said what needed to be said. Other things will depend on time and destiny.
The time comes back to the present.
Kang Ara, sitting in her home, listened to her brother's voice over the phone.
Hearing about the circumstances of his date and his quiet rejection, she didn't know what to say at first.
She had always seen her brother as someone who could have anything he wanted.
To hear that he was "one step behind" a man like Jin-woo made her feel a strange mix of sympathy and curiosity.
"So," Ara finally spoke, her voice echoing in her silent living room.
"You're really going to just wait and see what happens?"
"For now, yes," Min-ho replied.
Then Min-ho asked, "What about you? How was your day?"
Kang Ara replied, "Just as usual. I did some shoots for necklace brands and read my script for an upcoming drama in the meantime."
Kang Min-ho said, "Sister, do not push yourself too much. You actually do not need to work. Dad and I can handle everything."
Kang Ara laughed and said, "My little brother knows how to take care of his sister. Do not worry, I do this because I like it and I will take care."
Min-ho said, "Then good night, sister. I also need to take rest. I just returned from Jeju."
Ara nodded and said on the phone, "Okay, bye, take care."
Min-ho cut the phone call, and Ara also went to the bathroom to take a bath.
After coming out of the bath, Ara went directly to sleep.
Next day, early in the morning, Ara got up from her bed.
She changed into her exercise clothes, wearing a dark purple t-shirt and tight black leggings that showed her fit and athletic figure.
She headed out to her local VIP fitness gym to exercise.
This gym was exclusive, catering only to celebrities and the elite to ensure their privacy.
As she arrived at her gym, she began her morning routine.
While she was exercising, she saw someone for the first time there, and she could not believe her eyes.
Tae-jun was there, performing intense pull-up exercises.
Ara could not contain her curiosity.
She stopped her own workout and began to walk toward him.
The gym was quiet at this hour, with only a few people scattered around the large, high-end facility.
Tae-jun looked focused, his muscles tensing with every upward movement.
Ara stood a short distance away, watching him for a moment before speaking.
"Tae-jun-ssi?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of surprise.
Tae-jun finished his set and dropped down to the floor, breathing steadily.
He wiped his brow and turned to see who was calling his name.
When he saw Ara, his expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
"Kang Ara-ssi," he acknowledged, giving a polite nod. "I didn't expect to see you here."
Ara smiled, her curiosity growing. "I've been coming here for a long time, but I've never seen you before. Are you a new member?"
Tae-jun picked up a water bottle. "I recently moved nearby. I needed a place that offered enough privacy."
Ara nodded. "Well, you chose the right place. Privacy is the only thing people here really care about."