Jihoon couldn’t shake off the encounter with Haneul Choi. The young photographer’s passion and innocence had left a lasting impression. As he organized the exhibition’s aftermath, Jihoon wondered about Haneul’s portfolio.

Meanwhile, Jihoon Kim consumed Haneul’s thoughts. He couldn’t explain the flutter in his chest when their eyes met or the warmth that spread through his face when Jihoon stood close.

Days passed, and Jihoon sent Haneul the submission guidelines as promised. Haneul eagerly prepared his portfolio, hoping to impress Jihoon and Director Lee.

One evening, as Jihoon reviewed submissions, Haneul’s portfolio arrived. Jihoon’s heart skipped a beat as he opened the envelope, revealing stunning photographs that captured Seoul’s essence.

“Wow,” Jihoon whispered, captivated by Haneul’s talent.

As he delved deeper into the portfolio, Jihoon noticed a photo of himself during their first meeting. Haneul had captured his genuine smile, and Jihoon’s heart fluttered.

Haneul’s thoughts: “I couldn’t resist capturing Mr. Kim. He shines so brightly…”

Jihoon’s phone buzzed, breaking the spell. It was Jaemin Jung, his ex-boyfriend.

“Jihoon, I need to see you,” Jaemin’s voice sent shivers down Jihoon’s spine.

Jihoon hesitated, unsure if he was ready to face Jaemin’s manipulation.

“I’m busy, Jaemin. What’s this about?” Jihoon tried to sound firm.

“We’ll discuss it in person. Meet me at Café Blue tomorrow, 2 PM.”

The line went dead.

Jihoon’s anxiety grew, but Haneul’s photographs remain etched in his mind, a beacon of hope.

The next day, Jihoon arrived at Café Blue, his heart racing. Jaemin sat at a corner table, sipping coffee.

“Jihoon, you’re avoiding me,” Jaemin said, his eyes narrowing.

“I’ve been busy, Jaemin. And there’s nothing to discuss between us anymore. What do you want?” Jihoon replied, trying to maintain distance.

“I want us to reconcile. You’re mine, Jihoon.”

Jihoon’s instincts screamed to flee, but he stood frozen.

Just then, Haneul walked into the café coincidentally, a camera slung over his shoulder. Their eyes met, and Jihoon felt anxious about their not-a-good-time second meeting.

Haneul's eyes shine and walk toward Jihoon’s position. “Mr. Kim!”

“Haneul? What a coincidence. Do you live near here?” Jihoon asked, trying to sound casual.

When Haneul reached Jihoon, he then felt the tension. The smile on Haneul’s face faded slowly as he turned his glance to a person sitting and staring at him. 

“Our school is just a walking distance from here. I just finished my classes early so I’m capturing street art in the area to waste time.” Haneul explained, “What about you, Mr. Kim?”

Jaemin’s gaze turned icy. “Can’t you see we’re in the middle of something?”

Jihoon’s sharp look turned to Jaemin. “Shut it.”

Haneul sensed the unease. “Ah, Mr. Kim… I think I’ll leave you two alone. I’m sorry.”

“No, please stay, Haneul,” Jihoon said, grasping for an escape. “We’re already done here.”

Haneul hesitated before sitting down.

Jaemin’s eyes flashed with anger, but he composed himself. “I’ll wait for you, Jihoon. We’re not done.”

As Jaemin stormed out of Café Blue, Jihoon felt a mix of relief and anxiety. Haneul’s presence provided a comforting distraction.

“Thanks for staying, Haneul. I owe you one,” Jihoon said, his voice laced with gratitude.

Haneul smiled warmly. “No need to thank me, Mr. Kim. I’m happy to help.”

They sat in silence for a moment, sipping their drinks. Jihoon’s eyes drifted to Haneul’s camera.

“So…what did you say brings you here today, Haneul?” Jihoon asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Haneul’s eyes sparkled. “My school’s nearby, and classes ended early so I’m capturing street art in the area. Seoul’s alleys have so much character.”

Jihoon nodded, intrigued. “I’ve never noticed that before.”

Haneul leaned in, his voice taking on an excited tone. “That’s because you’re not looking with a photographer’s eye, Mr. Kim. I see beauty in the unexpected.”

Their conversation flowed easily, covering topics from art to music. Jihoon found himself relaxing in Haneul’s presence.

As they chatted, Jihoon couldn’t help but steal glances at Haneul’s captivating smile. He felt a flutter in his chest, which he quickly attributed to relief from Jaemin’s departure.

Haneul, sensing Jihoon’s gaze, turned to him with a questioning look. Jihoon swiftly averted his eyes, focusing on his coffee.

“Mr. Kim, can I ask you something?” Haneul said, his voice tinged with curiosity.

“Please, call me Jihoon,” he replied, trying to sound casual.

Haneul’s brows slightly collide. “How could I?”

“Don’t tell me you're seeing me as an old man who’s talking to you casually. That hurt my pride, Haneul.” Jihoon tried teasing him.

“That’s not it! I, I just can’t…” Haneul said, pouting.

Jihoon sees another sight of Haneul's face. He felt a tingle inside him that made him want to tease Haneul more but a little more teasing might make him cry, that won’t do.

Jihoon chuckled as he saw Haneul’s face. “Fine. Just call me if that is convenient for you. So, what’s it you’re going to say earlier?” 

Haneul’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “What’s going on with you and…that guy?”

Jihoon’s heart skipped a beat. He hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. He thought Haneul had already forgotten about it.

“It’s complicated,” Jihoon said finally, hoping to brush it off.

Haneul’s expression turned empathetic. “Mr. Kim, this is me being nosy but I’m a good listener. If you ever need to talk…”

Their eyes met, and Jihoon felt a spark of connection.

“I’ll remember that. Thanks, Haneul. That means a lot.”

As they finished their drinks, Jihoon realized he’d spent over an hour with Haneul. The café was closing, and the staff were politely hinting at their departure.

“Let’s walk out together,” Jihoon suggested, feeling a pang of reluctance.

Haneul nodded, gathering his belongings.

As they strolled out of Café Blue, Jihoon felt a sense of comfort with Haneul by his side. The evening air carried a hint of autumn, and the streetlights cast a warm glow.

“Thanks again, Haneul. You have a way of making me feel better.”

Haneul smiled softly. “Anytime, Mr. Kim.”

Jihoon’s heart skipped a beat at the promise.

Their footsteps synchronized as they walked, the silence between them comfortable.

“Hey, Haneul?” Jihoon asked, breaking the quiet.

“Yes?” Haneul replied, turning to him.

“What made you want to become a photographer?” Jihoon’s curiosity got the better of him.

Haneul’s expression turned introspective. “I’ve always been fascinated by the way light and shadows dance. Photography allows me to capture that beauty.”

Jihoon nodded, captivated by Haneul’s passion. “You have a gift for it.”

Haneul’s cheeks flushed, and he looked away, his voice barely above a whisper. “Thanks, Mr. Kim. That means a lot coming from you.”

Their eyes met, and Jihoon felt a spark of connection. He quickly looked away, attributing the sensation to gratitude.

As they parted ways at the subway station, Jihoon felt a pang of reluctance.

“Thanks for your time, Haneul. Get home safe.” Jihoon said, his voice genuine.

Haneul smiled warmly. “Anytime, Mr. Kim. Drive safe.”

Jihoon watched Haneul get on the bus and leave, feeling a sense of hope he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Later that evening...

Jihoon’s phone buzzed, breaking the silence. A text from Jaemin:

“We’re not done, Jihoon. Remember you’re mine.”

Jihoon’s heart sank, the familiar fear creeping back in.

But then he thought of Haneul’s words: “I’m a good listener, Mr. Kim…If you ever need to talk…”

A spark of determination ignited within Jihoon. He wouldn’t let Jaemin control him.

With newfound resolve, Jihoon typed a response:

“Leave me alone, Jaemin. I’ve moved on.”

Jihoon’s heart pounded as he hit send.

Still, Jihoon couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease after Jaemin’s text. He tried to distract himself by reviewing Haneul’s portfolio again.

As he delved deeper into the photographs, Jihoon noticed a theme of resilience and hope. Haneul’s work resonated with him on a deeper level.

Days passed…

Jihoon and Haneul’s paths continued to cross, their conversations growing more comfortable.

Haneul’s photography exhibition loomed, and Jihoon offered his support.

As they worked together, Jihoon found himself drawn to Haneul’s creative energy.

But he refused to acknowledge the flutter in his chest, focusing on their professional relationship.