I settled into the cozy corner of the café, my gaze wandering as I absently stirred the spoon in my cup. Jung Minsuk, my latest blind date courtesy of Eunbi's unrelenting attempts at matchmaking, sat across from me. Eunbi had insisted that he was a great guy, but I couldn't help but feel a hint of annoyance at being set up yet again.

Minsuk's appearance was pretty neat, his properly combed dark hair and hazel eyes reflecting his nervousness. He fumbled with the collar of his white shirt, his awkwardness palpable. As he stumbled through small talk, I wondered if he could sense my disinterest.

I mustered a polite smile, my gaze meeting his as I asked, "So, Jung Minsuk, Eunbi mentioned you're in marketing?"

A spark of enthusiasm lit up his eyes, and he nodded eagerly. "Yep, that's right. I work for a digital marketing agency, creating strategies for businesses' online campaigns."

I nodded, my attention drifting momentarily to a couple engrossed in conversation at a nearby table. The café was abuzz with activity, the aroma of coffee blending with the muted chatter. Jung Minsuk's voice faded into the background as I fought to stay engaged.

He leaned forward, his gaze hopeful. "I've always been fascinated by the psychology behind consumer choices. Social media has really changed the way people think, you know?"

As he continued to talk, my mind wandered. The soft glow of sunlight filtering through the window, casting warm patterns on the table. The rustling leaves outside as a breeze rustled through the park. I managed a nod, hoping he wouldn't notice my lack of enthusiasm.

Minsuk's eyes followed my gaze, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "The park across the street used to be my favourite place. I'd spend hours reading books here."

I turned my attention to the park, acknowledging its tranquility. "It does seem like a peaceful spot."

The conversation carried on, Minsuk sharing his interests with an eagerness that contrasted sharply with my own detachment. He spoke of hiking adventures and his passion for photography, his eyes lighting up as he recounted his experiences. While his stories were engaging, my thoughts kept drifting elsewhere.

As the hours passed, our cups grew emptier, and Jung Minsuk checked his watch with a self-conscious grin. "Time really slipped away, didn't it?"

I offered a genuine chuckle, the surprise in my own voice catching me off guard. "It certainly did."

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. He seemed like a nice guy, after all, and maybe Eunbi's intentions weren't entirely misguided.

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "Minsuk, I had a nice time chatting with you today," I began, my tone gentle yet earnest. "But I want to be clear - I'm not looking for a romantic relationship right now. I hope you understand."

His smile faltered slightly, but he nodded, his gaze sincere. "I appreciate your honesty, Sooyeon. I had a good time too, and I respect your decision. Friends?"

I returned his smile, feeling a genuine warmth. "Absolutely, friends sounds great."

With that understanding in place, we said our goodbyes, and I watched as he walked away, a sense of relief washing over me. It was a weight off my shoulders to have communicated my intentions clearly, and I was grateful for his understanding.

As I gathered my things and left the café, my phone buzzed with a new message notification. Curious, I unlocked it to find a message from an unknown number: "I heard you've been searching for me, Sooyeon."

Fear mingled with curiosity, and I quickly typed out a response, my fingers trembling slightly, "Who's this?"

The reply came faster than I expected: "Someone you've crossed paths with. Someone you're fascinated by."

Recognition struck me like a lightning bolt. It was him - Jungkook. Despite my initial apprehension, a strange calm settled over me. I fired back, my fingers regaining their steadiness, "Jeon Jungkook?"

His response was simple and direct, "Yes."

I couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and curiosity. My fingers danced across the screen, "Why did you wait a week to respond? And why from a new number?"

A chuckle seemed to echo in my mind as his next message appeared, "It's my business, honey."

I huffed, irritation tinged with intrigue. "Well, it's not very reassuring when someone texts you from an unknown number."

A pause, then his reply: "Fair enough."

I took a deep breath, deciding to address what had been gnawing at me. "Look, I just want to meet in person. No dry texting."

His response was swift, the words cold and probing: "Why?"

I considered my words carefully, then typed with a hint of exasperation, "Because I had a good time with you, I guess. Call it curiosity."

I waited, my heart pounding, as his response appeared: "Curiosity can be a dangerous thing, Sooyeon."

I felt a shiver down my spine, his words carrying an ominous weight. But I was determined not to let fear dictate my actions. I typed back, my fingers hitting the keys with determination, "I can handle myself, Jungkook."

The pause that followed felt eternal, and just when I thought he might not respond, his message appeared: "Tomorrow. 8 PM. The garden near the Han River."

A whirlwind of emotions swirled within me - excitement, anticipation, and a hint of unease. The prospect of meeting Jungkook again, this time outside the confines of a crowded ballroom, sent a thrill down my spine. Yet, his stark reminder that curiosity could be dangerous lingered in my mind like a warning.

I replied with a simple "Alright, tomorrow it is," my fingers hovering over the keyboard before I hit send. The weight of my decision settled over me, a mix of determination and uncertainty.

As I stared at the screen, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stepping into a realm far more complicated than I could ever imagine. But beneath the uncertainty, a spark of anticipation burned bright - a desire to uncover the truth, no matter how dangerous it might be.

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