AUTHOR'S POV-

In the cozy warmth of their living room, Y/n's father settled into his armchair, letting out a sigh as he set his cup of tea down on the side table. Y/n's mother was perched across from him on the sofa, absorbed in a book until he spoke.

"You know," he began thoughtfully, "I met Taehyung again today at the conference. He's doing exceptional work with the company. It's impressive, especially at his age. He's grounded, polite, and ambitious." He paused, a slight smile forming on his face. "And his grandfather's just as sharp and respectable. I've been thinking about it for a while now—he really would be the perfect match for Y/n."

Y/n's mother looked up, her face brightening at the mention of Taehyung. They had met him and his grandfather numerous times at business events, and each encounter had left a positive impression. She closed her book, giving her husband her full attention. "Taehyung does seem like a genuinely good person. He's done such a remarkable job with KTH Enterprises, considering he's still young. And he's kind. He seems to have a calm, collected demeanor, the type that could balance Y/n's spirited nature."

Her husband nodded, the idea taking firmer root in his mind. "Exactly. And, from what I've seen, Taehyung is someone who values family. You can tell from the way he respects his grandfather. He has that rare sense of loyalty. It's the kind of trait you want for your daughter."

Y/n's mother smiled, remembering the times she had observed Taehyung. Each time, he had greeted them with the utmost respect, a warm but reserved presence that exuded both confidence and humility. "And," she added thoughtfully, "he's composed in a way that would match Y/n's energy. He wouldn't try to compete with her or overshadow her but would be steady, someone she could lean on without fear of being held back."

Her husband chuckled at that, clearly pleased by how well Y/n and Taehyung seemed to balance each other, even if they didn't know it yet. "It's rare to find someone with both a strong work ethic and that gentle demeanor. You know, it's interesting—he's the only person who seems to make Y/n second-guess herself in a way that pushes her to grow. You can see it in how seriously she takes her work now, how focused she's become since starting her internship with him. There's a respect there that I think is mutual."

Y/n's mother's expression softened as she considered his words. "You're right. She does seem different since she started working with him. She has more direction and confidence. She's still the same, but there's something... purposeful about her now."

Her husband nodded, pleased to see they were both on the same page. "It's a rare dynamic. And I think Taehyung brings out something in her that I haven't seen before—maybe a sense of security, someone who doesn't just admire her but challenges her to be her best."

After a brief silence, Y/n's mother looked up, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "Do you think Y/n's noticed him in that way?"

Her father chuckled, scratching his chin as he thought. "Not yet, I'd imagine. But sometimes these things take time. And maybe it's better that way. Let them work together, let her get to know him on her own terms."

Y/n's mother nodded in agreement, a gentle smile crossing her face. "Then we'll let things unfold as they may. But if one day Y/n brings Taehyung home, I wouldn't be surprised."

It was one of those crisp Saturday afternoons, the kind where everything feels a little more vibrant, a little lighter. I finally got a break from work and arranged to meet Tzuyu. Even though we had once been inseparable, both of us diving into our careers had left our meetups to chance, but today, nothing was more important than catching up with her.

We decided on a cozy café tucked away from the city noise, where sunlight filtered in through large windows, casting warm patterns on the hardwood floor. Tzuyu had been talking about a new project she was working on, her voice animated as she explained the details. I sat back, listening to her passion come alive, feeling grateful to have a friend who was as driven and focused as I was.

"It sounds amazing, Tzuyu," I said, genuinely proud of her. "I can see how much you love what you do. You're really inspiring, you know that?"

She gave me a wide grin, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks, Y/n. I feel like I'm finally doing something that matters, you know? It's a lot of work, but I feel like I'm growing, pushing myself in ways I never thought I could." She paused and looked at me earnestly. "It's like... when you started at KTH Enterprises. You really put your whole heart into it, and I can see how much it's changed you too."

Her words struck a chord, and I found myself nodding. It was true—working at KTH Enterprises had pushed me to grow. Every day felt like a new challenge, and I couldn't deny the satisfaction that came with that. But I didn't need to tell Tzuyu all this; she understood it already.

"I know what you mean," I said with a small smile. "It's demanding, but in the best way. And honestly, I feel like I've learned more in these past months than I ever could have imagined. I just didn't expect... well, let's just say, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I do."

There was a brief silence, both of us caught in our own reflections. Tzuyu looked over at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, how's it working with Mr. Kim every day?" she asked, her tone teasing but curious.

I felt my cheeks warm up slightly, though I quickly brushed it off with a casual shrug. "It's... good," I replied, trying to sound neutral. "I mean, he's professional, and I've learned a lot from him. He's one of those people who seem to know exactly what to say in any situation, which is pretty impressive."

Tzuyu smirked, leaning forward. "Uh-huh, and does this 'professional' attitude ever cross over to, you know, *not so professional* thoughts?"

I laughed, shaking my head, though I couldn't ignore the slight pang her words brought. "Tzuyu! No, it's not like that. Besides, he's... my boss. And there's nothing there. Really."

Tzuyu gave me a knowing look, clearly unconvinced but willing to let it go—for now, at least. She leaned back in her chair, sipping her coffee with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Well, I guess we're both in the same boat then," she said with a sigh. "Work-focused, independent women with no love lives to speak of."

I smiled, glad for the lighthearted shift in conversation. "Speaking of love lives," I said, raising an eyebrow, "is there anyone *you* have your eye on? Come on, Tzuyu, don't tell me you're only thinking about work these days!"

She groaned, laughing softly. "I wish there was! But honestly, no, there isn't anyone. I think I'd rather get settled first, you know? Have a career that I'm proud of, be financially stable, and then maybe... find someone who gets me. Who knows?"

I nodded, understanding. In a way, her words mirrored my own thoughts—building a life on a foundation I could rely on first. "That's true. I think we both want the same thing, Tzuyu," I said quietly. "But still, I'm sure there's someone out there who's perfect for you. They just haven't shown up yet."

She chuckled. "Oh, I hope so. But you never know. Maybe he's closer than I think, and I'm just blind to it."

I smiled at her, but her words struck me deeply. After everything that had happened with Jungkook, I wasn't sure where my heart stood anymore. A part of me still felt hurt, and the other part was simply trying to move forward, to let the memories fade so that I could continue growing, working, living.

Tzuyu must have noticed the sudden shift in my expression, because she reached out, placing her hand on mine. "Hey, Y/n... have you thought about where you want to go from here?"

I looked down, feeling a little vulnerable. "I don't know. After everything that happened with Jungkook, I thought maybe I'd be fine just focusing on my career, you know? But now... I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I'm missing something."

Tzuyu squeezed my hand gently. "That's okay, Y/n. You're still figuring things out, and there's nothing wrong with that. You're doing amazing. And maybe, just maybe, the right person is waiting for you around the corner."

I sighed, feeling a wave of gratitude for her friendship. "Thanks, Tzuyu. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She grinned, pulling her hand back. "What are friends for? And hey, don't worry too much about love. It'll happen when it's meant to."

We spent the rest of the afternoon reminiscing, laughing, and talking about our dreams, the kind of future we wanted to create for ourselves. And for a while, it was easy to forget the complications, the heartbreak, and the uncertainty.

As we got up to leave, Tzuyu wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. "Remember, Y/n, you're never alone," she said softly. "Whatever you need, I'm always here."

I hugged her back, feeling a sense of warmth settle over me. "I know. And the same goes for you."

We parted ways at the door, each of us heading toward our respective paths. Yet as I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of anticipation stirring within me. Maybe Tzuyu was right. Maybe there was more waiting for me than I had allowed myself to believe. And maybe, just maybe, I wasn't as alone in this journey as I had once thought.

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