Chapter 17: "New Beginning: Taeyang's Birthday"
At a luxurious hotel, Taeyang's birthday party went off with a bang. His close friends, such as Minseok, Jiho, and several coworkers, including a police general who knew Taeyang, were present to celebrate the special day. However, there was something that made the night even more different: Jiwon's presence.
When Jiwon arrived at the venue looking more polished and elegant than usual, Taeyang was shocked at Jiwon's stunning charm. Jiwon wore a suit that fit her perfectly, with neatly styled hair and a confident aura that was different from her usual days. Not only did she look like someone who worked as a maid, but she looked like she was part of Taeyang's high social circle.
Taeyang couldn't help but stare at her for a moment, even for a moment he felt a sense of awe rise up without him realizing it. He felt a little awkward, but quickly composed himself and walked over.
"Jiwon, you're just in time," Taeyang said with a faint smile, trying to remain calm.
"Thank you," Jiwon replied, with the same smile, looking up at Taeyang.
A few seconds later, Taeyang pulled Jiwon towards the table where Minseok and Jiho were. "Guys, this is Jiwon. She's... my friend," Taeyang said, stammering a little as he felt a slightly different tension.
Minseok and Jiho immediately stood up and greeted Jiwon kindly, though they were quite surprised at how Jiwon looked now. "Oh, Jiwon, you finally came! Welcome!" said Minseok in a warm tone.
Jiho added, "Wow, Jiwon, you look different. It's true, you can be more presentable too."
Jiwon smiled widely. "Thank you, Jiho. I'm glad I could attend."
However, there was one figure who was secretly observing the two with a sharper gaze, namely the Police General who was present at the party. He, who was one of Taeyang's colleagues in the professional world, observed Jiwon with interest.
"Taeyang, who is she?" asked the Police General in a quite serious tone.
Taeyang felt a little nervous. "It's... Jiwon. She's been working with me for some time now," he replied, still trying to maintain his appearance in front of everyone.
The general nodded, still watching Jiwon for a moment, then turned to Taeyang. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Jiwon. I hope this evening is enjoyable for everyone."
The party continued, with the atmosphere starting to feel more relaxed. Taeyang, although awkward at first, began to feel comfortable with Jiwon on his right side. Jiwon, who usually looks a little shy and mostly silent, spoke confidently tonight. Soon, the three of them-Taeyang, Minseok, and Jiho-were engaged in a heated conversation, while Jiwon joined in, though she mostly listened.
Taeyang felt something was different that night. All the things he had taken for granted as routine or habit began to feel more alive, more lighthearted. He didn't know if it was because of Jiwon, or because he started to enjoy life more, but clearly, it was a different night, a night full of laughter and unexpected togetherness.
Taeyang's birthday party continued to be lively. Despite the presence of some important guests, the atmosphere remained intimate and warm. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the evening, even Jiwon, who is usually more serious or awkward, started to show a different side of herself tonight. She laughed, talked more freely, and enjoyed small talk with Minseok, Jiho, and other friends.
Taeyang, who initially felt awkward with Jiwon's changes, is now starting to feel more comfortable. Jiwon's unexpected charm, both in terms of appearance and her relaxed attitude, made the atmosphere more lively. Taeyang found himself a little mesmerized by Jiwon, although he didn't express his feelings directly.
As the night progressed, drinks began to flow and laughter could be heard in every corner of the room. Taeyang decided to go around and greet each guest. As he approached the table where Jiwon, Minseok, and Jiho were sitting, he realized something new: Jiwon was now truly part of his social world. She was not only a person who worked in his house, but also a valued friend.
"Jiwon, you look like you really belong here tonight," Taeyang said, sitting down next to her.
Jiwon smiled. "I'm just celebrating, right? Thank you for inviting me, Taeyang," she replied humbly.
Minseok, sitting across from them, added, "Look, Taeyang. Jiwon is getting more and more fun to talk to. I think she's better suited to be part of this group than just a maid."
Jiwon chuckled, feeling a little embarrassed. "Come on, Minseok. Don't be so complimentary. I'm just trying to be myself."
Taeyang smiled, seeing how Jiwon was starting to show another side of herself. He felt proud to be a part of the change. "I'm glad you feel comfortable here, Jiwon," he said, raising his glass. "To an unusual, but fun birthday."
Suddenly, someone from their group, the previously serious-looking Police General, stood up and raised a glass. "To Taeyang," he said in a loud and clear voice. "To success, friendship, and many more years to come."
Everyone raised their glasses and wished him a happy birthday with gusto. Taeyang felt a little moved, but he tried to hold back his emotions. He realized that tonight meant a lot more than he thought. It wasn't just about the party or the gifts, but about the people around him.
As time passed, the atmosphere grew warmer and more relaxed. Jiwon, who seemed awkward at first, has now started to join in the conversation. In fact, she laughed out loud at Minseok's jokes that had everyone in stitches. His presence tonight seemed to give a new color to Taeyang's life which previously felt monotonous.
The party continued late into the night. Although most of the guests began to say goodbye one by one, Taeyang and Jiwon remained, sitting in the corner of the room while enjoying the remaining food and drinks.
"I didn't know birthdays could be this much fun," Taeyang said with a big smile, looking at Jiwon.
"Don't say that, this party is thanks to you," Jiwon replied, touching her glass. "But thank you, Taeyang. You really gave me a different chance tonight."
Taeyang looked at Jiwon, for the first time in a long time, feeling calm and comfortable. "I feel that way too. I'm starting to realize that... sometimes, life is more colorful when there are people like you around."
Jiwon smiled a little, her face turning slightly serious. "Maybe this is just the beginning, Taeyang. We don't know what's to come, but tonight is something I'll always remember."
Taeyang nodded in agreement. "Me too."
They sat together, enjoying a moment of silence after all the noise. Nothing was more important than the closeness they felt for each other, not expressed in words, but through their demeanor and presence.
Taeyang's birthday party that night was not just a celebration of age, but also the starting point of a change in his life. And perhaps, in the near future, he would begin to see the world in a different way, thanks to someone unexpected-Jiwon.
In his heart, Taeyang knew that this was just the beginning of their journey together.