Quantum Entanglement Love (Series 1)

Chapter 1: Minjin and Minjun



The year 2004

The clinking of cutlery and soft conversation created a lively evening atmosphere in the elegant dining room of the upscale Korean restaurant. The Park and Kang families enjoyed a luxurious spread of traditional Korean cuisine.

Park Tae-hyung, a project director, sat with his boss, Kang Dae-jun, the vice president. Their engaging conversation included mutual respect and friendly banter. They shifted to their children, Minjin and Minjun, nearby.

Kang Dae-jun said, "Isn't it funny? Our kids not only share an age but also similar names. It must be fate."

Park Tae-hyung chuckled, "It does seem that way. They might have interesting interactions in the future."

Kang Dae-jun added, "Can you imagine if they got engaged someday? That would be something."

Kang Xiumin, the elder son, nudged his younger brother Minjun with a teasing grin. Minjun glared at him, but his irritation quickly shifted to Minjin, who smiled politely across from him.

Kang Dae-jun's wife, Mrs. Han, smiled at Park Tae-hyung. "Mensa recognized Minjin with an IQ of 163, even higher than Einstein's! That's great!"

Park Tae-hyung said, "Yes, Minjin is quite talented. We're lucky."

Kang Dae-jun added, "Maybe Minjin could mentor Minjun. It could be helpful."

Minjun's expression darkened at Minjin's smile, while Kang Xiumin chuckled. "Maybe you'll get pointers from the genius herself."

Minjun muttered with his pride bruised. "I don't need anyone's help."

As the evening continued, the conversation flowed, yet tension lingered between Minjun and Minjin. The meal featured beautifully prepared Korean dishes, but the evening's dynamics had subtly changed.

Minjun exited the restroom, enjoying the brief quiet of the hallway away from the bustling restaurant. He took a deep breath to shake off irritation from his father's comments about his intelligence.

As he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with Minjin, who smiled softly and stood relaxed. Minjun paused, and he was caught off guard. He briefly met her gaze but quickly looked away, trying to ignore her. As he attempted to walk past her silently, Minjin stepped aside, blocking his path. Minjun attempted to pass again, but she moved, positioning herself right in his path.

His face flushed with anger as he stopped and glared at her. "What is your problem?" he demanded, voice tight with annoyance.

Minjin smiled. "I want us to be friends," she said sincerely.

Minjun's eyebrows rose in disbelief. "Friends?" he scoffed.

"I don't need friends like you."

He pushed past her firmly, clarifying his point.

Minjin stumbled back slightly, her smile wavering momentarily. She watched him with a calm look of rejection.

"Why not?" she asked curiously.

Minjun faced her. "I don't want to be anyone's charity case," he snapped.

"Not yours." He turned and walked away, leaving Minjin alone in the hallway.

Her smile faded as she watched him disappear.

###

As the Park family drove home with the city lights of Seoul created patterns of light and shadow in the car. The engine's hum filled the space, and a comfortable silence settled between Park Tae-hyung and Minjin.

Park Tae-hyung noticed Minjin's thoughtful expression, "What did you think about Minjun-ah?"

Minjin hesitated, glancing at her father. "I think... he hates me."

Park Tae-hyung chuckled lightly. "Minjun feels overwhelmed. People often struggle to react when meeting someone new."

Minjin blinked. "Maybe, but he didn't seem happy when I asked to be friends."

Her father smiled. "Don't give up easily. Those who push you away may need a friend the most. Keep reaching out and trying. You never know what might happen."

Minjin's face brightened. "Okay, I'll keep trying. I promise I'll do my best."

Park Tae-hyung nodded. "You bring out the best in people. You'll do fine."

Minjin settled back in her seat, finally smiling.

She stared out the window, watching the city blur. Her mind raced about approaching Minjun. She was determined to break through his walls. She believed in friendship's power and she was committed to proving it to him.

###

Minjin stood outside Minjun's classroom. She was clutching a handful of brightly wrapped chocolate bars that crinkled softly in her grip. She had spent all morning thinking about how to approach Minjun again.

The door swung open, and Minjun stepped out. Minjin's face brightened as she stepped before him, blocking his path again.

"Minjun-ah!" she called cheerfully.

He paused and his expression darkened into a frown. "What do you want now?"

Minjin smiled, presenting the chocolates. "I brought these for you. Thought you might like them. Everyone likes chocolate, right?"

Minjun looked at the chocolates in her hand. He seemed to soften briefly but quickly took one and tossed it away, sending it skidding across the floor.

Minjin's smile faltered but quickly returned. She picked up the discarded chocolate bars and saw Minjun turning to leave. Without hesitation, she gathered the chocolates and followed him down the hallway.

"Minjun-ah!" she called again.

Minjun stopped and turned around sharply. "Why are you following me? Can't you take a hint? I don't want your stupid chocolates, and I don't want to be your friend!"

Minjin's smile softened as she met his gaze directly. "I just want to be your friend, Minjun-ah. I think you could really use one."

Minjun scoffed, "I don't need a friend like you," and turned away but Minjin stood firm.

She walked beside him. "Maybe I need a friend like you. I'll keep trying until you see it's not so bad to have one."

Minjun slowed his pace slightly. He didn't look back but appeared less eager to walk away.


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