Chapter Ten: Forgotten Promises.
The office was dimly lit, with only the glow of his computer screen illuminating the room. Kang Min Jun leaned back in his chair, rubbing his tired eyes as he reviewed the final touches on the design project that had consumed his every waking moment for the past week.
His desk was cluttered with sketches, blueprints, and notes, evidence of the relentless drive that had kept him working late into the night.Min Jun glanced at the clock—10:45 PM. His heart sank.
He was supposed to meet Soo Jeon hours ago for their date. A wave of guilt washed over him as he reached for his phone, which lay silent and forgotten on the desk. Several missed calls and messages from Soo Jeon stared back at him, each one a reminder of the promise he had failed to keep.
Min Jun: Soo Jeon, I'm so sorry. I completely lost track of time. Please forgive me.He hesitated before sending the message, knowing that no excuse would make up for his absence. Min Jun knew how much this evening meant to Soo Jeon—it was supposed to be a break from their hectic schedules, a chance to reconnect. But once again, his work had taken precedence, and he had let her down.Minutes passed, each one feeling like an eternity.
Finally, his phone buzzed with a reply:Soo Jeon: I understand, Min Jun. I know how important your work is. But I can't help feeling disappointed. We barely see each other as it is…
Her words cut through him like a knife, the weight of her disappointment heavy on his heart. He could picture her now, sitting alone at the café where they were supposed to meet, her hopeful smile fading with each passing minute. It was a scene that played out too often in their relationship—a casualty of his demanding career.
Min Jun: I'm really sorry, Soo Jeon. I don't want you to feel neglected. You mean so much to me, and I hate that I keep letting you down.He waited, the silence on the other end of the phone amplifying his anxiety.
Finally, her response came, softer this time:Soo Jeon: I know, Min Jun. I just… I miss you. I miss us.Min Jun's chest tightened. He hated the distance that had crept into their relationship, the way his work seemed to consume everything in its path, leaving little room for anything else. He wanted to be there for her, to make her feel loved and cherished, but lately, it seemed like his promises were as fragile as the paper he sketched on.Min Jun: I miss you too, Soo Jeon. Can we reschedule? I'll make it up to you, I promise.
The silence stretched on again before her reply arrived:Soo Jeon: Okay. Let's meet tomorrow, but this time… don't forget.Relief mixed with lingering guilt as he read her words.
He knew she was giving him another chance, but he couldn't ignore the growing tension between them. Min Jun knew he needed to find a balance, to prioritize the woman who had captured his heart. Otherwise, the love they shared might slowly slip away, like sand through his fingers.
As he put away his work for the night, Min Jun made a vow to himself—he would make tomorrow count. He wouldn't let his work come between them again. Soo Jeon was too important, too precious to lose. And this time, he intended to keep his promise.