Chapter Sixty-two: At a Crossroads.

The next day felt heavier for both Min Jun and Soo Jeon. Even though they went about their usual routines, their minds were preoccupied with the lingering conversation from the night before. Soo Jeon couldn't shake the feeling of unease, even as she practiced for her upcoming performance. Every graceful movement she made across the studio felt weighed down by the uncertainty of what was coming.

During a break, Soo Jeon sat down on the bench, towel draped over her shoulders, and glanced over at one of her close colleagues, Yoon Ah, who had noticed her distracted look. "What's going on? You've been off all day," Yoon Ah said, sitting beside her.

Soo Jeon hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Min Jun's been offered a big project. It's overseas… and if he takes it, he'll be gone for months."

Yoon Ah's eyes widened in surprise. "That's huge for him, isn't it?"

"It is," Soo Jeon agreed, her voice soft. "But… we just got married. The timing feels so wrong, and I'm afraid of what it could mean for us. It's hard to imagine being apart for so long."

Yoon Ah gave her a thoughtful look. "It's a tough decision, but you two have always been solid. If anyone can handle this, it's you and Min Jun. Trust yourselves."

Soo Jeon offered a faint smile, appreciating her friend's support, but deep down, the uncertainty still gnawed at her.

---

At the same time, Min Jun found himself sitting across from his mentor, a senior architect who had guided him through much of his career. They were at a quiet café, and Min Jun shared the details of the overseas project, his excitement tempered by his concerns for his marriage.

His mentor nodded thoughtfully, stirring his tea. "It's a great opportunity, no doubt about it. But it's also a turning point. You're not just thinking about your career anymore — your decisions affect Soo Jeon too."

Min Jun sighed. "I know, and that's why I'm so torn. I don't want to lose this chance, but I don't want to jeopardize my marriage either. It feels like whichever choice I make, I'm sacrificing something important."

His mentor leaned forward, offering a knowing smile. "That's the nature of life, Min Jun. There's always a trade-off. But the question you need to ask yourself is: what's your priority right now? Career opportunities come and go, but relationships… they're harder to rebuild if they break."

Min Jun sat back, letting the words sink in. His thoughts churned, trying to make sense of what mattered most to him.

---

That evening, Min Jun returned home with a sense of clarity, though the weight of the decision still pressed down on his chest. Soo Jeon greeted him with a quiet smile, sensing that they both needed to continue their conversation.

They sat down together in the living room, the mood calm but serious. Min Jun was the first to speak. "I've been thinking a lot about everything. About us, and about the project. I don't want to make a decision that will hurt us."

Soo Jeon nodded, her gaze steady but soft. "I've been thinking too. I'm scared, Min Jun. Scared of what could happen if you go, and we're apart for so long. But… I also don't want to be the reason you miss out on something important for your career. You've worked so hard for this."

Her words touched him deeply, and he reached for her hand, holding it tightly. "I don't want to lose what we have," he said, his voice low. "You're the most important thing to me, Soo Jeon. More than any project or opportunity. I could take this job, but if it means risking us, I'm not sure it's worth it."

Soo Jeon squeezed his hand back, feeling a swell of emotion rise within her. "I trust you, Min Jun. Whatever decision you make, I'll stand by you. But I just need you to know that this is hard for me too. I'm willing to support you if you go, but I'm afraid of what it could do to us."

They sat there in silence for a few moments, both of them feeling the weight of what they were facing.

Finally, Min Jun took a deep breath, making up his mind. "I'll stay," he said softly but with certainty. "I'll let the project go. My career will have other opportunities, but I won't have another chance at making this work with you."

Tears welled up in Soo Jeon's eyes as she leaned in, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "Thank you, Min Jun. I love you. I'm so relieved."

He hugged her back, feeling a sense of peace wash over him despite the sacrifice he had made. "I love you too. We'll face everything together, no matter what comes."

As they held each other, they both knew that this decision had brought them even closer. Their relationship had been tested, but it had only grown stronger in the process. Now, they were ready to move forward together, ready to face whatever the future had in store for them.