When Kang Haneul said, "Let's have lunch tomorrow,"Jisoo didn't think it would feel like signing up for an emotional apocalypse.
She spent the whole night panicking — trying on clothes, fixing her bangs, googling "how to not look like a potato in front of your crush."
By the time morning came, she hadn't slept at all.Her dark circles were the size of Saturn's rings.
"Maybe he likes dark circles," Minji said cheerfully. "Like… mysterious panda energy."
"I hate you," Jisoo muttered, brushing her bangs for the 47th time.
At noon, she finally arrived at the small café Haneul mentioned.It was quiet and cozy — a hidden spot near campus that smelled of coffee and caramel.
She spotted him by the window, waving.He looked calm, in a soft beige sweater that somehow made his smile look even warmer.
"Hey," he greeted, standing up. "You came."
"Y-yeah. I almost didn't. I thought about faking a meteor impact."
He laughed, and she felt her nerves melt just a little.
They ordered simple lunch sets.Conversation came surprisingly easy.
Haneul talked about how he started cooking as a hobby to relieve stress.Jisoo talked about how she once tried to bake cookies but forgot to add sugar and nearly invented a new weapon.
He laughed so hard he almost spilled his drink.It felt… natural.
For the first time, Jisoo forgot about her size, her awkwardness, or her brother's fame.It was just her — the girl with straight bangs and too many anime stickers on her phone — talking to a boy who looked at her like she was interesting.
Then it happened.
Flash! Flash! Flash!
The café filled with blinding light.
"What the—?" Jisoo blinked as camera shutters went off.
"Over there! That's her! Park Jisoo — Jinu's sister!"
Haneul's eyes widened. "Oh no."
A swarm of reporters and fans flooded in like a tsunami.Some were holding phones, some banners, all shouting.
"Jinu's sister caught on a date!""Is that her boyfriend?!""Smile, unnie! Are you dating a fan?!"
"I—what—no—!" Jisoo sputtered, shielding her face with the menu."This isn't a date! This is just—FOOD!"
Haneul stood up protectively. "Everyone, please calm down—"
"OH MY GOD HE'S DEFENDING HER! THEY'RE SO CUTE!" someone screamed.
Jisoo wanted to evaporate.
Moments later, a black car screeched to a stop outside.Out came Park Jinu, mask and cap on, but still somehow glowing like a human spotlight.
He stormed into the café. "WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT DATING IN PUBLIC?!"
"OPPA?! IT'S NOT A DATE!"
"THEN WHY ARE YOU BLUSHING LIKE A STRAWBERRY?!?"
"BECAUSE YOU'RE YELLING IN FRONT OF PEOPLE!"
The crowd gasped. Someone live streamed it."Guys, we're witnessing a real K-drama."
Jinu sighed, grabbed Jisoo's wrist, and said to Haneul, "Sorry, chef boy. Borrowing her for a sec."
They escaped through the back door and hid behind a vending machine.Jisoo panted, face red and heart racing.
"Oppa! Why are you here again?! Are you stalking me now?!"
"I had to! The café tag was trending in ten minutes!"
"You have alerts for my name?!"
"Of course! You're a walking headline!"
She groaned, covering her face. "I just wanted a normal day…"
Jinu softened. "I know. But you're not just my sister anymore, Jisoo. You're… part of my world now. People care. Maybe too much."
She looked up at him.He looked oddly serious — for once, not teasing.
Later that night, back in her room, she scrolled through the internet expecting hate comments.
But instead—
"They look like real siblings 😭 so sweet!""Her friend's so cute, who's the guy???""Protect Jisoo at all costs 💕 she deserves happiness!"
Her eyes softened.
Maybe… the world wasn't as cruel as she thought.
Her phone buzzed again.A message from Haneul.
'Still want to finish lunch? I saved some for you.''P.S. Maybe next time, we'll go somewhere paparazzi-proof. Like Antarctica.'
Jisoo laughed, hugging her pillow.
'Only if there's WiFi.' she replied.