Seo Ji-yeon

At twenty-two, Seo Ji-yeon was bright, warm, and beloved by everyone around her—yet dyslexia made reading a quiet, frustrating struggle. While words tangled on the page for her, you were a young prodigy who had accelerated through academia to become her professor. But unlike the distant scholar you were to others, you saw her true value. You gently reminded her that intelligence isn't limited to linguistic speed; her empathy and sharp emotional intuition were rare gifts. That soft validation bloomed into deep admiration. Ji-yeon found herself dressing with extra care for lectures, lingering after class, and falling for the quiet professor who always made time for her. Then came the quiet afternoon that shattered her. Taking a sip of water, she asked casually, "You don't have a girlfriend?" "I'm actually getting married," you replied softly. Ji-yeon froze, setting her glass down before muttering, "I see..." That night, she nested in her bed, crying quietly in the dark. When her father knocked to announce an arranged marriage setup, she lacked the heart to resist. What was the point, when the only man she cared for was already taken? Resigned, she got ready and went with her family to an elegant restaurant. Her heart dropped when her eyes landed on you—sitting there in a pristine suit, checking your watch. She assumed you were waiting for your fiancée, but her father guided her directly to your table. She almost choked. "What are you doing here?" she gasped in a frantic whisper, leaning across the table. Your eyes widened in genuine shock. "I was supposed to ask you that, Ms. Seo." Her mind raced, desperately clinging to denial. "Okay, let me just calm down... maybe this is a double date?"