Lee Jihoon stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his hoodie.
Today wasn't about work.
It wasn't about stressful deadlines or office politics.
And for once, it wasn't about navigating through the unknown world of VIP events and networking.
Today, he was just going to hang out—with Yoo Seoyun.
No cameras.
No reporters.
Just two people spending a day together.
As friends.
Jihoon still couldn't believe it.
He checked his phone.
Yoo Seoyun: Meet me at Namsan Park at 11 AM. Dress casually.
Also, if you're late, you're paying for lunch.
Jihoon smirked. She really likes threatening my wallet, huh?
Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was 10:15 AM.
Enough time.
With a stretch and a deep breath, he grabbed his jacket and stepped out.
For the first time in a while, he felt genuinely excited about his day.
When Jihoon arrived at Namsan Park, he wasn't sure what to expect.
Would Seoyun show up with security? Would she be wearing some elaborate disguise?
Instead, she was already waiting at the entrance, dressed in jeans, a cozy oversized sweater, and a baseball cap pulled low over her face.
From afar, she just looked like any other girl enjoying a quiet day.
Jihoon smirked as he walked up to her. "I almost didn't recognize you."
Seoyun grinned. "That's the point."
She adjusted her cap slightly, glancing around before looking at him. "No cameras. No reporters. Just a normal day."
Jihoon raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you can pull off 'normal'?"
Seoyun playfully elbowed him. "Watch me."
Jihoon chuckled. This might actually be fun.
Ding.
[New Experience: Hanging Out with a Celebrity (Casual Edition)]
Potential Kindness Opportunities: HIGH
Jihoon shook his head. This system was way too invested in his social life.
The park was lively but not overwhelming.
Families strolled by, couples held hands, joggers ran past, and tourists took photos of the city skyline.
Jihoon and Seoyun walked along the main path, the autumn leaves crunching beneath their feet.
At first, Seoyun kept glancing around, as if checking to see if anyone recognized her.
But as time passed, she relaxed.
Jihoon noticed it.
The way her shoulders loosened.The way she laughed more easily.The way she wasn't constantly checking her surroundings.
Eventually, they stopped at a small street food stall, where a friendly old lady was selling roasted sweet potatoes.
Jihoon barely had time to react before Seoyun let out a small, excited gasp.
"Oh my god, I haven't had these in forever," she murmured.
Jihoon smirked. "Then you're getting one."
Before she could protest, Jihoon handed the vendor some cash and bought two.
Seoyun pouted. "I was going to pay."
Jihoon shrugged, handing her the warm snack. "Consider it payback for making me wake up early."
Seoyun narrowed her eyes. "You act like 11 AM is early."
Jihoon took a bite of his sweet potato. "For a corporate worker, it is."
Seoyun chuckled before taking a bite of hers.
As they sat on a bench, Jihoon glanced at her.
"You really don't get to do things like this often, huh?"
Seoyun sighed, staring at her food. "Not really. The moment someone recognizes me, it's over."
Jihoon nodded. "That must suck."
Seoyun let out a soft laugh. "That's one way to put it."
She stared ahead, watching kids chase each other around the park. "I used to do this all the time before I debuted. Just walking around, eating street food, sitting at the park…"
Jihoon leaned back. "Miss it?"
Seoyun hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. A lot."
Ding.
[Kindness Opportunity Detected.]
Sometimes, the best gift is creating a space where someone feels normal.
Jihoon smirked. Challenge accepted.
He gestured toward the trees. "Then let's do everything you used to do."
Seoyun raised an eyebrow. "Everything?"
Jihoon grinned. "Everything. Street food, sightseeing, random conversations—whatever you want."
Seoyun stared at him before grinning back.
"You're on."
Ding.
[Meaningful Act of Kindness Completed!]
Reward: 10,000 KRW
After wandering the park, Seoyun suddenly grabbed Jihoon's arm and dragged him into a small arcade.
"I haven't been here in years," she said, looking around excitedly.
Jihoon smirked. "Let me guess—you used to be an arcade champion?"
Seoyun puffed up her chest dramatically. "I was undefeated in air hockey."
Jihoon raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge?"
Seoyun smirked. "If you're brave enough."
And just like that, they were standing at an air hockey table, ready for battle.
First round? Jihoon won.Second round? Seoyun won.Final round? An intense back-and-forth match that ended in Seoyun barely taking the win.
She threw her arms in the air victoriously. "Undefeated champion remains undefeated!"
Jihoon chuckled. "I'll let you have this one."
Seoyun grinned. "You mean you lost fair and square."
Jihoon shook his head. This was actually fun.
Ding.
[Small Act of Kindness Completed!]
Reward: 5,000 KRW
After playing arcade games, they ended up at a quiet café, sipping warm drinks.
For a while, neither of them spoke, just enjoying the peaceful moment.
Then, Seoyun sighed.
"…You know, Jihoon," she said softly, stirring her drink. "I didn't expect this."
Jihoon looked at her. "Didn't expect what?"
Seoyun glanced out the window. "To actually have fun. To feel... normal."
Jihoon didn't say anything.
She sighed. "I love my job. But sometimes, I wonder… what if I wasn't famous? What if I could just live like this?"
Jihoon studied her for a moment before smirking.
"If you weren't famous, you wouldn't have met me."
Seoyun laughed. "That's true. And that would have been a tragedy."
Jihoon chuckled. "Glad you agree."
She smiled softly. "Thanks for today, Jihoon."
Jihoon shrugged. "Hey, it's not over yet."
Seoyun's eyes lit up. "Oh? What's next?"
Jihoon grinned. "Let's go find out."
Ding.
[Meaningful Act of Kindness Completed!]
Reward: 15,000 KRW
As the day continued, Jihoon realized something.
This wasn't just about spending time with a celebrity.
This was about being there for someone who rarely got to be herself.
And as the sun began to set, Jihoon knew—
This friendship was just getting started.
And he was completely okay with that.
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