The night where it all began

Seo Yeon stood in front of the mirror, carefully applying lipstick to her lips. Tonight was important. Tae Woo had told her his boss was coming over for dinner, and he had asked her to prepare something special. She wanted to look her best, even though she still felt nervous about meeting the woman her husband spoke so highly of.

She stared at her reflection, adjusting her hair, when the sound of the doorbell startled her. That must be Tae Woo. Quickly, she put the lipstick back and rushed to the door.

As she opened it, she saw her husband standing there with a warm smile. But beside him stood an older woman.

Seo Yeon hesitated for a second before she **** a polite smile, her eyes meeting the stranger’s piercing gaze.

The woman smiled, looking at Seo Yeon, and then turned to Tae Woo. "Why did you never tell me you had such a cute wife at home?" she teased.

Tae Woo laughed. "Did I not bring Sunbae to see my wife this time?"

Seo Yeon blushed as she realized that the woman was her husband’s boss, Soon Ja. Quickly, she bowed politely and welcomed her inside. "Welcome, Sunbae."

Soon Ja stepped inside, glancing around the house before turning back to Seo Yeon. "You should call me Unnie. I am Tae Woo’s Sunbae, not yours."

Seo Yeon hesitated for a moment but then nodded, feeling a little overwhelmed by Soon Ja’s presence.

Seo Yeon led her husband and his boss inside, making them sit on the couch. She turned to Soon Ja, asking politely, "Unnie, do you need anything to drink?"

Quickly, Soon Ja pulled Seo Yeon to sit beside her on the couch. "No, no Yeon; can I call you that?" She smiled warmly. "You sit. Let your husband serve. I came tonight to talk to you."

Seo Yeon felt a little shy and uncertain as she sat down beside the confident, older woman.

Tae Woo frowned, but seeing his boss's face, he nodded and said, "Sunbae, of course. You talk with Yeon, and I will serve you tonight." He then rose and walked to the kitchen.

Seo Yeon, clearly uncomfortable letting her husband serve, wanted to protest, but Soon Ja placed a finger on her lips and smirked. "I don’t like being talked back to," she said.

Seo Yeon and Soon Ja chatted about various things as Tae Woo continued serving them. At first, Seo Yeon was a bit apprehensive, but Soon Ja's charisma and warmth slowly put her at ease. She found herself talking more animatedly to the older woman.

Halfway through their conversation, Soon Ja rose from the couch. "Yeon, could you please tell me where the bathroom is?" she asked.

Seo Yeon immediately stood up as well, saying, "I'll lead you there, Unnie."

But Soon Ja stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder. "No need, dear. Just sit and wait for me here. I'm sure I can find it."