New Normal - Chapter 27

Looking back, meeting Chae Juwon on impulse that night was—honestly—a completely insane decision.

“What I’m saying is, you need to become a new Shin Jisoo, not the one you are now. That way, you’ll have the eyes to see—whether someone’s the real deal or not.”

Jisoo had taken Seok Doryeong’s advice—to break out of her shell—and interpreted it in her own way. She did things she normally wouldn’t dream of doing. Like making the first move with a man. Letting her impulses lead.

Maybe, deep down, she just wanted an excuse to test it all out.

To be totally honest, she’d already sensed that Chae Juwon had feelings for her. Contrary to her expectations that he’d be difficult to win over, he gave in far too easily. Almost disarming her completely.

Those smoldering brown eyes, that low, calm voice, those big, hot hands sliding over her body.

Their heated, frantic moments didn’t feel awkward or gross. If anything, they awakened a physical hunger she hadn’t even known was there—a craving to be completely filled.

But then…

“Am I really your type?”

“Even if it’s a lucky day, never go overboard when you meet your destined one. A drink or two is fine. But don’t stay past the night. Got it? Just check and confirm it.”

Right at that critical moment, Seok Doryeong’s warning flashed through her head—and sobered her up immediately.

Go overboard? She already had.

Stay the night? Definitely heading that way.

He was the first man who made her want to fully give in, physically. Add alcohol and a heated atmosphere, and it was no wonder they ended up here.

But could she really let herself follow through with it?

The pleasure right in front of her was tempting, but it was her first time. That hesitation lingered. Even if he really was her “destined one,” as Seok Doryeong had said—there was still the risk.

And that word again—“the real deal.”

Once that cold splash of doubt hit her, thoughts spiraled. One after another.

In the end, even if she felt bad for Chae Juwon, Jisoo had no choice but to choose the only thing she could in that moment: to run.

But then, after that night, strange things started to happen.

One lucky break after another began falling into her lap—so perfectly timed it was almost spooky. Jisoo couldn’t shake the feeling. Was he really the destined one Seok Doryeong had talked about?

Still, the fact that she’d chosen to run in that decisive moment kept eating away at her confidence to face things head-on.

Night after night, she found herself kicking her blanket off, groaning in frustration. Telling herself over and over. It was just a coincidence. All of it. Nothing more. Definitely not fate.

She and Chae Juwon had zero contact. She was the one ignoring him. In every way, it looked like whatever they had was already over.

And yet… one thing still clung to her.

“Once you confirm it… the rest will just happen naturally. You can’t run from fate.”

Seok Doryeong’s final words looped in her head.

éShin Jisoo, you aren’t picking up. I just… wanted to talk about that night.û

At the same time, Juwon’s last message resurfaced.

Pushing the tangled thoughts aside, Jisoo answered calmly, “Ah, RSTA? I think I’ve heard of them, but… to be honest, I don’t know much about architecture.”

“Oh, I see. Well, we’re still putting the architecture team together. Once it’s confirmed, we’ll arrange a meeting soon.”

“Ah… yes, of course.”

“By the way, Ms. Shin—do you have time this evening?”

“Dinner?”

Jisoo blinked, caught off guard. Professor Kim Sooyeon took off her glasses and nodded.

“Yeah. Artist Jeon Sangyoung is in town today. A few of the team members are getting together for drinks. I was wondering if you could join us.”

Jisoo’s eyes instantly lit up. It was a gathering of Kim Sooyeon’s circle—her mentors, juniors, protégés. A golden opportunity to enter the Sooyeon network. Her heart started pounding in her chest.

“Of course! I’d love to attend.”

“Great, then. We’re meeting at 8, so you can head straight there after your appointments.”

“Yes, that sounds perfect.”

Professor Kim smiled at her prompt reply—right then, her phone started ringing. She glanced at the caller and looked at Jisoo apologetically.

“Oh my, it’s from the architecture office. Sorry—mind if I take this real quick?”

Without waiting for a reply, she answered.

Jisoo watched her nervously, trying to read her tone—but Professor Kim gave nothing away. After a short call, she smiled brightly.

“Looks like we’ve confirmed our architecture lead. They just sent over the portfolio, too.”

“Ah… I see.”

“They say he’s RSTA’s top recommendation. I’ll have to take a look. His name’s… Chae Juwon, apparently.”

The moment she heard the name, Jisoo’s heart dropped.

Did I just hear that right? She blinked, then stammered,

“Professor… did you say Chae Juwon?”

***

Sokchon Lake, high-end residence overlooking the water.

It was lunchtime, and the fitness center in the apartment complex buzzed with the sounds of people working out.

“Hoo…”

Juwon set down a heavy dumbbell and stood in front of the dip bar for his next set.

He was at his grandpa’s penthouse in Jamsil, having stayed there instead of his usual officetel after his grandpa asked to spend some time together before Juwon’s upcoming business trip.

Five years ago, after his grandmother passed away, his grandpa had sold their old Pyeongchang estate—the house where he’d lived for two decades.

He’d claimed it was to try urban high-rise living, since he’d only ever lived in standalone homes. But in truth, as Heejung once confided, the house had simply become too big, too heavy—for a man now left alone, with both grandsons abroad and his wife gone.

So, no matter where or when—

Weight training twice a day was non-negotiable for Juwon, even on the busiest days. Today, he’d carved out time during lunch.

He grabbed the bar, knees bent, and lowered himself. As he rose back up, forearms tensed, veins popped across his hands.

“Hup…”

His broad shoulders, rounded triceps, and raised pecs bore the weight of his movements. He felt the stretch in his lats and traps—a delicious kind of burn.

Today was a high-intensity routine focused on chest and triceps, starting with bench presses. Thanks to flawless form, the pump was especially deep.

8 reps, 4 sets.

He powered through the last round and toweled off his sweat, now shirtless in only his workout shorts.

In the mirror, his lean, sculpted muscles stood out beneath taut skin—biceps and back muscles slick and defined. He struck a side chest pose, flexed his arms, turned, and placed his hands on his waist.

Not bad.

Everything about today felt on point. He smirked in satisfaction, tossed the towel in the bin, and pulled a bottle of water from the fridge.

Click.

Even the sound of the cap popping off felt crisp. After draining the bottle, he gave the last drops to a potted plant nearby and tossed it.

Just as he was about to head to the shower, he paused—something pulling his gaze toward the window.

Stillness, heat, a city in motion.

Below him sprawled the pulse of the city, alive and restless. The sky was clear, the buildings tinged in pale gold by the sun sliding down their glass walls.

A fine mist hovered over the Han River. Cars glided along the roads like they were skating.

No matter how many times he saw it, the cityscape always stole his attention. And then, a grin broke across his face—he just couldn’t help it.

“It’s not confirmed yet, but yes. Shin Jisoo, the curator, is likely joining too. Professor Kim Sooyeon said she has a meeting scheduled with her.”

Knew it.

Even just thinking about it again sent a thrill down his spine.

The day the offer came in from the UK about Professor Kim Sooyeon’s project, Juwon immediately got in touch with her assistant to confirm the details. Once he had, he accepted the offer without hesitation—and notified the UK team.

Now, let’s see how that woman reacts.