The morning sun spilled into the Gu family estate, and laughter bounced off the walls of the garden. Gu Soojin,sprawled across a sun lounger with her elder brother, Gu Min, sitting beside her, shaking his head in amusement.
"Jinjin, you're seriously going to eat all of those strawberries by yourself?" Gu Min asked, pretending to sound stern but unable to hide his grin.
"They're mine!" Jinjin declared dramatically, juice dripping at the corner of her mouth. "If you want some, you'll have to duel me for them!"
Gu Min raised an eyebrow. "Oh? The renowned business emperor versus… strawberries? I accept the challenge!"
Their dog, sensing chaos, lunged at the plate. Jinjin squealed. "Traitor!" she yelled, while Gu Min groaned and snatched a strawberry just in time to prevent disaster.
After the berry battles ended, Jinjin grabbed her purse. "Chu Jiwoo! Let's go shopping! And no whining!"
Chu Jiwoo laughed. "Yes, Jinjin. Lead the way."
They strolled through the bustling streets, laughter trailing behind them, as Gu Min tagged along under the excuse of "carrying bags." But as soon as they entered the first boutique, Jinjin noticed something unusual.
Every time Chu Jiwoo admired a dress, Gu Min lingered awkwardly nearby, offering unsolicited advice and glancing at her with a mix of concern and… something else.
Jinjin tilted her head, studying him. Wait… is he… blushing?
Gu Min, usually composed and intimidating in the boardroom, was fumbling over words. "I… I think this… this color… suits you better." He handed Chu Jiwoo a jacket, accidentally brushing her hand, then cleared his throat awkwardly.
Jinjin couldn't help but laugh quietly to herself. Ahhh, I see it now. Brother has a thing for Jiwoo.
By the third store, Jinjin was practically nudging Chu Jiwoo toward Gu Min with a sly smile. "Oh, Jiwoo, this one is lovely—but you know who it would really look perfect on?" She gestured toward her brother, feigning innocence.
Chu Jiwoo, unaware, chuckled politely. Gu Min turned beet-red, realizing Jinjin had noticed his awkward attempts at "helping."
Jinjin leaned back, thinking. Hmm… why not play a little matchmaker? He clearly likes her, and she's lovely. Perfect combination.
As they left the last boutique, Jinjin clapped her hands. "Alright, Jiwoo, I think you and my brother need a proper introduction… in the romantic sense."
Chu Jiwoo blinked in surprise. "Wait—what?"
Gu Min nearly choked on the air he was breathing, his ears red, eyes wide. "Jinjin! What are you—"
"Relax, brother," Jinjin interrupted, laughing. "I see what's going on. You like her. She's wonderful. I'm just… helping you two along. Think of me as your personal Cupid!"
Gu Min groaned, rubbing his face, while Chu Jiwoo laughed, a little flustered but amused. Jinjin grinned, satisfied. "Perfect. Now we can all enjoy shopping without awkwardness… hopefully."
And so, Jinjin spent the rest of the day teasing, nudging, and secretly orchestrating subtle moments to bring her brother and Chu Jiwoo closer—while she herself laughed and enjoyed every chaotic, happy minute.
Later, the shopping trip continued, and Jinjin's matchmaking got bolder. At the boutique, she loudly exclaimed, "Oh! You two should try this together—it's a matching set!"
Chu Jiwoo tilted her head, laughing, while Gu Min turned crimson. "Jinjin! Not everything needs… matching!"
But Jinjin just shrugged innocently. "I'm helping with… coordination. Fashion coordination. Yes, that's all."
Every now and then, Jinjin would "accidentally" suggest they stand near each other, touch the same scarf, or reach for the same shoes—always leaving Gu Min flustered and Chu Jiwoo slightly confused, but amused.
By the end of the day, Gu Min's awkwardness had escalated to full-blown red-face panic multiple times