As Youn-Jung and Seung-Ryeong settled into their home, Youn-Jung began recounting the evening's events to her father with an animated expression. She narrated how she had bumped into Jung-Ha during the blood donation program, their initial banter, and the unexpected shared umbrella in the rain. With each detail she shared, Seung-Ryeong's eyes widened in surprise.

"So, let me get this straight," Seung-Ryeong said, his voice laced with disbelief. "The guy you were with tonight, Jung-Ha, he's the same Jung-Ha whose mother was friends with your mom?"

Youn-Jung nodded, a chuckle escaping her. "Yes, Dad. It's such a small world. I had no idea until tonight."

Seung-Ryeong let out a low whistle, clearly taken aback by the coincidence. "Well, well, well. Fate works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?"

Youn-Jung grinned at her father's reaction. "I guess so, Dad. I couldn't believe it either."

Seung-Ryeong's expression shifted from surprise to realization. His eyes settled on his daughter, and then he glanced toward the photos on the wall—a family portrait that included Youn-Jung's late mother. He saw the resemblance between Youn-Jung and her mother, the same way he had noticed the resemblance between Jung-Ha and someone he knows.

Seung-Ryeong sat in the dimly lit bar, anticipation tingling in the air as he waited for In-Sung's arrival. The door swung open, and In-Sung walked in, his expression curious. "Seung-Ryeong, you called me here. What's going on?"

Seung-Ryeong didn't waste time, getting straight to the point. " Han Jung-Ha."

In-Sung's eyebrows knitted together in surprise at the unexpected mention of the name. Seung-Ryeong caught the swift change in In-Sung's demeanor and knew he hit a sensitive spot. "You knew about it, didn't you?"

In-Sung sighed, a hint of resignation in his voice. "I found out not too long ago. He's my student."

Seung-Ryeong's gaze held a mixture of understanding and concern. "Jung-Ha doesn't know who his father is, and he bears a striking resemblance to you."

In-Sung leaned back in his seat, his gaze distant. "I don't want to disrupt his life. When the time is right, I'll approach Hyu-Joo and seek the answers I've been looking for."

Seung-Ryeong nodded, acknowledging In-Sung's decision. In-Sung's eyes held a complex blend of emotions.

Jung-Ha stepped into the welcoming embrace of his mother's restaurant after a day of classes. Hyu-Joo observed her son, his pen moving fervently across the paper. She approached him with a gentle smile. "What has you so engrossed, my dear?"

Jung-Ha looked up, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I'm working on an assignment given by the professor I truly admire."

Curiosity piqued, Hyu-Joo inquired, "And who might that be?"

Jung-Ha's pride was evident in his voice. "It's Prof. Jo In-Sung."

The name hit Hyu-Joo like a bolt of lightning. Her composure wavered for a moment, her heart racing in her chest. She struggled to regain her bearings. 

Jung-Ha noticed the unusual shift in his mother's demeanor and asked her gently, "Mom, is everything alright?"

Shaking herself back to the present, Hyu-Joo managed a smile and steadied her voice. "Of course, dear. What would you like to eat?"

Jung-Ha thought for a moment before answering, "A hearty Donkatsu would be perfect. I need something to motivate me."

As Hyu-Joo headed to the kitchen, her mind was in a whirl. The name Jo In-Sung had stirred up a past she had long buried. She couldn't shake the unexpected encounter she had with him recently, and now, with her own son admiring him, the threads of fate seemed to be weaving an intricate pattern she couldn't decipher.

On their way to the university, Do-Hoon and Jung-Ha walked side by side, engaging in friendly banter. Do-Hoon brought up the topic of Jung-Ha and Youn-Jung, hinting at their apparent closeness. "Seems like you and Youn-Jung are getting along quite well," he remarked with a playful grin.

Jung-Ha chuckled, dismissing the idea. "Oh, come on. We've only bumped into each other a couple of times."

Do-Hoon playfully nudged Jung-Ha's shoulder. "Don't be coy. I've noticed you two chatting and spending time together."

Jung-Ha's eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "You noticed?"

Do-Hoon laughed. "Of course! And hey, don't get any weird ideas. I'm not the jealous type."

Jung-Ha couldn't help but feel curious. "How did you even know about Youn-Jung?"

Do-Hoon's grin widened. "Remember that girl I told you I've been competing with in class? That's Youn-Jung."

Jung-Ha's eyes widened in realization. "Wait, seriously?"

Do-Hoon nodded. "Yup, the same. But don't worry, Jung-Ha. It's all good. You should make new friends. College is the perfect time for that."

A trace of concern lingered in Jung-Ha's voice. "Are you sure you're okay with it?"

Do-Hoon nudged him again, this time with a light-hearted punch. "Absolutely! So don't stress about it. Just remember who your best friend is."

The two friends shared a laugh, their camaraderie as strong as ever. As they continued their journey to the university, Jung-Ha felt a sense of comfort in knowing that he had a friend like Do-Hoon who was supportive and understanding.

Jung-Ha and Do-Hoon continued their walk, the conversation light and casual. But then, something seemed to weigh on Jung-Ha's mind. He stopped in his tracks and called out to Do-Hoon, who turned around to face him.

"Do-Hoon," Jung-Ha began, his tone a bit hesitant, "why have you never asked about my dad?"

Do-Hoon's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he took a moment to respond. "I guess I thought... well, you never really brought it up, and I didn't want to pry into something that you might not be comfortable talking about."

Jung-Ha nodded, his gaze fixed on the ground. "Yeah, I get that. I've never really been open about it, have I?"

Do-Hoon offered a sympathetic smile. "Not really, but that's okay. Everyone has their own things they prefer to keep private."

Jung-Ha sighed, his shoulders relaxing a bit. "You're right. It's just that sometimes, I wonder if I should know more about my dad."

Do-Hoon's expression softened. "It's natural to have questions, especially about something like that. But if you ever feel like talking or if you want to know more, I'm here to listen."

Jung-Ha looked at Do-Hoon, a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty in his eyes. "Thanks, Do-Hoon. It means a lot to me."

Do-Hoon patted Jung-Ha's shoulder reassuringly. "No problem, buddy. Remember, I've got your back no matter what."

With those words, the two friends shared a brief but meaningful moment. As they resumed their walk, Jung-Ha felt a sense of comfort in knowing that he had someone like Do-Hoon by his side, ready to support him through whatever challenges or revelations he might face.

As Hyu-Joo prepared to leave the restaurant, her thoughts were a jumble of emotions, the recent encounters with Youn-Jung, and the resurgence of memories from her past with In-Sung. She was lost in her own world when the door chimed, signaling the entrance of a customer. Assuming it was Jung-Ha, she turned and said, "Just a moment, I'll be out soon. Wait for me outside."

The man didn't respond, and an unusual sense of anticipation tingled in the air. Slowly, Hyu-Joo turned to fully face him. Her heart skipped a beat, and her breath caught in her throat as recognition dawned upon her. It was a face she knew she would eventually encounter again, a face from a chapter of her life she thought was long buried — Jo In-Sung.

In-Sung stood there, his gaze fixed on Hyu-Joo. The weight of years seemed to hang in the air between them, the unspoken words, the unresolved emotions, all rising to the surface. It was a moment neither of them had expected, and for a brief moment, time itself seemed to stand still.

Hyu-Joo's lips parted, words caught in her throat as a torrent of emotions washed over her. The restaurant around them faded into the background, leaving just the two of them locked in a silent gaze, memories flashing through their minds like shards of a broken mirror.

In-Sung's eyes held a mixture of emotions — surprise, longing, regret. He had kept his distance, respecting her decision to move on, to raise their son without his direct presence. But now, seeing her again after all these years, the floodgates of emotions threatened to overwhelm him.