As the sun set, the sky took on a warm golden hue, and distant murmurs of couples chatting could be heard. Sinju noticed a vibrant scarlet fabric with gold-plated fold-over ends nestled among the grass. Without hesitation, he knelt to retrieve it and carefully inspected the smooth fabric. Despite the ribbon’s simplicity, he found himself captivated by its beauty.

Even after a few days, Sinju could not bring himself to throw the item away. He returned to the park hoping to locate its rightful owner, but his search proved fruitless as he walked around aimlessly until he grew weary. Out of the corner of his eyes, he noticed a woman sitting beside him, her eyes red and puffy as if she had been crying moments ago. Despite Maica’s repeated warnings to avoid getting involved in other people’s business, Sinju could not resist the urge to offer help. After all, how could he sit idly by when it was clear that the woman was in pain?

“Miss…are you alright? S-Sorry, I don’t mean to be nosy, but…if you need someone to listen, I’ll be happy to.” He sheepily smiled at you.

Usually, you would never share personal information with a stranger, but seeing Sinju’s smile made you trust him. Lowering your eyes to the book on your lap, you sniffled.

“My…boyfriend and I broke up a few weeks ago. He was my first boyfriend and broke up with me without a reason. It still hurts…”

“It’s okay to be in pain and cry, but your tears are valuable. Don’t shed them for someone who didn’t value or deserve ya. You will find someone who truly appreciates and loves you.” Sinju said with conviction, hoping his words would have even the tiniest effect on your broken heart. “Besides, you’re really pretty, so I’m sure you’ll find someone soon.”

Sinju grinned sweetly while rubbing the back of his head with his right hand. His words made you chuckle, but your eyes remained on your lap as your mind processed his words. After a moment of silence, his gaze lowered to the book on your lap – Red String of Fate.

“Red string…like the string tied to the pinky finger of two people by fate? Wait, then why are ya crying? One day, you’ll find the person with the red string connected to yours!” Sinju grinned.

Upon hearing Sinju’s words, a faint smile began to form on your lips, which eventually grew prominent as he continued to speak. The more he said, the more comprehensively you smiled and the lighter your heart felt.

“Oh, wait!” He suddenly exclaimed, making you jump. “S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. By any chance, does this…belong to you?”

Sinju fished a red ribbon from his jacket pocket and held it in his palm for you. A strange sensation formed in your chest; the feeling was painful yet light, uneasy yet happy. For a moment, you felt confused and didn’t understand what was happening. With widened eyes, you shifted your gaze to the book on your lap – red, string…ribbon, fate. Could he be the one?

“H-Hey, are you okay?” Sinju asked softly.

“Yeah. Sorry, and thank you.” You whispered, taking the ribbon from his palm.

Did fate and destiny really exist? Were the legends about the red string true? Maybe everything that happened for the best. Wiping your tears with the sleeve of your jacket, you sniffled once more before smiling sweetly at Sinju and holding your hand out.

“Hi, my name (y/n).”

“Hi, (y/n). My name is Sinju. It’s nice to meet you.” He replied happily and shook your hand.

As you and Sinju shook hands, a warm feeling spread through your bodies as if you had known each other for years. From the bottom of your heart, you prayed to the universe, hoping this was the beginning of a beautiful relationship tied together by fate.