February 18

February 18

10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1! The clock strikes 12:00 AM. February 18.

Happy Birthday to me!

Shin Hye closes her eyes for a moment and listens to her heart's wish. I hope love will always find me.

In the soft lamp-lit sanctuary that is her room, she gives her sweetest smile to her reflection on her dresser. She's now 21 and she has never felt more alive and happy in her life.

She has a lot to be thankful for this past year, she muses. A drama, a series of CFs with Korea's hottest heartthrobs, meeting new friends, a year-end award, and finding opportunities not only to hone her craft and passion but also to give back and share her blessings to other people… She couldn't have asked for a better year.

And she found her own piece of personal happiness.

Her heart skips a beat at the thought. Yes, her happiness has a name. And a face.

A very beautiful face that could send a thousand fangirls (including me) sighing collectively with just one smile, her heart swells at the thought.

Her cellphone's message alert tone cuts off her reverie.

A beautiful life.

A peaceful mind.

And a heart that is always happy.

These are my wishes for you on your birthday, Shin Hye.

Keun Suk sent the message.

Shin Hye stares at her cellphone's LCD for an eternity, memorizing the message.

Yes, her heart is indeed happy right now.

“I’m getting old,” she types back. Maybe you should start noticing it and stop regarding me like a kid.

“I’m still older. I’m getting older myself this year.”

She pouts at his reply. “Technically, I’m Hong Ki’s noona now.” Aren’t you guys so fixated with noonas?

“Haha. You should tell him that. But I think calling you noona will be pushing it too far for him. Hahaha.”

She imagines Hong Ki throwing a fit if she tells him to call her noona and laughs. Yeah, that would be absurd. “But I think it’s cool to be called noona. I heard guys love noonas a lot these days.” Including you.

“Hey, noona! You can still be cool even if you’re not a noona. Ya, what’s this talk about noonas all of a sudden?”

“Someone told me a noona understands a guy better. Loves better. Cares better. Is that true, Oppa?”

“No. That’s an outrageous lie. Love doesn’t depend on age.”

Then why do you prefer noonas? “Is it, Oppa?”

“A love you feel at 18 is as true as a love you feel at 25 or 35. Hey, do you really want to be a noona just because of that wrong information?”

She feels her cheeks grow hot in embarrassment. “Ani. I’m just curious why noonas look cooler to guys.”

“Then just for today, I’ll call you noona. Happy Birthday, noona!”

Shin Hye laughs out loud. Her heart bursts in delight. “Komawoyo, Keun Suk-ssi.”