Hyunjin paced the length of his room, the image of Yeon-mi replaying in his mind like a sweet, elusive melody. He couldn't shake the memory of her gentle smile and the way her eyes had sparkled with quiet curiosity. The nobleman had faced many matchmaking meetings with disinterest, but now he found himself distracted by thoughts of a servant girl whose name had become a constant whisper in his heart.

At breakfast, Lady Hwang observed her son with growing concern. "Hyunjin, you seem distant lately. Is something troubling you?" she asked, her tone softer than usual.

Hyunjin looked up, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, Mother. Just a lot on my mind."

"You have responsibilities, Hyunjin. It's time to focus on finding a suitable match and preparing for your future," she reminded him gently, though her eyes betrayed a hint of frustration.

"Yes, Mother. I understand," he replied, but his thoughts were already drifting back to Yeon-mi.

Meanwhile, at Lady Hwa-yeong's estate, Yeon-mi tried to concentrate on her tasks, but her mind kept wandering back to the market and the kind young nobleman who had spoken to her so sweetly. She found herself daydreaming more often, imagining what it would be like to see him again, to talk to him without the barriers of their social statuses.

"Yeon-mi, are you alright?" Lady Hwa-yeong's voice broke through her reverie. "You seem distracted."

"I'm sorry, my lady," Yeon-mi replied, lowering her head in embarrassment. "I didn't sleep well last night."

Lady Hwa-yeong studied the girl with a knowing smile. "Perhaps a little more time outside the estate will help clear your mind. You may take the afternoon off to visit the market."

Yeon-mi's heart lifted at the prospect. "Thank you, my lady. You're very kind."

As days turned into weeks, Hyunjin and Yeon-mi found themselves longing for each other more intensely. Hyunji visited the market every day, hoping for a glimpse of Yeon-mi, but their paths did not cross. He grew restless, his longing deepening with each passing day.

One evening, Hyunjin confided in his trusted friend, Seungmin. "There's a girl I've been thinking about. She's different from anyone I've ever met."

Seungmin raised an eyebrow. "A girl? You, Hyunjin? This is serious."

Hyunjin nodded, his expression earnest. "I need to find a way to see her again, to talk to her. But she's a servant, and I'm.... well, you know how complicated that makes things."

Seungmin thought for amoment. "Maybe you could send her a letter, or a token of some kind. Something to show her your sincerity."

Hyunjin considered this, a spark of hope ignititng within him. "Yes, that might work. But how do I get it to her without causing trouble?"

"I'll help you," Seungmin offered. "We can find a discreet way."

Meanwhile, Yeon-mi's thoughts were filled with Hyunjin. She often found herself wandering to the spot where they had first met, hoping against hope that she might see him again. One afternoon, as she stood in the market, a small, folded piece of paper was slipped into her hand by a passing stranger. Her heart pounded as she unfolded it, revealing a simple message: "Meet me at the old well tomorrow at sunset."

Yeon-mi's heart raced. She knew the risks, but the longing to see Hyunjin again was too strong to ignore. She clutched the note to her chest, a mix of feat and excitement swirling within her.

As the sun set the next day, Yeon-mi made her way to the old well, her heart pounding with anticipation. But as the minutes turned into hours, Hyunjin did not appear. She stood alone by the well, the cold air chilling her at the light faded from the sky. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized he wasn't coming. Heartbroken, she finally turned and walked back to the estate, her mind filled with questions and doubts.

Hyunjin, on the other hand, had been delayed by and urgent summon from his father. A family emergency had kept him away from the market, and by the time he was able to leave, it was already dark. His heart sank as he realized he had missed his change to see Yeon-mi. He could only hope she would understand and forgive him.

That night, neither Hyunjin nor Yeon-mi slept. Yeon-mi lay awake, her heart aching with disappointment and confusion, while Hyunjin paced his room, cursing his bad luck and worrying about how to make it up to her. Both of them longed for the next opportunity to meet, their hearts entwined by an invisible thread of longing and hope.