Having just moved to the East Coast for school, Danny was looking for adventure and companionship. Jihye wanted to try online dating to see what the experience was like. She took this as a challenge to get to know herself more and what she wanted and did not want. Being a teacher on summer break, Jihye had lots of free time and sometimes would go on 2-3 dates a week. This quickly began to feel like work and she was ready to stop. Then, comes her date with Danny. This guy from California who embodied the "chill" West Coast vibes, was noticeably nervous, but so friendly and easy to talk to. This was the first date where Jihye didn't dismiss the guy in her head within the first 10 minutes. She was actually enjoying the conversations and loved how Danny was a good listener. She thought if she met Danny in a different context she would definitely want to be friends with him. Danny, on the other hand, sadly believed that Jihye wasn't interested because every time Danny asked Jihye what her favorite books, movies, etc. are, she would reply with "I don't have one." (He would later come to find out that this is just her personality.) Even so, Danny mustered up the courage to ask her on a second date and Jihye agreed. After seven more dates, they were both definitely interested in each other. Jihye, however, let fear overcome her and she ended the relationship before it even started. Even though she knew Danny worked in ministry from the start, she believed she could not see herself marrying a pastor. Though she seemed firm on the outside, on the inside, she was secretly hoping Danny would try to change her mind. Jihye even gave Danny a parting gift as a way to show him that she actually did like him. Danny was crushed and could obviously not read Jihye's mind and so it was over.

A week later, Danny texted Jihye asking her to meet up and talk because there were things he wish he said when they last met but didn't. This took a lot of courage on Danny's part and Jihye liked that Danny didn't give up on her. With his steady and calm demeanor, he shared his heart and he told her "let's just take it one step at a time." Although they didn't know each other that well at this point, it somehow felt very easy and natural for Jihye to trust Danny. They didn't know what to expect, but they were both glad to be together. During their almost two years of dating before getting engaged, there certainly were challenges. But through an abundance of grace, Danny and Jihye have been continuing to pursue each other's hearts and choosing to love each day.