Sunset X Vibes, Episode 1, lulls us into Salin's dreamscape, where he finds himself stranded atop jagged rocks, surrounded by an expanse of water. Desperately calling out for help, his gaze locks onto a figure cloaked in traditional attire, yet the distance remains insurmountable. Suddenly, he's engulfed by the depths, panic seizing him as he sinks into oblivion. Miraculously, the figure, more akin to a sea monster than man, resuscitates him with a breath-taking underwater embrace. Jolting awake, drenched in sweat, Salin receives a beacon of hope in the form of a text from 'SUNSET X VIBES,' urging him to embrace the day—his internship commences today.
At SOUL High Jewelry, the team's quarters are marred by stagnation, their vision outdated and their progress stunted. Meanwhile, Sun gallops across the horizon on horseback, his mother's call echoing through the wind as he nears home. Urged to return to Bangkok, he bids farewell and sets off, answering a text message along the way.
Arriving at his internship, Salin, or Lin as he's known here, notes the absence of Pim and Yo. Their arrival is a flurry of laughter and near-misses, Yo slipping gracefully into the arms of a fellow office-goer before the trio scrambles for the elevator. Misfortune strikes Yo once more as he misses the lift, sparking a playful altercation with the stranger—who, ironically, is also an intern. Amidst the chaos, their stern manager seizes the moment to scold the interns, instilling a sense of awe and trepidation before dispersing them to their respective departments.
Lin and his comrades eagerly join the design department, their spirits buoyed by the prospect of creativity. Kaew, their mentor, guides them through their first tasks, their attention momentarily diverted by Prim's entrance, captivating Pim's gaze. With a stern warning to avoid disturbing the sanctity of the document room, they embark on their maiden mission: procuring lunch, shifting boxes, polishing windows, and more mundane chores that test their patience.
Amidst the groans and whispers, the interns' tongues wag about the perceived incompetence of the company's heir, inadvertently causing Sam to choke on his indignation. Unbeknownst to them, Lin receives a sweet serenade from SUNSET, prompting teasing from his peers, though he playfully deflects the blame. Memories resurface of a drunken night of Truth or Dare, where Yo mischievously posted Lin's pictures on a dating app, sparking an intriguing conversation with a handsome stranger. Weeks have passed since that fateful morning, when Lin first received a text from SUNSET, yet their digital bond remains unbroken, their faces concealed by the veil of a dark profile picture.
Lin paints a vivid portrait of SUNSET in his mind, his imagination running wild as they continue to weave their tale through words alone. Sam, intrigued, yearns for a glimpse, his expression a mix of shock and amusement upon seeing the profile. Yet, both agree that their virtual courtship should flourish further before taking the leap into the realm of reality.
Later, amidst Prim's presentation, Lin and Pim's whispered exchanges drew unwanted attention, compelling them to share their misgivings openly. Lin ventured that perhaps the current plan mirrored too closely last year's collection, a notion swiftly met with disapproval from their colleagues. A month elapsed, and Lin's workplace confidence remained fragile, haunted by doubts over his decision to join. Yet, a message from SUNSET served as a beacon of hope, igniting within him the courage to propose a long-awaited meeting.
Brothers Sam and Sun reunited, with Sun having been absent for some time. In a heart-to-heart, Sam lamented that the company's ways remained entrenched in the past. He persuaded his brother to extend his internship for a few more months, vowing to share any fresh insights uncovered. Their conversation also touched upon Sun's impending rendezvous, with Sun voicing fears that the person might be another in a sea of sameness. Sam, however, harbored a sense of optimism, sensing that this encounter would be unlike any other.
Another humdrum day at the office saw the trio drawing unwanted glances for their lively chatter. But a glimmer of excitement emerged when they stumbled upon an in-house design competition and cunningly maneuvered their way into the fray. In the boardroom, tensions rose as the CEO implored the leadership to collaborate with her son, the president, fueling whispers about the new CEO's impending style. Sam defended the president's character, albeit with a casual air, as the interns speculated about the changes to come.
As the chatter continued, Lin received an invitation from SUNSET, igniting a frenzy among his friends at the thought of the rendezvous taking place in a hotel. Sam suggested there might be a charming restaurant within, only to be met with Yo's skeptical scoffs. With the submission deadline coinciding with the date, they rallied to complete the task and groom Lin for his outing, their disagreements over his attire adding to the frivolity. Despite their encouragement, Lin approached the hotel room with trepidation, his heart pounding.
With eyes shut tight, Lin inserted the key, apprehensive about the scene that awaited. To his delight, the room revealed a sanctuary of flowers, flickering candles, and a heartwarming note. As Sun's knock sounded, Lin's grin widened, and he eagerly swung open the door, finally embracing his dashing date.
This momentous encounter transcended Lin's anxious visions, replacing them with a reality far more enchanting than he had dared dream.
