The party was at its peak, the grand hall filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. Every wealthy family in the city was there, the air heavy with perfume and pride.
It was the night Han had just returned from Europe. Fresh from England, he didn't quite know how to socialize here. He stayed by his father's side, quiet and reserved, his eyes wandering across the glittering room.
That's when he saw him.
A boy with strong features and a dark aura—dressed in black from head to toe: a fitted shirt, tailored pants, and a long coat that seemed to flow behind him like a shadow. His black hair framed a face that was sharp and unreadable.
Han's gaze lingered a little too long, tracing him from head to toe. But suddenly, the boy's eyes met his—piercing, unblinking. The look was so sharp, so direct, Han felt as though the boy could see straight into his soul. Panicked, he quickly darted his eyes away, pretending to look elsewhere.
A few minutes later, the boy walked past.
"Ah, Seungmin!" Mr. Joon, Han's father, called out warmly.
Han's heart skipped as he watched him approach. Instinctively, he moved half a step behind his father, as if to hide.
"Oh Seungmin, you've grown so much," Mr. Joon said with pride. "You've turned into quite a fine young man."
Seungmin bowed slightly, silent and composed, his expression unreadable.
"And tell me, which school are you studying at now?" Mr. Joon asked.
Seungmin's reply was low and steady, his deep voice sending a shiver down Han's spine. "I'm at seoul west high school."
Han found himself smiling quietly, almost without realizing it.
"Is it a good school?" his father continued.
"Yes," Seungmin answered shortly. His words were few, but his presence was overwhelming.
Mr. Joon then gestured proudly. "This is my son. He just returned from England last week."
Gathering courage, Han stepped forward. He extended his hand politely, offering a smile. "Hi, I'm Han. Joon jihan"
But Seungmin didn't take his hand. Instead, he gave a graceful, almost distant bow—elegant, but cold. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
Han stood frozen, his hand still hanging in the air, his heart racing for reasons he couldn't understand.