{KOREAN-ENGLISH}
"Track where An Nari is right now," Lee Seo Jun ordered, eyes fixed on the city skyline from his office window.
He hadn't gone home. Instead, he returned to his office,too restless to sleep, too angry to think clearly.
Mr. No bowed and quickly left. Within minutes, he returned with information.
"She's at Star Club, sir. A very exclusive one," Mr. No said, carefully watching Seo Jun's expression.
Seo Jun closed his eyes for a moment. Of course she is.
"Send me the location," he said, already moving.
He rushed to his car, sliding into the driver's seat just as the address popped onto his phone.
"Why, An Nari?" he muttered, voice tight with frustration.
⸻
Star Club pulsed with loud music and swirling lights. Bodies moved on the dance floor like waves. The air was thick with smoke, alcohol, and sweat.
Lee Seo Jun stepped in, his presence instantly turning heads.
He approached a staff member.
"Where is the VVIP room?" he asked sharply.
The server blinked. "Uh... sir, the VVIP room is already in use."
"I didn't ask who's using it," Seo Jun replied, eyes narrowing. "Where is it?"
The server rolled his eyes, assuming Seo Jun was just another spoiled chaebol looking for trouble.
"You'll need to ask the owner. Over there," he pointed toward a short man near the bar.
Seo Jun strode over, calm but dangerous.
"Are you the owner?" he asked.
"Yes, what—?"
"Where is An Nari?" Seo Jun interrupted.
The man's face changed instantly. "You are?"
"Her boyfriend."
That was enough.
⸻
The door to the VVIP room swung open and there she was.
An Nari was on the floor, surrounded by crushed powder, broken glass, and a half-empty bottle of whiskey. Her head tilted back, laughter bursting from her lips in erratic waves.
"Let's go," Seo Jun said quietly.
She turned to him, eyes red and distant.
"Sure," she laughed bitterly. "Let's go home. You're stupid, you know that? Always listening to your dumb family. They know nothing about you!"
She tried to stand but stumbled. Seo Jun caught her before she hit the floor.
"I'll take her," he said firmly.
They exited through the back, shielded from the public eye. Mr. No helped open the car. Seo Jun laid her gently in the back seat. She continued giggling to herself, lost in her world.
Seo Jun turned to the club owner.
"She's banned. Don't serve her again."
The man scoffed. "Who the hell are you to say—"
"Lee Seo Jun," he said without flinching.
The man froze. "Lee family?"
But Seo Jun was already gone.
The club owner turned to his staff. "She's banned. Don't ever let her back in."
He sighed. "An Nari... you're bringing me trouble."
⸻
Seo Jun dropped her at a hotel. Alone.
He didn't speak. He didn't even stay to see her wake.
He left.
⸻
The Next Morning
An Nari woke with a pounding headache and eyes heavy with regret. The smell of perfume and regret clung to the hotel room.
"No..." she whispered, remembering everything.
Seo Jun's face. His eyes. His disappointment.
She quickly called for room service, ordered fresh clothes, and got dressed. She needed to fix things fast.
She headed straight for the coffee shop where Seo Jun said he'd meet her.
⸻
A few hours later, Seo Jun arrived in his sleek black sports car, flanked by two tall bodyguards. This time, there were no smiles.
He entered the café like a man made of glass and steel. Heads turned, and whispers followed him.
He saw her, sitting by the window. She smiled nervously.
He didn't return it.
"What do you want?" he asked, voice cold.
"I'm sorry, baby. I don't know what came over me. I thought... I thought I was going to lose you," she said, her voice trembling with practiced sorrow.
"Over someone you haven't even met yet?" he asked. "Didn't I say it's a fake relationship? Just three months."
"I know. But... why don't we just get married instead?" she said suddenly. "If we were married, your family wouldn't object. Other influencers are getting married too."
Seo Jun's jaw clenched. "An Nari—"
"Alright, fine. Do whatever you want," she pouted. "By the way, my credit card is declining. I think I'm out of cash. I was planning to go to Paris this week for the new design drop. You know my work."
Seo Jun stood up.
"Mr. No will handle that," he said flatly. "I'm late for work."
He walked away without a glance back.
An Nari clenched her jaw. Her eyes followed his retreating figure.
Who the hell is this girl? she thought bitterly. Who is making him change like this?
⸻
At Mat & Made Fashion Studio
"Min Min!" a girl called, breathless. "Someone's waiting for you outside!"
Joon So Min looked up from the mannequin she was dressing.
"Okay! Please help me finish this one," she said, handing the girl the fabric before rushing out.
Outside, leaning casually against a shiny black car, was Jung Hyun.
Her steps slowed.
"Jung Hyun?" she said.
His face brightened. "So Min. Long time."
"What are you doing here?"
"I called. You didn't pick."
She checked her phone,a missed call.
"I was around and remembered you worked nearby. Thought I'd drop by."
"I'm working."
"Just a cup of coffee?" he said with a hopeful smile.
She hesitated. Her past came flooding in. She didn't owe him anything... but part of her heart still stung from how he'd once left her.
"You haven't repaid me for helping you the other day," he teased. "Now's the time. Just one cup. You're paying."
She rolled her eyes. "Fine. Only because it's my lunch break."
He opened the door like a gentleman. She got in.
The moment the door shut, he smirked.
"It's nice to see you again," he said.
⸻
"Why coffee with me?" she asked inside the café.
"No reason. Coffee tastes better with company."
She raised a brow. "That's cheesy."
"Well, so is sushi," he grinned. "Let's get some. I'm starving."
⸻