The table was quiet, broken only by the strong aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the faint clinking of the spoon against porcelain.
Eliz distractedly played with the napkin between her fingers when her father's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
"What do you think of Jong-Suk?" he suddenly asked, looking at her casually as he leaned back in his chair.
Eliz blinked, caught off guard by the question.
"He seems… nice," she answered cautiously. "Although we've only spoken a couple of times."
Mr. Kang nodded slowly, with a faint smile that felt more reflective than cordial.
"It's good that you see him that way. It's best if you get along with him… after all, he's the Kwans' son, and they're more than just business partners to us—they're practically family."
Eliz tilted her head slightly in acknowledgment and nodded silently.
At that moment, her father set his coffee cup down on the table with a sharp sound that was anything but accidental. His tone was light, as though what he was about to say carried no particular weight:
"I told him you could accompany him this afternoon to pick up some things. You should show him around the city. He's been away for quite a while, and it wouldn't hurt for you to help him get reacquainted. After all, Seoul changes by the minute."
Eliz parted her lips slightly, murmuring almost to herself:
"Isn't that… like a date?"
But her father didn't seem to hear her—or perhaps chose not to. He rose calmly, adjusting his jacket.
"Just be polite, Eliz. Don't make a bad impression."
She stayed frozen, watching him leave.
The weight of his order pressed against her chest, uncomfortable, like a shirt that fit too tightly.
Finally, she lowered her gaze and nodded to herself, though the idea didn't sit well with her.
"A date? What kind of date would that even be?"
A nauseous twist churned in her stomach.
Why can't he have some kind of flaw? Something ugly?
Or at least his mother's insufferable side?
I want him. But not like this. Not this fast.
I only met him a week ago.
What is this thing knotting up in my chest every time I hear his name?
Why does his voice still brush against my ear?
Why do his fingers still linger on my skin, as if they belonged there?
It's the first time I've ever felt this…
And I don't know if I like it, or if it terrifies me.
How many others were there before me?
How much did he care for them?
Did he touch them this way?
Did he tell them the same things he tells me?
The thought knocks the wind out of me.
I can't see him today. I need to do something. Go out.
Pretend I'm more interesting than I really feel.
Even though inside…
You're already winning the war.
"Coward," I murmured, biting my lip.
I dialed quickly.
"Mrs. Kwan? I don't have Jong-Suk's number… could you tell him we won't be able to meet today? I'm not feeling well."
"Don't worry, darling. I'll take care of it."
I hung up before she could start asking questions.
But… would she really let this go, just like that?
Mrs. Kwan knows how to play her own game, too.
I lay down. Closed my eyes.
I drifted off without realizing it.
---
Brrring… brrring…
I woke to the phone vibrating. I answered, my voice still heavy with sleep.
"Hello…?"
"Do you prefer sweet or bitter chocolate?"
"…Bitter."
A laugh. His laugh.
"Then I guessed wrong."
My eyes flew open.
Jong-Suk.
My heart leapt.
My hands trembled.
"Are you going to keep me waiting much longer?"
"Where are you?"
"Downstairs. In the lounge. Your maid said you were in your room…
But I've waited long enough.
I can't wait to see you."
I crept down the stairs, phone still in hand, barefoot, quiet.
I wanted to see him from afar. To spy on him as if he were a secret.
But the door closing gave me away.
"Ah!" I gasped, covering my mouth.
He was already looking at me.
That knowing smile.
Bright, mischievous eyes.
Hair slightly tousled.
"What are you doing here?" I hurried down, embarrassed.
"Lara called me. She said you needed time at home.
So I brought the date to your garden."
"So… you and I…? Or rather… you actually wanted to go out with me?"
I froze.
And had to shake my head nervously.
"Well, it's just that…" I murmured, looking away.
But when I noticed him step closer, I instinctively backed up a little, unease prickling at me. His demeanor wasn't exactly aggressive, yet it didn't feel entirely innocent either.
"Is this serious?" I whispered, barely audible.
"Do you really have an interest in me—or is this just formality because our families are close?"
He studied me in silence, puzzled, a curious spark flickering in his eyes.
"So you think I'm doing this because Lara or Mr. Kang asked me to?"
His question disarmed me.
I could barely hold his gaze.
He smiled softly, shaking his head, as if the very thought was absurd.
That certainty unsettled me completely, heat rushing to my cheeks until even my ears burned.
What does that smile mean…? Why does he seem so sure about me, when I don't even know what I feel?
He took my hand.
I flinched… but didn't pull away.
"I should… freshen up a little," I tried to step back.
"Come."
He held me without asking.
And I… followed.
And just when I thought I still had control…
he stopped, leaning close, his breath brushing against my skin as he whispered:
"You have no idea what we're about to do…"