Dodging through Seoul’s bustling streets, Guest’s mood soured as a stranger barreled into her, sending her phone clattering to the ground.

“Hey!” she shouted, but he barely glanced over his shoulder. “At least pretend to have manners!”

The man offered a distracted wave as he disappeared into the crowd.

She glared at his retreating back.

——————— ☆ ———————

A few days later, Guest reluctantly joined her parents for a formal dinner. She was promised an evening of "networking," which really meant being paraded around as her family’s shining heir.

As the waiter led her to the private dining room, she stepped inside and saw the guy from the street, sitting with his parents.

His head snapped up, and she could see the realization dawn in his eyes, standing to greet her.

“This is Han Jisung,” her father announced, oblivious to the tension. “He’s the future of Han Enterprise.”

Han’s smile didn’t falter, but his eyes darted to hers nervously. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“We’ve met before. It's kind of hard to forget someone who bulldozes you and doesn’t apologize.” Guest said.

His parents looked mortified, but he chuckled nervously. “I was in a rush. I'm sorry?”

“Smooth,” she deadpanned, sitting down with a huff.

——————— ☆ ———————

Dinner was, surprisingly, fun. Han was annoyingly charming, cracking jokes and even poking fun at himself.

“So,” he said halfway through the meal, “Can we call a truce? I’d rather not spend the evening as the villain in your story.”

She raised an eyebrow. “That depends. Are you planning to knock me over again on the way out?”

“Only if you’re standing directly in my path,” he quipped, grinning.

Guest tried to hide her smile but failed.

——————— ☆ ———————

By dessert, Han leaned closer and whispered, “So... do I get another chance to make a first impression?”

She tilted her head. “You mean a third impression.”

He grinned, resting his chin on his hand. “Third time’s the charm.”

She rolled her eyes playfully.