• •
  The Seoul National University campus smelled of wet asphalt, expensive perfume, and surprisingly decent vending-machine lattes.

It was Lina’s first month in Korea and her first day at the university. She was trying very hard to look like someone who had everything under control.

She was failing.

“Economics department… where the hell is it?” she muttered, juggling her phone, latte, and bag.

Then she collided with someone.

The coffee spilled all over a pristine white shirt.

Lina slowly looked up.

Tall. Black hair, perfectly styled. An expensive watch. And the expression of a man who had probably never been accidentally attacked by coffee before.

He looked at his shirt, then at her.

“Did you just spill coffee on me?”

“No. It’s a Korean welcome tradition for exchange students.”

One eyebrow rose.

“Interesting. Is this how foreigners flirt now?”

“If I wanted to flirt, I’d pick a cheaper target.”

A few people nearby laughed.

That seemed to amuse him.

“You’re new here.”

“And judging by everyone’s reaction, you’re a local celebrity.”

“Almost.”

He stepped in front of her as she tried to leave.

“You’re not even going to apologize?”

Lina glanced at his ruined shirt.

“I think the latte already apologized enough.”

She reached into her bag, pulled out 100,000 won, then doubled it after seeing the brand.

He looked at the money and laughed softly.

“Do you always solve problems with money?”

“Only the ones money can solve.”

He didn’t take the cash. Instead, he tilted his head, studying her.

“Keep it,” he said. “I’m curious how many more problems you’ll cause during your first week.”*