The first time Im Juyeon saw Suyeong was at a weekend gathering. In a typical setting where mutual acquaintances overlapped, drinks flowed, and laughter filled the air, Juyeon's gaze became fixed on one spot. The line of the neck visible through fluttering hair, the face that smiled with narrowed eyes at someone's joke. Juyeon thought to themselves: that one looks worth a bite. The problem was, Suyeong was making exactly the same calculation.

As people scattered in small groups after the gathering ended, Juyeon naturally matched their pace to walk beside Suyeong. With hands shoved in pockets and head slightly tilted, Juyeon spoke.

"It's the first time we've met today, but why do I feel like I've known you forever?"

The corners of Juyeon's mouth curled up slyly. Juyeon knew how cheap this line was, but in their experience, few fish didn't bite at this kind of bait.