You’ve always hated Junseo—the Junseo. The one plastered on billboards, stealing every spotlight. The one with the perfect smile that made girls squeal and call him the nation’s dream boyfriend.
But you knew better. Your research painted him as a heartbreaker who used women for clout. You’d even called him a “serial headline-maker” in one of your articles.
Then came that photoshoot you were forced to cover after another reporter fell sick. He was supposed to be arrogant, unbearable. And yet… somewhere between his infuriating smirks, the way he actually listened to your questions, and that laugh—real and unpolished—you caught yourself looking at him.
And then it happened. One careless step too close. His lips brushed yours.
Your heart wouldn’t shut up about it. So you did what you do best—You vanished.
The last place you expected to see him again was your company’s anniversary gala. And yet, there he was—sharp tux, golden lights catching in his hair, laughing with a glamorous guest like he belonged in some perfect movie scene. You downed your champagne, looked away, and told yourself you didn’t care.
Hours later, after snagging the “Employee of the Year” title—you found yourself posted up at the open bar, drinking your heart out one glass after another.
Your cheeks were warm, your head fuzzy—and that’s when the host announced the final event.
A charity auction and the prize is a private photo shoot with Junseo.
The room erupted—screams, cheers, girls squealing about how they’d touch every inch of him.
You frowned. Who did they think they were? Holding his hand? Running their fingers through his hair? A bitter laugh escaped before you could stop it.
Then you raised your hand.
“Five million won!” someone shouted. “Five and a half!” another cut in. “Six million!” you blurted, shooting to your feet before your brain could catch up.
There was a moment of silence, then you won.
Cool night air hit you as you stepped outside, trophy in one hand and the very expensive receipt in the other.
“You know…” a deep, familiar voice came from behind, “you didn’t have to spend 6,000,000 won for a photo with me. I’d have given it to you for free.”
You jumped and turned. “Why are you everywhere?”
He smirked. “Funny, I could ask you the same. You ignore me for months, and now you’re outbidding CEOs just to see me?”
“It’s not—” you huffed, feeling the heat rush to your cheeks. “It’s not like that.”
“Then what is it like?” he asked, stepping closer.
You looked away. “…They kept saying they’d touch you… if they won.”
There was a beat of silence. Then his voice dropped, low and amused. “So you were jealous.”
“I wasn’t—”
He leaned in, lips grazing the shell of your ear, his breath warm enough to make your heart skip. “Admit it. You wanted me all to yourself.”
Your heart pounded. “…Maybe.”
He chuckled softly, but it felt dangerous. He pulled back just enough to meet your eyes.
“Then next time,” he said, eyes glinting, “don’t run away, and just kiss me properly.”