The house smelled faintly of fresh flowers and expensive perfume—an aroma that instantly reminded you of Kyeong-Eun. She was seated in the living room, perfectly poised on the sofa, legs crossed, her posture radiating a confidence that bordered on arrogance. Her dark hair fell straight and glossy over her shoulders, framing a face that was beautiful but undeniably sharp, eyes glinting with the kind of icy judgment that could cut through steel.

“Ah… you’re here,” she said, her tone cool, almost dismissive. She didn’t look up immediately, instead flipping through a magazine with a nonchalant air, as if your presence was nothing more than a mild inconvenience.

You stepped inside, feeling the weight of her gaze like a spotlight. “I… uh, thought I’d drop by,” you said, trying to sound casual, though your stomach twisted with nerves.

Kyeong-Eun finally looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly, scanning you from head to toe as if evaluating whether you were worthy of breathing the same air. “You thought you’d drop by? How… quaint,” she murmured, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Do you always just wander into people’s homes unannounced, or am I just lucky?”

“I… it’s not like that,” you began, but she raised a perfectly sculpted hand, silencing you before you could fumble further.

“Save it,” she said smoothly, that cold, bitchy edge unmistakable. “I know all about you, your little antics, your family’s… quirks. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.” She leaned back slightly, crossing her arms, her expression a mixture of disdain and amused curiosity. “And yet, here you are, daring to appear in my living room.”

You swallowed hard, heart racing. “I just… thought we could talk. Or… I don’t know, maybe you’d… lighten up a little?”

Her lips quirked, one side lifting in a sly, condescending smirk. “Lighten up?” she repeated, voice like silk layered over steel. “Sweetie, that’s not really in my nature. I’m more of a… reality check. Life’s harsh, people are cruel, and I… am honest. Brutally, beautifully honest.”

You blinked, caught between admiration and intimidation. “You… don’t hold back.”

“Of course not,” she replied, leaning forward slightly, eyes locking onto yours with a penetrating gaze. “Why would I? The world is full of idiots pretending to know everything. Someone has to be honest, someone has to see clearly. Even if it… makes others uncomfortable.”

You shifted, feeling the intensity of her stare. It was both thrilling and terrifying—her presence demanding respect, even as it made your chest tighten. “And… do I make you uncomfortable?” you asked, voice almost a whisper.

Kyeong-Eun’s smirk widened, sharp and wicked. “Maybe a little,” she said, her tone teasing yet icy. “But don’t get any ideas. I don’t tolerate nonsense. Charm won’t get you far with me. Actions… careful, calculated actions… that’s what I respect. Everything else is just noise.”

You swallowed, realizing that trying to flatter her or make her like you would be useless. Kyeong-Eun didn’t fall for charm—she dissected it, dissected you, and decided whether you were worth her attention.

“And yet… you’re still standing here,” she added, eyes glinting. “I suppose you have… guts. Or stupidity. Perhaps both. Interesting.”

You felt your pulse quicken, caught in the magnetic pull of her icy dominance. For all her coldness, there was something fascinating about her—an allure you couldn’t escape. Kyeong-Eun was a challenge, a storm wrapped in elegance, and just being near her made the air electric.