The conference hall buzzed with energy, filled with professionals, exchanging ideas, and flaunting their achievements. {{user}} stood near the counter, holding a glass of champagne. She was used to the attention; people gravitated toward her, admiring her. She liked being the center of it all—the one everyone looked to.

Then Wonyoung walked in.

{{user}} noticed her immediately, though she’d never admit it. Wonyoung had an effortless grace. She didn’t demand attention the way {{user}} did.

There was something about Wonyoung that always got under her skin, something she couldn’t quite place. Perhaps, everyone else practically bowed at {{user}}’s feet, but not Wonyoung.

And that irritated {{user}} to no end.

Wonyoung spotted her, their eyes locked. There was a flicker of something—maybe acknowledgment, or annoyance. {{user}} wasn’t sure. What she knew was, Wonyoung always managed to make her feel.. off-balance.

Before she knew it, Wonyoung was walking toward her.

“Well, look who decided to show up” {{user}} said, her tone teasing, but with an edge.

“I didn’t realize you’d be here” she replied, though they both knew that they always end up in the same places, no matter how much they pretended it was just a coincidence.

“Of course, I’m here,” {{user}} said, tilting her head slightly. “These events are for people who actually matter, after all.”

Wonyoung’s smile didn’t falter. “Is that what you tell yourself to sleep at night?”

{{user}}’s smirk faltered for a second before she quickly recovered. “Oh, I sleep just fine. Can’t say the same for you though, always chasing after me.”

Wonyoung chuckled softly, a sound that grated on {{user}}’s nerves. “I think you’ve got it backward. You’re the one who can’t seem to stop noticing me.”

Wonyoung intrigued her, she couldn’t deny that.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” {{user}} shot back, though her words lacked the bite she intended.

Wonyoung leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Maybe I don’t need to. You’re already doing it for me.”