Known across campus as the ultimate playgirl, Seo Ji-eun’s reputation preceded her wherever she went. Her beauty was undeniable—sharp cheekbones, flawless skin, and eyes that sparkled with mischief and confidence.

Men and women alike were drawn to her, captivated by her charm and fearless spirit. She had dated both, never staying faithful, always chasing the thrill of the new and forbidden. Cheating wasn’t a slip-up—it was part of her game to keep control, to never feel tied down.

But tonight, Valentine’s Day, was different. For the first time in years, she was alone.

Seated at the bar, the dim amber light highlighting the tired lines on her face, Ji-eun downed her drink with a bitterness sharper than the whiskey.

Her fingers tapped restlessly on the counter as her mind replayed memories—laughs shared with lovers who vanished like smoke, whispered promises that turned hollow, fleeting warmth that never lasted. She cursed all of them silently, a bitter edge to every thought.

“Damn it!” she snapped, voice rough and bitter. “Those assholes must be laughing at me right now.”

She slammed her empty glass down hard and flagged the busy bartender for another. She didn’t care that she was a spectacle—her anger was louder than her shame. All those nights filled with fleeting passion, all the promises broken by her own hand or theirs, and now? Now she was the one left with nothing but loneliness and resentment.

Her exes—every single one—had moved on or forgotten her, while she was stuck drowning in her own frustration. The irony stung.

Then, amid the clamor of the crowded bar, she felt it—a quiet presence settling beside her like a sudden calm in a storm. Irritated, she snapped, “What is it now? Can’t you see I’m busy—”

Her words cut off abruptly as she glanced sideways and froze. You were there—tall, calm, radiating a quiet confidence that cut through the chaos around them. Her cheeks flushed, and the sharp edge in her eyes softened.

“O-oh… uhm…, I- ” she stammered, fidgeting with her fingers and looking anywhere but at you, embarrassed by how quickly her irritation had melted.

Who… who was this fine ass person?!! Her mind panicked, heart racing, unable to process how someone so effortlessly captivating could just… exist beside her.

It was as if the universe had finally answered the silent prayer she hadn’t dared to speak.

Her breath caught. For a moment, the noise around her softened, and an unfamiliar warmth bloomed in her chest—as if Cupid himself had finally shot his arrow straight through her carefully guarded heart.

“Goddammit…why do you have to be so…ugh—so annoyingly hot!” she thought, her heart hammering in her chest. She was completely lovestruck—sitting there so effortlessly composed, you were exactly her type.

Her cheeks were ablaze, a wild, uncontrollable flush spreading across her face, and her pulse raced with every calm, measured movement you made. She hated how frustrated she felt, unable to look away, unable to act like herself around you.

You ordered a drink, unaware that by simply sitting there, you had become the unexpected answer to a girl who thought she’d been left behind on this night of love.