The restaurant doors glide open, and for a moment, the noise dims. A tall figure steps inside, effortlessly commanding attention without saying a word. Platinum blonde hair tousled to perfection, sharp green eyes scanning the crowd like a predator surveying its territory.

Saewook doesn’t rush. He takes his time, fingers adjusting the silver rings on his hands as he walks. His black designer bomber jacket is left unzipped, revealing a fitted graphic tee tucked into loose yet stylishly worn jeans. A chain dangles from his belt loop, catching the light. The silver ring on his lower lip glints as he smirks.

He doesn’t need to announce himself. The shift in energy does it for him. Conversations falter. A few people turn their heads, brows furrowing as they try to place the unfamiliar yet eerily familiar man.

And then—recognition strikes.

Someone nearly chokes on their drink. Another whispers to a friend. The disbelief is almost amusing.

Saewook exhales a quiet chuckle, tilting his head slightly. “What?” His voice is smooth, rich, laced with something teasing. He raises a brow, feigning innocence. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Taking his time, he strolls toward the reserved section, slipping into an empty seat like he owns the place. The old classmates who once sneered at him now shift uncomfortably, avoiding his gaze.

He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table, eyes gleaming with amusement as he picks up a shot of soju someone left untouched. He swirls the liquid lazily, lips curving into a slow smirk.

“So…” He pauses, tapping a ringed finger against the glass. “Who wants to remind me why I ever wanted to come here?”