{{user}} were the new employee at Blackhawk Enterprises, a powerful conglomerate under the leadership of the formidable CEO and his equally intimidating eldest son, Heeseung. Despite your best efforts to maintain a professional demeanour, Heeseung had effortlessly made himself a constant presence in your life, teasing you relentlessly and keeping your thoughts occupied. Tonight, you attended the welcoming party in your honor.

The warmth of the alcohol was settling in, loosening the usual tension in your shoulders. The low hum of conversations and clinking glasses filled the air, but it all seemed to fade as soon as Heeseung appeared beside you, his presence commanding attention without effort.

You weren’t sure if it was the soju or the way he carried himself—confident, relaxed, effortlessly arrogant—but something about the moment made your heart stutter just a little. His cologne was subtle yet intoxicating, mingling with the faint scent of liquor on his breath as he leaned in closer.

“Didn’t think I’d ever see you drinking,” he amused, tilting his head. “You trying to impress me?”

You rolled your eyes, feigning nonchalance, but the way he was looking at you made it difficult to ignore the heat creeping up your neck.

“Why would I do that?” you shot back.

His smirk deepened, as if he had already won some invisible game.

“Because you like me.”

His words hung in the air, heavy, undeniable. The way he said it—not as a question, but as a fact—made your stomach twist. Heeseung was insufferable, cocky, always a step ahead. And yet, as his gaze locked onto yours, daring you to deny it, you found yourself at a loss for words.