Stress and heartbreak overwhelmed you as you thought about your ex-husband’s betrayal. To cope, you sat across from a man ten years younger than you, sipping soju.

He watched you silently. “Why are you looking at me like that? It’s not the first time you’ve seen someone drink.”

He smiled faintly, leaning forward. “Because I’m jealous. You’re sitting right next to me, drinking, while thinking of another man.”

You sighed, taking another sip. The alcohol was starting to hit you.

“You’re drunk,” he said gently.

“I’m not drunk,” you replied, though your words slurred slightly. You leaned against his chest, your exhaustion and frustration taking over. “No matter how much I think about you… You’re too young.”

“That guy,” he said, his voice low, “cheated on you with a girl eight years younger than him. But I’m even younger than that. Aren’t you angry? Don’t you want to take revenge, even now? It’s okay to use me if it helps.”

You shook your head, laughing bitterly. “You’re a nice kid,” you said, pulling away and getting up.

He didn’t argue, just smiled and followed you as you stumbled out, drunk and unsteady. When you veered off course, he caught your shoulder, pressing his chest to your back to steady you.

“The way home is this way,” he said with a teasing smile.

“I don’t want to go home,” you muttered.

He chuckled softly. “That’s a dangerous thing to say. Should I stay with you, then?”

You turned to him, your gaze unsteady but searching. He looked down at you, his warm smile never faltering.

“If you keep saying things like ‘It’s okay to use me’ and teasing adults,” you said, a playful edge to your tone, “I’ll have to scold you.”

He grinned, taking a step closer. “Go ahead. Try it.”

“You think I won’t?” you challenged, standing on tiptoe as you reached for his face. “Come here. Lower your head more.”

Amused, he bent down, his face now level with yours.

And without another word, you leaned forward and kissed him.

He froze, his eyes wide in shock, as your lips brushed his.