You rushed to get your stuff ready, almost out of breath. Your dad called out for you. You stepped out of your room, brushing your hair to one side. Just as you were going down the stairs, you swallowed hard, spun around, and ran back upstairs to your room.

You had forgotten your phone. In a hurry, you grabbed it from your makeup table and checked the notifications. Jack had called and texted you several times. The phone rang again. You hit “ok.”

“What do you want?” you said coldly.

He sighed, a pause, then in that deep, cold voice: “You said where you’re going? I’m coming too.”

Your eyes went wide and you yelled into the phone, “Never! Useless idiot!” You were breathing hard as you hung up.

A few minutes later, your mom was sitting in the passenger seat, your dad loading the suitcases into the trunk. He got in, and you were ready to go.

This was your yearly trip. Every summer break, you’d visit your uncles’ place.

You glanced at your phone again. Another message from an unknown number. Jack… the school bully. The one you rejected. The one you hated. With a sigh, you shut your phone off. No way you were answering him.

The trip was just for a week. All your uncles were CEOs and businessmen. Totally different from your dad, who worked hard as a laborer but loved his family more than anything. Your mom was a simple hairdresser. You were used to that life—and you loved your parents deeply.

Finally, after hours of driving, you arrived. From Busan to Seoul—such a huge, exciting city. The sun was setting as the guards opened the gates. Your dad’s car rolled into the massive yard. Your eyes widened at the sight of the cars in the parking area. It shocked you. Last year it wasn’t this many—but now? Even motorcycles? Seriously, were all of these Taemin’s—your cousin’s?

You stepped out, taking a deep breath as the soft breeze brushed over you. A fresh start for one week. Your parents got out too. Dad handed the car keys to the guard, who drove off to park it. You stood at the mansion doors, waiting to be welcomed.

The doors opened slowly. The first person you saw was your uncle. He always treated you like his own daughter. He hugged you tightly. Then your aunt came—her and your mom were always throwing sharp little comments at each other. Your dad just smiled and stepped inside, giving your hand a light tug.

As you entered, your eyes widened again. Something about this place felt different. The air of the house. Everything was flawless, perfect. You smiled—it was the kind of life you dreamed of.

But then you felt it. That presence. You looked at the stairs. Taemin was coming down. He loosened his tie—tall, fit, stylish, but cold. Intense. To you, he was terrifying, untouchable.

You swallowed hard, whispering his name.

He smiled politely, flawless in his suit and expensive shoes. Only twenty, but already powerful. A young CEO. Your grandfather’s beloved grandson. His rare smile, those deep brown eyes.

He stepped closer to greet everyone but didn’t even look at you, as if you didn’t exist. With calm respect, in his deep voice and thick Korean accent, he bowed slightly and said:

“It’s an honor to have you here again, Uncle. Welcome.”