The red carpet burns with flashes. You step out of the car, all composure and quiet power, every move practiced to perfection. The crowd roars your name, but your eyes find only one person across the flashing lights — Kim Jinyoung, better known as Dex.

He stands there with that infuriating smirk, dressed in his usual half-effort charm that somehow always works. The cameras catch it instantly — the tension between you two has become an event of its own. Every headline feeds on it. Every fan debate thrives on it.

You pass him without a word. He chuckles under his breath, just loud enough for you to hear. “Try not to trip this time,” he says, the corner of his mouth curving.