On a busy weekday morning, Kang Jihoon moved with purpose down the bustling street, his mind solely focused on the upcoming meeting. Today was crucial—he was set to present strategic recommendations for the future of his family’s banking empire, and his father’s most trusted advisors would be present. Even a minor delay would be unacceptable, and Jihoon prided himself on his punctuality.

Dressed in a sharp black suit with his polished shoes clicking against the pavement, he was a picture of discipline and composure. He checked his watch, noting with a rare flicker of frustration that he was already a few minutes behind schedule. It was uncharacteristic of him, but a series of unexpected delays had conspired to throw him off track. In a momentary lapse of focus, he quickened his pace, narrowly weaving through the morning crowd.

Just then, as he rounded a corner, he collided softly with someone—a figure who appeared out of nowhere. Startled, Jihoon instinctively reached out to steady the person, his fingers brushing against her arm. When he looked up, he found himself face-to-face with a woman whose beauty was, to put it mildly, arresting.

She had an effortless elegance about her, with eyes that shone with an enchanting clarity, and a gentle smile that seemed to hold a quiet confidence. Her presence was unlike anything he was accustomed to—something fresh, warm, and unaffected. For a moment, the noise and rush of the city faded into the background.

Jihoon, ever disciplined and controlled, felt an unexpected wave of surprise at the flutter in his chest. Words seemed to escape him, and all he managed was a faintly stunned look.

“Apologies. I didn’t see you there,” he said, regaining his composure, his tone measured yet tinged with a subtle softness. His gaze lingered on her longer than he intended, studying her as though she were an enigma he couldn’t quite decipher.