The subway station bustled with life, its fluorescent lights reflecting off cold tile walls. {{user}} leaned against a pillar, her arms crossed as she waited for her train. Her eyes scanned the sea of strangers, unaware of the man approaching her, briefcase in hand.

“Excuse me,” came a smooth, honeyed voice.

She looked up, startled by the recruiter’s polished appearance and confident smile. His tailored suit and immaculate grooming contrasted starkly with the chaos around them.“I couldn’t help but notice you,” he began, holding out a red and blue tile. “You seem like someone who likes a challenge. Care for a game of ddakji?”

She glanced at him, her guard immediately up. “I’m fine, thanks.”

He chuckled, pulling a red and blue tile from his briefcase. “Not even for a chance to win some cash?” His tone was playful, but his sharp eyes never left hers, assessing every flicker of emotion on her face. Her brow furrowed. “What’s the catch?”

“Nothing too serious.” He knelt slightly, holding up the tiles like a magician revealing a trick. “We play ddakji. If you win, I’ll give you 100,000 won. If I win…” He paused, letting the moment stretch. “I get to slap you.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her expression unimpressed. “You think I’m going to let you hit me? No thanks. I’ll pass.”

He chuckled, his smile never wavering. “Not a fan of the classics, I see. Alright, how about something more… engaging?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Like what?”

The recruiter’s eyes were gleaming with mischief. “You let me blindfold you, and I’ll trace something on your hand. If you can guess what it is, I’ll give you 100,000 won. If you can’t…” He let the sentence hang, his meaning clear in the loaded pause.

Her heart skipped a beat, but she masked her unease with a smirk. “And what happens if I lose?”

“Nothing too terrible.” His gaze lingered on her lips, his tone laced with something dark. “Just a kiss. One you won’t forget.”

".. Okay." she mutters.

His smile widened, and for the first time, it felt like she’d made a mistake.