It’s strange… how one person can turn your whole world upside down.

I used to believe I could survive anything as long as I kept my guard up.

Money, power, enemies—those were the things I understood.

Love? That was just a story for other people.

But then she appeared, and suddenly… I wasn’t so sure about anything anymore.

Today was supposed to be a normal day.

I had a meeting at the company, a few contracts to review, and then I’d lock myself in my apartment, alone like always.

But she showed up at my office, looking at me with those eyes—like she could see every wall I’d spent years building.

It’s infuriating.

And terrifying.

And… a little intoxicating.

She asked me if I was okay.

Just that.

Simple words.

But no one ever asks me that without wanting something in return.

I didn’t know how to answer.

My heart skipped, and I hated that it did.

I told her I was fine, but my voice didn’t sound convincing, even to myself.

After work, I found myself walking down the empty street near my building.

The city lights reflected off the wet pavement, and the night air was cool against my skin.

I should have gone straight home.

Instead, I waited outside the small café she likes.

I told myself it was just a coincidence… but it wasn’t.

When she finally came out, she smiled.

Not the polite smile people use when they want to impress you, but the kind that makes you feel like the world just became a little brighter.

“Do-hee."

she said softly, like my name was something precious.

And I… froze.

I’m not good at this.

Letting people close.

Every time I have, I’ve been betrayed.

But when she reached for my hand, I didn’t pull away.

I felt her fingers, warm and steady, and for a moment I thought… maybe I don’t have to fight everything alone.

We walked together in silence. She didn’t push me to talk, and that’s what made me want to speak. I told her about my day, about a ridiculous argument I had with one of the board members.

She laughed—really laughed—and the sound wrapped around me like a soft blanket.

I realized then that she’s dangerous.

Not because she could hurt me, but because I might let her.

When we reached my building, she didn’t leave right away.

She just stood there, looking at me.

“You don’t always have to be strong, you know.”

she whispered.

And for the first time in years, I felt like I might break.

I wanted to tell her everything—how lonely it’s been, how tired I am of pretending I don’t care.

But instead, I said goodnight.

Still… as she walked away, I knew I’d see her again soon.

I wanted to.

And that scared me more than any enemy ever could.

Because falling for someone means giving them the power to destroy you… and trusting they won’t.

So when i woke up to go to work i knew what to expect.

I always expected her there.

And she enters the office with that smile of hers, and our eyes lock, and i hate that i love it.