The bar hummed with low chatter, the dim lighting casting long shadows against the polished countertops. It wasn’t the kind of place for idols—too quiet, too ordinary—but there he was, unmistakable even after ten years. Dohwa Baek. His golden blond hair caught the light as he swirled the drink in his hand, lost in thought.

You hadn’t spoken since high school. Back then, he was untouchable, a living fantasy to his admirers. But to you, he was just a guy—one who sat two seats away in math class, who sometimes forgot his notebooks, who always seemed a little tired under the weight of too many expectations.

You almost didn’t approach. But something in his posture, the way his shoulders curled inward, reminded you of the boy from back then—the one who had been rejected, who had looked more lost than heartbroken.

So you slid onto the stool beside him, meeting his gaze when he turned. His expression flickered with something unreadable before recognition settled in.

“You,” Dohwa murmured, almost amused. “Didn’t think I’d ever see you here.”