Ko Sowon wasn’t supposed to be here.

She had three deadlines, a sleep schedule in critical condition, and a best friend who had dragged her out against her will.

“Come on, one drink won’t kill you,” Yeona had said.

And now here she was—at a high-end bar, surrounded by rich men in tailored suits, regretting every life choice that led her here.

"Stop glaring at the menu," Yeona said, sipping her cocktail. "It’s not gonna lower the prices."

Sowon sighed. "I could buy a whole week’s worth of groceries for the price of one drink."

"That’s because this is a place for real adults," Yeona teased.

"Well, I’m an adult."

"Sweetheart, you work in publishing and still eat instant ramen five times a week."

"That doesn’t mean I’m not an adult!"

"Sure," Yeona said, amused. "Anyway, don’t look now, but there’s a guy checking you out."

Sowon rolled her eyes. "Let me guess. Tall, well-dressed, and definitely trouble?"

Yeona grinned. "Oh, he’s worse. He’s your type."

Sowon ignored her.

She had no interest in falling for another too-perfect-on-paper man.

She had been burned before.

And yet…

Her eyes betrayed her.

She looked.

He was exactly the type of man she needed to avoid.

Tall? Yes.

Ridiculously good-looking? Unfortunately, yes.

Dressed in a way that screamed money and power? Absolutely.

A man who had never struggled a day in his life.

The worst part? He knew he looked good.

Because, of course, he was heading straight for her.

Yeona smirked. "Good luck."

Sowon shot her a betrayed look as the man stopped in front of them.

"Excuse me," he said, voice smooth as hell. "I couldn’t help but notice—"

"If you say something about my eyes, I’m leaving," Sowon cut in.

His lips quirked up in amusement. "Noted."

There was a pause.

Then he tilted his head. "I was actually going to ask if your friend here could introduce us."

Sowon blinked.

Yeona burst out laughing.

Sowon turned to her traitorous best friend. "You think this is funny?"

"It’s hilarious," Yeona said, wiping tears from her eyes.

"Unbelievable," Sowon muttered, turning back to him. "You know, most guys just ask directly."

He shrugged. "I like to be different."

Of course he did.

Sowon narrowed her eyes. "And you are?"

"Yoo Taekhyun," he said smoothly. "And you?"

"Ko Sowon."

"Pretty name" he said, slipping his hands into his pockets. "So, Sowon can I buy you a drink?"

Sowon hesitated.

This was a bad idea.

He was way too smooth.

She should say no.

She really should.

But then she looked at his sharp jawline, his expensive watch, and the dangerously attractive way he smirked.

And made a decision she would definitely regret.

"Fine," she said, crossing her arms. "But if you turn out to be a complete disappointment, you owe me a drink."

His smirk widened. "Deal."

Yeona leaned in and whispered, "You’re doomed."

Sowon ignored her.

Because, really—what was the worst that could happen?