Sana smoothed the fabric of her tailored burgundy pants, the rich hue catching the dim light of her room. The high waist hugged her form perfectly, flaring slightly at the ankles in a way that felt both modern and comfortable. She adjusted the sheer sleeves of her black crop top, the square neckline accentuating her collarbones with understated elegance.
A layered gold necklace glinted softly against her skin; matched by delicate drop earrings that swayed lightly with her movements. Sliding her essentials into a compact crossbody bag with a chain strap, she caught her reflection in the mirror. Her dark waves, carefully styled to cascade over one shoulder, framed her bold crimson lips, complementing the look with an effortless charm.
"Leaving the cocoon," she murmured to herself, a small smile tugging at her lips.
With one last glance, she left her apartment, anticipation bubbling in her chest. Ji-Hoon was waiting downstairs, and she couldn't deny the thrill she felt knowing he'd see her like this. She'd come to savour the way his gaze lingered on her, like he wanted to carve her image into his mind – into his heart.
The elevator chimed softly as it reached the ground floor, and she stepped out into the cool evening air. Ji-Hoon was leaning casually against his car, twirling his keys between his fingers. The faint clank of her heels on the pavement made him look up, and the moment their eyes met, he straightened, slipping the keys into his pocket.
His gaze swept over her, slow and deliberate, from the tips of her heels to the soft waves of her hair. It wasn't just a glance – it was a gaze that made her feel exposed yet admired all at once. For a second, they simply stood there taking in each other.
Sana's breath hitched. He looked devastatingly handsome. His all-black ensemble exuded effortless sophistication – a tailored blazer over a sleek black shirt with the top button undone, hinting at a relaxed confidence. The slim-fit trousers emphasized his lean, toned frame, and his slightly tousled hair framed his sharp features. A discreet silver earring glinted under the streetlights, adding an edge to his otherwise refined appearance.
He took a step toward her, then another, until they were standing so close she could feel the faint warmth of his breath. The woodsy scent of cedar and bergamot lingered between them, making her pulse race.
"You…" his voice was low, strained, as if he was holding himself back. "You really know how to rile me up."
Her lips parted, but whatever she wanted to say vanished under the intensity of his gaze. She felt her cheeks flush as heat spread through her body.
Ji-Hoon took a deep breath, his jaw tightening. Then, as if regaining control, he took a step back, extending a hand to her. "Come on," he said with a faint smirk. "Let's go before I change my mind."
…
Nexus was nothing like Sana had imagined.
When Ji-Hoon ushered her inside, she was struck by the stark contrast to the chaotic, neon-drenched image of clubs she had in her mind. Nexus was sleek, opulent, and atmospheric.
The dance floor shimmered under ambient lighting – soft golds and silvers that reflected off the dark, polished floors. Chandelier with modern, geometric designs hung overhead, their soft glow casting intricate shadows. Around the edges of the room, clusters of high tables and plush armchairs invited quiet conversation, while the stylishly dressed crowd exuded understated glamour.
The walls were paneled with deep mahogany, broken by abstract art installations that seemed to shift with the light. A raised DJ booth, framed by cascading LED panels, overlooked the space. Opposite it, a curved bar made of glowing onyx drew attention with its subtle radiance.
The music was energetic but not overwhelming, its pulse thrumming through the room without drowning conversation. Stylish patrons filled the space, their understated glamour speaking of quiet wealth rather than ostentation.
Ji-Hoon's hand rested lightly on the small of her back, guiding her through the crowd with ease. They ascended a staircase to the private lounges area, its entrance framed by polished brass. Sana's breath caught as they entered one of them. The lounge was a world of its own – plush furniture in deep jewel tones, bookshelves stocked with curated titles, and tables adorned with artisanal candleholders. The air carried a faint scent of lavender and cedarwood, grounding the space in sophistication. Her attention shifted to the tall figure at the centre of the room.
Lee Min-Seok.
He exuded effortless charisma, his crisp black shirt unbuttoned just enough to hint at a lean, toned frame. His tailored trousers and polished loafers added to an air of quiet confidence. Sharp eyes flicked toward them, registering their presence before he spoke.
"There you are," he said, his voice light and casual.
Ji-Hoon led her to one of the low couches, settling beside her with his arm draped casually behind her shoulders. The gesture was protective yet intimate, and Sana found herself leaning into him instinctively.
Min-Seok approached, a bottle of champagne nestled in a bucket of ice in hand. He placed it on the small table before them, and started pouring the liquid into delicate flutes.
He moved with ease, his presence compelling without trying. A young master, she thought absentmindedly. Her eyes shifted to Ji-Hoon, what does that make him?
The waitstaff entered quietly, carrying trays of seafood and desserts that looked almost too beautiful to eat. Lobster tails glazed to perfection, oysters nestled on beds of ice, and intricate pastries adorned with fresh berries were placed on the table with meticulous care.
"Nice to meet you," Min-Seok said extending a hand toward her, "well in a different setting." Hinting at their brief encounter at the gallery. "I'm Lee Min-Seok. Ji-Hoon's best friend. He's probably said terrible things about me, but don't believe a word of it."
Sana laughed softly, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Yoon Sana – Ji-Hoon's…girlfriend," she added, her cheeks warming. "Don't know if he talked about me?"
"Oh, he did." Min-Seok began with a teasing grin, "So much that…"
"That's enough," Ji-Hoon cut him off, handing her a flute. "Careful," he murmured, his voice brushing against her awareness, low and intimate.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and the clink of champagne glasses and cutleries. Despite the elegance of their surroundings, the atmosphere between them felt easy, even familiar, as if they had known each other far longer than a few hours. Ji-Hoon ever attentive, made sure she alternated between bites and sips of champagne.
Min-Seok's sharp humour kept the tone light, but Sana could tell he was observing her closely. Not in a judgmental way, but as if assessing something deeper – like he wanted to understand her, not just as Ji-Hoon's girlfriend but as a person in her own right.
As the waitstaff discreetly cleared the seafood and desserts, leaving room for another bottle of champagne, Min-Seok leaned back, his gaze flicking between them with a knowing smirk.
"So," he began, crossing his legs casually, "what exactly did you do to win over this stoic, stubborn guy?"
Sana blinked at the sudden question, glancing at Ji-Hoon, whose brow furrowed in mild exasperation. She tilted her head, pretending to ponder deeply.
"Beauty?" she finally offered with a smirk, her tone playful but teasingly-assured.
The brief silence that followed broke into laughter, Min-Seok doubling over as Ji-Hoon shook his head, hiding a smile behind his hand.
"Yeah, I'll believe that," Min-Seok said, wiping his eyes.
Ji-Hoon poured another glass of champagne, handing it to Sana with deliberate care. "Ignore him," he muttered under his breath.
Sana grinned, taking a sip. "But you didn't deny it."
Ji-Hoon sighed, giving her a look that spoke volumes. She laughed softly, the ease between them growing with each passing moment.
Min-Seok watched the two of them with thinly veiled curiosity. Sana caught his gaze a few times, and each time, there was an amused glint in his eyes, like he was piecing together a puzzle that only he could see.
"Do you come here often?" Sana asked, turning to him. "I heard Ji-Hoon works here."
Min-Seok chuckled, shaking his head. "As often as I can. Perks of being the owner's son."
Sana's brows lifted. "The owner?"
Min-Seok fished a sleek black-gold card from his wallet, sliding it across the table. "Here. It's a membership card – 30% off at any of our places."
She picked it up, running her fingers over the embossed letters: Cheongsa Ventures.
"Wow," she said with a grin. "A rich friend."
Her comment earned a laugh from both men.
"More like my parents are," Min-Seok replied. "But yeah, you could say that."
Sana's eyes gleamed mischievously. "I've always wanted a rich friend."
"Ha-ha! Well, now you've got one. Call me anytime, and I'll clear my schedule," Min-Seok teased.
"And for him working here," he said pointing at Ji-Hoon with his chin, "it's more like a pass time than a job."
Ji-Hoon observed them with quiet amusement, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time. Min-Seok didn't open up easily, and neither did Sana. Seeing them connect like this lifted a weight off his heart.
Min-Seok caught Ji-Hoon's look and smirked. "Not only do you have rich friend now, but you've got a rich boyfriend too."
Sana's turned to Ji-Hoon, her expression curious.
Ji-Hoon shot Min-Seok a quick glare before brushing it off. "It's nothing worth talking about. Don't mind him." He leaned in, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
Min-Seok smirked, clearly enjoying the tension. "He's being modest. It's complicated, but we don't need to get into that now."
The music from below began to shift, the beat growing more alluring, and Min-Seok checked his watch.
"Alright," he said, standing and stretching. "This has been fun, but we can't stay hidden up here all night. The dance floor is calling."
Sana hesitated. "I don't know how to dance."
"That's what he's here for," Min-Seok said, jerking his chin toward Ji-Hoon.
Ji-Hoon let out a long-suffering sigh but stood, offering his hand to her. "Come on. Let's get this over with before he makes an even bigger scene."
Taking his hand, Sana let him guide her down the stairs, the pulse of the music growing louder with each step. By the time they reached the dance floor, the rhythm had seeped into her chest, a steady thrum that beckoned her forward.
Ji-Hoon found a spot near the edge, pulling her close. His hands rested lightly on her waist, steadying her, and she followed his lead, swaying tentatively at first.
"You're doing fine," he murmured, his lips close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath.
Sana relaxed into him, her movements growing freer as she left the music guide her. Her eyes found his, and the world around them seemed to blur, leaving only the two of them in sharp focus.
"You're perfect," Ji-Hoon said softly, his voice low and sure. The weight of his words settled over her, warm and grounding, and something in her chest swelled. Nothing at this moment mattered here. Not when he was looking at her like this.
Her gaze flicked to his lips, her heart racing as the world fell completely silent. Ji-Hoon's hand moved to the small of her back, pulling her just a fraction closer so there was no gap left between them. Slowly, he leaned down, his forehead brushing against hers for the briefest moment before his lips met hers.
The kiss was slow, deliberate, yet laced with a simmering intensity. His lips moved against hers with a tenderness that made her knees weak, and she responded in kind, her hands sliding to rest on his chest. His heartbeat was steady beneath her palm, grounding her in a way that made her feel both safe and electrified all at once. Ji-Hoon tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss as his hand cupped the side of her face, his thumb brushing along her cheek in a gentle, almost reverent motion.
Sana's fingers curled onto the fabric of his shirt, and the world around them blurred further, until nothing remained but the music in the distance and the quiet, steady rhythm they created together.
When they finally parted, their foreheads rested against each other, breaths mingling. Ji-Hoon's eyes fluttered open his gaze locking onto hers. Her cheeks were flushed deliciously, tempting Ji-Hoon to take a bite. Before he could give in to his impulse, a cheer erupted nearby.
"Min-Seok," Ji-Hoon said, glancing toward the centre of the dance floor with a mix of reluctance and exasperation.
Sana's hands slid from his chest to rest gently around his waist, her head leaning against him. Turning her head slightly, she followed the direction of Ji-Hoon's gaze, curiosity sparking in her eyes.
"Does he always do this?" Sana asked, laughter bubbling as she watched him.
"Every time," Ji-Hoon replied, running a hand through his hair. "He likes to remind people he's the life of the party."
Min-Seok had commandeered the space, his tall frame leading a small group in a coordinated but utterly ridiculous routine. His movements were unexpectedly smooth, his grin wide and unrepentant as he encouraged others to join him.
Min-Seok caught their eyes and waved them over. "Come on, you two! Don't just stand there looking pretty – dance!"
Ji-Hoon sighed but took Sana's hand, pulling her toward the centre of the chaos.
Min-Seok clapped his hands as they joined, his energy infectious. "Sana, show us what you've got!"
Her nerves flared, but she glanced at Ji-Hoon, whose subtle nod filled her with confidence. Taking a deep breath, she began to mimic Min-Seok's exaggerated moves, laughter spilling from as the silliness of it all took over.
"You are natural!" Min-Seok declared, spinning dramatically to another round of cheers.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Sana let herself completely go. She danced without care, the music and the laughter around her weaving together into something unforgettable.
And as Ji-Hoon's hand found hers again, grounding her in the moment, she realised that this – this feeling of joy and belonging – was what she'd been searching for all along.