The comforting scent of freshly made dumplings greeted Ha-Joon the moment he stepped inside his home.
It wasn't just a house—it was also his family's small dumpling shop, tucked into a quiet street where regular customers came for warm food and friendly smiles. His grandfather, a kind-faced elderly man, stood behind the counter, folding dumplings with practiced ease.
"Welcome home, Ha-Joon!" his grandpa greeted, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "How was your first day?"
Ha-Joon sighed, tossing his bag onto a chair. "It was… exhausting."
His grandpa chuckled. "University can be like that. Here, help me with these."
Ha-Joon rolled up his sleeves and joined his grandpa at the counter, carefully folding a dumpling with his usual precision. The familiar rhythm of work was comforting, helping him push aside all thoughts of a certain golden-haired senior.
"At least working here helps me forget about that annoying guy…"
The moment of peace didn't last long.
The soft chime of the shop's bell rang out.
Ha-Joon looked up as a group of students stepped inside—wealthy-looking ones, the kind who seemed completely out of place in his family's humble little shop. They scanned the menu with mild curiosity, chatting among themselves.
Then another figure entered behind them.
Golden hair. Tall frame. Sharp blue eyes.
Ha-Joon's stomach dropped.
"No. No way. There is NO WAY."
Seo-Won's gaze casually swept across the room before locking onto him. A slow, amused smile spread across his lips.
"Well, well… look who we have here."
Ha-Joon nearly dropped the dumpling in his hands.
"WHY IS HE HERE?!"
Panic surged through him. Without thinking, he turned on his heel and made a beeline for the kitchen. If he just disappeared, maybe—
"Hey, Ha-Joon! Where are you going?"
Seo-Won's voice carried through the shop, light and teasing. Before Ha-Joon could escape, a warm hand caught his wrist.
Ha-Joon froze. His heart did a little flip—not from the grip, but from the casual way Seo-Won's fingers curled around his skin. Firm, but not forceful.
"L-Let go!" he stammered, twisting his wrist.
Seo-Won smirked. "Running away again? That's not very nice."
Across the room, Seo-Won's friends exchanged surprised glances.
"Wait… is Seo-Won actually interested in someone?" one whispered.
"This is the first time I've seen him act like this," another murmured.
Ha-Joon's blush deepened. He shot Seo-Won a glare, still struggling to pull free. "Why are you even here?!"
"To eat dumplings, obviously." Seo-Won's smirk widened. "But now I think I found something more interesting."
Before Ha-Joon could protest, his grandpa approached with a warm chuckle.
"Oh, you must be Ha-Joon's friend! Welcome! Let me get you some dumplings."
Ha-Joon's eye twitched. Friend? No. This man was his nemesis.
Seo-Won leaned in slightly, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Looks like I'll be coming here often."
Ha-Joon's stomach sank.
"I'M DOOMED."