Seongbuk-dong, the ultimate elite enclave for chaebols.
Home to chaebol patriarchs, corporate CEOs, and National Assembly members.
Seoul had many wealthy districts, but Seongbuk-dong was the aristocracy among them.
Unlike the flashy Gangnam, Cheongdam-dong, or Apgujeong-dong, it was serene, understated, and orderly.
No bustling commercial streets or noisy crowds—just lush greenery that soothed the soul.
Apartments were rare; standalone homes with high privacy dominated.
Price?
A two-bedroom, one-living-room annual lease cost 300 million won. That said it all.
Even a multi-billion-won salary barely covered rent.
Kim Ji-yeon's compensation included a two-story standalone in Seongbuk-dong.
Sprawled on her bed, she stared blankly at the maple tree in the courtyard.
Her mind kept replaying that chiseled, handsome face.
His roguish smirk, adorable helplessness, cheeky defiance, and captivating seriousness.
"Ah, I'm going crazy." Her long legs flailed, and she buried her burning face in the pillow.
What was wrong with her? A married woman, feeling like a schoolgirl with a crush.
That first-love flutter—what was it?
That man had suddenly become so alluring!
But how dare he drag her to a hotel, showing such blatant possessiveness?
His fiery gaze seemed ready to consume her, merge with her.
That raw, wild, unfiltered primal urge.
"Hmph~" Her legs tensed, her body arching into a sultry S-shape.
Having dealt with the troublemaker, Lee Jin-woo arrived in Itaewon on time.
Baseball cap, mirrored sunglasses, a scarf covering his mouth and nose—yet his physique still turned heads.
"Oppa~" Lee Joo-bin, in a black cap, waved on tiptoes.
The white-capped figure beside her cast a curious glance forward.
Who was this "oppa" Joo-bin mentioned endlessly?
Han So-hee was intrigued.
The vivid tattoo caught her eye first, leaving a "negative" impression.
Is she crazy?
Dating a bad boy like that? Ugh, when will this girl wake up? Aish!
As a rebellious type herself, Han So-hee knew tattoos.
A raptor design wasn't something just anyone could wear.
"Oppa."
Lee Joo-bin didn't notice her friend's mood shift.
Wrapped up tightly, she wouldn't have caught it anyway.
Beaming, she hooked his arm, leaning half her weight on him, and introduced her best friend.
"Hi, I'm Han So-hee."
"Lee Jin-woo, hi."
Since she was Joo-bin's friend, he didn't give her the cold shoulder.
His smile was warm, exuding real masculinity.
It surprised Han So-hee.
She'd expected a sleazy guy spouting cringey nonsense.
He seemed… gentlemanly.
If Lee Jin-woo knew her thoughts, he'd curse. Gentleman? Your whole family's gentlemen!
Strolling through the lively streets, Lee Joo-bin buzzed like a happy bee.
"Oppa, I'm starving. I want tteokbokki."
"They have it here?"
"Just ahead, super famous."
She tugged him into a jog. Han So-hee felt a sudden spotlight.
Why's my head glowing?
Watching them hop from stall to stall, she trailed behind like an abandoned pet.
Han So-hee grumbled, Some friend. Ditching me for a guy.
"So-hee, tteokbokki." Joo-bin handed her a box, grinning.
Glaring playfully, Han So-hee chuckled. "You brat, at least you've got a conscience."
Sticking out her tongue cutely, Joo-bin darted off again.
From start to end, they bought nothing but ate until their bellies were round.
Joo-bin, especially, had downed tons of water after spicy food.
Now, even walking was tough.
"Can't hold it—I need a bathroom." Whispering to Han So-hee, she blushed.
"Go!" Han So-hee said matter-of-factly.
Joo-bin glanced at Lee Jin-woo, buying fried meatballs. "If oppa asks, say I went for a drink."
"Got it." Munching on tornado potatoes, Han So-hee nodded casually.
As Joo-bin scurried off, Lee Jin-woo returned with three portions of meatballs. "What's up with her?"
"Drank too much, needs to pee." Han So-hee answered straight-faced.
He nodded, handing her meatballs. "Joo-bin said they're good. Try 'em."
Taking them, her bright eyes flickered. "Jin-woo-ssi, how'd you two meet?"
"Shared a table." He recounted their chance meeting at the Hanwoo restaurant.
"Wow, fate!" Han So-hee exclaimed.
"Nope."
He shook his head. "Temptation of food. That marbled Hanwoo kept her there."
"Haha…" She suddenly found him interesting.
Not as menacing as he looked—kind of straightforward and cute.
"What? Something on my face?" Noticing her stare, he touched his cheek.
She shook her head, lips curling. "Jin-woo-ssi, can I call you oppa like Joo-bin?"
"Whatever. Just a name." He shrugged.
"Oppa, tell me more. Joo-bin said you saved her like a hero!"
She'd doubted the "hero" story, thinking it was a setup.
Now, she half-believed Joo-bin.
Character showed in tone, gaze, actions.
After two hours, she felt he wasn't scheming.
His gentle side clashed adorably with his muscular, over-six-foot frame.
In crowds, he instinctively shielded Joo-bin.
Anyone approaching was blocked by his solid arm.
He ate whatever she tasted without complaint.
And his decisive bill-paying? Wow~
So manly!
How could she meet a real man like him?
Those nitpicky guys, splitting drink costs—compared to this oppa, what kind of men were they?
(End of Chapter)