The moment she stepped through the grand entrance, the entire room shifted. Conversations quieted, heads turned, and eyes widened. Dressed in a sleek emerald slip dress that clung to her like it had been crafted just for her, she was a vision of effortless elegance.
I had never seen her before, but the second I laid eyes on her, something inside me shifted. It was as if the air had grown thinner, and for a moment, the music, the chatter, the clinking of glasses—it all faded into a dull hum. My breath caught in my throat. My fingers curled instinctively, trying to grasp onto something tangible to keep myself grounded.
Time slowed. My heart pounded erratically, both thrilling and terrifying.
Who is she?
How did she carry herself with such unshakable confidence? Why did it feel like she belonged in the centre of every room she walked into? My thoughts tumbled over one another, desperate for answers, but all I could do was stare—utterly mesmerized.
How can someone be so attractive?
I must've looked like an idiot because before I could stop myself, the word slipped out of my mouth.
"Wow."
"You can stop staring now." A snicker sounded beside me.
I snapped my head toward Sohee, who was grinning like she had just caught me red-handed.
"I wasn't—"
"Oh, you totally were." Sohee folded her arms, clearly amused. "She's my cousin, by the way."
My eyes widened; "Wait, what?"
"Yeah," Sohee said with a chuckle. "Go Yuna—CEO of 'Suyeon,' ridiculously rich!"
My stomach flipped. The Go Yuna. The name I had only ever seen in glossy magazine articles, the name that dominated the fashion industry. At just nineteen, she had built a brand so powerful that even people like me—who barely kept up with fashion—knew it. But seeing her in person was different.
I swallowed hard.
I turned to Sohee, bombarding her with questions. "When did she start Suyeon? Is she really a billionaire? Does she live here?"
Then, before I could stop myself, I blurted, "Is she single?"
Sohee arched an eyebrow and smirked, "Getting a bit too curious, aren't you?"
I froze, realizing what I had just said. "I—I didn't mean it like that! Don't get any weird ideas."
"I can already tell what you're thinking," Sohee mused, watching me closely.
"She's way out of your league, Taeyang. Three years older than you, too. Stop dreaming."
I scoffed. "I'm not dreaming! I was just—curious."
Sohee laughed. "Relax, trust me, I've seen this look before. Every guy gets that dumb, starry-eyed expression when they see her for the first time. Almost all my guy friends who've seen her end up crushing on her. You're not alone."
I sighed. "Fine, okay. I admit she's... captivating. But that's all." I tried denying it, but eventually gave up. "Not my fault she's so attractive."
"Taeyang, she's not gonna let you hit on her. Many guys have tried and failed."
I scoffed, shaking my head. "I don't have any intentions like that. I was just... in awe. That's it."
Sohee grinned, nudging me playfully. "Sure, sure. Just don't start writing poetry about her, okay?"
I groaned. I knew she wouldn't let this go anytime soon. But as I stole another glance at Yuna, catching her radiant smile as she greeted an older gentleman, I couldn't help but wonder—was Sohee right? Or was I just caught up in the dazzling allure of someone completely out of my world?
I couldn't ignore the thought that perhaps she could be the spark I needed—the force that would drive me to succeed, to prove myself, to transform from a mere dreamer into someone significant.
"No! What are you thinking, you absolute idiot?!"
"Everything alright, Romeo?" Sohee teased, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Yeah—"
Before I could finish, Yuna appeared beside us, her presence so effortless yet commanding that I felt my breath catch in my throat.
"Happy birthday, Sohee. Sorry for being late."
Her voice... smooth, poised—like a melody that lingered long after the last note faded.
"It's fine, I half-expected you to send a hologram instead. You're practically a myth at this point."
"Hey... don't be so mean... I'm trying, okay... there's just so much work."
"I get it, Yuna. Running a business leaves you little time—I've known that since I was born—but I really miss our time together."
I stood there, stealing glances at Yuna, completely useless, when Sohee suddenly—
"By the way, this is Kim Taeyang. You remember? The musician I told you about?"
W-What?! She told her about me?!
"Oh... Well, I don't remember that. There's just so much to keep track of."
"But it's nice to meet you, Taeyang."
The way she said my name—her voice, that effortless grace—I wanted to hear it again. And again.
"Anyway, it's your birthday today, have fun. I'll see you around, Sohee."
Before I could even process a response, she was gone.
"I—"
"Whoa there, lover boy. It's too early to confess your feelings."
"I WASN'T—oh, forget it!"
Sohee told her about me, and she doesn't remember? Of course, she wouldn't have time to waste on a nobody like me.
But... why does that bother me so much? It's not like I have feelings for her or anything.
I mean, sure, she's quite pretty. No—scratch that—she's absolutely breathtaking, couldn't keep my eyes off her: her hazel eyes, her rosy lips, her flawless skin.
And her chest, and those long legs...
Gosh... I really need her.
"No! Nope! Absolutely not!" I blurted out—way too loud.
Sohee raised an eyebrow, clearly holding back laughter. "Relax, Romeo. You look like you're going through an existential crisis."
"I-I'm fine! Totally fine!" I insisted, waving my hands wildly.
"Uh-huh. Sure, you are. Then why do you look like a kicked puppy?"
"I do not!"
Sohee leaned in, grinning. "Admit it, you do like her, don't you?"
I opened my mouth, then closed it. "Uhm..."
She sighed dramatically. "Look, Tae, don't overthink it. Yuna's laser-focused on her brand. She barely has time for sleep, let alone dating. She's not really interested in anyone."
I told myself I was fine—or that I would be. After all, it was just a silly crush. It would go away.
Right?
I really wish it would go away.
For the rest of the party, I stuck to Sohee like glue—she was the only familiar face in a sea of designer-clad strangers, and there was no way I had the nerve to mingle with these rich kids. Still, my eyes had a mind of their own, constantly searching for Yuna. She was like visual caffeine—impossible to ignore, dangerously addictive, and probably not good for my sanity.
But I craved it.
I didn't care if it was bad for me. She ignited something deep inside me, something restless and insatiable. I needed to know more about her, to unravel the mystery she carried so effortlessly. I wanted to get close to her.
I wanted her to be mine.
But how could I possibly stand out among these rich kids? They had everything—wealth, connections, confidence—things I could only dream of. Yuna probably had sky-high standards, so why would she ever notice someone like me?
These thoughts twisted and tangled in my mind, suffocating any sliver of hope before it could even take root.
"It's nice to meet you, Taeyang."
Those words echoed in my mind like the chorus of a song I couldn't stop replaying. Her voice was smooth, sweet—something I desperately wanted to hear again.
Fine! I'll talk to her.
I told myself I'd go talk to her, fueled by a reckless burst of confidence. But reality hit fast—I was just some guy, and she was practically untouchable. Still, I lingered, waiting for a miracle moment when she'd be alone. But Yuna was a magnet, effortlessly surrounded by admirers, making it impossible to get even a second of her time.
I kept waiting. And waiting. But that perfect moment never came. Before I knew it, the night was over, and it was time to go home—without even saying a word to her.