The soft glow of the kitchen light reflected off the polished countertops as Choen's mother stirred the batter for the day's special pastries. Dokkaebi stood beside her, his movements slow and methodical, as if he were following some unspoken rhythm. Choen, seated at the table, watched him with a sense of curiosity and growing familiarity. The quiet tension between them had faded over the past few weeks, replaced with a sort of comfortable silence.
Choen's mother handed him another ingredient, but it wasn't the flour or sugar that caught his attention. Instead, his gaze fell on her phone, buzzing softly on the counter. His expression darkened for a moment, but before Choen could ask anything, he simply sighed, wiped his hands on a towel, and turned to her mother.
"Don't forget," he said softly, glancing at the phone with a lingering look, "tomorrow is my sister's anniversary. I know it's been... hard lately, but it's important. She's always appreciated when people remember."
Choen's mother nodded without saying much. She didn't need to ask any more questions; her bond with Dokkaebi was built on something beyond words. There were things he didn't say, and she respected that.
Choen took a deep breath, watching the exchange, before her mind wandered. The quiet, but meaningful connection Dokkaebi had with her mother was something that fascinated her. It felt like there were so many layers to their relationship—layers she couldn't quite untangle.
The next evening, the celebration for Dokkaebi's sister's anniversary was in full swing. The venue was grand, sparkling with gold and white decorations, reflecting the joy of the occasion. Choen walked into the party, her heart beating a little faster than usual. She'd dressed carefully, choosing a stunning crimson gown that clung to her frame in all the right places. It was the kind of dress that made heads turn and drew whispers of admiration.
Her mother, ever the gracious host, was already mingling with the guests. Hee-Jin, Dokkaebi's sister, was talking to her husband, exchanging polite words with various guests. Hee-Jin's daughter, Ari, was also present. The young girl was stunning in a simple but elegant white dress that highlighted her graceful features. Her dark eyes scanned the room with quiet confidence.
But it wasn't Ari that caught Choen's attention the most.
As soon as she stepped into the room, she noticed someone staring at her—someone she hadn't expected. Choel.
The K-pop idol, ever the charmer, was standing across the room, his eyes scanning the crowd with his usual carefree smile. But the moment he saw Choen, that smile shifted. His eyes narrowed with interest, and he made his way toward her with his signature confidence.
The evening carried on with laughter and music, but Choen couldn't shake the feeling that something more was going on beneath the surface.
As the party grew livelier, Choen found herself slipping away from the crowd to catch her breath on the balcony. The cool night air greeted her, but it couldn't quite calm the storm brewing inside her. As she leaned against the railing, her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Well, well, well, look who's taking a break."
Choen turned around to find Choel, the K-pop idol, leaning casually against the doorframe. He had a playful grin on his face, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"I thought you'd be in the center of attention tonight," Choel said, stepping closer, his voice low and teasing. "But here you are, all by yourself."
Choen smirked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm just taking a moment to escape the chaos. You seem to be enjoying yourself."
Choel chuckled, walking over to stand next to her. "You know me, I'm always up for a good time. But it's not every day I get to see someone as stunning as you here."
Choen's smile faltered for just a moment. There was something in Choel's tone—something teasing, but also genuinely admiring. It made her heart race in a way she wasn't prepared for.
"Well, I wasn't planning on turning heads," Choen replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
"But you do," Choel said with a wink. "You've always had that effect."
Choen didn't know how to respond. Was he flirting with her? Was this just part of his playful charm? She didn't have time to figure it out, though, as Choel continued, "Maybe we should dance later, huh? I think I could show you a few moves."
The words made Choen's heart skip a beat. "Maybe," she said softly, her voice taking on a more playful edge. "But don't get too cocky. I'm not that easy to impress."
Choel laughed, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm sure you're full of surprises."
Just as Choen was about to respond, a familiar voice broke through the moment.
"Choen, there you are!" It was her mother, walking toward her with an eager smile. Her mother looked around briefly and noticed Choel. "I see you've met Choel," she said with a playful wink before she continued, "We need you for the next round of appetizers."
Choen nodded, offering a polite smile to Choel. "I'll be right there."
As her mother turned to leave, Choel's grin grew wider. "I'll catch you later, Choen. Don't let your mom spoil all the fun."
Choen couldn't help but laugh as she followed her mother back into the party. She wasn't sure what to make of Choel's flirtation, but she knew one thing—tonight was only just beginning.
Later in the evening, as the music picked up and the guests grew more lively, Choen found herself drawn to the dance floor. The lights were dim, the rhythm of the music contagious, and she couldn't help but let the beat take over.
Choel was there, of course. And true to his word, he was the first to pull her into a dance. His moves were fluid, charismatic, and he effortlessly twirled her around, making her laugh. Choen found herself enjoying the moment more than she expected.
But there was someone else watching them closely.
Dokkaebi.
From across the room, his gaze fixed on the two of them, his expression unreadable. Choen couldn't help but notice the way his jaw tightened, how his hands fisted at his sides. It was a subtle thing, but it was there.
And in that moment, Choen realized something.
Dokkaebi was jealous.
The realization sent a strange warmth flooding through her chest, but it also made her pause. What did this mean? Why did it matter? Choel's playful flirtations had been harmless, hadn't they?
Still, as she danced with Choel, she couldn't shake the feeling that the night was unfolding in ways she hadn't anticipated.
To be continued...