Chapter 3: An Inevitable Clash

The afterparty was held at an exclusive rooftop lounge in Seoul, where idols, producers, and executives mingled under the city’s dazzling skyline. The atmosphere buzzed with celebration—champagne flutes clinking, soft music playing, and laughter filling the air. 

Karina wasn’t particularly in the mood to socialize, but as AESPA’s leader, it was part of her job to be present. Dressed in a sleek, off-shoulder navy dress, she moved through the crowd effortlessly, exchanging pleasantries with fellow artists and industry figures. 

Yet, despite the countless conversations, she could feel his presence before she even saw him. 

Heeseung was there, leaning against the bar in a tailored black suit, exuding effortless charisma as he chatted with some producers. His sharp features were accentuated by the dim lighting, and from the way he casually glanced around, **he knew exactly what he was doing**. 

Their eyes met again. **Unavoidable. Unmistakable.** 

This time, Karina didn’t look away. Instead, she picked up a glass of wine from a passing waiter and took a slow sip, her expression unreadable. 

Winter, who had caught the exchange, leaned in with a grin. “Okay, now I know you two are playing a game.” 

Karina raised an eyebrow. “What game?” 

“The who will break first Winter teased. “And honestly? It’s kinda entertaining.” 

Karina exhaled, shaking her head, but before she could respond, a familiar voice interrupted. 

“Well, well. Congratulations on your win.” 

She turned, already knowing who it was. 

Lee Heeseung

Up close, he was even more infuriatingly confident. His voice was smooth, laced with something teasing, yet unreadable. 

Karina gave him a polite but distant smile. “Thank you. ENHYPEN had a great performance tonight too.” 

“Appreciate it,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “Though I have to admit, you looked pretty serious up there.” 

She raised an eyebrow. “Serious?” 

“You know,” Heeseung continued, his lips twitching into a smirk, “like you were trying to prove something.” 

Karina held her glass a little tighter.He was baiting her.

“And what exactly would I be trying to prove?” she asked, meeting his gaze. 

Heeseung took a small step closer, his voice dropping just enough for only her to hear. “That you’re the best.” 

Her heartbeat quickened, but she kept her face composed. 

“Maybe because I am,” she replied coolly. 

Heeseung chuckled softly, clearly amused. “See? That’s what I mean.” 

Karina’s eyes flickered with something unreadable. “Funny. I could say the same about you.” 

For a brief second, they just stood there—an unspoken tension simmering between them. It wasn’t hostility, not really. But it wasn’t friendly either. 

It was something else. 

Before either of them could say more, someone from their companies called them over. The moment was broken, and just like that, they stepped away. 

But as Karina walked off, she heard Heeseung murmur under his breath, just loud enough for her to catch: 

“This is going to be interesting.”

And for the first time that night, she allowed herself a small smirk. 

He wasn’t wrong.