Chapter 9: A Line Worth Crossing

Karina hated how predictable this was becoming.

Every time she walked into an event, every time she turned a corner, it was like Heeseung was already there, waiting.

Not that she was looking for him.

(Not that she'd ever admit she was looking for him.)

Seoul Music Awards - Afterparty

The afterparty was loud, filled with idols, producers, and industry executives. AESPA and ENHYPEN had performed that night, so naturally, they were both there-separate, but not really.

Karina was standing with Winter and Giselle when she heard Winter murmur, "Incoming."

She didn't have to ask what that meant.

A few seconds later, Heeseung's voice cut through the noise.

"Enjoying the party, Yoo Karina?"

She turned, already bracing herself, only to find him standing there way too comfortably, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a drink he probably wasn't even drinking.

She gave him a once-over. "Do you ever get tired of bothering me?"

Heeseung smirked. "Not really."

Giselle snickered, taking a sip of her drink. "Oh, this is my cue to leave."

Winter grabbed her wrist. "Not without me."

The two walked off, leaving Karina alone with him.

Heeseung took a step closer, eyes glinting under the dim lights. "So, did you miss me?"

Karina rolled her eyes. "In your dreams, Lee."

He chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "Funny. You didn't say no."

She exhaled, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened. "Why are you here?"

"Maybe I just like testing you."

Karina raised an eyebrow. "Testing me?"

Heeseung hummed, leaning in just a little. "You act like you don't care, but you never walk away first."

Karina opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Because, for the first time, he wasn't wrong.

She didn't walk away. Not at Music Bank. Not at M Countdown. Not now.

And as much as she wanted to tell herself that it was just rivalry, just pride-

She couldn't ignore the way Heeseung was looking at her now.

Like maybe he was just as confused as she was.

Like maybe he was waiting for her to cross the line he wasn't brave enough to cross first.

And maybe-just maybe-

She was tired of waiting.