OBJECTION MY KISS

"It was a place where dreams walked the ramp." Kang Mirae murmured as her eyes stayed fixed on the TV screen, watching Paris Fashion Week unfold like magic. Models glided down the runway with elegance, their outfits bold, dazzling, and otherworldly. On the couch beside her, her friend Suhyun sprawled lazily, chewing on popcorn. She shot minseo a teasing glance before scoffing. "Hey, Kang? Are you serious right now? That's just a ramp where people strut around wearing weird clothes and props," Suhyun laughed, shaking her head. Minseo sighed softly but didn't break her gaze from the screen. Her voice dropped to a dreamy whisper. "Paris...? That place isn't just about fashion. It means more. To me, it's where dreams are stitched, worn, and celebrated. That place... is where dreams put on high heels and shine." Just as her words floated into the room, Suhyun sat up, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, come back to reality, girl. Your agency?" she gestured dramatically. "They barely give chances to newcomers, and you're sitting here dreaming about Paris Fashion Week?" With that, Suhyun huffed and walked out of the room, leaving Minseo alone with her thoughts. Mirae let out another sigh, resting her chin on her knees. "Yeah... she's right," she mumbled to herself. "Maybe I should just work harder. No-harder and smarter." Her eyes drifted back to the runway on the screen, the fire in her gaze quietly reigniting. Time passed like water from an open tap-unnoticed, unstoppable. The night faded, and morning came... but it didn't get the chance to wake Kang Mirae. Because she was already awake. In fact, Kang was the morning's morning. At 5 a.m., while the city still slept beneath the dim sky, she was already on her yoga mat - stretching, sweating, chasing her dreams in silence. No alarms. No coaches. Just her breath, her body, and her belief. Time passed like a quick blink, and soon, it was time for Minseo to rush off to her company. She scrambled around her dressing table, searching for something with a sense of panic, while her best friend Suhyun lay on the soft bed, snoring like a cozy panda. The noise finally broke Suhyun's peaceful sleep. She slowly lifted her head, one eye barely open, scanning the room to see who dared interrupt her dreams. "Hey, girl...? What are you even looking for?" she groaned, her voice thick with sleep. "Why are you disturbing my beautiful sleep? Ughhh!" Minseo let out a deep sigh. "Ugh, did you see my ID anywhere?! If I don't show it to the manager today, he's literally going to kill us!" She raised her voice in frustration, mimicking her manager's scolding tone: "'You're just a trainee - and already this careless? Just imagine what will happen when you're on that ramp, walking like a queen!'" Suhyun laughed and flopped back on the bed. "Maybe it's near the TV in the hall? Go check there." Minseo dashed out of the room, her slippers almost flying off. A second later, she shouted back: "Found it! I'm leaving now - I'll be super busy this week. There's a training camp and the selection round for our next pageant!" She disappeared out the door without even waiting for Suhyun's reply. Minseo's POV As soon as I stepped out of the cab in front of Next Step Entertainment, I paid the fare, slung my bag over my shoulder, and stood still-just staring at the massive glass building towering over me. "Please... don't let this be just a dream." I whispered it to myself like a silent prayer. Truth is, I'm just a simple girl from a small village in Busan. Fashion? It's not just a passion - it's my everything. But my parents... they never understood that. They still live in a time where women are told to stay quiet, stay covered, stay obedient. Ugh, the usual blah blah. You get it, right? So, I left. I left Busan behind - the stares, the expectations, the small world. I came to Seoul, studied, worked part-time, cried, survived... and now, here I am. A trainee at Next Step - the biggest agency in Seoul. Heck, maybe in all of South Korea. But this place...? It's not about dreams. It's about money. Looks. Power. Here, money speaks louder than talent. And I don't have either. Still, I'm here. Because I don't have another choice. This is my only chance - and I'll fight for it. ____ Minseo let out a slow breath as the elevator doors slid open on her floor. Adjusting her bag strap, she stepped out into the quiet hallway. Her sneakers echoed softly as she made her way toward the trainees' room. Inside, the energy was the exact opposite. Laughter. Chatter. A few girls scrolling through phones, others fixing their hair or goofing off. "Good," Minseo thought to herself. "The instructor isn't here yet." She scanned the room quickly - then spotted them. Her girls. With a bright smile, she waved her hand in the air and walked toward the familiar group of three. "I thought I was going to be late," Minseo said, half-laughing. "Same here! I just got in laa ," Sana replied, tossing her hair. Anu raised her brows with mock disapproval. "Aiyooo, you two are always late, no?" Before Minseo could respond, July smirked. "These Asian girls-wait, sorry-done with your English?" The whole group burst out laughing. Minseo narrowed her eyes at July, placing her hands on her hips with a smirk. "Ahh ahh, you're-" she began. But before she could fire back, the door slammed open. CLACK! A sharp sound of a stick hitting the floor echoed through the room. The room fell into dead silence. Standing at the door was their instructor - sunglasses on, slick black pants, hair tied in a tight bun, and a thin wooden pointer in hand. Trouble in heels. Everyone suddenly forgot how to speak. Or breathe. The instructor clicked the stick once more against the floor and stepped in. "Alright, my girls," she said with a voice both elegant and terrifying, "be ready for your pageant selection. Training starts now." A beat of silence. "Everyone-" she said, raising an eyebrow, "put on your high heels." Gasps. Groans. And a rush of motion as the trainees scrambled for their bags. Minseo muttered under her breath, "And here goes our peaceful morning..." THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SEOUL CITY The office buzzed with chaos - like a market on festival day. Phones rang endlessly, heels clicked across the floor, papers shuffled, and voices layered over one another like noise in a storm. Staff rushed back and forth, each person with a file in hand and tension in their step. "Uff, this is so hard to handle!" one staff member huffed, balancing three case files at once. "Tell me about it," another replied while typing furiously. "If we don't get the case details ready on time, that devil will burn us alive... and we'll be jobless." A third added with a nervous chuckle, "If we're struggling like this, imagine his poor juniors." Everyone laughed - but it was the kind of laugh you let out before a thunderstorm hits. And then- "HE CAME! HE CAME! SIR IS COMING!" A staff member burst into the hallway, face pale and voice high with panic. Instantly, like lightning striking the office, everyone scattered to their desks, cabins, and counters. The noise vanished. Files were stacked in seconds, chairs rolled into place, and neckties straightened. The air turned still - suffocatingly still. The only sound left was the distant, crisp tap tap tap of expensive leather shoes approaching. He had arrived. The moment the tip of his polished shoe appeared in the hallway, the entire office stood up - as if they'd forgotten how to sit. Backs straightened. Eyes dropped. Not a single breath dared to be loud. Park Jaemin walked in with a face as unreadable as stone - cold, sharp, and unmoved, like the peak of an Antarctic ice mountain. His eyes didn't flicker. His pace didn't pause. He adjusted his silver watch with practiced elegance, then slipped one hand into his pant pocket. The click of his shoes against the tile floor was the only sound echoing in the silent corridor. Behind him followed baek Siyoon, his loyal secretary, holding a sleek tablet and tapping notes with precision. A few junior lawyers trailed behind - all alert, all silent. Except one. The naughty one - the one who always showed up with half a smile and a full report five minutes late - lagged a little behind, trying to act invisible. But Jaemin didn't need to turn around. He already knew. At His Cabin Park Jaemin stepped into his private cabin - sleek, spotless, and utterly silent. He didn't turn his head. He simply scanned the space with a slow, calculated shift of his eyes - black and piercing, noting every single detail. His voice came low, calm... and dangerously cold. "Who the hell cleaned my cabin?" Without looking back, his eyes flicked toward the man standing behind him. Mr. Baek, his loyal secretary, flinched slightly. He adjusted the tablet in his hand and swallowed hard before replying. "S-Sir... yesterday, you punished Julian, so..." But Jaemin didn't wait for him to finish. "Then where is he?" he asked flatly, his fingers adjusting the nameplate on his desk - turning it from upside down to upright, as if even the tiniest imperfection had no place in his world. The cabin fell silent again. Only the ticking of the clock dared to make a sound. Just then - clack clack clack - the sharp sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway. Of course. Julian. Every head turned. The office silence shattered the moment his black boots skidded to a stop outside Jaemin's cabin. He stood breathless, hand gripping the glass door handle like his life depended on it, chest rising and falling in panicked rhythm. His tie was crooked. Hair, slightly windblown. And the look on his face screamed "I'm late and I know it." Jaemin didn't even turn to look. He didn't need to. He had already heard the chaos. He noticed everything - the pace of Julian's breath, the hesitation in his step, even the way the other staff's eyes shifted in silent judgment. Jaemin's eyes stayed on his desk. But his silence was louder than any outburst. Mr. Baek exhaled slowly and turned toward the latecomer. Julian straightened up immediately, trying to fix his appearance and his attitude all at once. He stood tall, attempting confidence, though his chest still heaved with each breath. But Jaemin hadn't spoken yet - And that was the scariest part. Jaemin sat down slowly, his expression blank. He picked up the glass paperweight, fingers wrapping around it like it was his favorite stress toy - or maybe a weapon. And then - BANG. He slammed it on the table. Once. Twice. The sound cut through the room like a whip. Julian flinched. "Actu-Actually, sir-" he started, breath shaky, words trembling like a wet leaf in a storm. But the moment Jaemin turned his head... That look. That deadly, unreadable gaze said more than a thousand words. Julian froze. "S-Sorry, sir..." he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. Jaemin leaned back slightly and let out a slow, sinister smirk. "Being my junior..." he paused, voice calm and cold, "...isn't easy. Got it?" Julian blinked. "You'll clean the entire office. No - the entire floor. All week." Julian swallowed his pride. "But sir... I have a reason-" Jaemin's voice sliced through him. "Shut up." He stood, eyes never leaving Julian. "Not again with your same s**t - something called fashion or..." his voice twisted, laced with sarcasm, "fuck." Julian's lips parted, "Sir, you-" But Jaemin's eyes narrowed, and that was enough. Julian didn't need a second warning. He turned. And walked out. The room stayed silent - only the echo of Jaemin's paperweight tapping against the desk remained. Mr. Baek turned to the stunned juniors still lingering by the entrance. "Go back to your cabins. I'll bring your files," he said firmly. They nodded wordlessly and dispersed. Once they were gone, Baek turned back toward Jaemin, voice softer but cautious. "Sir... you shouldn't have shouted at Julian like that. Because-" Jaemin didn't let him finish. "Because of his father?" Jaemin's tone snapped sharp like glass. "Don't say that to me again." Mr. Baek lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry, sir... And as you ordered, I've removed the maid from Julian's room." A smirk crept on Jaemin's lips. "Hmm. Good. That little bastard has been spoiled far too much. Let me be the one to fix that now." He stood slowly, buttoning his coat with a bored elegance. "Okay, fine. Go check where he went." Baek gave a quick bow. "Yes, sir." And he rushed out, his footsteps echoing faintly behind the glass doors as Jaemin stared coldly at the city skyline beyond. Meanwhile, in another cabin- "You i***t! Why are you always late and getting punished, huh?!" June snapped, arms crossed as she stared Julian down. "Do you enjoy this or what?" Julian just shrugged, flopping onto the chair. "Ahhhh, who cares. Leave that. Next week there's a pageant-for both men and women... I wish I could participate in that." Sia gave him a deadpan look. "Are you serious? Your dad sent you here to-" Julian cut her off, voice rising slightly, his eyes burning with frustration. "It's not my thing! Advocating, office work, or this whole legal crap-it's not me!" He stood up, pacing. "I love fashion. Fashion is everything. I want to be a model-a supermodel..." he paused, breathing heavily. "A f*****g supermodel." Minjae leaned forward, calm but firm. "Okay, okay. Relax, dude. No worries. Once you finish this internship, you can do whatever you want. But don't talk like this job is s**t, alright?" Seyung stepped in quickly before things got tense. "Hey, hey, Min. Chill. It's okay." He turned to Julian with a small smile. "You're good, Jules." Julian sighed and flashed an apologetic smile. "Okay, okay. Sorry, girls. I'm just... tired." He walked out of the cabin, leaving his friends exchanging helpless glances. Everyone let out a long breath, the tension melting into the air. Meanwhile, the day passed like a bird flying effortlessly across the sky. And now, the long-awaited day of the pageant selection had finally arrived. Minseo was rushing to Next Step Entertainment, her heart pounding as fast as her feet. At the practice room- Minseo peeked her head in first, checking if any staff were already inside. Seeing none, she relaxed a little. Her friends noticed her and waved excitedly. She smiled in relief and stepped fully into the room. The room was packed-not with models strutting around, but with tension and nervous anticipation. Minseo took a deep breath and began walking toward her friends- But then the door swung open. The assistant instructor, manager, and the CEO walked in together. The room fell silent instantly. Minseo froze mid-step and turned around to see them. Her eyes widened. Without a second thought, she rushed to her friends and stood beside them, her heart racing. The three stood before the group, radiating authority. The instructor stepped forward and clapped once. "Girls, are you ready for the selection?" A unified shout echoed in response: "Yes!" The manager and CEO took their seats at the judging table, their expressions unreadable. And just like that, the selection began. One by one, the girls slipped on their high heels and walked down the practice runway, each trying to move like they were in a fairytale- Graceful, perfect, and unforgettable. After a few hours of intense rounds and evaluations, the final moment arrived. The models stood in a line, holding their breaths, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. Some whispered prayers, others just stared blankly ahead. The manager stepped forward with a clipboard in hand. "So, we've selected a few," he announced, glancing up. "And the names are..." Silence swallowed the room. The manager began reading, "... ,..... , ..... , Anu, ......... , Sana, July..." He paused, then looked up. "That's it." Gasps escaped from the room. The selected girls covered their mouths in shock, eyes welling up with tears. They hugged one another, overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. Meanwhile, the ones not selected stood quietly, each masking their heartbreak with the practiced smile of a model-poised and graceful, even in pain. Minseo swallowed her emotions, then smiled gently. "Next Step... will be next time," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. She turned to her friends and smiled genuinely, her heart warming at their happiness. She didn't make it-but they did. And that was enough for today. Manager " and girls be ready for the day we have only one day" The crew left with the smile Sana anu july smiled and then they realised that and trun towards minseo, Minseo " hey girls no no it's okay I will be next time with you it's okayy am fine" she hugged her frds Meanwhile, on the other side... At the junior cabin Julian sat at his desk, his eyes glazed over as he stared at the glowing screen in front of him. The endless data, reports, and emails swirled together into a blur. "Ugh... I can't focus on this," he muttered under his breath, shifting in his seat. "I want the ramp... not this stupid chair." He leaned back, rubbing his temples in frustration. His heart wasn't in it-not today, not ever. He was born to walk, not type. Subtly, he glanced over his shoulder. The other juniors were busy working, buried in their own tasks. He slowly turned back to his screen, minimized the spreadsheets, and opened a new tab. 'Latest Fashion Trends 2025' 'How to audition for a peagant show' 'Upcoming model scout events in Seoul' He clicked through links with quiet excitement, his eyes lighting up for the first time that day. "One day... I'll walk like them. No-better than them," he whispered, as he bookmarked another casting call. Unbeknownst to him, a shadow passed behind the glass of the cabin. Julian's POV Hmmm... I want to be a supermodel. That's my dream. My passion. But my dad? For his own dreams, for his needs, he wants me to become a lawyer. Is that even fair? I'm Italian, and he's obsessed with Jaemin sir's courtroom arguments-so much that he shipped me off here like I'm some package. Damn it. Look at my life-stuck. No, not stuck. f****d up. Just then, Jaemin stepped into the cabin. Everyone immediately stood up in respect-except Julian, who was still lost in his fashion world. Sia whispered, "Jules...?" Julian blinked and turned around at her voice-only to meet Jaemin's piercing eyes. In a second, he sprang to his feet, quickly minimizing the fashion tabs on his system. Jaemin raised an eyebrow, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Julian like a hawk. "Day after tomorrow, we have a court hearing. We're going to court. Got it? Now stop searching about fashion or... whatever the f**k you're wasting time on. Go prepare the case." With that, Jaemin turned and walked away. The room was dead silent. Everyone exchanged looks, then slowly returned to their work. Julian sighed deeply and slumped into his chair. Finally... The day passed like pages flipping in a storybook. And now, the much-awaited court hearing had arrived. At the Court Jaemin's juniors were waiting anxiously outside the courtroom for Jaemin and Julian. Sia frowned. "I don't know why he's doing this..." Minjae looked at Seyung. "Seyung, try calling him again." Seyung shook her head. "I'm trying, girl. He's not answering." June sighed. "That's it. I think this is his last day." Seyung snapped, "Don't sa-" Mr. Baek arrived, flipping through a file. "Did everyone-wait... Where is he?" Seyung stepped forward nervously. "Maybe he's late, sir... He's not answering any of our calls." Mr. Baek groaned in frustration. "What the heck is wrong with him? Why is he doing this now of all days-" Before anyone could reply, Jaemin entered. His coat flowed behind him like a storm. Fire burned in his eyes-the kind of fire that screamed he would win this hearing, no matter what. He walked right past them, stopping just for a moment near his team. His eyes didn't even glance at the juniors. Jaemin spoke sharply. "Did everyone arrive?" Mr. Baek hesitated. "Sir... that Ju-" Jaemin's eyes narrowed. "Again?" he muttered, clearly holding back a wave of frustration. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he glared at Seyung, making him freeze in place. Without another word, he stormed toward the courtroom. Everyone scrambled behind him, rushing inside like they were walking into battle. In Courtroom The courtroom buzzed with murmurs as Jaemin stepped in, exuding quiet confidence. He walked over to his seat, adjusted his coat, and sat down with composure. Behind him, his juniors followed suit, settling in with focused expressions. His eyes scanned the room and landed sharply on the opposing lawyer. A flicker of tension passed through him. He flipped open the file in front of him, eyes narrowing. "Sia, did you check them?" he asked, without turning. "Yes, sir," Sia replied firmly. "We checked everything twice. It's all ready." "Good." Just then, the gavel echoed, and the atmosphere shifted. The judge entered. Everyone in the room rose to their feet and greeted him with a respectful bow. The judge glanced briefly at Jaemin and muttered under his breath, "Ah, Jaemin again... this is going to be even more troublesome." With a sigh, he took his seat. The session began. The opposing lawyer stood, his tone smug and assured. "Your Honour, my client pleads not guilty. He clearly mentioned every clause in the agreement. The other party signed it voluntarily. If they failed to read it carefully, is that my client's fault?" Jaemin rose smoothly, his voice sharp. "Objection, my Lord!" He paused, holding the court's attention. "Are you implying my client signed the agreement without reading it?" "Of course, yes, Mr. Jaemin," the lawyer replied confidently. Jaemin chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Your Honour, my client is not some newcomer to this business. He knows every trick in the book. They went there to discuss the agreement-not to sign it. There was no signing." "Objection, my Lord!" the opposing lawyer countered quickly. "They did sign. We have proof." With that, he submitted a document to the court clerk. Jaemin's gaze didn't waver. His hand tightened slightly around his pen as the room waited for the judge's next move. The judge reached for the agreement papers, his gaze sharpening as he slowly scanned through each line. The opposing lawyer rose confidently. "My lord, here is the proof. The signature on the document belongs to the other party." The courtroom fell into a hush as the judge examined the signature report placed before him. A few seconds passed before he lifted his eyes. "Any explanation, Mr. Jaemin?" he asked, tone steady but curious. Jaemin stood, calm and composed. "Yes, Your Honour. I also have evidence proving that my client did not sign this agreement." He turned slightly and gave a quick nod to Sia. Sia immediately walked forward, handing over another document-this time, their own signature report. The judge leaned in, studying the paper carefully. Jaemin stepped closer. "Your Honour, if you observe the signature on the agreement carefully... it was signed using the right hand." He paused just enough for the words to sink in. "But my client is left-handed." The opposing lawyer shot up. "Objection, Your Honour-" "Objection overruled ," the judge cut in firmly. "Continue, Mr. Jaemin." Jaemin smirked slightly, the corners of his lips lifting. "Thank you, my lord. Here is my client's official certificate confirming he is left-handed." He handed over the document with confidence, the momentum now clearly shifting. The judge glanced over the final piece of evidence, his face unreadable. A heavy silence loomed in the courtroom. Finally, his voice echoed with authority. "Based on the evidence provided, Mr. Yung is found guilty." He paused, eyes flickering toward the defendant. "This court hereby orders Mr. Yung to pay a penalty of 50 million to Mr. Kim for deliberate fraud and deception." He reached for his pen-his fingers tightening around it. Snap. The pen broke cleanly in his grasp, the sound sharp in the silence. "This session is adjourned." The gavel struck. The courtroom exploded into murmurs as the final judgment settled in the air like a thunderstorm just passed. As the judge stood and exited the courtroom, the sound of his footsteps faded into finality. Jaemin allowed himself a small, victorious smirk. He turned to his client and offered a subtle, reassuring smile. Across the courtroom, the opposing lawyer sighed deeply, shoulders slumped. His client-Mr. Yung-had his face buried in his hands, silently weeping. "Appa!" The broken voice cut through the silence. Mr. Yung turned slowly. His wife and daughter stood at the back of the courtroom, both in tears. The sight made even a few strangers glance away, uncomfortable. Jaemin let out a low sigh-not of sympathy, but of restrained frustration. "Mr. Kim," he said, his voice laced with subtle warning, "as you said, I won this case. But let me tell you something-be careful. The guilty won't win every time. Got it?" He paused, expression darkening. "Be careful." Without waiting for a reply, Jaemin shrugged on his coat. He looked at his juniors, gave them a quick stare of acknowledgment, and turned to leave the courtroom. In the hallway, the echo of his shoes was interrupted. "You!"Mr. Yung's daughter came running. Tears streaked her cheeks as she grabbed Jaemin's collar with both hands. "How dare you do this to my father?! He's innocent!" she shouted, her voice trembling with anger and pain. Jaemin's expression didn't change. He looked at her with a sarcastic smirk. "Yeah. I knew."His voice was smooth, biting with irony. Gently but firmly, he removed her hands from his collar. "If you had given me the money," he said coolly, "I could've defended your father. But you chose the wrong lawyer." He straightened his coat."Bad choice. Now go." He turned slightly, raising his voice-still calm, but laced with command. "Baek!"The girl flinched at the sudden change in tone. A man nearby quickly stepped forward. "Sir?!"Jaemin didn't look at the girl again. His eyes were now sharp, focused entirely on his secretary. "Did you find him?" Mr. Baek stepped forward, adjusting the tablet in his hand, his voice quiet but clear."Sir... he went to the pageant."For a second, silence. Jaemin's jaw clenched. His eyes darkened-not with disappointment, but fury. "That bastard," he muttered. "He dares...?" His voice rose. "He's going to die today. By my damn hands." In a sudden outburst, Jaemin tore off his coat and flung it-hard-straight into Baek's face. The secretary caught it awkwardly, startled but saying nothing. Jaemin turned on his heel, storming down the hallway like a thundercloud ready to strike. Doors flew open as he pushed through. Reaching the parking lot, he yanked open the door of his black car, threw himself into the seat, and slammed it shut. With a violent twist of the key, the engine roared to life. Tires screeched. The car sped off.This wasn't about law anymore.This was personal. The tires screeched to a halt as Jaemin slammed the brake and threw the door open. Without bothering to lock the car, he stepped out, his presence sharp and charged like lightning in a bottle. His coat was gone. His tie hung loose around his neck. Rage carried him forward-each step a promise. He stormed toward the entrance of the pageant hall, but before he could push through the glass doors, a staff member stepped in his way."Excuse me, sir. Entry card, please?" the staff asked politely, holding out his hand. Jaemin didn't slow down-just gave a sharp look. "How much?"The staff blinked."Uh... just 10,000 won, sir.""Cash or card?" "Anything, sir."Without another word, Jaemin reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek, matte black card-one that shimmered like obsidian under the lights. With a flick of his wrist, he handed it over. "Make it quick."Within seconds, the transaction was done. A glossy entry band was slapped onto his wrist. Jaemin didn't even glance at it. He shoved open the doors and stepped inside the pageant, his eyes scanning the crowd like a wolf looking for prey. "Excuse me?" The voice was soft, gentle, but firm. Jaemin froze.He turned slowly, shoulders tense, like a predator interrupted mid-hunt.His eyes-still red from the fire raging inside-met hers. Jaemin paused, his sharp steps faltering for a second.He looked back at Minseo.Her eyes were glistening.Crying?He blinked, genuinely confused. "Why the hell is she crying?" he muttered to himself, brows furrowed. "What does she have to cry about?" He shook his head, as if trying to snap himself out of caring. "Who cares..." he grumbled, turning on his heel. "Let me find that little bastard." But even as he marched forward, that image of her-standing there in the crowd, eyes filled with unspoken questions-clung to him. Minseo hadn't planned to cry. She was supposed to cheer for her friends, watch them light up the ramp with grace and confidence. But as she stood in the glittering hall, the cheers and music fading into the background, an ache bloomed in her chest.Her eyes followed her friends walking the ramp in dazzling gowns, their smiles radiant, their dreams alive. And yet... she wasn't up there. She should've been.The thought dug deep, and with it came tears she didn't know she'd held in for so long. "Why didn't I do it?" The question looped endlessly in her mind. Why hadn't she stepped forward? Why had she let fear, or guilt, or someone else's shadow stop her? And now... here she was. Crying. In front of him. Jaemin.