The hotel did not look real.

It looked like something from a drama where politicians signed billion-won contracts and celebrities secretly dated.

Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen waterfalls from a ceiling painted in soft gold. The marble floor reflected every light. A pianist in the corner played slow instrumental music that blended with the quiet hum of expensive conversations.

The Jeon family had reserved one of the private VIP lounges inside the hotel — a place where privacy was guaranteed and reputations were handled carefully.

Mr. and Mrs. Jeon were already seated.

Mrs. Jeon sat straight, graceful in a cream silk suit. Minimal jewelry, but each piece clearly rare. Her expression was calm, warm — but controlled. 

Beside her, Mr. Jeon sat in a dark tailored suit, posture firm, expression unreadable but polite.

Across from them, slightly nervous yet trying to appear composed, sat the Lee family.

Mr. Lee had adjusted his tie at least six times in the past five minutes. Mrs. Lee held her handbag tightly on her lap, her smile a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Noah sat beside his parents, unusually quiet for once. His leg bounced slightly under the table, though he tried to hide it.

An awkward but respectful silence lingered for a moment before Mrs. Jeon spoke gently.

“It’s been a while since we last met,” she said with a small smile.

“Yes, yes,” Mr. Lee responded quickly. “We are truly grateful you invited us again.”

Mrs. Lee nodded. “This hotel… it’s very beautiful.”

Mrs. Jeon smiled modestly. “It’s just a comfortable place for discussion.”

Mr. Lee glanced around discreetly.

Comfortable.

He swallowed. To him, this place looked like a year’s salary.

“Selene will be here in a few minutes,” Mrs. Lee added quickly, slightly embarrassed that their daughter had not arrived yet.

Mrs. Jeon waved her hand gently. “There is no rush. Young people take time.”

Noah looked at his watch.

Young people? His sister was probably still arguing with a taxi driver.

Mr. Lee’s phone suddenly vibrated in his hand.

He looked at the screen.

Selene.

He immediately answered, lowering his voice slightly.

“Where are you?” he asked in a controlled whisper.

On the other end, Selene’s voice came quickly, slightly breathless.

“I’m coming! The traffic was bad and the driver took the wrong turn and—”

“Just tell me how long.”

“Five minutes. I’m at the entrance.”

Mr. Lee closed his eyes briefly in relief.

“Come directly to the VIP lounge. Don’t wander. Ask the receptionist if needed.”

“I know how to walk, Appa.”

“Selene.”

“Okay, okay! I’m coming.”

He hung up and looked at the table.

“She is about to arrive,” he announced with a polite smile.

Mrs. Jeon nodded warmly. “Take your time.”

There was another soft pause before Mrs. Lee hesitantly spoke.

“Madam… if you don’t mind me asking… how did you… notice our daughter?”

Her tone carried genuine curiosity — and pride she was trying to keep contained.

Mrs. Jeon’s expression softened slightly.

“It was at one of our business charity galas,” she began.

Mr. Lee and Mrs. Lee leaned forward subtly.

“It was a formal evening,” she continued. “Investors, partners, media. Many influential guests. Everything very structured.”

Noah listened quietly.

“I was speaking with some associates when I noticed a small commotion near the buffet section,” Mrs. Jeon said calmly.

Mrs. Lee’s eyes widened slightly.

Mrs. Jeon smiled faintly.

“Nothing negative,” she reassured gently. 

“A staff member had accidentally dropped a tray. It was a new employee. Very nervous. People were staring. Some were annoyed.”

Mr. Lee shifted slightly, anxious.

“And your daughter,” Mrs. Jeon continued, “was the only one who stepped forward.”

Mrs. Lee blinked. “Selene?”

“Yes.”

Mrs. Jeon’s gaze seemed distant for a second, recalling the image.

“She immediately knelt down to help gather the fallen glasses. She told the guests it was her fault for bumping into the table — even though it clearly wasn’t. She kept apologizing to protect that young employee from being scolded.”

Noah’s eyebrows lifted slightly.

That sounded like his sister.

“She even started reorganizing the dessert table,” Mrs. Jeon added softly. 

“She was explaining to others how beautifully the pastries were made, redirecting attention.”

Mr. Lee’s expression slowly shifted from nervousness to disbelief.

“She did that?” he asked quietly.

Mrs. Jeon nodded.

“She did not know I was observing.”

Mrs. Lee’s eyes became slightly moist.

“She was not trying to impress anyone,” Mrs. Jeon continued. 

Noah suppressed a small smile.

“But her eyes…” Mrs. Jeon said thoughtfully. “They were sincere. There was no calculation. No pretense.”

Mr. Jeon, who had been silent, finally spoke.

“In our world, kindness is rare when it is not strategic.”

The table fell quiet.

Mrs. Jeon nodded in agreement.

“That night,” she said gently, 

“I asked about her. I learned she was your daughter. I made some inquiries.”

Mr. Lee straightened slightly.

“I wanted someone who would not see my son’s status first,” Mrs. Jeon continued. ”

Mrs. Lee pressed her lips together, overwhelmed.

“You chose her… because she helped someone?” she asked softly.

Mrs. Jeon smiled.

“I chose her because she did not think twice before helping.”

There was a respectful silence.

Noah glanced down, thoughtful.

Mrs. Lee finally spoke, voice trembling slightly with pride.

“She has always been like that. She acts first. Thinks later.”

Mr. Lee added quickly, “She may not be academically outstanding, but her heart… is very good.”

Mrs. Jeon nodded gently.

“I am not searching for a corporate partner for my son,” she said calmly. “He has enough of those.”

The subtle weight of that sentence lingered.

“I am searching for somebody who will hold his hand forever who will stood beside him all her life..”

Mrs. Lee smiled shyly. “We are honored you see our daughter that way.”

“It is me who is grateful,” Mrs. Jeon replied gracefully. “Girls like her are rare.”

The Lee parents exchanged a small proud glance.

For a moment, their middle-class insecurities faded.

Then Mr. Lee cleared his throat carefully.

“Jungkook… will he be joining soon?”

Mrs. Jeon’s expression shifted into something more neutral — not cold, but measured.

“He is finishing a meeting,” she said. “He will arrive shortly.”

Mr. Jeon added calmly, “He does not like to delay important matters.”

Mrs. Lee nodded nervously. “Of course. He must be very occupied.”

Mrs. Jeon’s lips curved faintly.

“He is.”

There was a subtle pride in her tone.

“He took over major operations at a very young age,” she continued. “He works harder than most men twice his age.”

Mr. Lee nodded quickly. “We have heard. His business growth in the last three years is remarkable.”

Mrs. Jeon did not boast, but her eyes reflected quiet confidence.

“He is responsible. Calm. He does not act impulsively.”

Noah’s gaze shifted slightly at that word.

Impulsive.

That sounded like the exact opposite of his sister.

Mr. Lee checked his phone again.

No new message.

Mrs. Lee adjusted her dress nervously.

Two young people.

Neither had arrived yet.

One rushing through traffic.

The other finishing a business meeting somewhere in the city.

The private lounge door opened.

Every head turned at once.

And then—

Silence.

Selene Lee had arrived.

But not the Selene anyone expected.

She stood at the entrance like she had just walked out of a dramatic movie scene. A tight leopard-print dress clung loudly to her frame. The fabric shimmered under the chandelier light in a way that felt… aggressive. The neckline was slightly too bold for a formal family meeting. The hem slightly too short.

Her heels were impossibly high. Gold. Shiny. Unstable.



She took one step forward.

The heel clicked sharply against the marble.

Then another.

Click.

Click.

Click.

Each step echoing like a warning sign.

Her makeup was heavier than usual — thick eyeliner, dramatic lashes, bright red lipstick that could be seen from across the room. Her hair was styled in exaggerated curls, bouncing as she walked.

She paused dramatically at the center of the entrance.

“Helloooo everybodyyy!” she announced in an overly sweet, high-pitched tone.

Mr. Lee froze.

Mrs. Lee’s soul visibly left her body.

Noah slowly turned his head toward the wall as if he could pretend he did not know this person.

Mr. Jeon blinked once.

Mrs. Jeon smiled.

Selene waved dramatically with both hands. 

“Sorry I’m late! Traffic was like — oh my God — so dramatic today.”

She attempted to walk forward confidently.

Her heel wobbled.She almost tripped.

Noah instinctively half-rose from his seat—

But she caught herself and laughed loudly.

“Oopsie!” she giggled.

Mrs. Lee whispered sharply under her breath, “Selene.”

Selene sashayed forward and sat down beside her mother — crossing her legs exaggeratedly.

Her heel nearly kicked the table.

Mr. Lee’s eye twitched.Mrs. Jeon observed quietly.

Mr. Jeon slowly turned his head toward his wife.The look he gave her was not subtle.

This is your choice?

Mrs. Jeon did not react. She only folded her hands calmly and continued watching Selene.

Selene leaned forward dramatically toward Mrs. Jeon.

“Auntyyy,” she sang sweetly. “You look soooo elegant. Like queen vibes. Totally love it.”

Mrs. Lee inhaled sharply.

“Ahem,” she coughed softly. “Selene, speak properly.”

Selene blinked innocently. “I am speaking properly, Mom.”

Then she turned toward Mr. Jeon.

“And Uncle, your suit? So classy. Very powerful. Like… businessman energy.”

Noah covered his mouth to hide a laugh — or was it despair?

Mr. Jeon gave a stiff nod.

“Thank you,” he said evenly.

Selene leaned back dramatically.

“So,” she clapped lightly, “where is the groom?”

Mrs. Lee almost fainted.

“Selene!” Mr. Lee whispered harshly.

“What?” she whispered back loudly. “I’m just asking. Isn’t this like… bride-meets-groom moment?”

Mrs. Jeon finally spoke, her tone calm.

“Jungkook is on his way.”

Selene gasped dramatically.

“Ohhh, Jungkook,” she repeated, stretching the name.

 “Very intense name. Sounds serious. Is he serious?”

Mr. Lee pinched the bridge of his nose.

Mrs. Lee leaned closer and whispered sharply, 

“Sit properly. Lower your voice.”

Selene straightened for half a second.

Then she crossed her legs again, heel swinging.

“So,let me introduce myself aunty. I'm Selene. Lee Selene. I'll tell you everything about myself” she continued brightly,

 “I don’t really wake up early, okay? I just want to say that first. Because if he’s like those 5 AM gym guys, that’s not me. I’m more like… brunch energy.”

Noah choked.

Mr. Jeon’s jaw tightened slightly.

He slowly looked at his wife again.

Mrs. Jeon was still smiling.

Observing.

Selene continued.

“And I talk a lot. Like a lot. Silence makes me uncomfortable. So if he’s very quiet, we might have like… awkward air.”

She waved her hands dramatically.

Mrs. Lee leaned toward her again. 

“Selene, enough.”

Selene blinked sweetly. “I’m just being honest.”

Mr. Lee forced a strained smile toward the Jeons. “She is… expressive.”

“Yes,” Noah muttered. “Very expressive.”

Selene leaned forward suddenly.

“Oh, and I burn things sometimes while cooking. Not always! Just occasionally. But it’s experimental cooking, you know? Artistic risk.”

Mrs. Lee whispered furiously, “Stop talking.”

Selene turned toward her mother innocently.

 “Why? They should know my personality.”

Mr. Jeon finally spoke, voice calm but firm.

“Miss Lee,” he said, “what do you enjoy doing?”

Selene’s eyes sparkled.

Perfect opportunity.

“Ohhh, I love making reels,” she said excitedly.

 “Cooking content. Sometimes I dance while cooking. It increases engagement.”

Mr. Lee closed his eyes.

“I’m not very academic,” she added casually. 

“. But I make amazing kimchi pasta fusion.”

Noah dropped his head into his hand.

Mrs. Lee whispered, “Selene!”

Selene ignored her.

“I also cry easily. Very emotional. Like if someone shouts, I cry. If dog videos come on, I cry. So if your son is very strict, I might just… flood the house.”

Mr. Jeon’s expression hardened slightly.

He glanced at his wife again, clearly questioning her judgment.

But Mrs. Jeon simply tilted her head slightly, studying Selene with a soft expression.

Selene leaned closer to Mrs. Jeon.

“Aunty, I don’t know how to behave in big rich houses. I might break something expensive accidentally.”

Mr. Lee nearly stood up.

“That will not happen,” he said quickly, mortified.

Selene waved dismissively. “Dad, honesty is important.”

Noah muttered, “Please stop.”

Selene continued sweetly, “Also I snore sometimes.”

Mrs. Lee gasped quietly.

Mr. Jeon stiffened.

Silence fell for two seconds.

Then—

Mrs. Jeon laughed softly.

Not loudly.

But genuinely.

Everyone froze.

Selene blinked.

Mrs. Jeon’s eyes were warm.

“You are very transparent,” she said gently.

Selene’s smile faltered slightly.

That was not the reaction she expected.

Mr. Jeon looked surprised.

Mrs. Jeon continued calmly, “It is rare to see someone speak without filtering themselves.”

Mrs. Lee forced an awkward smile. “She is usually not… like this.”

“Oh,” Mrs. Jeon said kindly, glancing at Selene. “I believe she is exactly like this.”

Selene’s heart skipped.

Was she caught?

Mrs. Jeon leaned slightly forward.

“I appreciate honesty,” she added. “And courage.”

Selene blinked again.

Courage?

Mr. Jeon’s sharp gaze shifted between his wife and Selene.

Noah slowly looked up, confused.

Mrs. Jeon’s smile deepened just slightly.

“Many people try to impress us,” she said calmly. 

“Very few try to show us their flaws first.”

Selene swallowed.

This was not going according to plan.

Mrs. Lee tried to whisper again, “Selene, apologize.”

But Mrs. Jeon gently raised her hand.

“No need.”

Her gaze returned to Selene.

“You are comfortable being yourself.”

Selene’s lips parted slightly.

Was she?

Or was she acting?

Mrs. Jeon’s eyes seemed to say she knew.

Mr. Jeon leaned back in his chair, still stiff, but no longer glaring.

The tension in the room shifted slightly.

Selene had walked in hoping to create disaster.

Instead—

Mrs. Jeon looked… impressed.

Selene forced a bright smile again.

“Yesss,” she chirped. “I’m very much myself.”

Inside, however, her plan was wobbling almost as much as her heels had earlier.

This was supposed to be rejection.

This was supposed to be horror.

This was supposed to make them whisper, absolutely not.

Instead—

Mrs. Jeon was smiling at her like she had just confirmed something important.

And outside the lounge, footsteps approached quietly down the corridor.

Unaware of the chaos that had just unfolded—

Jungkook was about to arrive.

The atmosphere inside the private lounge had already tilted off balance.

Selene’s dramatic entrance, loud voice, exaggerated honesty — all of it had been carefully designed to collapse the proposal before it even began.

But it wasn’t collapsing.

It was doing the opposite.

Mrs. Jeon was smiling at her.

Not politely.

Not awkwardly.

Genuinely.

“You are comfortable being yourself,” Mrs. Jeon had said.

And now she added softly, “That is exactly the kind of courage this family needs.”

Selene blinked.

Courage?

Needs?

Her brain short-circuited.

Mrs. Jeon continued calmly, her voice warm but steady.

 “In a world where everyone calculates every word, a person who speaks freely is refreshing.”

Mr. Lee almost choked on air.

Mrs. Lee stared at Mrs. Jeon as if she had misheard.

Noah looked between Selene and Mrs. Jeon in disbelief.

Selene’s lips parted. She had been ready for shock, for rejection, for whispered doubt.

Instead, she was being praised.

“You… don’t mind?” Selene asked weakly, forgetting her dramatic tone for a second.

Mrs. Jeon’s eyes softened. “Why would I mind?”

Selene’s stomach dropped.

This was not how this was supposed to go.

She opened her mouth, ready to add something worse — maybe confess she snores louder than a truck, maybe say she hates discipline, maybe say she plans to travel the world with no schedule —

But before she could speak —

The door opened.

The air shifted.

Even the piano music outside felt distant for a second.

Footsteps entered.

Measured. Calm. Unhurried.

Selene turned instinctively.

And time stopped.

He walked in wearing a deep wine-burgundy suit that fit like it had been stitched onto him. The fabric caught the golden light subtly, rich but not loud. His shoulders were broad, posture straight, movements controlled. A black shirt underneath, no tie — just the top button undone, effortlessly sharp.



His hair was styled neatly, dark strands falling perfectly without trying too hard. His jawline was sharp. Clean. His skin smooth, his features balanced in a way that felt almost unfair.

But it wasn’t just his face.

It was his aura.

Calm.

Dangerously calm.

Like someone who didn’t need to raise his voice to command attention.

His eyes scanned the room once — composed, unreadable — before settling on the table.

Selene forgot how to breathe.

This was not a 34-year-old tired corporate robot.

This was not an emotionless old businessman.

This was—

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

He looked young.

Mid-twenties, maybe.

Sharp, yes.

But devastatingly handsome.

There was something intense about him. Something controlled. Something powerful. But it didn’t feel lifeless.

It felt magnetic.

Selene’s fingers tightened against her dress.She had never seen a man like this in real life.

Not on the street.

Not at college.

Not even in dramas.

He looked dangerous.

But beautiful.

Her mind went blank.

Every rumor she had collected about him — cold, ruthless, serious, emotionless — suddenly twisted into something else.

Cold?

That calm looked attractive.

Serious?

That focus looked responsible.

Ruthless?

That confidence looked strong.

Every quality she had prepared herself to dislike now seemed… worthy.

Her chest tightened strangely.

Love at first sight was stupid.

She didn’t believe in it.

And yet—

Something shifted inside her instantly.

Her dramatic energy drained.

Her playful mischief evaporated.

She stared at him walking toward the table, and for the first time since entering this hotel, she felt small.

He reached the table.

He greeted his parents first with a slight nod.

“Sorry for the delay,” he said calmly.

His voice.

Deep.

Steady.

Not loud.

But it carried authority.

Selene’s heart flipped.

He turned toward the Lee family politely.

And then—

His eyes landed on her.

There was a pause.

Not long.

But noticeable.

His gaze moved from her face… to her makeup… to the leopard-print dress… to the gold heels.

Silence.

Inside his mind, something very different was happening.

This is her?

This is Mother’s choice?

He didn’t show it on his face.

But internally, his composure cracked for half a second.

Leopard print.

Gold heels.

Bright red lipstick.

He had imagined simple elegance.

Soft presence.

Not… this.

His brain tried to process the visual contradiction in front of him.

Is she attending a meeting or hosting a variety show?

He kept his face neutral.

But inside, he sighed.

Mother cannot be serious.

Selene, meanwhile, felt heat rush to her cheeks.

Oh no.

Oh no.

Oh no.

What have I done?

The man standing in front of her looked like he belonged on magazine covers.

Like someone who closed billion-won deals before lunch.

And she looked like—

A circus performer.

She wanted the floor to open and swallow her.

She quickly adjusted her posture, suddenly very aware of her too-loud dress.

He took his seat.

Directly opposite her.

His aura felt heavier now that he was closer.

She could see the sharpness of his features clearly. The calm in his eyes. The slight tension in his jaw.

He looked at her again.

Briefly.

Not smiling.

Not impressed.

Just… observing.

And that hurt more than rejection.

He must think I’m ridiculous.

Her throat tightened.

He must hate this.

He must be wondering what kind of joke this is.

She suddenly imagined him telling his mother later:

“Absolutely not.”

And the thought stung unexpectedly.

She didn’t want him to reject her.

Not anymore.

Her heart squeezed painfully.

She slowly leaned closer to her mother, almost hiding behind her shoulder.

Mrs. Lee whispered harshly, “Sit straight.”

But Selene couldn’t.

Her confidence had vanished.

Mrs. Jeon noticed immediately.

The girl who had been loud five minutes ago was now shrinking into herself.

Interesting.

Jungkook adjusted his cuff calmly.

Outwardly composed.

Internally—

This is a disaster.

He had come prepared for a formal meeting.

A polite introduction.

Not… leopard print.

He did not dislike boldness.

But this?

His gaze flicked toward his mother briefly.

Mother, what exactly did you see?

But Mrs. Jeon’s expression remained soft.

Almost amused.

She cleared her throat gently.

“Jungkook,” she said calmly, “this is the Lee family.”

He nodded respectfully.

“ Hello Mr. Lee. Mrs. Lee.”

His voice was smooth, controlled.

Mr. Lee straightened proudly. “It is an honor.”

Jungkook’s eyes shifted.

“And this,” Mrs. Jeon continued warmly, “is Selene.”

Selene’s heart stopped.

He looked at her again.

Directly.

Up close, his gaze felt intense.

Not cruel.

Just penetrating.

She swallowed.

“Hi,” she said softly.

Gone was the exaggerated tone.

Gone was the loudness.

Her voice was almost… shy.

Noah blinked.

Who is this version?

Jungkook noticed the shift instantly.

Five minutes ago, she had been theatrical.

Now, she looked like she wanted to disappear.

Interesting.

He gave a small nod.

“Miss Lee.”

That was all.

Simple.

Polite.

Distant.

Selene’s fingers twisted together.

Her earlier lines about snoring and burning food replayed in her mind like a horror film.

Why did I do that?

She stared at the table.

He probably thinks I’m stupid.

Her eyes burned slightly.

She blinked rapidly.

Do not cry.

Do not cry here.

Mrs. Jeon watched the entire exchange carefully.

Then she smiled gently.

“Selene,” she said softly.

Selene looked up nervously.

“You can drop your act.”

Silence.

Selene froze.

Her parents stiffened.

Noah’s eyes widened.

Jungkook’s gaze shifted toward his mother.

Mrs. Jeon’s voice remained calm.

“I know this is not you.”

Selene’s breath caught.

“You were nervous,” Mrs. Jeon continued kindly. “So you tried to protect yourself.”

Selene stared at her, stunned.

“I first met you at our gala,” Mrs. Jeon said gently. “You were quiet that day. Kind. Sincere.”

Selene’s lips trembled slightly.

“I chose you because of that girl,” Mrs. Jeon added softly. “Not because of leopard print.”

Even Mr. Jeon looked surprised at his wife’s directness.

Mrs. Jeon’s eyes softened further.

“You do not need to scare us away.”

Selene’s chest felt tight.

She whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Mrs. Jeon shook her head gently. “There is nothing to apologize for.”

She then glanced at Jungkook.

“And there is nothing wrong with confidence,” she added meaningfully.

Jungkook’s expression remained neutral.

But his eyes flickered slightly.

Mrs. Jeon turned back to Selene.

“If you are comfortable,” she said kindly, 

“you may change into something you feel more like yourself in.”

Selene nodded quickly, relief flooding her.

“And,” Mrs. Jeon continued, “we will arrange the next meeting at our mansion. Somewhere less formal.”

Mr. Lee and Mrs. Lee looked shocked but grateful.

Selene slowly stood up, careful with her heels this time.

She dared one small glance at Jungkook.

He was watching her.

Not with disgust.

Not with approval.

Just… curiosity.

And that was enough to make her heart race again.

As she walked toward the exit, her earlier plan lay in ruins behind her.

She had wanted rejection.

Instead—

She had just complicated everything.

And for the first time—

She wasn’t sure she wanted this proposal to fail anymore.

The ride back home from the hotel felt longer than usual.

No one spoke.

The silence inside the car was thick and heavy, almost suffocating. The bright city lights passing through the window reflected on Selene’s face, making her loud pink makeup look even more ridiculous now that the adrenaline of her “plan” had faded.

A few hours ago, she had walked into that hotel lobby with confidence, convinced that her dramatic appearance and silly behavior would immediately make the Jeon family reject her.

Instead, everything had gone terribly wrong.

Her fingers slowly twisted the feather scarf around her neck as embarrassment crept deeper into her chest.

Across from her, her parents sat stiffly.

Her father kept his eyes forward, his expression tight.

Her mother looked both exhausted and angry.

And beside Selene, Noah sat with his arms folded, occasionally shaking his head like he still couldn’t believe what had happened.

The car finally stopped in front of their modest house.

The moment they stepped inside, the quiet tension exploded.

---

Selene had barely removed her heels when her mother turned toward her.

“Selene!”

Her voice echoed through the small living room.

Selene froze.

Her father closed the door behind them with a heavy sigh before turning to face her.

“What,” he said slowly, “was that?”

Selene avoided their eyes.

Her pink purse slipped from her hand onto the couch.

“I—”

“Don’t say anything yet,” her mother cut in sharply.

Her mother stepped closer, looking at Selene from head to toe. The leopard print dress, the pink feather scarf, the heavy glitter makeup.

Her expression filled with disbelief.

“Do you even realize what you did today?”

Selene swallowed.

Noah leaned against the wall nearby, muttering under his breath.

“I still refuse to believe she’s related to me.”

Selene shot him a glare.

“Shut up, Noah.”

But Noah only scoffed.

“No seriously,” he said, gesturing toward her. 

“What was that look? You looked like a walking disco ball that got lost in a jungle.”

Selene grabbed a cushion from the couch and threw it at him.

“Shut up!”

Their father raised his voice.

“Enough!”

Both siblings immediately went quiet.

The disappointment in his face made Selene’s chest tighten.

He walked toward the sofa slowly before sitting down heavily.

“Selene,” he said calmly but firmly, “do you understand how important today was?”

She stared at the floor.

Her mother continued.

“That was not some casual meeting with neighbors,” she said. “That was the Jeon family.”

Selene fidgeted with the hem of her dress.

“I know…”

“Do you?” her mother said sharply.

Her father rubbed his temples.

“You embarrassed us.”

The words landed heavily.

Selene felt her throat tighten.

“You embarrassed our family,” he continued quietly. “In front of one of the most respected families in the country.”

Noah added casually from the side.

“And in front of the most successful businessman of our generation.”

Selene groaned.

“Noah, please.”

But Noah kept going.

“You know what people would do to get even a chance to sit at the same table as Jeon Jungkook?”

Selene looked up at him.

“Okay, we get it! He’s amazing! He’s perfect! He’s the god of businessmen!”

Her mother sighed deeply.

“That is not the point.”

Her father leaned forward slightly.

“The point,” he said, “is that despite everything you did tonight…”

He paused.

“…Mrs. Jeon said nothing.”

Selene blinked.

Her mother nodded slowly.

“She didn’t get angry. She didn’t insult you.”

“In fact,” Noah added, raising a brow, “she still said she wants to meet you again.”

Selene looked surprised.

“Exactly,” her father said.

His voice softened slightly.

“That woman showed you more kindness and patience than you deserved today.”

Selene felt guilt rise in her chest.

Her mother crossed her arms.

“And Jungkook himself,” she continued, “did not say a single rude word to you.”

Selene remembered his face.

The way he looked when he sat across from her.

The sharp suit.

The calm but intimidating aura.

The way her heart had suddenly started beating too fast.

Her ears turned red.

Her father spoke again.

“You should be grateful.”

Selene slowly nodded.

Her voice came out small.

“I… I know.”

Noah tilted his head.

“Oh? The clown realizes her mistake?”

Selene glared at him.

“I said I know!”

Her mother shook her head.

“Selene, what were you even thinking?”

Selene hesitated.

Then she sighed and dropped onto the couch.

“I didn’t want to marry him,” she admitted quietly.

Her parents exchanged a look.

“So you decided to act like… that?” Noah asked.

Selene covered her face with her hands.

“I thought if I acted ridiculous they would reject me immediately.”

Noah burst out laughing.

“Well congratulations,” he said between laughs. “Your plan failed spectacularly.”

Selene threw another cushion at him.

“Stop laughing!”

But even their parents looked like they were trying not to sigh in disbelief.

Her father shook his head slowly.

“You should have trusted us enough to speak honestly instead of doing something so childish.”

Selene’s shoulders dropped.

“I know…”

Her mother softened a little seeing her expression.

“Look at yourself,” she said gently.

Selene glanced down at her ridiculous outfit.

She suddenly felt extremely embarrassed.

Her cheeks turned red.

“I look horrible,” she muttered.

Noah smirked.

“That’s the first correct statement you made today.”

Her father sighed again but this time his tone was calmer.

“What’s done is done.”

Selene looked up at him nervously.

“But listen carefully,” he continued.

“If Mrs. Jeon is kind enough to give you another chance…”

His voice became firm again.

“You will behave properly.”

Her mother nodded.

“No more stunts.”

“No more drama.”

“No more embarrassing our family.”

Selene quickly nodded.

“I promise.”

They watched her carefully.

“I’m serious,” she said.

Her voice was sincere now.

“I really didn’t think she would still give me another chance.”

Her mother softened a little more.

“That woman is very wise.”

Selene remembered the way Mrs. Jeon had smiled at her in the hotel.

Not angry.

Not judging.

Just… understanding.

Selene sighed.

“I feel bad now.”

Noah raised an eyebrow.

“Wow. Character development.”

Selene rolled her eyes but then looked at her parents again.

“I’m sorry.”

Her voice was genuine.

“I really am.”

Her father studied her face for a moment.

Then he nodded slowly.

“Good.”

Her mother finally relaxed a little.

“Go change out of those clothes,” she said. “You’re giving me a headache just looking at you.”

Selene groaned.

“Don’t remind me.”

She stood up and grabbed her purse.

As she walked toward the stairs, Noah called after her.

“Hey Selene!”

She turned.

“What?”

He grinned mischievously.

“Next time try not to look like a flamingo attacked by a leopard.”

Selene stared at him.

“SHUT UP!”

Noah laughed loudly.

Their parents sighed in exhaustion.

That night, Selene lay on her bed staring at the ceiling.

Her room was dimly lit, the soft yellow lamp on her bedside table casting warm shadows across the walls. Usually at this hour she would either be editing cooking videos for her channel or scrolling mindlessly through social media.

But tonight was different.

Her mind refused to settle.

Every time she closed her eyes…

One face appeared.

Jeon Jungkook.

Selene groaned softly and buried her face into her pillow.

“Ugh… why am I like this?”

She rolled onto her back again, hugging the pillow to her chest.

Her cheeks slowly turned pink.

The memory of his entrance at the hotel replayed again in her mind like a dramatic movie scene.

The way he walked toward the table.

Confident.

Calm.

Effortless.

That burgundy wine suit had fit him perfectly, the sharp tailoring emphasizing his tall frame and broad shoulders. His hair had been styled neatly, slightly parted, giving him a clean yet powerful look.

And his face…

Selene covered her mouth.

“How can someone look like that…”

His sharp jawline.

His calm dark eyes.

The slight seriousness in his expression that made him look intimidating yet strangely attractive.

And his aura…

That quiet power around him.

He didn’t need to speak loudly or act flashy. Just his presence alone made everyone at the table straighten in their seats.

Selene kicked her blanket in embarrassment.

“And I went there dressed like a clown…”

She grabbed another pillow and hid her face again.

“Selene, you idiot!”

She remembered how she had imagined him before the meeting.

An old man.

Cold.

Emotionless.

Probably boring.

She groaned loudly.

“He’s not even close to thirty!”

Instead he looked young.

Sharp.

Dangerously handsome.

The kind of man people would stare at the moment he entered a room.

Selene sighed dramatically.

“Why is he so handsome…”

Her mind replayed the moment he sat across from her.

She had been so nervous she could barely even look at him properly.

But even the quick glances she stole were enough to make her heart beat faster.

She rolled onto her stomach and grabbed her phone from the bedside table.

Her fingers hesitated for a second.

Then she opened Instagram.

“Okay… just one look.”

She typed his name slowly.

Jeon Jungkook.

His profile appeared immediately.

Selene’s eyes widened.

“Twenty million followers?!”

Her mouth dropped open.

“Of course he does…”

She clicked on his profile.

His account was clean and minimal. Not too many posts, but each one looked polished and powerful.

She tapped the first picture.

Her eyes widened again.

It was a photo of him at the gym.



He stood in front of a mirror, his upper back body bare, slightly flexing after what looked like an intense workout. His muscles were well defined, his shoulders broad, his arms strong.

Selene immediately covered her face with her hand.

“Oh my God…”

She peeked again through her fingers.

His body looked athletic and powerful, but not overly bulky. Just perfectly balanced strength.

Selene felt her ears burning.

“Why did I open this…”

But she kept staring.

Her heart was beating so fast she could feel it in her chest.

She quickly liked the photo.

Then immediately panicked.

“WAIT—”

She stared at the screen.

“Oh no.”

“What if he sees it?!”

She almost unliked it but then stopped.

“…No.”

She slowly lowered the phone again.

“It’s fine.”

“Millions of people like his pictures.”

“He won’t notice.”

Still, her heart was racing.

She scrolled further.

Another photo.

This one was from a business magazine photoshoot. Jungkook stood in a white suit,



He looked calm.

Powerful.

Untouchable.

Selene sighed dreamily.

“He looks like the main character in a movie…”

She zoomed in on his face.

His expression was serious but attractive in a quiet way.

The kind of man who didn’t smile often but when he did, it would probably make people lose their minds.

Selene pressed the phone to her chest dramatically.

“Why is he so perfect…”

She stared at the ceiling again.

“I really thought he would be some scary old businessman.”

Instead he was young.

Successful.

Handsome.

And somehow even more intimidating because of it.

Selene slowly sat up on her bed.

Her expression became thoughtful.

“The next meeting…”

Mrs. Jeon had invited them to their mansion.

Selene suddenly looked determined.

“No.”

“I cannot show up like today.”

She ima

gined walking into that mansion looking elegant and confident.

Normal clothes.

Natural makeup.

Polite behavior.

A proper first impression.

She nodded to herself.

“Yes.”

“I’ll show them the real Selene.”

She hugged her pillow again, smiling shyly.

“And maybe…”

Her voice became softer.

“…maybe he’ll like me.”

Her cheeks turned red again.

She quickly buried her face into the pillow.

“Stop blushing!”

But the image of Jungkook kept appearing in her mind.

His calm eyes.

His sharp features.

That powerful aura.

Selene sighed happily.

“What a man…”

She looked at her phone again and opened his profile once more.

Scrolling slowly through his pictures.

Smiling to herself.

In her heart, something new had already begun.

And for the first time…

Selene Lee truly wanted this marriage meeting to succeed.