The streets were alive with the hum of city life. Neon signs flickered against the night sky, and the distant sound of chatter and sizzling food filled the air.
Hyerin walked beside me, her pace steady, her posture relaxed but still holding that quiet guardedness she always carried.
The night market came into view, rows of stalls stretching down the street, their lights casting a warm glow over the crowds moving between them. The scent of freshly grilled skewers, fried pancakes, and spicy tteokbokki lingered in the air, mixing with the faint crispness of the evening.
Hyerin inhaled slightly, barely noticeable, but I caught it.
"Smells good, doesn't it?" I mused.
She hummed in response, her gaze scanning the different stalls.
We reached the first vendor, where a man was tossing tteokbokki in a rich red sauce, steam rising from the pan. Without waiting for Hyerin's input, I stepped forward.
"Two servings," I said smoothly, pulling out my card.
Hyerin shot me a look. "I thought I was treating you."
I smirked. "You can treat me next time."
She scoffed but didn't argue.
The vendor handed us two paper trays filled with steaming rice cakes, the sauce glistening under the lights. I picked up a piece with the wooden skewer and took a bite. The spice hit instantly, warm and satisfying.
Hyerin took a bite of hers, chewing thoughtfully before nodding. "It's good."
I watched her, amused. "Is that your way of saying you like it?"
She gave me a glance, unimpressed. "Do you expect me to write a full review?"
I chuckled, taking another bite. "Just checking if I made the right call bringing you here."
She was quiet for a moment before muttering, "You did."
I glanced at her, my smirk softening just slightly.
We moved through the stalls, stopping here and there to try different foods. For once, the conversation wasn't calculated, wasn't some battle of wits—it was just… easy.
She picked out a few more things for us to share, and without even realizing it, we fell into a rhythm—a quiet understanding, an unspoken agreement to simply exist in this moment.
I tapped my fingers against the edge of the tray, watching as she examined the stalls ahead. Then, an idea came to mind.
"Let's play a game, Hyerin," I said, my tone light but edged with challenge.
She glanced at me, wary. "What kind of game?"
I smirked, pulling out my card and holding it between my fingers. "If you can pick out my favorite food from these three stalls, I'll give you a reward."
She raised an eyebrow. "A reward?"
"I'll answer any question you ask," I said, tilting my head. "No dodging. No half-truths. Just a direct answer."
Hyerin narrowed her eyes slightly, considering it. "And if I lose?"
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "Then you owe me a favor."
She clicked her tongue, staring at me for a long moment, as if trying to decide whether the risk was worth it.
Then, finally, she sighed. "Fine."
I handed her my card, letting my fingers brush against hers for just a second longer than necessary before stepping back, motioning toward the three food stalls ahead.
"Go on," I murmured. "Impress me."
Hyerin exhaled sharply, muttering something under her breath before turning toward the vendors. She studied the options carefully, her lips pressing together in thought.
The first stall sold hotteok, sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts. The second offered grilled meat skewers, sizzling over an open flame, rich with the scent of perfectly charred seasoning. The last one had odeng, warm fish cakes served in steaming broth.
She looked between them, thoughtful.
"Any hints?" she asked.
I smirked. "That would be too easy."
She let out a quiet sigh, then stepped forward, placing an order.
When the vendor handed her the food, she turned back to me, eyes locked onto mine.
"Here," she said, holding out the tray. "This is your favorite, isn't it?"
I glanced down at her choice.
Grilled skewers.
I smiled slowly, taking one from the tray and biting into it, savoring the flavor.
Then, after a brief pause, I looked at her and said, "Correct."
Hyerin blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise. "Wait, really?"
I chuckled, nodding. "Looks like you win."
She stared at me for a moment, then let out a breath, shaking her head. "I was kind of just guessing."
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "Or maybe… you know me better than you think."
She scoffed, but I caught the slight twitch at the corner of her lips.
I wiped my fingers on a napkin, then gestured toward her. "Go on, then. Ask your question."
Hyerin hesitated, the weight of her prize suddenly sinking in.
She had one chance. One question.
And for the first time since we started this little game, I saw something flicker in her eyes.
Something serious.
She looked at me, lips parted as if about to speak.
Then, finally, she asked—"Why did you really help me?"
The air between us changed instantly.
I smiled, but this time, it wasn't teasing.
"You already know the answer," I murmured.
She shook her head. "I want to hear you say it."
I exhaled, setting my food aside.
"Because you're different," I said smoothly. "You don't play by the same rules as everyone else. You don't chase after power, you don't pretend to be something you're not. You're just…" I paused, tilting my head slightly. "You."
Hyerin stared at me, as if searching for something.
Then, quietly, she muttered, "That's not an answer."
I smirked, amused by how persistent she was.
"It's the truth," I said.
She didn't argue, but she didn't look satisfied either.
I finished the last bite of my skewer, dusting off my hands.
"Since you won, I'll be generous and let you ask another question next time," I said smoothly.
Hyerin sighed, rubbing her temple. "You're impossible."
I chuckled, amused by how easily she got exasperated with me.
"Come on," I said, standing up and brushing off my sleeves. "Follow me. I have something to show you."
She raised an eyebrow. "What now?"
I smirked, tilting my head toward the street ahead. "An amazing view. You'll like it."
She narrowed her eyes slightly, studying me. "That's what you said about the karaoke, and look where that got me."
"Exactly," I mused. "So, bring the food, don't forget my card, and let's go."
Hyerin hesitated for a fraction of a second before picking up the tray of skewers and slipping my card into her pocket.
"I swear, if this is just another excuse to show off how rich you are—"
"It's not," I cut in smoothly. "Just trust me."
She muttered something under her breath but followed anyway.
I took the lead, walking through the quieter part of the market, past the last rows of food stalls and toward a narrow street lined with old buildings. The air was a little cooler here, the noise from the bustling crowd fading into a soft murmur behind us.
After a few minutes, we reached a set of stairs tucked between two buildings.
Hyerin frowned. "Where are we going?"
I glanced over my shoulder, smirking. "Up."
She sighed but didn't argue as we climbed the stairs. The path led to a rooftop—one I had visited countless times before.
The moment we reached the top, the city stretched out before us.
Seoul at night—glittering lights, neon reflections bouncing off glass buildings, the distant hum of life moving on below us.
Hyerin stepped forward slightly, looking out at the view.
I watched as the city lights flickered against her face, casting soft shadows across her expression.
She didn't speak right away.
Then, in a quieter voice, she muttered, "It's beautiful."
I leaned against the railing, satisfied. "Told you."
For once, she didn't have a sharp remark.
She just stood there, holding the tray of food, the wind brushing through her hair as she gazed at the city.
I took the skewer from her tray without asking, taking a bite as I watched her.
She didn't seem to notice.
Or maybe, she just didn't mind.
I let the silence stretch for a moment, the city lights flickering in her eyes as she stood there, quietly taking it all in.
Then, casually, I spoke.
"How about a bet?"
Hyerin barely turned her head. "What is it now?"
I smirked, twirling the wooden skewer between my fingers. "If you can outrank me in school, I'll tell you everything you need to know."
That got her attention.
She turned to fully face me, eyes narrowing slightly. "Everything?"
"Everything," I confirmed smoothly. "No dodging, no vague answers. I'll lay it all out for you—about my father, about your father, about why I do what I do."
She didn't react right away, but I could see the flicker of something in her gaze.
Temptation.
She wasn't someone who backed down from a challenge. But at the same time, she wasn't reckless.
I waited, watching her think it through, amused by how seriously she was considering it.
Then, finally, she crossed her arms. "And if I lose?"
I smiled, slow and deliberate.
"You'll owe me," I said simply.
Hyerin exhaled sharply. "Owe you what, exactly?"
I tapped my fingers against the railing, pretending to think. "I haven't decided yet."
Her lips pressed together, unimpressed. "Of course you haven't."
I tilted my head, eyes gleaming. "Scared?"
She let out a quiet scoff. "No."
"Then it shouldn't be a problem," I mused. "Unless, of course, you think you can't beat me."
She fell silent for a moment, staring at me.
Then, without breaking eye contact, she extended her hand.
"You have a deal," she said.
I glanced down at her hand, then back at her.
Interesting.
I reached forward, grasping it firmly.
Her grip was steady, unwavering.
And in that moment, I knew—she meant it.
She was going to try.
I smiled.
"Good," I murmured. "This should be fun."