FRAMES OF FATE 🎥

BREWING TENSION

The sun streamed through the café window, illuminating the small, intimate space where the hum of conversation blended with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Hyunjin needed a moment to himself—an escape from the chaos of the fashion world. The afterparty had been overwhelming, and he wanted nothing more than a quiet cup of coffee before heading back to his apartment. He took a deep breath, savoring the smell of roasted beans, and lined up behind a few customers at the counter.

As he waited, Hyunjin's mind drifted back to the earlier confrontation with Lee Know. The tension had been electric, a standoff of sorts that sent shivers down his spine. He wasn't accustomed to feeling this way, especially not toward someone who had only just arrived in the industry. But the way Lee Know challenged him, the way their gazes locked—it was enough to unsettle him.

Just as he was about to place his order, the café door swung open, and in walked Lee Know, his presence commanding instant attention. He wore a black bomber jacket over a fitted white tee, his dark hair tousled perfectly. Hyunjin felt his pulse quicken; they had just been at each other's throats, and now they were in the same space again.

Lee Know spotted Hyunjin instantly, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Fancy seeing you here," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Is it a crime to get coffee?" Hyunjin shot back, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "Or are you just stalking me now?"

Lee Know stepped closer, the air thickening with tension as he leaned against the counter beside Hyunjin. "Please. You know I can't help but keep an eye on the competition. Especially when they're so... predictable."

Hyunjin clenched his jaw, refusing to let Lee Know's taunts get under his skin. "Predictable? Look who's talking. You're the one trying to make a name for yourself by playing the 'mysterious newcomer' card."

"Better than being the guy who thinks he's untouchable," Lee Know retorted, his voice low and sharp. He leaned in closer, their shoulders nearly touching. "How's that working out for you?"

Hyunjin felt a rush of frustration. He wasn't about to back down. "You want to test your luck, Minho? Because I'm more than ready to show you just how far you can fall."

Lee Know's eyes sparkled with amusement, the challenge igniting something in both of them. "Oh, I'm counting on it."

The barista called out an order, breaking the tension momentarily. As Hyunjin stepped forward to claim his coffee, Lee Know sidestepped him, blocking his path with a casual confidence that sent Hyunjin's irritation skyrocketing. He looked up, their eyes meeting, and for a moment, all thoughts of coffee faded.

"What are you doing?" Hyunjin demanded, trying to keep his voice steady as he glared at Lee Know.

"Just making sure you know that I'm not intimidated," Lee Know replied, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

"Intimidated? By you?" Hyunjin laughed, but it came out sharper than he intended. "You're a joke."

"Is that so?" Lee Know took a step closer, invading Hyunjin's personal space, his voice a low whisper. "Because I'm not the one who feels the need to prove myself."

The way he leaned in made Hyunjin's heart race, and he felt a strange mix of anger and attraction. He pushed that feeling aside, unwilling to let Lee Know see how much he affected him. "Get out of my way, Minho."

"Or what?" Lee Know challenged, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Or I'll make you."

And just like that, the moment escalated. Hyunjin shoved Lee Know back, frustration boiling over as he felt the need to assert his dominance. Lee Know stumbled but quickly regained his footing, his expression shifting to one of surprise mixed with excitement.