Chasing Perfection || Lee Know

Love in unlikely places

Hyejin's POV:

Hyejin stood awkwardly in Lee Know's living room, arms crossed and gaze sharp. She watched as Lee Know casually leaned against the kitchen island, studying her like she was a puzzle he needed to solve.

"You can't just show up to my parents' place looking like that and expect them to believe we're dating," Hyejin said, motioning vaguely at his perfectly tailored suit and polished demeanor.

Lee Know smirked. "Why? Too convincing already?"

She rolled her eyes. "I mean your personality, Lee Minho. You're the guy I spent years fighting with. My mom's going to call me out the second she sees through this farce."

"Then let's practice," he said, standing up straight and walking toward her.

"Practice?"

"You know, so I can charm your parents. And so you can stop looking like I dragged you into this against your will."

Before she could argue, he closed the gap between them, standing close—too close. He held out his arm. "Pretend this is the front door of your parents' house. Let's try this out."

Hyejin hesitated before slipping her arm through his. His touch was warm, grounding. She immediately tried to pull back, but Lee Know tightened his grip.

"Relax, Yoon Hyejin. Couples don't act like they've been held hostage."

She huffed but softened her posture. Then, to her surprise, Lee Know leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "You're going to have to smile, you know. And not that fake one you give me when you're annoyed. A real one."

"Do you want me to look like I'm in love with you? Because that'll take a miracle."

Lee Know laughed, his breath brushing her ear. "Maybe. Or maybe it won't."

Her heart skipped, and she quickly stepped back, scowling. "Let's just go before I regret this even more."

Evening falls:

The evening had arrived, and the tension in the air had only grown thicker. Hyejin stood in front of the mirror in her room, looking at her reflection. She had spent more time than usual getting ready for this dinner with her parents. The dress she wore was simple yet elegant— a midnight blue with delicate embroidery along the neckline. It hugged her body in all the right places, but it wasn't too much. Her makeup was slightly heavier than usual, just enough to highlight her features: a soft smoky eye, a hint of blush, and a deep berry lip. Her hair was styled differently, falling in loose, soft waves that framed her face, a sharp contrast to her usual sleek ponytail. Tassel earrings swayed as she turned her head, and a delicate necklace lay just above her collarbone.

She didn't know why she was going through all of this. It wasn't as if she needed to impress anyone, and yet, there was something about tonight that made her want to look... different. More polished. More put together.

She gave herself a final look in the mirror and exhaled, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.

The door creaked open, and she glanced over her shoulder, only to find Lee Know standing in the doorway. His usual confident, composed demeanor faltered just for a moment, his eyes widening as they took in her appearance. He had seen her in countless outfits before, always professional, always polished—but never like this.

He stood there for a second, almost like he had forgotten how to speak.

"Hyejin," his voice was low, as though he hadn't meant to let the words escape. "You—"

She turned fully to face him, a smirk curling at the edges of her lips. "What? Never seen a woman in a dress before?"

His jaw clenched for a moment before he shook his head, trying to hide the surprise that still lingered in his eyes. "No. But... You look different. In a good way."

Hyejin raised an eyebrow, amused by his reaction. "Is that so? What about me is different?"

Lee Know hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on her like he was trying to figure out the right words. "It's the whole... package. The dress. Your hair. You—" He stopped himself, realizing that whatever he said next could be taken the wrong way. Instead, he cleared his throat, running a hand through his hair as he quickly glanced away. "Never mind. Let's just go."