Chasing Perfection || Lee Know

The Space between Us

The morning sunlight fell through the kitchen window, coloring the sleek countertops a golden yellow. Hyejin busied herself preparing breakfast, determined to avoid unnecessary interactions with Lee Know. She hadn't seen him yet, and for once, she felt relieved by the quiet. Last night's tension still hung in the air like an unspoken truth she didn't want to confront.

As she plated the food, the sound of footsteps made her freeze. Lee Know entered, his presence as sharp and commanding as ever. He barely glanced at her, heading straight for the coffee machine. Hyejin exhaled slowly, focusing on arranging the dishes as perfectly as possible.

Lee Know took a sip of his coffee, watching her with a practiced indifference. She's determined, I'll give her that, he thought. But does she always have to look like she's battling the universe? His gaze drifted to her hands, the way they fidgeted nervously even as she tried to appear composed. It annoyed him. Or maybe it intrigued him. He didn't want to think too hard about it.

"Morning," he said curtly, his tone as cold as his gaze.

She nodded without looking up. "Breakfast is ready."

He glanced at the plate before sitting down. "You didn't burn it this time. Impressive."

Her jaw clenched. "Not everyone can appreciate the delicate art of not burning food, but I guess you're a special case."

"Not everyone needs excuses," he shot back, taking a bite.

He regretted the comment the moment it left his mouth. Why do I keep poking at her? he wondered, though he didn't let it show. It was easier to keep her at a distance, easier to focus on her flaws than on the nagging curiosity that made him notice things he shouldn't—like the way her shoulders tightened when she was trying to hold back a retort.

The tension simmered as they ate in silence. Hyejin could feel his eyes flicker to her occasionally, though he said nothing more. Once he was finished, he stood and left without another word. She sighed, the weight of his scrutiny making her shoulders tense. The man was insufferable, yet there was something about him that was starting to get under her skin in ways she didn't want to admit.

Later that afternoon, Hyejin busied herself cleaning the kitchen, hoping the repetitive motion would calm her nerves. While tidying the counter, her hand brushed against a leather-bound notebook. She hesitated before picking it up. It wasn't hers, and curiosity tugged at her. Flipping it open, she was surprised to find intricate sketches of architectural designs, each one more detailed than the last. It was a side of Lee Know she hadn't expected—a side that didn't fit with the perfectionist CEO she knew.

"What do you think you're doing?" His voice cut through the air like a blade.

Hyejin spun around, clutching the notebook to her chest. His face was unreadable, but the tension in his jaw betrayed his anger.

"It was just lying there," she said defensively. "I didn't mean to invade your privacy."

"You didn't mean to?" he repeated, his tone icy. "Then maybe don't touch what isn't yours."

Lee Know clenched his fists. Why does this feel like more than just her crossing a line? Seeing her with the notebook felt like someone had uncovered a side of him he usually kept buried. She looked at him like she had discovered something new, something that made her see him differently. And he hated it. Or maybe he hated how much it mattered.

She bristled at his tone. "Maybe don't leave it lying around if it's so private."

Their argument escalated, both throwing barbs that revealed more than they intended. His frustration stemmed from being exposed, while hers was rooted in the uncomfortable realization that she wanted to know more about him.