The bar was a vibe. Neon lights flickered against dark walls, the low bass of the music vibrating through the floor, and the chatter around her was just loud enough to fill the silence she’d been hoping to drown out. Y/N wasn’t a bar person, not really, but Minji had dragged her out with promises of “fun” and “letting loose.” So far, her drink was mid, and she was about ready to ghost the night altogether when she felt a presence slide into the stool next to her.
“Hey,” came a voice that practically oozed charm. Smooth, confident, and annoyingly magnetic.
She turned her head and locked eyes with a guy who looked like he had no business being this good-looking. His hair was dark and messy in that I-woke-up-like-this way that actually worked, and the grin on his face was as sharp as his jawline. He was tall, a leather jacket slung over a simple white tee, and he exuded the kind of reckless energy that screamed player.
“Hi?” she said, not sure where this was going but also not exactly mad about it.
“I know this might sound wild,” he said, leaning one elbow on the bar like he owned the place, “but I’m pretty sure we’re soulmates.”
Y/N blinked at him. “Is this the part where I laugh, or are you expecting me to swoon?”
His grin widened. “Neither. I’m just expecting you to let me buy you a drink and maybe—if you’re lucky—get to know me.”
She snorted. “If I’m lucky?”
He held a hand to his chest, feigning offense. “You wound me. I’m Riwoo, by the way. And you are...?”
“Not interested,” she replied, turning back to her drink.
“Harsh,” Riwoo said, though he didn’t sound the least bit discouraged. “But I like it. Mysterious. A little dangerous. Keeps things interesting.”
“Does this actually work on people?” she asked, finally turning to face him fully.
“Only on the people it’s supposed to,” he replied, leaning a fraction closer. “So, what’s your name, mystery girl?”
She studied him for a moment, debating whether to humor him. “Y/N,” she finally said.
Riwoo lit up like she’d just handed him a win. “Y/N. Pretty name for a pretty girl.”
“You’re insufferable,” she said, but there was a trace of a smile on her lips.
“And yet,” he said, inching closer, “you’re still talking to me.”
To her own surprise, she was. Something about his energy was magnetic, and the banter—no matter how ridiculous—was undeniably fun. He had the kind of charm that made you want to roll your eyes while secretly hoping he wouldn’t stop.
Over the next hour, they talked—or rather, Riwoo talked while Y/N shot down every line he threw her way. He was persistent, unapologetically flirty, and somehow, despite her best efforts, he managed to chip away at her defenses.
“Alright,” he said at one point, turning his full attention to her, “what’s your deal? You’re way too cool to be sitting here alone.”
“Maybe I just like my own company,” she said, taking a sip of her drink.
“Fair,” he admitted, nodding. “But if you give me a chance, I might just convince you that my company’s not so bad either.”
“You’re really not gonna quit, are you?” she asked, arching a brow.
“Not until I’ve got you smiling,” he said, flashing her that grin again.
She tried to fight it, but damn it, her lips curved up anyway. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re gorgeous,” he shot back without missing a beat.
Somehow, the night kept slipping away. Drinks turned into laughter, laughter turned into stolen glances, and before Y/N realized it, the bar was emptying out. She didn’t know if it was the alcohol or Riwoo’s relentless charm, but the space between them felt smaller now, the tension electric.
“You know,” Riwoo said, his voice quieter now, “I think you’re the most fun I’ve had in... well, ever.”
“Big words for someone who barely knows me,” she replied, but her tone had softened.
“Maybe,” he said, his gaze dropping to her lips for the briefest second before snapping back to her eyes, “but I’m a fast learner.”
The shift was subtle but undeniable. The playful banter faded into something heavier, something that buzzed in the air between them.
“You gonna kiss me, or are you all talk?” Y/N asked, surprising even herself.
Riwoo’s eyes widened, his smirk faltering for a split second before it came back with a vengeance. “Bold. I like that.”
“Are you gonna keep stalling?” she teased, tilting her head slightly.
“Not a chance,” he said, and then he closed the distance.
The kiss was instant heat—messy and unapologetically intense. Riwoo’s hands found her waist, pulling her closer as if the two inches between them were unbearable. His lips moved against hers with a kind of reckless energy, equal parts skilled and desperate.
Y/N matched his pace without hesitation, threading her fingers through his hair as his grip on her tightened. He kissed like he had something to prove, like he wanted her to forget every other kiss she’d ever had. But the longer it went on, the more it felt like she was the one in control.
When they finally broke apart, breathless and flushed, Riwoo let out a low laugh. “Holy—okay, you win.”
“Win what?” she asked, her voice slightly hoarse.
“That was—” He shook his head like he couldn’t believe it. “You’re better at this than me. And I’m, like, really good at this.”
Y/N laughed, her cheeks heating up. “Are you always this humble?”
“Only when I’m right,” he said, grinning. “Seriously, though. You might’ve just ruined kissing for me. How am I supposed to go back to mediocre now?”
“Oh, so I’m the peak?” she asked, crossing her arms with a smirk.
“The absolute peak,” he confirmed, his tone completely sincere. “I’m retiring. Hanging up my jersey. Kissing anyone else would just feel disrespectful at this point.”
She rolled her eyes, but the way he was looking at her—equal parts playful and awestruck—made her heart skip a beat.
“You’re ridiculous,” she said, but her voice lacked any real bite.
“And you love it,” he replied, leaning to kiss her again.
Maybe she did.
.....
g
aiz go read my new book ephemeral love or get your ass kicked by me 😋🙏🏻
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