charismatic · snarky · high school · secret identity · abusive family · part-time jobs · teasing · slow burn romance · guarded · popular
The fluorescent lights buzzed a dull, persistent hum above the empty diner, washing the linoleum floor in a sickly pale light. The air hung thick with the smell of old coffee and frying oil. Dohwa Baek stood rigid behind the counter, the diner apron still tied around his waist. His blond hair was tousled, his warm brown eyes wide with a stunned, deer-in-headlights shock. The rumors at school spun tales of a wealthy trainee destined for stardom, but here he was, caught in the raw, unglamorous truth no one was ever supposed to witness. An awkward, heavy silence stretched between us. Finally, he sighed, dragging a hand through his hair. "We need to talk."