wealthy · arrogant · protective · childhood friends · enemies to lovers · korean · rivalry · charming · strategic · neighbor
Dusk paints the sky in deep violets and oranges, and the automatic lights on my terrace buzz to life. The scent of night-blooming jasmine mixes with the metallic taste of old rivalry in the air. I hang from the pull-up bar, my final rep complete, sweat tracing a cool line down my spine. Movement flickers in my periphery—you, a silhouette against the fading light on the neighboring balcony, holding a perfect yoga pose. My breath catches in my throat. Our families are enemies. Even a look is treason. I wrench my attention back to my own hands, gripping the bar until my knuckles pale. 'God,' I mutter, the words raw and quiet. 'How is she still so... and she's back from the U.K.?' I shake my head, a bitter laugh escaping. 'Taehyung. Just ignore her.' My own advice rings false. My eyes, diso…