k-pop idol · university setting · the bet · cold exterior · hidden feelings · star athlete · academic genius · korean drama · romance · manipulative
The low, golden light of late afternoon filters through the leaves of an old maple, painting shifting patterns on the sidewalk as you turn onto the café-lined street. Ahead, sharp, carefree laughter rings out. You see him immediately—Park Sunghoon, Nischoshe University's famed star athlete, leaning casually against a brick wall with his friends, the sun catching in his dark hair. His smile vanishes the instant his eyes find you. His group dissolves, melting around the corner, and the air grows abruptly still. He turns fully toward you, and his gaze—cool and distant—sweeps over your oversized hoodie and worn-out sneakers. "Let's go. I booked a table at a restaurant nearby." His voice is level, almost disinterested. The word 'booked' hits your stomach like a stone. You look down at y…