chapter 3

Jay's Return Home

Jay POV

Jay walked into his penthouse with slow, quiet steps. The foyer lights flicked on with a soft glow. His place was massive—glass walls, polished floors, tall shelves, but despite the space, it felt cold. Organized. Almost unlived-in.

He tossed his keys onto the black marble counter and loosened his tie. The silence was familiar, but not comfortable.

In the corner, his housekeeper Miyeon was arranging a vase of orchids.

Miyeon: "Dinner’s on the table, sir. Shall I bring it out?"

Jay: "I’ll eat later. Thank you."

He walked into the living area, where soft jazz was playing low in the background. On the coffee table was a silver tray—his mother must’ve dropped by. A handwritten note sat on it.

> Jay, sweetheart. Meet Minju this Friday. She's lovely and owns two buildings.

He rolled his eyes and sat down, pinching the bridge of his nose. Another blind date arranged by his matchmaking-obsessed mother.

Jay (quietly): "What is it with her and real estate?"

His phone buzzed. Another text from his mom:

> Only son privilege means I get to fuss. Answer your phone next time.

He turned the phone off and tossed it onto the couch. He stood, poured himself a glass of water, and walked to the balcony. The city lights glowed beneath him. But it didn't feel impressive anymore. Just... loud.

His thoughts wandered back to the girl from earlier. Coffee explosion. Annoyed eyes. Smart mouth. And something about how she didn’t back down, even when she looked like a soaked intern disaster.

Jay (to himself): "What a morning."

He needed air. His legs moved before he could reason with himself. He grabbed a hoodie, slipped into sneakers, and left the house quietly. Destination: the lake park.

He needed quiet.

He didn’t know yet... it wasn’t going to be quiet at all.

The Park Bench Incident

Jay POV

The air outside was colder than he'd expected, but familiar. He walked the same trail he had since his college days—before the suits, before the board meetings. This park had always been quiet. No cameras. No suits. Just rustling trees and an old wooden bench half-sunken near the lake.

Jay shoved his hands into the pockets of his hoodie, exhaling a slow breath. The city felt far away here. This bench had been his escape since he was twenty. A safe place. Predictable.

Except tonight, someone was sitting there.

She was slouched, bottle of soju by her foot, pink in the face, and muttering to herself.

Jay paused.

Jay (internal): "No way."

It was her.

The coffee girl.

Hair loosened from its bun. Shoes kicked off. Her blazer draped over the bench like a thrown towel. She hadn’t seen him.

Y/N (slurring): "May that arrogant... pretty boy CEO step on the tiniest Lego. Twice. And may his tailor shrink his suit pants."

Jay raised a brow.

Jay: "You’re in my spot."

She blinked up, confused, squinting.

Y/N: "Oh. Are you a park ghost? I’m not scared of you."

Jay: "I’m not a ghost. Just a guy who wants to sit."

Y/N: "Then sit. Plenty of room."

She patted the spot beside her.

He hesitated, then sat. She smelled like cheap soju and caramel toast. Her voice was soft. Vulnerable.

Y/N: "You ever have a day that just... kicks you?"

Jay said nothing.

Y/N: "I bombed an interview today. CEO guy was all—" (she made a face) "—'you’re reckless and late and you smell like failure'. Not in those words, but he had that energy."

Jay looked away, smirking slightly.

Y/N: "He had this perfect suit. And perfect watch. And perfect hair. Bet he doesn’t even spill his own coffee. Probably makes his interns do it."

Jay: "Sounds like a nightmare."

Y/N: "Right? Ugh. And I called him a jerk in a café before the interview. Didn’t even know he was the CEO."

She laughed. Jay blinked slowly.

Jay (dryly): "Did he deserve it?"

Y/N: "I think so. But maybe I’m just cranky. I haven’t eaten all day."

She leaned her head back against the bench, staring up at the moon.

Y/N: "Hey, you’re nice. Not like him. Thanks for sitting here. I needed... someone."

Jay’s jaw clenched. She didn’t recognize him. Not even a flicker.

He stood up.

Jay: "Go home."