Lee Jae-yong stepped into Haneul Seoul. He pushed his hair out of his face glancing around the room. It almost seemed like he was searching for someone. 

He scanned the room before spotting Hana, grinning. "Noona!" he greeted, heading straight to their table.

Wow he’s bright and cheery like a golden retriever, Lexi noted mentally. 

Hana lit up as she recognized who it was. 

"Jae-yong! What a very pleasant surprise. Everyone, this is Lee Jae-yong, the newest rising star. He’s in ASTRAL. I’m sure you recognize his handsome face. I met him through work."

He was surely handsome. His looks were enough to rival that of Seo’s. It was no wonder all of Korea swooned over him. 

Jung-jin subtly tensed, but Alexandra barely noticed, as Jae-yong’s attention was immediately on her.

"Mind if I join?" he asked, his voice smooth and deep.

Lexi pondered how his voice could be so captivating. 

Before Jung-jin could object, Hana was already waving for the staff to bring another chair. “Of course! Sit!” 

Jae-yong took the seat right next to Alexandra, his cologne a mix of fresh citrus and expensive woodsy notes.

“What brings you to this area?” Hana asked. 

“I heard this place had great food… but I didn’t realize the view would be even better.”

He turned to Lexi with a charming smile. "I don’t think we’ve met before. Are you in town long?”

"Only for a week unfortunately,” she responded, unable to tell if he was being friendly or was actually flirting with her. 

He leaned in slightly, his eyes lingering on her. "I’d love to take you out and show you around. You know, make sure you see all the best parts of Seoul."

Seo exhaled sharply, clearly annoyed, but Alexandra simply smirked. 

"That’s quite the offer Mr. Jae Yong. Do you make it to every woman you meet?"

Jae-yong grinned. "Just call me Jae, and only to the stunning ones."

Seo rolled his eyes. "And here I thought idols had busy schedules. Shouldn’t you be touring or practicing for a performance? Be anywhere but here?"

Jae-yong shot him a look. "I make time for the important things. Seems like you don’t enjoy my presence?"

Alexandra watched the exchange with amusement. It had been awhile since she’d been surrounded by handsome men her age, even if one of them had a way of getting under her skin.

Hana suddenly clapped her hands together, stopping Seo’s chance to respond. “Alright, alright, before we turn this into a full-on competition for Alexandra’s attention...”

“The only interest I have is strictly professional! Her company has a lot to offer,” Seo snapped.

“I am.”

“You are what?” Seo asked immediately, regretting it.

“Interested in this beautiful woman here,” Jae said, turning to Lexi.

Her face flushed at how straight forward he was. It was also refreshing. Most men had a tendency to try to play mind games with her but she never entertained them.

“Either way, let’s take a moment to relax,” Hana said, reaching for the expensive soju bottle. She poured a small glass and slid it toward Alexandra with a knowing smirk.

Alexandra eyed it suspiciously. “I already told you, I don’t really drink anymore.”

Hana gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. 

“Lexi, we lived together for four years. I have personally witnessed you down a whole bottle of wine because you got an A- on a midterm. You’re telling me you can’t have one tiny drink with your old college roomie?”

Alexandra pursed her lips together, “That was different. That was survival. Plus I’ve changed. Business woman and all.”

“This is survival too!” Hana shot back. “You survived that meeting, you survived Seo’s poor attitude, and now you deserve a proper toast.”

Jae-yong leaned in, grinning widely. “I like her logic.”

Seo played it cool, swirling his own glass. “This was a business meeting, remember?”

Again with the sass. Does he ever let up? Lexi questioned internally.

Hana waved him off. She wasn’t putting up with it. Not tonight. Her and her best friend were finally united. This was a time to celebrate.

“Nope! Business is over. This is friends, food, and fun now. So stop pretending to be a killjoy Seo, and drink,” Hana said, filling his cup.

Alexandra exhaled, giving in as she picked up the glass. “Fine. But just one.”

Excitement oozed from Hana, “That’s my girl! To old friends, new friends, and surviving everything life throws at us.”

They all let their worries fade as they clinked glasses. As Alexandra took a sip, the smooth warmth of the soju hit her tongue, and she rolled her eyes at Young-Hana. “Happy now?”

Hana grinned, “Ecstatic.”

This was the first time each of them felt they could be themselves and let go of their hard exterior.