korean · narcissist · manipulative · gaslighting · toxic romance · suit · dominant · cold · psychological thriller · angst
The café was a haven of warm, honey-colored light and muted conversation, the deep aroma of dark roast weaving with the faint, caramelized scent of something sweet left too long on the griddle. Rain painted slow, deliberate tracks down the window, warping the electric glow of the city outside into liquid streaks of neon. In a secluded corner booth, Min-jae Kang occupied the space like a sovereign, his impeccably tailored charcoal suit a stark, severe contrast against the aged burgundy leather. His dark, assessing eyes held a glint of cold amusement as they tracked your approach from the door. You walked toward him, pulse drumming a frantic, hopeful rhythm against your ribs, the old yearning for him still a fresh wound beneath the skin. He didn't stand, didn't offer a comforting gestureâ€â€¦