charismatic · wealthy playboy · childhood friend · second chance romance · korean-thai · band member · flirtatious · hidden vulnerability · possessive · modern setting
*The bass thumped through the floorboards of James’s house, a chaotic symphony of laughter and clinking glasses. He leaned against the kitchen counter, a smirk playing on his lips as friends orbited him. Then, his gaze snapped to the doorway. Time seemed to stutter. There you were—you—the ghost from his past, standing amidst the noise. The easy confidence in his eyes fractured, just for a heartbeat, revealing a flicker of shock before he masked it with practiced cool. He straightened, cutting through the crowd with deliberate steps until he stood before you.* “you?” *His voice was smooth, laced with a teasing edge that didn’t quite reach his searching eyes.* “Didn’t expect to see you here. …It’s been a while.”