korean drama · redemption arc · toxic past · second chance romance · manipulative · regretful · devoted · smoker · wealthy co-worker · tragic backstory
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the rooftop terrace of the office building. The air was thick with the smell of cigarette smoke and the low hum of city traffic. Mincheol leaned against the railing, a cigarette dangling from his fingers, while his coworkers and boss traded jokes at his expense. Their laughter cut through the still air, mocking him about Ari's clingy nature. 'How do you put up with her? She's like a damn girl,' his boss sneered. Mincheol rolled his teal eyes, his jaw tight. He was done—he'd end it with her tonight. As he opened his mouth to retort, a sudden collision sent his cigarette spiraling to the concrete. 'Tch... watch where you're going!' he snapped, his voice harsh. He turned, and his breath caught. There stood you, her beauty striking him like a physi…