The lights were bright, the cameras focused, and all attention was on Jinwoo Park. He stood in the center of the scene, playing the role of a broken man. His sharp, chiseled features conveyed a pain so real that the entire crew was drawn in. Every word, every movement was flawless, a masterclass in acting. Jinwoo's piercing gaze and undeniable charisma filled the room.

“Cut!” the director shouted, beaming with pride. “Amazing work, Jinwoo! Absolutely perfect.”

The applause and murmurs of admiration didn’t affect him. The moment the scene ended, his expression hardened, his focus shifted. Without a word to anyone, he turned and walked towards his dressing room, his signature coldness settling back in place.

Behind him, Seojin, his agent, followed with a smirk. “Another day, another masterpiece.”

Jinwoo didn’t respond, but Seojin had gotten used to his silence.

Inside the dressing room, Jinwoo sat down with a heavy sigh. The persona he carried on set was exhausting, but necessary. The world expected perfection from him, and he never failed to deliver.

His phone buzzed, breaking the brief silence.

Mom.

With a sigh, Jinwoo picked it up. The warmth in his eyes flickered back into place as soon as he heard her voice.

"Jinwoo-ah! Can you do me a favor?" his mother’s cheerful tone came through the speaker.

He leaned back in his chair, already knowing what was coming. “What do you need, Mom?”

"Your brother’s busy, and I need you to pick up Soo-ah from school. Then we'll visit your grandparents, okay?"

Jinwoo rubbed his temples. He loved his niece, but he knew exactly where this family gathering was heading—another blind date, arranged by his mother, with some overly polished young heiress. Each one more fake than the last.

“Mom… I have a full schedule today,” he began, but his mother’s soft laugh interrupted him.

"Come on, Jinwoo, you know how happy this makes your grandparents. Don’t be late. And maybe you’ll finally meet someone you like."

He rolled his eyes but smiled despite himself. “Alright, alright. I’ll go.”

As soon as he hung up, he glanced at Seojin, who was trying—and failing—not to burst into laughter.

“Another one of those dates, huh?” Seojin chuckled, eyes gleaming with mischief.

Jinwoo glared at him, but Seojin was already laughing. “You know I’d pay good money to see you in those situations. Your face every time…”

Jinwoo shot him a look that could freeze fire, but Seojin’s laughter only grew louder.

With a long, frustrated sigh, Jinwoo muttered, “I swear, one of these days, I’m sending you on one of those dates in my place.”

Seojin leaned against the wall, still chuckling. “As if your mom wouldn’t see through that in a second.”

Jinwoo scowled, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He might be the most admired man in the country, but when it came to his mother, he was just a boy who couldn't say no.

The schoolyard was abuzz with laughter and chatter, but in a corner near the playground, the atmosphere was anything but joyful. Soo-ah Park, an eight-year-old with sharp eyes and an even sharper temper, stood defiantly in front of a trembling little boy named Minho, who had tears streaming down his face. The cause of his distress was clear—a group of notorious bullies, led by the arrogant Jiwon, the son of one of the school's wealthiest benefactors.

“Look at him, crying like a baby!” Jiwon sneered, his smug grin growing wider as his friends echoed with taunting laughter. “No wonder his dad left him! Who’d want a useless kid like him?”

Minho’s sobs grew louder, and Soo-ah’s fists clenched at her sides. She could feel her blood boiling.

“That’s enough!” she shouted, stepping between Minho and the bullies. “Stop it right now!”

Jiwon looked down at her, his expression shifting to one of amusement. “Oh look, the little princess is here to save the day,” he mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “What’s the matter, Soo-ah? Don’t like us picking on your boyfriend?”

Soo-ah’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t back down. “He’s not my boyfriend, and I don’t care what you think. You’re not going to bully him anymore.”

“Oh really?” one of Jiwon’s lackeys chimed in, stepping closer. “What are you gonna do about it, huh? You don’t even have a mom, so why don’t you go cry somewhere else too?”

The mention of her mother hit a nerve, but Soo-ah’s resolve only strengthened. Her mom had passed away when she was a baby, and people’s ignorance about her family didn’t bother her—except when they used it as ammunition to hurt others.

“I don’t need a mom to beat the lot of you,” she spat. “You think you’re tough just because your parents are rich? I’ve dealt with worse than you.”

Her words clearly struck a chord, and Jiwon’s smirk faltered. “Oh yeah? Well, we’ll see how tough you are after this.”

In an instant, he lunged at her, his fists raised. But Soo-ah was faster. With the precision and grace her grandfather had taught her, she dodged his punch with ease. Her foot swept out, catching Jiwon off balance and sending him sprawling onto the ground.

His friends gasped in shock, unsure of what to do as Soo-ah stood over him, her gaze cold and unyielding. “Get up,” she said, her voice low but firm. “You wanted a fight, didn’t you?”

Jiwon scrambled to his feet, his face red with anger and embarrassment. He charged at her again, but this time, Soo-ah blocked his punch, twisting his arm behind his back and forcing him to his knees.

“Say you’re sorry to Minho,” she commanded, her grip on his arm tightening.

“Let go of me!” Jiwon cried, struggling to free himself.

“Not until you apologize,” Soo-ah said, her voice steady. “You don’t get to hurt people and walk away like nothing happened.”

The other bullies looked on in shock, unsure of whether to intervene or flee. But it was too late. The commotion had attracted the attention of teachers, and within minutes, the entire group was ushered into the principal’s office.

Inside the principal’s office, the air was thick with tension. Soo-ah sat in one chair, calm and composed, while Minho nervously fidgeted beside her. Across from them, Jiwon and his gang sat in a row, each sporting various bandages and bruises. Their parents stormed in, faces red with fury, making their wealth and influence known before even uttering a word.

“Look at my son!” Jiwon’s father roared, pointing a shaking finger at his bruised boy. “How could this happen in your school? She’s the one who did this!” He jabbed his finger toward Soo-ah, eyes blazing with entitlement.

Jiwon’s mother added, her voice dripping with venom, “This little girl thinks she can just go around beating people up. I demand an apology. No—kneel! She and that boy should kneel before my son right now!”

The principal, a nervous man with sweat trickling down his temple, stood behind his desk, wringing his hands. His gaze flickered between the powerful parents and Soo-ah. He had no idea of the firestorm he was about to walk into.

"Miss Park... please," he began, his voice quivering. “It would be best if you and Minho apologize. We must consider the reputation of the school. These parents have made significant contributions, and—"

Before he could finish, Soo-ah’s eyes flashed with defiance. She crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair with the confidence of someone far older than her years. “I’m not apologizing,” she said coolly. “I defended Minho, and I’m not going to kneel for anyone.”

Jiwon’s father’s eyes bulged. “How dare you speak to me like that, you little—” He lunged forward, his hand outstretched, as if to grab her.

In an instant, Soo-ah’s foot slammed against the chair, pushing herself up to meet his gaze with fierce defiance. “Touch me, and you’ll regret it,” she said, her voice low and dangerous. Her grandfather’s training had taught her far more than just martial arts—it had taught her to stand her ground, no matter who was on the other side.

Jiwon’s father paused, momentarily taken aback by the steely resolve in her eyes. But the rage quickly returned. “You think you’re above us, don’t you? You’re just a little girl with no mother, no one to—”

Before he could finish, the door to the office swung open with a force that made everyone freeze. Jinwoo Park strode in, his presence immediately sucking the air out of the room. His dark eyes surveyed the scene, taking in the shaking principal, the furious parents, the injured bullies, and finally, his niece, standing tall with her chin lifted in defiance.

Behind him was Seojin, his ever-loyal agent, who wore a smirk, already anticipating how this would play out.

“Who,” Jinwoo’s voice was cold, cutting through the room like ice, “dared to lay a hand on my niece?”

The principal stumbled over his words, his face now a sickly shade of pale. “M-Mr. Park, I—uh—we were just discussing—”

“Discussing what?” Jinwoo’s gaze shifted to Jiwon’s father, who suddenly found himself unable to meet the famous actor’s eyes. “That you wanted Soo-ah to kneel? Apologize? For what—defending a boy from your son’s cruelty?”

Jiwon’s father straightened, trying to regain his composure. “Your niece attacked my son. Look at him! This is unacceptable. We are the biggest investors in this school, and if she doesn’t apologize, we’ll pull our funding.”

Jiwon’s mother, emboldened, added, “Your niece doesn’t understand who she’s dealing with. This family—”

“Doesn’t understand who she’s dealing with?” Jinwoo interrupted, his voice low but full of menace. He took a step forward, his imposing figure towering over Jiwon’s parents. “Do you think your money means anything to me? To us? I can make you guys beggers in a minute. Lady,You are the one who doesn't know whom you are dealing with”

Jiwon’s father, visibly shaken, took a step back. “I... I wasn’t aware... ”

Seojin chuckled from the door. “Oh, you’re aware now.”

Jinwoo's attention turned to the principal, who looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor. “You,” Jinwoo said coldly. “You were about to force my niece to kneel to this man’s son, weren’t you?”

The principal stammered. “I—I didn’t know she was—”

“You didn’t know?” Jinwoo’s voice was a low growl now. “You didn’t know that she’s my niece? You are a principal one who leads the entire school. Yet you sided with these bullies, why because they gave you some donation?? You know what , You don't deserve this position Seojin kick him out, right now.”

"Yes Boss"- Seojin

The room was silent. The bullies, who had been so bold earlier, now looked terrified, their bravado completely shattered in the presence of Jinwoo Park.

Jiwon’s father, afraid who afraid of consequences, tried to apologise . " Sir it was our children ls fault, please forgive us we will teach them good—”

“You are apologizing to the wrong person,” Jinwoo cut him off. “In fact, I suggest you make sure your son apologizes to Soo-ah and Minho before I make some calls that will make you wish you’d never set foot in this school.”

Jiwon’s father’s face drained of color. “What are you waiting for go apologise to them ,now...”

Jinwoo smirked, though his eyes were still full of fury. “Now you know, Who has the real power here.”

He turned to Soo-ah, who smiled brightly at him. “Come on, princess. Let’s get out of here.”

Soo-ah, still standing tall and fearless, gave a small nod, turning to Minho. “Don’t worry,” she whispered. “They won’t bother you again, if they bother again come to me.”

As Jinwoo led Soo-ah out of the office, Seojin paused by the door, flashing a wide grin at the now silent group. “Well, this was fun,” he said mockingly. “Maybe next time, think before you pick a fight with the Parks.”

With that, he followed Jinwoo and Soo-ah, leaving the room in stunned, terrified silence.

After leaving the principal’s office, Soo-ah glanced up at her uncle, Jinwoo, curiosity written all over her face.

Soo-ah: "Well, why did you fire the principal? And more than that, how can you even fire him?"

Jinwoo chuckled, looking down at his niece with amusement.

Jinwoo: "This school is just one of your grandmother’s many properties, Soo-ah. As for why I kicked him out—it wasn’t just because he sided with the bullies. The man’s been embezzling money for a long time. We were just waiting for the right moment. Anyway, soon he’ll be arrested."

Soo-ah let out an exaggerated sigh.

Soo-ah: "Oh my god! Can you tell me which places aren’t our property? It's so annoying. But I have to say, uncle, you were like a king giving orders to his subjects in there. It was very cool… and kinda funny."

Jinwoo raised an eyebrow at her.

Jinwoo: "Funny? How so?"

Soo-ah: "Yaa! Other people are scared of you,as you always behave like a Ice block but only we know the truth. You’re just a big baby in the family.My giant teddy bear" She giggled, teasing him playfully.

Jinwoo’s face scrunched up in mock irritation.

Jinwoo: "Oh, really? Keep making fun of me, and you won’t get any more tteokbokki. I know you’ve been skipping lunch just to eat snacks. I’ll tell your dad, and then you’ll get scolded."

Soo-ah gasped, feigning shock as she clutched her chest dramatically.

Soo-ah: "Nooo! Uncle, come on! How can you do that to me?? I’m not the only one who loves Kim Sooyi’s cooking! am I ? You’re the one who introduced me to her snack shop! You even sneak from work to come here. If anything, you’ll be the first one to get scolded!"

Jinwoo smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Before he could respond, Soo-ah suddenly looked around.

Soo-ah: "Wait, where’s Uncle Seojin? He was here at the beginning, right?"

Jinwoo glanced back at the school, shrugging.

Jinwoo: "He’s probably still dealing with the principal. It’s a messy business."

As if on cue, Jinwoo's stomach growled loudly, causing Soo-ah to burst into laughter.

Soo-ah: "Ahh, see! After talking about snacks, you're hungry too. Let's go to the snack shop, uncle! I'm starving!"

Jinwoo rolled his eyes but couldn’t deny the hunger gnawing at him.

Jinwoo: "Alright, alright. Let's get something from Sooyi’s snack shop. But don’t blame me when you end up too full for dinner."

They arrived at Sooyi’s Snack Shop, one of the most popular places in town. The line was already stretching outside, filled with customers eagerly waiting for a taste of the renowned dishes. The shop was modest but always clean, with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air, drawing people in like moths to a flame.

As they stood in line, Soo-ah leaned toward Jinwoo.

Soo-ah: "Uncle, you’ve been talking about her food nonstop, and now we’re here. Admit it—you’re obsessed with her cooking too, huh?"

Jinwoo smirked, not denying it. His eyes scanned the bustling shop, hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman behind the delicious food. The infamous Kim Sooyi—whom he had heard so much about but never seen. Each time he visited the shop, she was always working in the back, and though he’d fallen for her cooking, the chef herself remained elusive.

Jinwoo: "It’s not just me. Her cooking is magic. You’ve seen the lines. It’s not just about snacks—it’s an experience."

Soo-ah nodded, equally mesmerized by the scent of sizzling tteokbokki.

Soo-ah: "You’re right! It’s like… a secret ingredient in everything. But still, you’re always trying to see her, aren’t you? I bet you’re curious about what she’s really like."

Jinwoo chuckled, a bit embarrassed.

Jinwoo: "Maybe I am. You think I can’t be curious?"

As they finally made it to the front of the line, Sooyi’s father stood at the counter, taking orders with his usual warm smile.

Sooyi’s Father: "Welcome back, You are early today. How are you Soo-ah?

Soo-ah: Am great grandpa, Same order please.

Sooyi's father: Sure wait a moment.

While Their order was getting ready,Jinwoo trying to peer into the kitchen in the back. He could only catch fleeting glimpses of Sooyi moving around swiftly, her long hair tied back, completely focused on her work. Her back was turned, and though he couldn’t see her face, there was an aura about her—something strong, something captivating.

Jinwoo (to himself): "So that’s her… the one who creates wonders in the kitchen."

Sooyi’s father handed over the snacks, packed neatly and with care. Jinwoo nodded in thanks, slightly disappointed that once again, he hadn’t gotten a proper look at the famous chef.

Jinwoo: "Guess it wasn’t meant to be today."

They left the shop and climbed into the car. Inside, Soo-ah immediately opened the containers, her eyes wide with excitement.

Soo-ah: "Yum! This is going to be amazing!"

As they began sharing the tteokbokki and Pepero, the car was filled with contented silence. Jinwoo, too, was lost in the taste—the perfect balance of flavors, the textures that melted in his mouth. There was something about the way Kim Sooyi cooked that seemed almost personal, like she put her heart into every dish. He didn’t know her, but through her food, he felt a strange connection, as if he was getting to know her in a way words couldn’t explain.

Soo-ah: "See, uncle? Even you can’t resist! You’re as obsessed as I am!"

Jinwoo laughed, swallowing another bite.

Jinwoo: "Yeah, yeah. I guess you’re right. It’s hard not to be. Her food… it’s something else."

Soo-ah smirked mischievously.

Soo-ah: "Who knows? Maybe next time you’ll get to meet her face-to-face. You know, properly."

Jinwoo shook his head, but the thought lingered. Who was Kim Sooyi really? The woman whose cooking had captured his attention, even without them ever meeting?

Jinwoo (to himself): "Next time… maybe next time."

As they drove off, the scent of the snack shop still clinging to their clothes, Jinwoo couldn’t help but feel that this wasn’t the last time his path would cross with Kim Sooyi. The mystery of her cooking had already ensnared him, and the more he tasted, the more he wanted to uncover the woman behind it.