Her eyes widened a bit. "Uh... n-no. I don't think so. I'm from Seoul—I'm in Busan settling my aunt's estate."

"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you." She seemed flustered as if she hadn't expected his sympathy.

He tossed a new coaster next to the old-fashioned one and set the non-alcoholic drink on it. For some reason, he didn't want to walk away yet. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. As he dried his hands on a nearby towel, he said, 

"I'm Jeon Jungkook, by the way. This is my pub."

Her brow furrowed. "Really? I mean..."

When she didn't finish the sentence, he did it for her. "Why am I bartending if I own the place?"

 He smiled and gave her a wink as chagrin filled her pretty face. "I didn't take that as an insult if that's what you're worried about. I like working behind the bar, especially on quieter nights. It gives me a break from all the paperwork that goes into running this place, and I get to meet new and interesting people, such as yourself."

Yup, he was flirting with her—he couldn't help himself. Something about this woman intrigued him, and he didn't know why since they'd only met less than ten minutes ago. Hell, he hadn't even learned her name—yet.

Pink spread across her cheeks, and his blood rushed on his groin at the sight. He wondered if other parts of her body blushed that prettily when she was aroused. More blood rushed to his groin at the thought of her naked in his bed. He shifted his hips, thankful that the bar was high enough to hide his semi-hard-on until he could get it under control.

As he tried to think of something else witty to say, two dings resounded from the kitchen, alerting him that her meal was ready. "I'll be right back."

_____

Get it together, Y/N. Remember who this man is and how he tried to embarrass you in front of the entire school.

When Jungkook returned with her food, Y/N forced herself to smile politely as he set the plate down. "Thanks."

As soon as he walked away, she glanced at her food—Her stomach growled, and she was grateful for the distraction of eating. She took quick, purposeful bites, trying to ignore the memories of her teenage humiliation.

To avoid any further interaction, Y/N pretended to be absorbed in her iPad, scanning through emails and scrolling through articles as she ate. Her movements were hurried and mechanical, barely taking the time to savor the food. She just wanted to finish up, pay, and get out of there as quickly as possible.

When she'd finished, she waved down the server, paid her bill with a hurried smile, and gathered her things. She left the pub without another glance at Jungkook, hoping he hadn't noticed how flustered she'd been. The moment she stepped outside, she took a deep breath of the cool night air, trying to shake off the tension and embarrassment that had settled over her.

_______

She groaned for the umpteenth time while changing positions on the bed in the hotel room, unable to get a wink of sleep. Jungkook was on her mind like a broken record.

Anger and indignation surged to the forefront of her thoughts, pushing aside the attraction and desire that had bubbled up inside her when he smiled and winked at her. Without a doubt, he had been flirting with her—something he probably did with every adult female who walked into the pub. What would he say if he found out who she really was? Would he still smile and talk to her, or would that handsome face show disgust at the memory of the plump, nerdy, four-eyed teen she'd been back then?

But he doesn't recognize you, girl. Wouldn't it be fun to flirt, get him all hot and bothered, and then walk out without a backward glance? Get a little retribution for his attempt to humiliate you?

She'd never been a cocktease before, but suddenly, the idea was tempting. Very tempting.

_____

The next evening, carrying what appeared to be her dinner, she couldn't deny that her mouth watered, though it wasn't just because of the food. His gaze was focused on her, its intensity making her pulse quicken. She forced herself not to squirm to relieve the sudden ache of desire coursing through her. Holy shit—the bastard shouldn't have that effect on her, but he did. It was more intense than anything she'd ever experienced.

Her past experiences with one-night stands had left her somewhat sated yet lonely. The lesson learned was that she would rather indulge in her own company with a vibrator than with someone she would never see again. She usually waited until after at least three dates before sleeping with a guy. She had several boyfriends during and after college, the longest lasting three years, but they had all eventually moved on for one reason or another. She ended the longer relationships after admitting that, while she liked and possibly loved those men, she hadn't been in love with them. She hadn't been able to see herself spending the rest of her life with any of them.

Maybe she was destined never to marry. The thought saddened her because she'd always dreamed of finding someone to love, have children with, and grow old alongside. However, she refused to spend a lifetime with a man without her whole heart and soul involved. It would be all or nothing for her.

Well, whatever her future held, it certainly didn't include Jeon Jungkook. But when he grinned as he set the full plate, a napkin, and utensils in front of her, she almost wished it did.  If he were still the boy she'd had a crush on before he tried to embarrass her, then maybe she would've given him a chance, but right now, all she could think of was getting sweet revenge.

_________________________

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