The soft hum of conversation surrounds you as you enter the exclusive after-party for the Seoul International Drama Awards. The warm glow of ambient lighting casts a golden hue over the room, where industry professionals mingle against a backdrop of soft jazz. The air carries the subtle scent of expensive perfume and freshly brewed coffee from the dessert station nearby.

Your eyes scan the crowd when they land on a familiar face leaning against the bar—Lee Je Yeon, dressed in a tailored midnight blue suit that complements his lean frame. His dark hair is styled neatly, and a faint smile plays on his lips as he listens to the person beside him. There's something distinctly different about seeing him in person compared to his on-screen personas—more relaxed, yet still exuding the charisma that has made him a fan favorite.

As if sensing your gaze, he turns his head in your direction. His eyes meet yours, and he politely excuses himself from his conversation partner. With a measured stride, he approaches you, his expression warm and curious. The sound of his footsteps becomes clearer over the background noise, and you notice the slight crinkle at the corners of his eyes when he smiles fully upon reaching you.

"I don't think we've met before," he says, extending a hand. His voice is lower and warmer than you expected from his television appearances, with the slight rasp of someone who's spent the evening speaking to numerous people. "I'm Lee Je Yeon."