{KOREAN-ENGLISH}
"Why did you want to eat with me?"
Joon So Min asked, her eyes fixed on Jung Hyun as she delicately picked at her sushi. They sat in a cozy sushi restaurant, plates of food and glasses of water between them.
Jung Hyun was already halfway through his meal. He paused to drink his water before glancing up at her.
"Nothing. I was just hungry. Eat up," he said casually.
She eyed him, unconvinced.
"I'm not getting back together with you, Jung Hyun."
There was a brief silence before Jung Hyun flashed a harmless smile.
"We're just friends. No strings attached."
Joon So Min exhaled and finally took a bite. Her stomach had been grumbling anyway. She chewed quietly while Jung Hyun watched her, secretly smiling whenever she wasn't looking.
Fool, he thought. How could I have let her go? She's even more beautiful now.
⸻
"Did you enjoy the meal?"
They were back in his car, driving toward her workplace.
"Yes. Thank you," she replied politely.
"Do you mind if we go out for drinks this weekend?" he asked.
She turned sharply toward him, eyebrows raised.
"No. Not like that," he quickly added. "You, me, and Hye Sua. Just old friends catching up."
"I'll think about it," she said flatly. That was enough of an answer.
Soon, he pulled up in front of her workplace.
"Thanks for the ride," she said and got out.
"See you around," Jung Hyun waved before driving off.
⸻
Joon So Min stepped into the shop and stopped
dead in her tracks.
Lee Seo Jun was sitting on the couch inside the boutique like he owned the place. Two bodyguards stood near him, and all the girls in the store were either blushing or sneaking glances like giddy fangirls.
Why is the universe doing this to me today? First Jung Hyun, now him?!
She marched toward him.
"What are you doing here?"
He raised a brow. "Can't I visit my girlfriend again?"
Her eyes widened. "Can we talk outside?" she said through gritted teeth.
He nodded. They both stepped out.
"What the hell are you doing?" she hissed. "Why do you keep disrupting my life?"
"Your life? Not yours for the next three months," he said, stepping closer until she instinctively stepped back.
"And who was that man?"
"He—"
"I don't care what you do after this arrangement ends. But while we're in this fake relationship, keep your personal life quiet. You can date whoever you want when this is over."
He stepped back.
"I spoke with your boss. She agreed to let you off for three months. You won't be working here until we're done."
"What?! Who the hell do you think you are?" she snapped. "I'm not your property, and you don't get to decide my life!"
She turned to leave, fury in her steps.
"I'm done. Arrest me if you want,I'm not going to be your fake girlfriend anymore."
But before she could storm off, he grabbed her wrist.
"Let go!" she yelled.
In one swift motion, he pulled her close,her body colliding with his.
"Your skirt is too short, babe," he said, hand settling on her waist.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Leave—"
"Shh," he said, voice low.
"You're a little fiery beast, aren't you? I'm sorry for speaking to you like that."
Wait. Was he apologizing?!
"You can keep working here if you want. But for now, pack your things. You're moving in with me."
"What?!" she shoved him back. "I am not living with you! What will I tell my family?"
"Make up something. You're smart enough."
She scoffed.
"I agreed to the fake relationship, not to live with you. I have a sibling to take care of!"
He tilted his head.
"Alright then. I guess buying a new house for us was a waste."
Her jaw dropped.
"You bought a house?! For a fake relationship?!"
These rich people...
"Fine. So I can keep working here?" she asked.
"Sure. Whatever you want," he said.
"Thank you, Mr. Lee. Now please leave."
"You're still leaving with me," he said.
She groaned. "Why?!"
"You have classes."
She blinked. "Classes?"
"Madam Louise came all the way from Paris. She'll be teaching you etiquette. You'll be attending dinners and galas with me."
Did he just say she lacked etiquette?!
"I have etiquette!" she snapped.
"I don't need any madam louse"she rolled her eye balls after,
"I'm sure you do. But you'll need more. And it's pronounced 'Louise,' not 'Louse,'" he corrected with a smirk.
She rolled her eyes.
"Fine. Since I'm allowed to keep my job and live in my house."
"Let's go then," he said and turned, walking away without waiting.
She sighed and followed him out.
⸻
Inside the car, she sat beside him in the back seat, while the two bodyguards were up front.
"Did you eat?" he asked.
"Yes."
"With that man?"
"Yes," she said again.
"Who is he?"
"My ex-boyfriend," she answered, looking out the window.
"Your life is... colorful," he said flatly. "Going on a date with your ex."
"It wasn't a date. We're just friends now. Nothing more."
Seo Jun said nothing. The silence in the car grew heavier.
So Min turned away, deciding it was best not to poke further. Whatever Seo Jun was thinking, she'd rather not find out.
Not yet.