And no turning back

I took the elevator up. I didn't know the entire building belonged to him.

When I got out, I headed toward the rooftop.

Jun-Ho was there, drinking tequila. When he saw me, he let his body relax and walked toward me with a smile that actually startled me, but then he stopped in front of me.

If he intended to do anything, he didn't.

— Are you okay?

He placed his hand on his face and turned away, sitting on the table.

— It depends. Will you accept it?

I stepped closer to him.

— You're so ridiculous, you know that? How can I refuse when you've already helped me?

— You can refuse.

— I'll accept. But let me be clear: I'm only agreeing to the marriage. I won't touch you!

Min clearly didn't like what I said.

— I won't accept if it's just that. I don't want just your presence to boost my position and clear my reputation. Salin, I need you. I need your kiss, your touch, your embrace.

— Didn't you hear what I just said? Don't be even weirder than you already are. You get sick if I do that! You passed out last time. That scares me. The people around you act like it's normal, but it's bizarre.

— Well, I don't expect you to understand. You haven't lived my life. But… — Jun-Ho took advantage of our proximity and reached for my hand. I found his action strange but decided to give it to him. He held my hand gently. — Just surrender to me.

— You can't… Why do you keep insisting? — I was really shocked by his boldness.

— I'm determined to give myself one last chance to live like a normal person.

— And what does that have to do with me?

— I thought I loved my ex, but when she got close to me, I felt nothing. I wanted nothing. But with you, when you come near me, I want it too. You stir something in my body and mind. I still can't, but I desire you all the time.

— P-pervert. — I muttered, and Jun-Ho laughed.

— It's not that bad for you. You might hate me, but you find me attractive.

I pouted. He was right.

— Sir, you have work. — A man said.

Jun-Ho finished his drink.

— Salin, what do you say? Will you marry me?

That was a sentence I never thought I'd hear, especially under these circumstances.

He was still holding my hand and lightly tracing it with his index finger, waiting for my answer.

— Hm? — He insisted.

— I accept. — I sighed.

He smiled. He took my hand and brought it to his face. I could see him taking a deep breath before doing so.

— But… — I said, pulling my hand away. — Take it slow.

— Of course, but don't worry about me like that. I'll be fine. See you tomorrow.

He walked away seriously. I still found his personality shifts fascinating.

— Sir, here's the contract. Read it and sign here. — One of Jun-Ho's men said.

A six-month engagement. There wouldn't be an actual wedding.

After reading the contract, I realized there was no turning back.

Min Jun-Ho would pay for everything and keep me and my family safe even after the contract ended, unless I terminated it early.

I would have to attend events and engagements to maintain appearances.

And most importantly:

"Party B agrees to support Party A in developing their adaptation to physical and emotional interactions, respecting personal boundaries, and fostering an environment of mutual comfort and trust."

That could mean a lot of things. But I'm not playing this game.

(...)

— She could wake up at any moment. Don't hesitate to call me. — The nurse said.

I stood still in the new VIP room. My sister was on a stretcher, my father lay on the couch, and I sat in a chair.

It seemed like things were finally getting better for me.

As soon as I looked at the door, the tattooed boy wearing a sleeveless jacket, ripped jeans, and shoes two sizes too big was there, waiting for me like a ghost. A very handsome ghost.

I take that back. Things would improve for my family, but not for me.

— You really came? — I said, standing up.

— Sorry, I'm late.

— Yeah…

I walked toward him and pushed him out of the room. I wanted to talk to him outside, without giving my father a chance to say anything.

— Are you okay? — He asked, but I didn't answer, just looked into his eyes.

— Did you read the contract? You can't change your mind now.

— I won't. — I sighed.

You're smart, Jun-Ho.

— Good.

— What time are you leaving?

— I don't know.

— Then text me.

— Why?

— So I can pick you up and take you to my place. Soon, our engagement will be announced, and we'll have to attend some events.

— What do you mean by announcement? What kind of events?

— My father is the founder of MJ Entertainment. He gained a reputation for being homophobic due to a specific incident. So, if the media finds out about us…

— Your father owns MJ Entertainment?

— Golden is the faction. But my family's company is MJ Entertainment. My uncle manages it.

Son of a b*tch…

How is the leader of a criminal faction also a composer and, on top of that, the founder of MJ Entertainment? An artist and music agency. Min Kun's songs were beautiful. I had listened to some of his compositions.

— So, everyone's going to know? Literally, all of Korea?

— I wouldn't go that far. — Min Jun-Ho said with a huge smile. — But yes, I plan to go public. As the heir and CEO of MJ Cosmetics, I'm a public figure. That's why I often work wearing masks.

— You b*stard! — I had to say something to his face to express my indignation. — I didn't know you were the heir of the Min family conglomerates!

Min Jun-Ho laughed, amused.

— I have to go. Thanks for accepting. — He was still smiling.

— If I had known…

— I'll be back. — He said, winking at me.

(...)

I just threw some clothes and documents into my backpack. As I walked through my house, Jun-Ho sat on the couch, smiling.

— The first time I came here, you were touching yourself. The second time, I brought you because you fainted. And now, the third time, I'm taking you to my place. That's progress!

Hearing that only confirmed my unhappiness about this.

— It almost makes me seem easy.

— But you're extremely difficult. — He stated.

I walked up to him.

— No, it was actually pretty easy. Your face helped a lot.

He smiled, and when I turned around, he grabbed my arm, pulling me onto his lap.

— Oh God, don't do that! — I said, but he rested his face on my shoulder.

— Are you okay?!

— I'm fine, thanks. — He said.

— Let me go.

— Just a little longer.

I could tell from his smile that he was restless inside, but his longing gaze made me think it wasn't a problem. But then his expression changed, as if he felt a sharp pain. He closed his eyes and pulled his head away.

— Don't hold me like that. — I said, freeing myself.

He smiled nervously.

— I feel like if I don't do cardio, I'll die.

I stared at him, shocked.

But he smiled.

— I'm kidding. Can you get me a glass of water?

— Sure.

I went to the kitchen, got him a glass of water, and then bid farewell to my house, heading off with Min Jun-Ho toward this new life.