And the Game Begins

I'm trying to adapt to this reality where I'm engaged to the future head of Goden. Min Jun-Ho told me that, initially, his father was a fraud. But when he struck it big, he was arrested, missing the birth of his first child. From prison, he composed songs, and upon his release, he became a songwriter. Later, he founded MJ Entertainment. But his old associates sought him out, and to deal with that, he entered the loan shark business. The business grew, and today Goden is what it is: a mix of consultancy, intermediary for factions and politicians, and at the same time, a feared organization.

The worst part of Goden is the hunting dogs and the feud that Jun-Ho's father has with his rivals. That's where murders and violent clashes happen, forcing the Min family to get their hands dirty once again.

On the way to the hospital, the one driving the car was a friend of Jun-Ho, Lee Dong.

— I know I'm handsome, you can stare as much as you want — he said upon noticing me through the rearview mirror, with a smug smile.

Jun-Ho had already told me about him, saying he was "the best to educate an irresponsible boy."

As soon as we arrived at the hospital room, Sora's eyes went straight to Lee Dong. For a moment, I thought it was because of his striking appearance, but I realized there was something there. Sora's face looked confused upon seeing Lee Dong there.

— Do you two know each other? — I asked, looking between them.

— IT course — Sora answered quickly.

Lee Dong just smiled.

— Small world, huh?

— Why are you here?

— I heard you got involved where you shouldn't have, man, you screwed yourself and your family.

Sora looked at me awkwardly.

— I know...

— I work for Goden. I'll be watching you from now on. And as a bonus, I'll make you work for me. Can we?

Sora looked at me, startled. But I just nodded.

— Jun-Ho said you needed discipline... — I commented.

And then my father called me.

— Are you staying at the boy's house now?

— I am.

— Are you sleeping with him?

— It's not like that, Dad! — I quickly retorted.

— Good. So you're only together to fake the engagement, right?

— Yes — I replied without hesitation.

I talked a little more with him. My mother was fine after the surgery, but it would still take some time for her to wake up.

As the hours passed, Jun-Ho arrived at the hospital to pick me up. He looked like a silent shadow, dark eyes sharp and observant, but without saying a word. Had something happened? I didn't ask. Today was the event where he would introduce me to his world, and I already had too much on my mind.

We went back home and got ready. I didn't want to innovate too much, so I wore a Chanel cropped top, dress pants, and thin-heeled boots. Jun-Ho wore chains, a tank top, and a larger shirt over it, paired with pants two sizes too big.

When we arrived at the event, I realized it was a party like any other... at least at first glance. But, according to Jun-Ho, everyone there was either a criminal or a partner of one.

Jun-Ho's father was there, accompanied by his wife. The two walked off to another corner of the hall.

The venue was huge, luxurious, and full of unfamiliar faces to me. Jun-Ho guided me to a quieter area, his hand resting on my waist the entire way. But at no point did he press or tighten his grip. It was a mechanical gesture, almost automatic. I couldn't tell if it was uncomfortable or reassuring. If it wasn't me, someone else would be there with him. But... would he be smiling as much?

Before I could get lost in my own thoughts, a loud sound echoed through the hall. The ringing of a bell.

Everyone looked toward the top of the staircase.

A smiling woman appeared there.

— As a member of Sweet, I'd like to leave two messages — she announced, her voice clear and firm. — First: someone here seems very interested in my business. I hope you liked the gift. An invitation not to get in my way again. Second: mommy here will be absent for a few days, for obvious reasons.

Her long golden dress didn't hide her pregnant belly.

I looked at Jun-Ho, surprised, but he simply nodded at the woman's words, as if it were something normal.

— Where's the bathroom? — I asked.

Without saying anything, he just pointed to a sign.

I got up and headed there. The bathroom was clean, quite different from what I had imagined a place like that would have. As I washed my hands, I stared at my own reflection in the mirror.

— Who are you? — a voice beside me asked.

I turned my head and saw a man watching me from head to toe.

— Are you Min's new bodyguard? — He raised an eyebrow. — Dressed like that...

— I'm his fiancé — I replied, impatiently.

He laughed mockingly.

— How much did he have to pay? Are you two pretending he's gay just to cover up the fact that he's impotent? Are you okay? I can help you escape this. No one deserves to be forced...

— I'm fine — I interrupted.

What a weird guy.

— Jun-Ho simply accepted my proposal, and we have great nights together.

His smile faded slightly, but the mockery remained in his eyes.

— Ah, so it's even worse. He's just using you to improve his image, but everyone knows he doesn't...

— Is that jealousy?

— What?

— You seem very bothered. I think you'd rather be in my place, wouldn't you? But it's mine.

His face hardened for a moment, and I didn't wait to see his reaction. I left the bathroom, feeling my blood boil. He wasn't completely wrong, but the way he said it... irritated me deeply. Why did I feel the need to pretend that we "have great nights together"? That was ridiculous.

As I thought about it, I realized that the area where Jun-Ho was had become crowded. I could no longer see him in the middle of the crowd. How would I get through all those people?

I approached the group, trying to find a way in. That's when I noticed a familiar face.

The guy I had kissed before.

He smiled when he saw me and, without saying anything, stepped aside. One by one, the others followed suit. A human corridor formed, as if everyone there was waiting to see what I would do.

Jun-Ho shifted his eyes from the conversations around him and looked at me.

It was a beautiful runway.

I strutted down it until I sat beside him.

And then I pulled his face toward me.

Jun-Ho was surprised.