chapter 5 : The ring I never wanted

"Let's eat," Mr. Kang said with a warm smile.

The dining table was covered in expensive dishes. Jihyun didn't wait. He picked up his chopsticks and grabbed a bite without even glancing at anyone.

Mrs. Han's hand tightened on her plate. Mr. Han's brow twitched.

Minjoon glared at him silently.

But Mr. Kang only chuckled.

"It's good to see young people with healthy appetites."

Mrs. Kang smiled.

"He must be hungry. Please, eat well."

Jihyun didn't care about the awkward atmosphere. He ate slowly, lazily, just to annoy them.

Minjoon leaned in slightly, voice low.

"Try not to embarrass us more than you already have."

Across the table, Kang Taewon said nothing. His expression remained calm and unreadable.

After dinner, the adults turned to business talk, as expected.

Mrs. Kang smiled at her son.

"Taewon, show Jihyun around. You two should get to know each other."

Taewon stood politely.

"let's go "

Jihyun dragged his feet behind him like he was heading toward his own funeral.

They walked in silence at first.

"You know," Jihyun finally said, "I don't want this marriage."

Taewon wasn't surprised.

"I assumed."

"My parents are forcing me."

"mine too"

"Then why don't you refuse?"

"This is the library," Taewon answered, opening a tall door.

Jihyun clicked his tongue.

"I said, why don't you refuse?"

"I accepted because my father told me to."

"What a good son you are."

"If you don't want to marry me tell your parents "

"Why don't you tell yours you're against this too?"

"My father already decided. I respect him."

"You're seriously boring."

"okay "

"Don't you have opinions of your own?"

"I've learned opinions won't change family decisions."

"Tch." Jihyun gave up arguing.

They walked again. Another hallway. Another painting.

Jihyun paused at a large family photo.

"Oh? A family picture? Who are these two? They're not here."

"My older brother and sister. They left years ago."

"Left?"

"They didn't want to follow my parents' rules."

"Sounds like they had some

You're really different from them."

"Everyone makes their choice. I made mine."

"And that choice is marrying me?"

"If my parents say so, yes."

Jihyun scoffed but followed him back.

The adults were still talking. Minjoon sat like a statue. Mrs. Han kept her polite smile frozen in place.

Mr. Kang finally clapped his hands lightly.

"Well then, since we're all here let's not delay the engagement."

Mrs. Kang handed over a small velvet box with a soft laugh.

"It's just a simple exchange. We'll prepare something grander later."

Jihyun's stomach dropped.

What?

Here?

Now?

Taewon calmly opened the box and took out a slim ring.

He held it out.

"Your hand."

"What? Why so sudden?" Jihyun protested weakly.

"This is how engagements work."

Minjoon coughed quietly, signaling for him to behave.

Jihyun glared but reluctantly held out his hand.

The ring slid onto his finger with a soft click.

Everyone seemed pleased.

Except him.

"Congratulations," Mr. Kang said warmly.

Mrs. Han said with smile. "Congratulations."

Mr. Han said nothing, just gave a firm nod.

Minjoon looked at the ring with a complicated expression.

Jihyun? He stared at his hand in disbelief.

Was this really happening?

Taewon offered a polite smile.

"I'll take care of you."

Jihyun nearly choked.

Embarrassing.

Completely humiliating.