Ha-Na couldn't believe her ears. Was Hyun-Jin actually suggesting they get married? Her heart pounded, a frantic rhythm she struggled to hide behind a composed facade. She looked at Hyun-Jin, searching his face for any hint of a joke, but his eyes held a steady, serious gaze that sent shivers down her spine.
"Are we really going?" Her voice betrayed a slight tremor despite her attempt at nonchalance.
Hyun-Jin chuckled, a low, rich sound that vibrated through her. "Of course not, the marriage bureaus are probably closed by now. But if you wish, we can always tie the knot tomorrow." His eyes glinted with a mix of mischief and sincerity. "However, I can't let you go back on your own. What would the media say if they saw I didn't even give my lover a ride home? That would surely tarnish my reputation."
Woo-Jin's lips twitched at the blatant lies. Master, since when did you care about reputation? Doesn't this prick your conscience?
Relief washed over Ha-Na as she texted Ha-Min, letting him know she was getting a ride with Hyun-Jin. She couldn't help but feel a strange mix of excitement and confusion at Hyun-Jin's sudden proposal, even if it was made in jest. What was he playing at?
Meanwhile, at the store, Ha-Min meticulously gathered the dresses when a girl burst in, her face obscured by a scarf and oversized sunglasses. Despite her attempts at anonymity, her disguise only heightened her conspicuousness, making her look like a celebrity trying to evade the paparazzi. She hurried towards him, her movements urgent and desperate.
"Help me hide, please," she pleaded, her voice a desperate whisper, eyes wide with anxiety.
Ha-Min glanced around, assessing the situation with calm precision. The store was relatively quiet, the staff busy with their tasks. He eyed the counter at the far end. "You can hide behind the cash counter."
She followed his gaze and darted towards the counter, crouching behind it just as the door swung open with a forceful bang. Two men stormed into the store, their eyes scanning the area desperately. Ha-Min recognized them instantly: one was the girl's manager, Mr. Kim, and the other was his assistant, both looking frantic.
"Did a girl just come in here?" Mr. Kim demanded, his breath ragged, eyes darting around the store.
Ha-Min, without missing a beat, shook his head. "No, I haven't seen anyone," he replied smoothly, his expression unreadable.
The men hesitated, frustration and suspicion etched on their faces. Mr. Kim's assistant peered around, but after a tense moment, they left, muttering to themselves.
As soon as they were out of sight, the girl emerged from her hiding spot, breathing a sigh of relief. The store staff exchanged knowing glances—they recognized her instantly. She was Han Iseul, the nation's first love, famous for her innocent charm and rising stardom. Her presence had dominated the media this year—commercials, movies, TV shows; her face was plastered on billboards and across the country, an image of purity and grace.
"Almost got caught," she said, exhaling deeply. "I should give you something in return for your help."
"How about a thank you?" Ha-Min's tone was firm but kind.
Han Iseul blinked, clearly taken aback by his simplicity. "You just saved me. The least I can do is give you an autograph. Do you have a pen?" she asked, her tone insistent, as if not understanding his straightforward request.
"Still, a thank you would suffice," he replied adamantly, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her falter.
Her eyebrows furrowed in surprise. "No, no!" She waved her index finger, her frustration evident. "My fans are here, and it wouldn't look good if I wasn't grateful." She glanced at the store staff, who were all watching their interaction with keen interest.
Ha-Min scrunched his forehead, not understanding her adamance. He stood his ground, his gaze unwavering, his silent defiance clearly unsettling her.
"Is it that you don't know who I am, or do you not recognize me?" Genuine puzzlement colored her voice, baffled by his lack of reaction to meeting a celebrity.
Ha-Min didn't respond, his expression an unreadable mask. She took a step back, clearly taken aback by his indifference, her confidence momentarily shaken. Her usual aura of control and charm seemed to waver.
"I guess I have to leave a memorable impression then," she said, determination hardening her voice. With a dramatic flourish, she pulled the handkerchief from his suit pocket, kissed it, leaving a vivid red lip print. "Keep this as a memento for when we meet at my fan meeting." She winked and left the store, her presence lingering like a shadow, a curious mix of grace and audacity.
Ha-Min shook his head, bemused by her boldness. Although they both worked for the same company, he had never met her in person. He had heard rumors of her being classy and meek, but this side of her was surprising and intriguing, stirring something deep within him.
He pocketed the handkerchief, his mind racing with thoughts of their unusual encounter.
....
Ha-Na and Hyun-Jin settled into the luxurious car, its sleek, rare design a testament to exclusivity and power. The leather seats cradled them in comfort, and the soft hum of the engine added to the aura of sophistication. Woo-Jin and the driver took the front seats, quietly assuming their roles as the journey began..
Hyun-Jin shifted in his seat, looking at her. "I forgot to mention. Last time we met, you looked breathtaking," he said casually, his voice smooth and controlled.
Ha-Na's heart raced at his words, though she maintained a composed facade. "Does that mean I look any less breathtaking today?" Her tone light, but her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
"Of course not. You looked beautiful then, today, and always will." His gaze locked onto hers with an intensity that seemed to pierce through her defenses.
She laughed, a sound both light and nervous. "What a joke! I didn't think of you as a man good with words," her tone playful, masking the turmoil within her.
"Then what did you take me for?" he asked, his curiosity genuine, his eyes never leaving her face, searching for something deeper in her expression.
"Someone good with actions," she replied, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. The closeness, the intensity of his gaze, was making it hard to breathe.
"Speaking of actions, I've been meaning to do something for a while now," he said, a glint of seriousness and something darker in his eyes that made her pulse quicken.
Before she could react, he gently pulled her legs onto his lap, startling her. "What are you doing?" she shrieked, surprise and a tinge of fear evident in her voice as her eyes widened in shock.
"Nothing that would make you hate me," he said nonchalantly, his touch both tender and possessive. His hands were firm but gentle, sending a shiver down her spine.