Mingwa stretched, her eyes darkening as she stared at her phone, the 21st was fast approaching and that was the time for their annual family reunion.
She had managed to skip the last one since she had been out of the country but now there was no way for her to escape this one.
Deep in thoughts, biting her lips roughly the sudden cold touch on her forehead made her flinch. A sharp breath caught in her throat as her eyes flew open, the cool sensation cutting through the haze of her reverie, sending a shiver down her spine.
"We needs those lips to be perfect, you look anxious.."
Jihoon smiled as he placed the soda next to Mingwa, who sighed and turned to Jihoon.
"Of course I'm anxious, its our family reunion on the 21st and you know how my mum can be.."
Jihoon chuckled softly, his expression sympathetic. "Ah, the infamous Madam Heo. She's still giving you a hard time?"
Mingwa groaned, running a hand through her hair. "She's relentless. I mean, last year I dodged the bullet by being conveniently 'busy' overseas, but this time…" She trailed off, shaking her head. "There's no way out."
"Well, considering your new… relationship," Jihoon teased, raising an eyebrow, "maybe she'll ease off a little this time."
Mingwa shot him a look. "You're joking, right? She's going to eat me alive the second she finds out about Moon Taewoo."
Jihoon leaned back, folding his arms with a thoughtful expression. "Maybe. Or maybe you'll surprise her. I mean, dating the CEO of Kwon-0, even if it's… fake, could change her perspective. You've got leverage this time."
Mingwa laughed, though it was a bitter sound. "Leverage? Yeah, sure. She'll probably say I'm faking my way through life like usual. This scandal isn't helping either." She sighed deeply. "Sometimes I wonder if agreeing to this whole fake dating thing was a mistake."
Jihoon's face softened as he watched her, his voice steady. "It's going to be fine, Mingwa. You've handled worse."
Mingwa nodded, though the heaviness in her chest didn't dissipate. "I just hope I can get through it without losing my sanity. She can get pushy."
Jihoon reached for her hand, squeezing it lightly. "You will. And you won't have to face it alone. Just remember that. Just bring Moon Taewoo along minus his reputation, he's a pretty decent person…who knows your mother might like him."
She gave him a small smile. "Thanks, Jihoon. I don't know what I'd do without you. But I don't know about bringing Moon Taewoo along, he said I shouldn't use him for personal reasons."
"Hey, you'd probably survive," he grinned. "But it's much more fun with me around, isn't it? And Moon Taewoo's over there, just ask him if he refuses, you'll cross your bridge on your own."
Mingwa shook her head, chuckling. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say—wait! You said what."
"…"
"He's over there, just ask him. Nevermind he's heading this way. Good luck.."
Mingwa's lips twitched she also turned wanting to escape but Moon Taewoo was already there.
"Mr. Moon," Mingwa began, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Why haven't you left yet? The shoot was over a while ago."
Moon Taewoo's lips curled into a faint smile. "I was about to head out. Just needed a moment."
Mingwa took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you. My family reunion is coming up on the 21st. It's kind of a big deal for me."
Moon Taewoo raised an eyebrow, his expression neutral. "And?"
She hesitated for a moment, then continued, "I was wondering if you'd come with me. I know it's a lot to ask, but…"
Moon Taewoo chuckled softly, though there was a cold edge to his laughter. "So, you want me to be your doting boyfriend for the family reunion? To show off to your family?"
Mingwa shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of his words. "Well, I—"
"No personal stuff," he interrupted, his tone firm. "But, I might be willing to indulge you if you give me a kiss."
Mingwa's eyes widened in surprise, her face flushing slightly. "Are you serious?"
"Dead serious," Moon Taewoo replied, his gaze steady and unwavering.
Mingwa hesitated for a moment, her thoughts racing and her heart beating wildly. Then, with a resolute look, she stepped closer and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
It was as gentle as it was fleeting making Taewoo feel like he had been kissed by a cloud.
He smiled "That was a cute kiss.."
"…"
Mingwa with a faint smirk. "You should count yourself lucky," he said, his tone both teasing and somewhat serious. "It's been ten years since another pair of lips have touched mine.."
Mingwa stood rooted to the spot, her mind reeling from Taewoo's unexpected comment.
Given his reputation, she had assumed he must have kissed countless women. The revelation that he hadn't kissed anyone in the past decade was both surprising and confusing.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she turned to Jihoon, who was standing nearby with an equally stunned expression. His eyes were wide, and he looked as if he was trying to process what had just transpired.
"Mingwa," Jihoon finally said, his voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity, "did he really just say that?"
Mingwa nodded slowly, still finding Moon Taewoo's words incredulous. "Yes, he did. I… didn't expect that."
Jihoon shook his head, clearly as perplexed as Mingwa. "Well, that's certainly unexpected. It seems there's more to Moon Taewoo than we know."
Mingwa nodded and frowned slightly "If he hasn't kissed someone in the last 10 years why did he suddenly ask me for a kiss?"
Jihoon expression was blank as he shook his head, wasn't it very obvious, Moon Taewoo had taken a liking to Mingwa.
"You never know? Maybe he finds your pair of lips interesting."
"…."
"Don't sprout nonsense, there are countless women far prettier than me.."
"And yet only Kim Mingwa could kiss the tyrant's lips."