When it was finally the weekend, Taekwoon asked you for another date at the coffee shop and you couldn't wait to meet him. You picked one of your favorite dresses, put on your flowery sandals and thought of an excuse to give Nana on your way out. You grabbed your phone and your purse and left your room when you received a text message.

'I can't wait to see you ♥ I'll leave the house in 10 minutes.'

 

Your heart fluttered as you stared at the message. Before you could reply, your phone started ringing. You huffed in annoyance when you saw Hakyeon's name on the screen, interrupting your happy thoughts about Taekwoon. What does he want now? You picked up as you closed the door behind you:

- Hello.

- Hey! Where are you?

- On my way out.

- Where are you going?

- I... I'm meeting a friend.

- Call your friend and tell her you'll meet her later. We have a guest.

- What? I can't.

- He'll be arriving any minute now. Just cancel it and meet me downstairs.

- Hakyeon I said I can't...

 

You were almost yelling in frustration. He hung up before you could finish your sentence. You let out a grunt and called him but he hung up on you again. You ran downstairs looking for him to find him sitting on a sofa in the living room. You walked up to him but he suddenly got off the sofa and picked up his phone.

- Hongbin! Yes, we're home. Sure. Come in!

He looked at you as he said:

- He's here.

- Who?

- My friend, Hongbin. You know him, right? The guy you met yesterday.

- What?

- Come on. We shouldn't keep him waiting.

 

Everything happened too quickly. He did it on purpose, leaving you no time to react. Your eyes scanned the living room for a trace of Taekwoon to no avail. You opened the text message he sent you and typed a quick reply, worried that he had left the house already.

'Hakyeon invited his friend and insists that I stay. I'm so sorry'

You put your phone inside your purse when Hakyeon returned, followed by Hongbin. Your eyes met and Hongbin smiled at you as he said:

- Hello.

 

You simply nodded, reminding yourself that Hongbin probably had nothing to do with this. No need to take my agitation on him. You took a deep breath before glaring at Hakyeon who was already taking his seat next to Hongbin. He glared back at you before saying:

- Have a seat.

 

You sat down next to him, wondering why he had invited Hongbin over and why he had asked you to sit down with them. What is he trying to do?

Hakyeon spent a few minutes talking to Hongbin and asking him about his parents. A few minutes later, he excused himself as he said:

- I need to go check something. Talk to each other, don't remain silent.

You swallowed hard as you looked at Hongin, who smiled at you awkwardly before saying:

- So, how was life abroad?

You cursed Hakyeon internally as you faked a smile and answered his question.

 

 

 

 

Hakyeon left and went to find Nana. On his way toward the study room, he noticed Taekwoon standing away from the kitchen, staring in the direction of the living room. The frown on Taekwoon's face triggered him, so he walked up to him and stared at him for a second before saying:

- What are you doing here? Go back to your work.

Taekwoon glared at him before turning around and going back into the kitchen. Hakyeon called one of the maids:

- Let Taekwoon serve the guest some drinks.

The maid looked up at him in confusion as she said:

- I'll do it myself, sir.

- No. Let Taekwoon do it.

He said in a sharp tone. She nodded as she answered:

- S...sure, sir.

 

 

He then walked toward the study room, knocked on the door and let himself in. Nana motioned him to sit next to her as she asked:

- Are they sitting together?

He nodded.

- I've been told he's a nice kid, but do you think they'll like each other?

- He seems to like her already; it all depends on her now.

She let out a sigh.

- I hope this works.

- I hope so too.

 

 

 

Hakyeon seemed to take forever and you felt that Hongbin was running out of questions. You've already talked about your studies, but here he was again, asking you what your major was. I will definitely kill Hakyeon when this is over! Maybe I should torture him first?

 

 

You looked up to find Taekwoon standing in front of you and Hongbin, holding a tray in his hand and serving you drinks. Your heart skipped a beat. Why didn't they send someone else? Why did it have to be him? Why now?

You couldn't miss the frown on his face. He wasn't looking at you. Instead, he was staring at the tray as he handed Hongbin a drink and then asked you if you wanted one.

- No, thank you.

You whispered and he left immediately. You followed him with your eyes wishing you could follow him with your feet instead. You let out a sigh and Hongbin asked:

- Am I boring? I tend to be when I meet new people.

You felt torn between wanting to talk to Taekwoon and not wanting to embarrass Hongbin, who has done you no harm. You settled for the easier option.

- Not at all. I'm awkward with new people too.

 

 

 

You spent the next hour chatting with Hongbin. It was beyond difficult to listen to him and pretend that your mind wasn't distracted with Taekwoon. The expression on his face upon seeing you with Hongbin made you feel very upset. You knew he was upset as well, but you couldn't leave Hongbin and follow him like your heart told you to. You waited patiently for Hakyeon to come back but he didn't show up for another half an hour.

 

 

 

 

As soon as you greeted Hongbin and walked him to the door, you ran toward the kitchen. Before you could reach the door of the kitchen you heard Nana call your name. You sighed before turning around and walking up to her. She motioned you to sit next to her so you did. She put her hand on your knee before asking:

- So, how was it?

- How was what?

You looked at her in confusion.

- This kid, Hongbin... How was he?

You thought for a second.

- He is a nice man.

- And?

She asked eagerly and you couldn't understand why she seemed so concerned with what you thought of him.

- And nothing. I don't understand why Hakyeon asked me to sit with him.

She gaped at you and then took a deep breath before saying:

- Hakyeon says he knows the kid very well. Your father knows his parents and he said they're very good people.

- So?

You asked when you couldn't link any of what she said with being forced to sit with him.

- He wanted you to meet Hongbin because he thinks he'd make a good suitor.

Your eyes widened in shock as you almost yelled:

- A suitor? Nana, I told you I am not thinking about marriage now.

- Why not?

She seemed a bit disappointed.

- I just... I don't to get married like this.

- What do you want then?

- I don't know. I'm... I'm just not thinking about this now.

Can I tell her that my heart belongs to someone else?

- But...

- Nana please.

You were almost begging, thoughts of Taekwoon occupying your mind. This is the last thing I needed now. A suitor?

She sighed.

- Will you at least meet him again if he asks you to?

- I don't know.

You couldn't stop thinking of how much this would upset Taekwoon. To know that your family have always been trying to keep you away from each other. It would break his heart.

 

 

You left her and walked toward the kitchen to talk to Taekwoon. You changed your mind half way when you noticed Hakyeon sitting in the living room. You wanted to go to him and yell at him for getting you into this but you knew it would be pointless. You ignored him when he called your name and climbed the stairs toward your room. You got into your room, closed the door behind you and flopped on your bed. A Suitor?

 

You reached for your phone and dialed Taekwoon's number. You grabbed your pillow and hugged it as you waited for him to answer. When he didn't, you texted him, 'Call me when you have time.' You then got off bed, changed into your pajamas and lay down. Soon you were dozing off, with your phone in your hand, waiting for him to call. You woke up 2 hours later and reached for your phone to see if he called you or texted you, but he didn't and you were starting to feel worried. You went down to the dining room to find your family waiting for you as dinner was being served. You were surprised to see him serving you dinner and it upset you even more that he wasn't looking at you. You knew how much he hated this; how much he hated working as a servant. Then why did he serve us drinks? Why is he the one serving dinner? Why did he have to do it himself? Your questions remained unanswered as you watched him disappear into the kitchen.

 

You ate your dinner in silence while Hakyeon and Nana talked about Hongbin and his family. They talked about how rich his family are and how well-educated he himself is. You tried to stay out of their conversation, and soon you felt like you lost your appetite when they were giggling, completely unaware of the fire igniting your heart. You excused yourself and went to your room, ignoring the grumbling in your tummy.

 

As soon as you entered your room, you reached for your phone hoping to see that Taekwoon had called you or texted you but he still didn't. You tried calling him again, but he still didn't answer. You phone suddenly starting ringing and you almost dropped it. You were hoping it was Taekwoon but the number on your screen had no name. You picked up, wondering if it was someone from work.

- Hello. This is Hongbin. I... I asked Hakyeon for your number and I hope you don't mind me calling you.

He said in one breath. You sighed internally. Hongbin again.

- No no. It's okay.

- I... I just wanted to... ask you out for a drink or something. I had an appointment today so I had to leave, but I was hoping we could meet again... if that's okay with you.

- But...

Now I'm going to have to meet him again!

- I know Hakyeon told you about the whole marriage thing. But I was hoping you'd see it more as two friends going out for a chat.

- I... I don't know.

- Please think about it and let me know. I'd be glad if you'd accept my invitation.

- I will. Thank you.

- Have a good night.

- You too.

You hung up and cursed Hakyeon for getting you into this. Hongbin was a very nice guy and you felt bad for having to reject his invitation when all he wanted was to have a chat with you. You grunted in annoyance as you threw your phone on the bed and lay next to it waiting for Taekwoon to call.

 

You were starting to feel more worried as time passed by without him calling or texting back. When it was around midnight, you were finally able to go down to the kitchen to see him. You left your room and went downstairs toward the kitchen. You peeked through the door before entering when you saw him sitting at the table with a book in his hand. You knocked at the door and he looked up at you and then looked back at his book without saying anything. You stood there for a couple of seconds, waiting for him to mark the page and then come to you, but he didn't. You walked up to him and sat next to him but he didn't lift his head up or look at you.

- Taekwoon... are you okay?

You asked in a quiet voice. Nothing.

- Why didn't you answer my calls?

- I was busy.

He said without looking at you.

- Will you at least look at me?

He let out a sigh before putting the book down and turning to look at you. Your heart clenched when he looked at you with a frown on his face. He remained silent, with that old unreadable expression on his face. You suddenly felt like he wasn't the same Taekwoon who kissed you a few days ago.

- What's wrong?

You asked.

- Nothing.

You were starting to feel that your presence was unwanted when he averted his eyes away from you again.

- Do you want me to leave?

He remained silent, still not looking at you. You took that as a yes. You hated being treated like that, so you stood up and turned to leave. Before you could leave the kitchen, he asked:

- So, when is the wedding?

You froze in your place, eyes wide open and heart throbbing in your chest. Who told him? You turned to look at him, keeping a straight face and trying to pretend you had no idea what he was talking about.

- What wedding?

- He seems like a good guy, and his family is rich.

His defeated tone bothered you.

- What are you talking about?

He stood up and stared at you for a second and then said:

- What am I talking about? You canceled our date to meet him, didn't you? You said you didn't like anyone else, you said you liked me...

He was almost yelling, and it triggered you but you tried to keep your composure. You knew this wasn't fighting over. Hongbin meant nothing to you, and he should mean nothing to Taekwoon.

- I didn't cancel our date for anybody. I was forced to stay!

He didn't say anything as he continued to stare at you. You added:

- I barely know the guy... Hakyeon invited him and then forced me to sit with him.

- The whole family is talking about how much of a perfect suitor he would make... I myself think he's the perfect match.

You gaped at him, unable to understand his last sentence. A perfect match?

- I'm glad you think so.

He was being silly, and you decided to give him a taste of his own medicine. He gawked at you in shock.

- What?

You fought the urge to smile when you saw how confused he seemed. The frown disappeared. He raised his eyebrows and stared at you for a few seconds, waiting for your answer. You rolled your eyes and then said:

- You're being silly, you know that?

- Silly?

You nodded.

- Yes, silly. I said I am not marrying him no matter what. Next time you might consider asking me before you assume things on your own.

You said, trying to lighten things up. You walked up to him and placed before saying:

- Do you know how worried I was?

He bit his lower lip, regret visible on his face. You sat down on the kitchen stool and pulled him down to sit next to you.

- I... Seeing you with him broke my heart and I... I couldn't do anything about it.

You lifted your hand up and hesitated for a second before cupping his cheek. He leaned into your touch, pressing his cheek hard into your palm. He placed his hand on yours as he said:

- I'm so sorry.

He then leaned forward to kiss you but you pulled your hand and moved away.

- Did you think I'd forgive you this easily?

He looked at you in confusion.

- I...

- Shhhh!

- But...

You placed your hand on his mouth as you said:

- Someone is coming!

You got off your seat hurriedly and paused for a second before running toward his room. He jumped off his seat, looking around the place for the source of the noise you heard. He took a couple of careful steps toward the kitchen's door. Peeking into the living room, he found that it was empty. He returned to the kitchen and went to his room. He looked around the room for a couple of seconds before realizing that you were hiding in the closet. He smiled as he slid the closet door open and said:

- Nobody is there. It might have been the stray cat for real this time.

You giggled. Before you could step out of the closet, he got in and placed his hands on both sides of your body, trapping you between the closet and his body before leaning forward while whispering:

- You can't escape now.

Your heart skipped a beat at the proximity of your faces, but you placed your hand on his lips again, preventing him from landing his lips on yours.

- B... before I forgive you... do you promise me not to... ever question my feelings for you again?

You knew Hongbin's presence bothered him, but it upset you that he thought you'd give up on him so easily. As if sensing your troubled thoughts, he kissed your palm before lifting his hands up and cupping your face.

- I promise.

You placed your hands on his chest and he leaned forward, locking your lips with his. He on your lips gently, tilting his head to the side. You were melting in his arms, butterflies in your tummy and heat creeping into your cheeks. A tiny moaned escaped and you could feel him smiling into the kiss. You hit his chest playfully and he pulled out slowly while staring into your eyes.

- I love you.

- I love you too.

 

 

 

After that night, you spent four days without being able to see each other. Taekwoon had exams and you were busy with a research that was assigned to you by your co-workers. You spent the whole day working on that research because you needed to prove to your co-workers that you were here because of your experience rather than connections, even if your father owned half the company. By the time you got home and had lunch, Taekwoon would have left for college. He had study groups after his classes and when he returned home, you were already in bed, being too exhausted from working all day long. You barely texted each other good morning and good night every day, sometimes having the chance to ask how his day is going and him asking if you're eating properly and not missing your meals. You missed him and he told you he missed you too, but you had to wait patiently until his exams were over and until you were ready to hand in your research.

 

Taekwoon wasn't the only one waiting for you to submit your research. Eunji was also patiently waiting for you to finish your work. She had roughly 3 weeks before her wedding and you couldn't believe time flew by this fast. She was planning to travel by the end of this week after looking at the wedding picture your friend had sent you. However, she needed to talk to you again regarding the bridesmaids dresses since she still wanted the dark blue satin dress that she knew you hated. It somehow matched the whole setting of the wedding, and she was hoping she could convince you to wear it.

 

 

By the end of your week, and after submitting the research results, you called her and told her you were finally free to go shopping with her. Although you were hoping you could see Taekwoon first, she insisted that you get as soon as you got ready since she had to prepare for her trip. You texted Taekwoon that you were free tonight and waited for him to reply while Eunji drove you to the shopping mall, talking about how the wedding planner had everything ready for the wedding and how everything was going the way she wanted. You looked at her and saw how animated she was while talking about her boyfriend and the upcoming wedding. You were delighted to see that despite being nervous and worried about the wedding preparations, she was still joyful and excited about marrying her boyfriend. At one point she said "I really love him" and you could see the sparkles in her eyes and the big smile on her face.

 

The shopping trip was quite short since you had already planned to go along with whatever dress she chooses, making her life a bit easier. You got into the shop and Eunji asked the salesperson to give you your size of the dress so you could try it on.

 

- Are you sure you like it?

She asked you when you came out of the dressing room wearing the dark blue satin dress she chose.

- Very sure. It's prettier that I thought.

- My sisters liked it but I had to ask you if you liked it too.

- I do, don't worry. It's very pretty.

- Now we need to buy three matching ties for Jaehwan's groomsmen.

You walked with her while she looked for suitable ties with matching colors since Jaehwan asked her to do. 'Buy whatever you want and I'll make them wear it,' he texted her when she kept nagging about how the ties should match the dresses and said and she felt more than satisfied.

 

 

On your way back home, while you were too immersed in thoughts of your wedding and Taekwoon in a tux, she asked:

- You know, we were all thinking you and Hakyeon will get married as soon as you came back home.

You turned to look at her as you asked:

- Really?

- Yes. Nana didn't stop talking about how you'll come back and she'll hold you the biggest wedding for you.

You scratched the back of your head in embarrassment as you remembered Nana's endless attempts to hook you up with Hakyeon.

- Ah... I had to talk her out of it.

- Why? You and Hakyeon look really close.

- We are, but not close enough to get married.

- What about the other guy?

You swallowed hard. What other guy? Does she know?

- What guy?

- Um... I forgot his name...

You sighed internally. Of course she doesn't!

- Seokjin? No, he's just a friend, and he is already engaged.

- No no... The guy Hakyeon brought home the other day.

You internally face-palmed yourself.

- Hongbin? I don't even know him.

- He looked really cute.

- He does. But... I barely know him. I literally met him the day before he came to our house.

She took a quick glance at you and then asked:

- Do you have someone else?

You hesitated for a couple of seconds, your rosy cheeks almost exposing you as you answered:

- Not really.

- Do I know him?

She asked excitedly and you shook your head 'no.'

- Where did you meet him?

- I... I ran into him at the coffee shop the other day, but I'm not sure if I will see him again..

She raised an eyebrow and then asked:

- Are you into someone you met only once?

You pushed a lock of hair behind your ear as you giggled shyly.

- I'm not into him, he just caught my attention. I don't really have anyone in mind right now.

You were amazed at the number of lies you could tell in a couple of minutes, trying your best to hide anything that would raise her suspicions.

 

 

 

When you arrived home, you sent Taekwoon a photo of the dress to which he replied "I can't wait to see you in it." You smiled to yourself as you texted him again, asking him if you could see him tonight. You missed him and you couldn't wait to see him. He said he's free tonight and that he had something to show you. You were curious about the thing he mentioned in his text, but he said you'll have to come to the kitchen to know, raising your curiosity even more.

 

Later that night, and after you made sure everyone was asleep, you went downstairs to the kitchen. You found Taekwoon sitting to the kitchen table like usual, with a paper resting in front of him. You entered the kitchen and he lifted his head up almost immediately when he heard your footsteps.

- Hi!

He smiled as you walked up to him. He got off his seat and opened his arms wide open before talking you into his embrace. He tightened his hold around your body and buried his face in the crook of your neck as he whispered:

- I missed you so much!

He let his hands travel up and down your back for a couple of seconds before pulling out and looking at you.

- Didn't you miss me?

He asked as he stared at you dotingly. Your cheeks heated up as you nodded.

- How much?

- A lot.

He pecked your lips and then turned to look at the paper resting on the table. He gave it to you and then leaned in and pecked your cheek before whispering:

- Thank you!

You blushed, still not looking at the paper in your hand. It was the quiz you worked on the other night. He got a full mark and seemed very excited about it.

- You're most welcome.

- What would I have done without you?

He asked as he stared at you lovingly. You were blushing heavily the closer he got. Why does he make me feel like that?

- You would have probably failed.

You answer surprised him. A smile broke into his lips followed with a quiet giggle. The sound of his giggle was music to your ears. You smiled at him and thought to yourself: this has to be the best moment in my life. You were in the arms of a man you really loved, a man who had managed, in a couple of weeks, to make your heart flutter in a way you never thought possible.

The voices of your joyful giggles were soon filling the kitchen as you told him how you almost left the house shoeless the other day because you were late for work. He then said he's going to prepare an extra pair and put it in the driver's car in case you wake up late again. "How considerate," you said with a giggle, and his eyes sparkled. God, I really love him.

 

 

You suddenly heard a third voice, an intruder. A voice that has been interrupting all your happy moments with Taekwoon, ever since you were children. Hakyeon showed out of nowhere to shatter your joy. His shadow hovered over your faces, but you could see the furious stare in his eyes very clearly.

- What the hell are you doing here?

Hakyeon almost yelled when he saw you sitting next to Taekwoon, your hands in his and your eyes exchanged unspoken love. Your body shivered as you got off your seat. You felt a strong arm around your middle pulling you away from Hakyeon's threatening posture.

- What are you doing here?

Taekwoon asked as he pushed you behind him. He shielded your body with his as he stood between you and Hakyeon's glare. Hakyeon smirked and crossed his arms in front of his chest as he said:

- This is my house, and you're not one to ask me this question.

- Hakyeon!

You yelled as you glared at Hakyeon, but he ignored you as he said:

- Go to your room!

He addressed you but Taekwoon interfered:

- You have no authority over her.

He frowned as he pointed his finger at Taekwoon:

- Stop whatever you're doing to her.

- I'm not doing anything that would cause her any harm. You know I love her.

Hakyeon's smirk disappeared as he grabbed Taekwoon by the shirt collar. Taekwoon didn't resist and pushed you behind him when you yelled at Hakyeon again.

- If you really don't want to harm her you wouldn't have gotten this close to her.

- It's none of your business.

You yelled as you scowled at him defiantly. He let go of Taekwoon's shirt and turned to you:

- How could you do this after everything I told you? Do you want to give Nana a heart attack?

- Hakyeon...

- Stop it.

He then looked at Taekwoon and said:

- Keep your distance if you don't want to get your life ruined. You are nothing but a stupid servant, and you will never be allowed near her, ever!

- You don't decide for us.

Taekwoon said in a firm tone. You held his arm tightly and then addressed Hakyeon:

- We like each other... and if we want to be together then you can't stop us!

- Yes I can. I can yell and wake up the whole house and let your father see the daughter he sacrificed everything for in the arms of a servant. I'm sure he'll be delighted to know that he wasted his life for nothing.

The mention of your father caused tears to roll down your face. He spent the last 15 years of his life looking after you on his own, and you hated that Hakyeon was using that against you. You let go of Taekwoon's arm defeatedly, tears rolling down your face and lips trembling as you asked:

- Why are you doing this?

Hakyeon took a deep breath and then said:

- Go to your room.

Taekwoon gave your back a light pat. You turned around to look at him to find unshed tears in his eyes.

- Go.

He whispered and your heart clenched. He then retreated into his room and closed the door behind him. You looked at Hakyeon who said:

- Let's go.

You left the kitchen and climbed the stairs toward your room, tears flowing down your cheeks. Hakyeon followed you until you were inside your room. He entered your room and closed the door behind him. You sat down on the edge of your bed as you buried your face in your palms, sobbing. He sat down next to you and placed his hand on your shoulder. You pushed his hand off your shoulder.

- Don't touch me!

He took a deep breath and then said:

- Listen. You're not a teenager anymore. Taekwoon is just a servant. This is not Romeo and Juliet. If your father knows about this he'll harm him, really bad. This time they won't only send him away, they'll ruin his life. Do you understand me?

You looked at him, your vision blurry with tears, so he continued:

- Nana pays his college tuitions, they pay for his food and clothes and residence. This will all stop immediately. He will be left homeless, penniless.

You sobbed again and he sighed.

- I need you to understand that I'm doing this for both of you. Do you think I don't feel bad for him? He was my only friend and with your departure I lost both of you. I spent days in that tree house hoping he'd come and play with me. But... things are different now. He's no longer our friend. He will never be our equal. Please don't cry. Don't make things more difficult for all of us.

You hated every word he uttered; our equal? He cupped your face and then said:

- Promise me you'll never talk to him again.

- I can't.

You said between your sobs. How can I ever do that?

- You have to promise me if you don't want him to get hurt. And I mean it.

You whimpered and he waited patiently for your answer:

- I... I promise.

- That's my girl.

He hugged you and let you sob in his chest, not knowing that you'd never be able to fulfill your promise.