He's My Juliet (Golden Child Jibeom X Reader) [COMPLETED]

Ch. 17: Heirs

Double updates as a thank you for y'all for always waiting :D. And also a special thanks to urghedgehog for continuously giving me motivation to continue writing this book! Love you!

...

I had always already been familiarized with the Chou Family and Regal Fashions. In fact, it wasn't even that long ago when I last found myself associated with them.

It was just last year. I had been made in charge of the collaborations and partnership offers of SilverLining as I was assigned by my mom. And among the offers, as I had somehow expected, was a partnership with Regal Fashions.

Back then, I was actually really excited about it. I was hoping my mom would approve, since they were the biggest fashion company in the country and this would surely help us maintain SilverLining's place as the top one fabric developer in the country... but she declined. And I never really understood why. Not even now.

Back then, I still hoped there was a chance to get a partnership with them. Now, however? I think I'm actually hoping a lot more than I ever have. What with the question running around my head as I watch the flashy image of Tzuyu entering the café and displaying her brilliance to the public inside the building...

If we had actually gained that partnership... Jibeom would have never been betrothed to her, would he?

It isn't completely impossible, though. After all, weren't they betrothed because of their companies' partnership?

It isn't until a second later that Tzuyu turns to me and our eyes meet. Her eyes slightly widen upon seeing me, meanwhile I maintain my neutral gaze on her.

It had never really been publicized that Jibeom and Tzuyu were betrothed. If it was, then my relationship with Jibeom would have been much more of a scandal than it is now. Not that it's actually considered a scandal, but...

Anyway, I'm sure the only relationships people around here know is that I'm dating Jibeom, and Tzuyu's family's company is partnering with Jibeom's.

A smile forms on Tzuyu's face as she maintains eye contact with me, then she walks straight to the front of the counter just as I look away from her as well. Still, I couldn't help but glance as she takes her order at the counter.

Huh. I didn't know they had a VIP section here.

Finally turning away for real this time, I just continue waiting in queue until I reach the counter. And by the time I had done just that, Tzuyu had already disappeared from the counter.

I thought that would be the end of my encounter with her. She proved me wrong when I sat down to drink, and she suddenly appeared infront of me, with her own coffee in a to-go cup.

"Excuse me. May I sit here?"

I look up from my drink to see Tzuyu looking at me with a friendly smile, surprisingly, giving no sign of aggression.

Weird. Why would she suddenly approach me out of nowhere?

Well, it's not like I can just leave her standing there. Eventually, I just nod and gesture to the chair across me, the one she has her hand on. "Sure, go ahead."

Her smile widens for a second, then she takes her seat so gracefully. Something about her is making me feel intimidated. And I really don't want to be wasting my time in knowing what she wants from me.

"What is it?" I ask straight out, my face blank to show that I mean no harm, though my tone may suggest otherwise. "I know you know about me and Jibeom and that I also know about your betrothal. Why are you suddenly approaching me?"

Tzuyu looks at me with a surprised expression after I had said that, then her face softens, then she wears a small smile as she looks down quietly at her cup, her fingers restless around the edges of the cup. "Ah... You must feel uncomfortable because of this whole situation." She pauses, and I almost speak again if it weren't for her doing that first. "Sorry. I swear I don't mean you any harm."

She actually sounded sincere, and I almost drop my guard as I look at her.

What's... going on?

"Well, if that's the case, then why did you approach me?" I repeat my question, loosening my tone to make her feel less uncomfortable.

Tzuyu lifts her gaze towards me again, then she returns her friendly smile as she speaks. "Actually... I like Jibeom, too."

I freeze, but no other sign of surprise shows on my face. I guess I actually expected that.

"I like Jibeom," she repeats again, "but... I'll leave the both of you be."

That, however, is what surprises me. My eyes widen as I look towards her. "H-huh?"

A knowing smile then replaces Tzuyu's expression before she continues. "I'm just letting you know that I support the both of you, despite that fact. Your story inspired me, all that going against tradition and the media and all, and I honestly would prefer something like that, too. I'm on your side, Y/N. And if I could, I'd do something to cancel the betrothal, too." She gives me a reassuring smile, and this time, I finally let my guard down completely.

Thank goodness.

"Though... I do have a condition," Tzuyu suddenly says, and I become cautious again. I look back at her, but her smile remains as she does the same to me. "Please take care of Jibeom for me. Promise to keep him happy as long as the both of you are together."

Once again, she surprises me. But this time, I smile at her, and I place my hand on hers to reassure her. "Don't worry. I promise I'll do just that."

...

Eventually, Tzuyu and I parted ways, and as I stepped out of the café, I pull my phone out of my bag and make a call.

I guess I could skip work just for a day.

I then dial a number, then bring my phone to my ear as I wait for that person to pick up.

[Hello? Y/N? What's wrong? Did something happen?]

I can't help but chuckle as I note the concern in Jibeom's voice. "No. Nothing's wrong... I just want to see you. Like right now. Do you have time?"

[...Give me a minute. I'll come pick you up. Where are you right now?]