Contract Love • Jihoon

05

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No one's POV

It's a really sunny Sunday and the weather is perfect to just stay by yourself on the couch, catching up with your love one after being engage with tight schedule at work. and she did worked her ass off at the office for the whole week, dealing with mountains of paperwork and had to deal with the man that she will soon called 'husband'.

The two plates fills with delicious lunch just sit there cold, on the small table in front of the tv while she put her ears out listening to the sarcasm laughter that was let out by Ji ah, who is sitting next to her in the couch laughing her stomach off.

You can quit say the prefect Sunday that she's been dream of is ruined.

" Your words are my priority?"

"Are you some kind a employee of the month or something?" Ji ah snorted out a laugh as she stares at Hani who's standing , looking obviously mad and embarrassed.

Hani rolled her eyes before letting out a deep sigh. seeking advice from this so-called best friend  will never be on her head ever again.

" It is true.. he's my boss at the end of the day. " Hani replied trying to defend herself.

" Or is it because you like him so you will do anything that he's going to ask...?" Ji ah sudden reply, make Hani tongue stiff. She look away, trying to find a safe reply but her mind just shut down. Great.

" Gross"

" what?"

" It's so obvious that it become gross"

" Is it that obvious?"

" Well. very much" Ji ah shook her head with annoyed expression as she reached out for the plate in front of them. She took a bite before she continued her words.

" If I was you, I will just tell him about my feelings. "

" It's easier said than done " She massaged her temple.

" Hani, you have like him since forever.. getting rejected doesn't meant that your future is ruined. try and try again until his heart is fully yours"

" You don't know what you're talking about, Ji ah.. my future will be ruined if he knows about it.. It's hard enough to work there. I'm not risking anything just because some stupid feelings that will be gone later.. Never" Hani pressed her lips together as she stares at the ceiling. The feelings that she kept since the first day she worked there. It's make no sense, but she can't help but fell in love with him the first time they met. at the office. the day he chose her as his secretary. the day she promise to do anything for this man.

" Then what is your plan? do you think contract marriage going to help with your complex? do you think marrying him is going to make you lose feelings? what a unique way of thought"

" I think that's the only way.. I felt like with this way, I won't lose anything.. I'm sure if he kept treating me cold and distant like he always does, I will lose feelings faster. "

" Do you realize it's been years since you worked with him. He always treat you like that, Hani. Get yourself together.. nothing can be done if you never tell him about it. It's time.." Hani stays quiet after listening to her friend argument. She know. She acknowledge it since the first day. She know her stupid feelings is not just a one time. It's serious. It was ,since the first day she worked for him. She doesn't even know why she accepted the marriage . nothing but she did it as her heart told her to.

Suddenly, her phone on the table next to the other plates, lit up. and the corner of her eyes darted to its screen.

" 8 pm. I will be there" - Mr Park

She almost forgot. The dinner.

---

Hani fix her dress as she faked a smile on her face . Jihoon next to her stay silent, showing no interest to be there.

She can't believe herself , fail to remember this kind of event from her head that usually fills with insane amount of schedule for the whole week. With the little amount of time, she just choose the most random and appropriate dress that could fit and choose to put her life at the hand of Ji ah as she just let her do whatever makeup she want on her face. Thank god, it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be.

Hani took another bite of the well cooked steak in her plate while she took a glance at everyone's face. It's just his parents, Jihoon and herself. but why is the air felt so heavy? It felt like his parents doesn't like her presence there. Easy to said that it was really uncomfortable. She put the blame on herself as she was underprepared.

" So, when will you get married?"

She chocked on her food as the unexpected question being asked. He immediately took a glass of plain water and put it down next to her plate. He doesn't look shocked instead he looks calm like as this thing happen every time.  maybe  a little too calm?

" Next week"

" It's just a simple wedding ceremony-"

" How can it be a simple wedding? You are our only son" his mother interrupted. She look fine but maybe a little taken aback.

" we love each other and that's matter.. no need for those big ceremonies. We are busy enough" he replied before taking another bite of the food.

" What did you like about my son?" his father suddenly let out the most random question in the middle of dinner. Hani blink her eyes rapidly as she was a little taken aback. It's not like they never met before but today, he looks a little bit intimidating at the moment so she can't help but felt a little nervous.

" Sorry? "

" Look at him.he's ill-mannered.. and not to mention that he's a workaholic who loves his job more than others.. Do you think you can deal with him? forever? "

Forever. That words makes her heart felt a little weird.

Hani turn her head to the side, took a glance at Jihoon's face who looks darken by his father words before going back to Mr. Park. She wet her lips as she took a deep breath. this felt like a whole another job interview like she did in the past.

" Urm... I-"

" I felt like I can.. I will"

"You don't know what you sign up for young woman-"

"Mr Park.. I know you're worried and I can't say anything about that.. but I love him enough to take this responsibility and come here to meet both of you" Hani calmly replied.

"If you ask me, what did I like about him.. I'm afraid that I don't have the right answer for that "

"Because I like everything about him"

" You know your son have so much unexpected charm"

"The way he treat his worker with respect and yeah, he's a workaholic.. but I do respect him for that because it's just shows how much responsible he is with his job"

"This might sound a little weird but I can't promise you.. but I, will do my best to deal and take care of him like both of you did"

" If you're worried, I will try to change his scheduled from time to time to let him rest.. I'm still his secretary you know" Hani smile trying to lighten up the mood.

She can felt like the old man is slowly changing on his expression. He looks more calm? And relieved. While Mrs Park just sit there continuing eating the food on her plate with a small smile coming from her lips.

Are they finally accepting her? She looks to the side at Jihoon who's shockingly already staring at her. His gaze was unexplainable.

"Good job" he whispered as he gave her a small smile.