Twice one-shots

beyond the contract (jitzu)

Tzuyu Chou was a force to be reckoned with in Seoul's corporate world—a woman known for her sharp intellect, steely resolve, and a heart shielded by years of familial expectations and her father's iron grip on her life.

Jihyo Park, her new assistant, brought a contrasting warmth and unabashed honesty to their professional relationship. From the moment they met, sparks flew—verbal sparring matches that ignited a simmering tension between them.

It was during a routine evening at the office that everything changed. Tzuyu's father, a domineering figure with a penchant for control, barged in unannounced. "Tzuyu, you know the terms," he declared, his voice cutting through the silence. "Marry by your 28th birthday, or I'll find someone who will."

Jihyo, who happened to be nearby, froze at the ultimatum hanging in the air. Without hesitation, Tzuyu turned to her and announced firmly, "Jihyo and I are together. We're getting married."

The room fell silent as her father's gaze hardened, skepticism evident in his narrowed eyes. "Is that so?" he retorted, clearly not expecting such a swift response.

Jihyo stepped closer to Tzuyu, her hand sliding into Tzuyu's possessively. "Yes, it's true," she affirmed with a confidence that surprised even herself.

Thus began a charade—a pretend engagement born out of necessity but tinged with an unexpected thrill. To sell their newfound relationship, they embarked on a Christmas journey, visiting each other's families in Guri, South Korea, and Tainan, Taiwan. Jihyo's family welcomed Tzuyu with open arms, their warmth thawing the CEO's stoic demeanor. In Tainan, Tzuyu's family, though reserved, showed a glimmer of approval, especially from her sister Minju, who had seen Tzuyu's guarded heart soften in Jihyo's presence.

Throughout the trip, Jihyo flirted shamelessly, and Tzuyu countered with teasing banter that masked the flutter in her chest. They argued passionately, their voices rising and falling like the tide, yet every disagreement seemed to draw them closer, culminating in stolen kisses that left them both breathless and yearning for more.

Returning from their trip, Tzuyu found herself changed, her once rigid demeanor softened by Jihyo's unwavering presence. Her staff noticed the shift, whispering among themselves as they watched their CEO laugh more freely and delegate with a newfound trust.

As they began planning their wedding, Sana and Jeongyeon, their closest friends, offered to draw up a contract—a legal formality to protect their professional interests. Unbeknownst to Tzuyu and Jihyo, Sana, and Jeongyeon omitted one crucial clause from the contract: the prohibition against falling in love.

The wedding day arrived amidst whispers and curious glances from Seoul's elite. Tzuyu stood tall beside Jihyo, her hand clasped in hers, and they exchanged vows that rang true with sincerity and a hint of unspoken promises. Their eyes met, and at that moment, beneath the twinkling lights and amidst the fragrant blooms, they knew that what had started as a business arrangement had blossomed into something profound.

In the weeks that followed, Tzuyu and Jihyo navigated the intricacies of their new life together. They faced challenges both within and outside the boardroom, but with each hurdle conquered, their bond strengthened. Yet, amidst their growing affection, a shadow lingered—the unspoken rule about not falling in love, a clause they had believed to be real.

One evening, as they sat together in the quiet of their home, Sana and Jeongyeon approached them with solemn expressions. "There's something you need to know," Sana began, her voice soft but firm.

Jeongyeon nodded in agreement. "The clause about not falling in love... it was never in the contract."

Tzuyu and Jihyo exchanged bewildered glances, realization dawning on them like the breaking dawn. Relief flooded their hearts, mingled with a newfound understanding of their own emotions.

"I guess we don't have to pretend anymore," Jihyo said huskily, her voice thick with desire and relief.

Tzuyu squeezed her hand gently, a small smile quirking her lips. "No, we don't."

And so, beneath the moonlit sky, with the weight of misconceptions lifted, Tzuyu and Jihyo embraced their love—a love that had defied expectations, overcome challenges, and emerged stronger for having weathered the storm together. In each other's arms, they found solace, joy, and a future filled with endless possibilities—a future where their love, once bound by a contract, now soared freely, unburdened and unbreakable.