marry a rich man (jihancheol)

Chapter 1: The Cat Cafe Encounter

Joshua rubbed his eyes wearily, the dim lighting of the cat cafe casting a warm glow over the cozy space. It had been a long day attending to the playful antics of feline patrons and soothing the occasional frazzled customer. As he wiped down the counter, his mind wandered to the soothing melody of "Tomboy" playing softly in the background.

At twenty-five, Joshua was content with his life. He loved working with the cats, finding solace in their quiet companionship. But every now and then, when he caught a glimpse of the bustling city outside the cafe's windows, he wondered about the world beyond his familiar routine.

His thoughts were interrupted by the tinkling of the bell above the door. Two tall figures entered, their expensive suits and confident demeanor immediately marking them as successful businessmen. They surveyed the cafe with keen interest before their eyes settled on Joshua.

"Good evening," Joshua greeted warmly, accustomed to greeting new customers with his gentle smile.

One of the men stepped forward, a charming grin on his face. "Hello there. We heard this place is quite special."

Joshua nodded, gesturing to the cozy seating area. "It's a sanctuary for both cats and people. Please, have a seat wherever you like."

The men chose a table by the window, their eyes lingering on Joshua as he went about preparing their drinks. He couldn't help but notice how striking they were together - one with sharp features and an air of authority, the other with a softer expression that belied a hidden strength.

As Joshua delivered their beverages, their conversation turned to the cats. He listened with interest as they discussed their favorite breeds and shared anecdotes about their own pets.

"You seem to have a way with animals," the softer-spoken man commented, his voice low and warm like melted caramel.

Joshua chuckled softly. "I've always had a connection with them. They're like family to me."

The evening passed in easy conversation, the businessmen introducing themselves as Jeonghan and Seungcheol. They were partners in both life and business, running a successful conglomerate that seemed worlds away from Joshua's humble existence.

Weeks turned into months, and Joshua found himself looking forward to their regular visits. They would discuss everything from business trends to the latest cat antics, their conversations flowing effortlessly. He cherished these moments, feeling a warmth in his heart that he hadn't known before.

One rainy evening, when the cafe was almost empty, Jeonghan and Seungcheol lingered longer than usual. They shared a knowing glance before Seungcheol cleared his throat nervously.

"Joshua, there's something we'd like to discuss with you," he began, his usually confident demeanor faltering slightly.

Joshua tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "Of course, what is it?"

Jeonghan reached across the table, his hand finding Seungcheol's as they exchanged a silent reassurance. "We've come to care deeply for you, Joshua. We've never met anyone quite like you."

Joshua's heart skipped a beat, sensing where this conversation might lead. "I... I appreciate your kindness," he murmured, unsure of how to respond.

Seungcheol took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "Joshua, would you consider... joining us? As more than just a friend?"

The air seemed to crackle with tension as Joshua processed their words. They were asking him to be a part of their lives, to bridge the gap between their worlds. His mind raced with uncertainties and possibilities, but one thing was clear - he cared deeply for them too.

"Mama always said marry a rich man," he thought, remembering the lyrics of the song that had been playing during their first meeting. But it wasn't wealth that drew him to Jeonghan and Seungcheol. It was their kindness, their generosity of spirit, and the way they made him feel cherished.

With a soft smile, Joshua reached out and took their hands in his own. "I would love that," he admitted, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.

Jeonghan's eyes softened, his thumb brushing over Joshua's knuckles. "Thank you, Joshua. You've made us very happy."

As they sat together in the warmth of the cat cafe, the rain continued to drum softly against the windows. Joshua knew that life with Jeonghan and Seungcheol wouldn't always be easy, but he also knew it would be filled with love, laughter, and the comforting purrs of their feline companions.

And as the strains of "Tomboy" played softly in the background, Joshua couldn't help but feel that fate had brought them together - a gentle melody weaving their lives into a harmonious symphony of love.