Paid Relationship (Winrina)

I (Prolougue)

Jimin's pov

I got ready to meet my grandfather at his office, feeling a mix of curiosity and nervousness. His request to see me had been unexpected, and I couldn't help but wonder why he wanted to meet with me alone. To ensure I arrived on time, I asked a driver to take me to his office.

When I arrived, his secretary greeted me warmly and escorted me through the sleek, polished halls of the building. "Excuse me," I asked, my voice tinged with anxiety, "may I ask why he wanted to meet me personally?" The secretary paused, glancing around before leaning in slightly. "He mentioned it was about your dating life," she said in a low voice. "Apparently, he wants you to start dating someone. But you didn't hear this from me."

My heart started to race, and a wave of panic threatened to overwhelm me. I took a few deep breaths, trying to gather my thoughts and calm my nerves. This was a conversation I hadn't anticipated having, especially not today. Finally, we reached my grandfather's office. The secretary gave me a reassuring smile, bowed politely, and left me standing at the door. I took another deep breath, knocked, and stepped inside.

"Hi Grandpa!" I greeted him with as much enthusiasm as I can, hoping to hide my unease behind a smile. "Hello, dear," he replied, his voice warm but serious. "I need to discuss something important with you." His tone made my heart sink a little. "Okay, what's it about?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"This might come across as offensive..." he began, hesitating slightly. His eyes were filled with concern, and I braced myself for what was coming next. "I want you to start dating someone." His words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I gasped in shock, completely unprepared for his request. An awkward silence hung in the air as I struggled to process what he had just said. "Can you—what about—" I stammered, my mind racing. "Do you have a preference?" I finally managed to ask.

"You're free to choose any gender," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "I'd prefer if it were a classmate, someone you feel safe with. But honestly, there's no rush. I think I should give you about five months, and hopefully, I'll see a happy couple in my office by then." His voice rose slightly in a hopeful pitch, making his request sound almost like a plea. "I really want a grandchild soon," he added softly, his eyes reflecting a mix of hope and vulnerability.

My mind was spinning. The weight of his expectations pressed heavily on my shoulders, and I couldn't help but feel torn between my desire to make him happy and my own reluctance to date anyone at the moment. "Grandpa, this is a lot to take in," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I understand, dear," he replied, his tone compassionate. "I don't want to pressure you, but this is something very important to me. I hope you can find it in your heart to consider my request."

I nodded slowly, feeling a knot form in my stomach. "I'll think about it, Grandpa," I said, forcing a smile. He smiled back, his eyes softening. "Thank you, dear. That's all I ask." We talked for a little while longer, but my mind kept drifting back to his request. As I left his office, I couldn't shake the feeling of the immense responsibility he had just placed on my shoulders. The ride back home was a blur, my thoughts consumed by the conversation we had just had.

Back in my room, I replayed the entire meeting in my mind. My grandfather's request was born out of love and a deep desire to see his family continue, but it also brought a whirlwind of emotions and questions I wasn't sure how to answer. The next few months were going to be challenging, and I knew I needed to find a way to navigate this new chapter in my life, balancing my grandfather's wishes with my own feelings and desires.

~~~~~

The next day, I sat in class, my grandfather's words echoing relentlessly in my mind. How was I supposed to meet someone with whom I could continue our family line? The difficulty of the task he had placed on my shoulders weighed heavily on me. It felt like an impossible challenge, and I couldn't think where to begin.

My appetite vanished, replaced by a wave of anxiety and stress. I stared blankly at my notes, unable to focus on the lesson being taught. My thoughts swirled in a storm of doubt and uncertainty, each question more troubling than the last. How could I find someone suitable in such a short amount of time? What if I failed to meet his expectations? The pressure was overwhelming.

As the minutes ticked by, I found it harder to concentrate. My classmates chatted and laughed around me, oblivious to the turmoil brewing within me. I envied their carefree attitudes and wished I could be as unsensitive as they seemed. But my mind was a mess of worries, and I couldn't escape the sense of fear that had settled over me.

I replayed the conversation with my grandfather over and over, analyzing every word and searching for some hidden meaning or easier solution. I thought about the kind of person he would want me to be with, someone he would approve of and who would make him proud. But this only added to my confusion. What if I didn't find anyone at all? What if I found someone, but they didn't meet his expectations? My self-doubt grew stronger with each passing thought.

Even during lunch, I couldn't bring myself to eat. The cafeteria buzzed with activity, but I felt detached from it all, lost in my own world of worries. I picked at my food absentmindedly, my mind still racing. I thought about my classmates, wondering if any of them could be the one my grandfather requested for me me. None of them seemed to fit the mold I imagined, and the thought of forcing a relationship made me feel even more uneasy.

The rest of the school day dragged on, each class feeling longer than the last. The ticking of the clock seemed louder, more pronounced, mocking my inability to focus on anything but my grandfather's request. My teachers' voices faded, their words blending into a blur. Every so often, a friend would try to engage me in conversation, but I could barely give a response, my thoughts consumed by the impossible task ahead.

By the time the bell rang, I felt so drained. I gathered my things, barely aware of my movements, and made my way to the school's exit. The afternoon sun was bright, and the warmth of the day blended with the cold dread that had settled in my chest. I walked home slowly, hoping the fresh air might clear my head, but the weight of my grandfather's expectations remained a constant worry within me.

Once home, I went to my room, seeking comfort in its familiar surroundings. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing. I thought about my options, trying to come up with a plan. Could I talk to someone about this? Would any of my friends understand the pressure I was under? I doubted it. They all seemed so carefree, so unburdened by the kinds of concerns that now plagued me.

As the evening wore on, I realized that I couldn't keep this to myself. I needed to talk to someone, to share the weight of my grandfather's request and seek advice. Maybe my parents could help, or perhaps a close friend. I decided to start with my best friend, hoping they would offer advice and some much-needed perspective.

I picked up my phone and dialed their number, my hands trembling slightly. The phone rang a few times before they answered, their familiar voice bringing a small measure of comfort. "Hey, are you okay? You sound off," they said, concern evident in their tone.

"I need to talk," I replied, my voice shaky. "It's about my grandfather. He... he wants me to start dating someone, like, soon. He wants me to continue our family line, and it's all I can think about. I don't know what to do."

There was a moment of silence on the other end before they responded. "Wow, I feel bad for you girl. Let's meet up and talk about it properly. You don't have to go through this alone."

We agreed to meet at our favorite café the next day. As I hung up, I felt a small glimmer of hope. Sharing my burden with someone who cared might be the first step towards finding a solution. The path ahead was still daunting, but at least I wouldn't have to walk it alone.

☆彡 xtsyaira