Y/N sighed for nth time looking out of the window as the city light blurred past. Her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. "Dear, you can reject him, if you don't like him", her mother said. Y/N rolled her eyes, "I reject him already. I don't want to get married now".
"Do you have boyfriend or do you like anyone right now?", Her father asked. "N-No but that doesn't mean I'm-", she fumbled with her words.
"Too late, sweetheart. We are already here", her father laughed seeing Y/N's annoyed face, "I promise this will be the first and last time. After this, we won't even ask you. There's nothing wrong in trying right? You might even fall for him".
With another sigh, Y/N stepped out of the car, following her parents into the elegant restaurant. They were led to the reserved table where a well dressed family awaited with warm smiles and beside them sat a young man, looking composed and polite. He smiled when he saw her staring at him.
"Sorry for being late", Y/N's father said hugging a man of his age. "Y/N, meet Mr. and Mrs. Jeon", her father smiled pointing at the couple, "And their son, Jeon Wonwoo".
Y/N gave a polite bow and smiled, "It's nice to meet you".
"The pleasure is all ours Y/N", Mrs. Jeon smiled warmly, "I've heard a lot of good things about you".
Wonwoo stood up and offered a polite handshake, "Hello Y/N. It's pleasure to finally meet you".
"Nice to meet you too, Wonwoo", she replied, her smile genuine but her thoughts swirling with suprise.
The two families exchanged words, discussing about various topics from work to family, each parent subtly praising their children's achievements. Y/N and Wonwoo mostly remained silent, occasionally conversing, maintaining an air of polite formality.
"So, Y/N", Wonwoo said after a while, his tone friendly and curious, "What are do you like doing in you free time?".
"I enjoy reading and sleeping", Y/N responded, "What about you?".
"Kind of similar to yours but add gaming in that. Reading, sleeping and gaming", he answered, "Do you have any favorite book or genre?".
Y/N thought for a while, "I like mystery novels. They keep me intrigued. What about you? Any favorite games?".
Wonwoo nodded, "I enjoy strategy games and anything the challenges me", he said with a grin.
Their conversation continued, with both of them maintaining a polite, almost formal tone. Despite this, their family noticed an undeniable warmth between them.
"So", Wonwoo said, "Did you like the food?". Y/ N nodded, "Yeah, I did".
"And what about me? Did you like me?", he casually asked. Y/N choked on her water at his question. her eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly covered her reaction with a small cough. Wonwoo's expression remained calm and polite, but there was a glint of mischief in his eyes that only she could see.
"Woah, that was unexpected. I have never seen anyone asking it directly", she said, "I think...you are nice but sorry, I already have a boyfriend. Don't tell this to anyone".
Wonwoo raised his eyebrows, his expression unreadable, "Oh? And what is he like?".
Y/N glanced at her parents, who were still in a deep conversation. She looked back at Wonwoo, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "He is tall, has a calm demeanour, we share almost same interests and we have been dating for 4 years. Right now he is on business trip. he is coming back tomorrow".
Wonwoo's lips twitched into a smile, "He sounds like a good guy".
"He is", Y/N softly said, holding his gaze, "I love him a lot". Wonwoo hummed turning away, "Let's continue eating then". Y/N nodded.
After few moments, Y/N's phone buzzed. She glanced at her screen and saw a message. She quickly unlocked her phone to read it.
"Need a break? Meet me in the garden"
Y/N smiled, glancing towards Wonwoo who was casually sipping his water, seemingly uninterested in her reaction. "I'm sorry. I'll be back in a minute", Y/N said, standing up. her parents nodded absentmindedly, too engrossed in their conversation. "Was the message from your handsome boyfriend?", Wonwoo asked. Y/N nodded, "You know very well who sent me the message, Jeon Wonwoo".
Stepping outside, she followed the path that led to the restaurant's garden. It was beautifully lit, with the soft lights woven through the trees and bushes. It was quiet.
As Y/N wandered, searching for one particular person, suddenly she felt a pair of familiar hands gently wrap around her waist from behind.
She gasped but before she could turn around, his deep voice whispered in her ear, "Did you miss me?'.
Y/N smiled, "Weren't we having dinner just few minutes back, Wonwoo? You know I did".
"So, about that boyfriend you mentioned earlier", he teased, spinning her around to face him.
Y/N laughed softly, her hands resting on his chest,"He's the best, really. I'm lucky to have him".
"What does he think about this, huh?", he asked, his eyes searching hers.
"I think he is enjoying a lot", Y/N replied, her voice playful, "But I think he should be more careful before asking questions".
"Noted", Wonwoo chuckled, leaning closer, "So, Did you really like me?".
Her face softened, and she nodded, her voice sincere, "I've been in love with you for long, there's no chance of me saying no".
Wonwoo smiled pressing a soft kiss on her forehead, "How did the suprise go?". Y/N playfully slapped his arm, "First of all why didn't you tell me that you have returned?".
He chuckled, "I was planning to surprise you but just as I reached home, mom told me she has selected a girl for marriage and turns out to be you. So I just thought of playing along".
Y/N smiled, "Atleast we don't need to hide our relationship. See I told you we are made for each other. You are the first guy my parents chose".
"You are planning to tell them?", Wonwoo asked. Y/N shook her head, "Not now. Let them just think this is an arranged marriage. But for now, let's keep this as a secret between us".
Wonwoo chuckled, hugging her tighter, "Sounds like a plan".
They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's warmth. The world outside the garden fading away.
After few moments of stolen time together, they reluctantly pulled away and returned back to dining area.
As dinner came to an end, Wonwoo and Y/M glanced at eachother once, their hearts filled with joy.
For families, it was a beginning of the new relationship; for Y/N and Wonwoo, it was a continuation of love they had already found.
