I Too Had An Unrequited Love Story

34- Padlocks and 20 Questions

Veronica and Arek sat in the car, waiting for traffic to clear so they could return to the hotel. The city lights reflected off the freshly fallen snow, casting a soft glow over everything. As they waited, Veronica's phone buzzed in her hand. It was a message from Min Ha, and she quickly opened it. A series of photos appeared on her screen, taken earlier at Namsan Tower. One by one, she clicked through them, her heart fluttering with each image.

In the first photo, Arek was standing behind her, whispering something into her ear as she glanced up at him, her face caught in a moment of surprised delight. The next image showed him draping his coat over her, his expression soft and protective while Veronica looked at him, clearly startled. Another showed them gazing out at the city, wrapped in his coat, with Arek's arms caging her gently between him and the railing. Then there was the moment when Arek pulled her closer, wrapping the excess material of his coat around her waist, securing her against him with his arms. The tenderness in his gesture left her breathless even in retrospect.

Veronica felt a strange flutter in her chest as she saw the next photo, where Arek brushed her dark hair behind her ear, his eyes focused solely on her face. The sixth photo was perhaps the most intimate—they were gazing at each other, their eyes locked, and there was a quiet intensity that took her by surprise. By the time she reached the last two pictures, her emotions were swirling. The seventh showed them smiling as they looked out at the city, snow softly falling around them. The final image captured the moment they put the love lock on the railing, their hands intertwined, their gazes locked, as if they shared a private secret.

Veronica bit her lip, her thoughts a mixture of confusion and warmth. Why did they look so natural together? Like a real couple. It was just an act. A charade for Arek's mother and Min Ha's amusement. Nothing more.

~~~~~One Hour Earlier

Veronica shivered slightly, though it wasn't from the cold. Arek stood behind her, his arms securely wrapped around her waist, the excess material of his coat draped over her like a protective shield. The snow fell softly, painting Seoul in a magical glow. The city lights below shimmered like stars scattered on the earth.

Their serene moment was interrupted by the familiar voice of Min Ha. "Mr. Alden," she called out cheerfully, walking toward them with a mischievous smile.

Veronica and Arek both turned to face her, though Arek kept one arm wrapped around Veronica's waist. It felt natural by now, as though their bodies were instinctively drawn to each other.

Min Ha handed something to Arek, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Here, write your names on this," she said, barely containing her amusement.

Arek's free hand moved to accept the object while Veronica looked down to see what it was: a love lock. Her stomach twisted in surprise.

"Min Ha, I told you, I don't believe in all this," Veronica protested, shaking her head in disbelief. The idea of a love lock felt so... foreign, even silly. Completely oblivious to Arek's gaze lingering on her, she turned toward Min Ha, hoping to reason with her.

Min Ha shrugged playfully. "It wasn't my idea! Andrea asked me to get it for you two. Come on, it's for your eternal love!" She laughed, clearly enjoying the situation. "People do all sorts of things for love. What's the harm in putting a simple lock?"

Arek, unfazed, stretched out his hand for a pen. "Give me the pen."

Veronica stepped back, creating some distance between them, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Arek, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice low but filled with frustration.

"Can't you see?" he replied, his lips curling into a smile. "I'm putting our names on the love lock."

Her frustration deepened. "Are you crazy? Why would you do that?" she muttered, glancing around as though someone might overhear this absurd exchange.