Falling Crazy in Love - Heewon, Heeseung and Jungwon [Completed]

Unlikely Allies

The next few days unfolded in an unexpected rhythm. Jungwon found himself working alongside Heeseung in the garden, their conversations oscillating between tension and reluctant camaraderie. The morning sun became their silent witness as they dug, pruned, and planted together.

At first, Heeseung maintained his arrogant facade, frequently throwing barbs at Jungwon's methods. "You're really going to use that tool? You might as well just use your hands," he scoffed one morning as Jungwon reached for a trowel.

"Funny, I thought that was what tools were for," Jungwon shot back, smirking. "But if you want to do it your way, be my guest."

Heeseung paused, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts won't get you far if you don't know what you're doing."

As they worked, Jungwon gradually began to see glimpses of a different Heeseung beneath the bravado. The way his hands moved deftly through the soil, or how he meticulously checked each plant for signs of life revealed a passion buried under layers of arrogance.

"Why do you care so much about this garden?" Jungwon asked one afternoon, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You could just hire someone to do it."

Heeseung paused, his expression shifting slightly. "This garden was my grandmother's project before..." He hesitated, the memories clouding his gaze. "It brought her joy. I can't let it fall apart."

Jungwon felt a pang of empathy. "It must be hard for you, seeing it change."

"It's not just about change," Heeseung snapped, shaking off the moment. "It's about responsibility. If I'm going to inherit this place, I need to make sure it doesn't crumble under my watch."

Jungwon nodded, recognizing the pressure Heeseung carried. "I get that. Sometimes it feels like everything is on your shoulders. But you don't have to do it alone."

Heeseung shot him a sidelong glance, skepticism etched on his features. "And what do you know about that?"

"More than you might think," Jungwon replied, his voice steady. "I lost my father and everything we built. I know what it feels like to have to rebuild from scratch."

For a moment, silence hung between them, the weight of shared grief creating an unexpected bond. Then Heeseung broke the tension, scoffing lightly. "Well, at least you're not completely useless. You have some decent ideas about the garden."

Jungwon chuckled, the ease of the moment surprising him. "I'll take that as a compliment."

As days turned into weeks, the initial animosity began to dissipate, replaced by an uneasy alliance. They discovered a shared sense of humor, even amidst the banter. Heeseung would challenge Jungwon's ideas, and Jungwon would respond with clever retorts that made Heeseung laugh—genuine laughter that rang through the garden like music.

One afternoon, as they worked together to install a trellis for climbing roses, Heeseung paused, wiping his brow. "You know, I didn't think you'd last this long."

"Thought you'd scare me off?" Jungwon teased, grinning. "I guess I'm harder to get rid of than you thought."

Heeseung shook his head, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "You really are something else. It's annoying, but...refreshing."

Jungwon felt warmth spread through him at the unexpected praise. "Thanks, I think."

That evening, while they took a break, Heeseung suddenly turned serious. "Listen, Jungwon. I've been thinking."

"About what?" Jungwon asked, intrigued.

"I need someone who can handle a bit more responsibility—someone who can think on their feet. How would you feel about working as my personal assistant at the company?" Heeseung's gaze was intense, as if he were sizing Jungwon up for a challenge.

"Me? At your company?" Jungwon blinked, taken aback.

"Yeah. You've shown you can handle this garden without making a complete mess of it. I could use someone who isn't afraid to challenge me, even if it's just for the sake of entertainment," Heeseung said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Jungwon's brow furrowed. "But I don't have any experience in business."

"Neither did I when I started, but I didn't let that stop me. You might learn something. Or maybe you'll just become my punching bag for all my frustrations," Heeseung replied, a smirk playing on his lips.

Jungwon narrowed his eyes. "And what makes you think I'd want to be your punching bag?"

Heeseung shrugged, feigning indifference. "It's better than wallowing in this garden all day, isn't it? At least at the office, you'll have actual challenges. If you're up for it."

Jungwon felt a surge of determination. "Fine, I'll do it. But you have to promise not to treat me like some charity case or a personal servant."

Heeseung raised an eyebrow, the challenge sparking in his eyes. "I make no promises. But I'll give you a chance to prove you're not just dead weight."

"Great," Jungwon replied, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling in his stomach. "Just remember, I'm not afraid to stand my ground."

Heeseung's lips curved into a smirk. "Oh, I wouldn't have it any other way. This could be entertaining."

What started as a simple arrangement was now a path leading them into uncharted territory. Perhaps together they could not only navigate the challenges ahead but also forge a bond that might surprise them both—even if it was built on sharp words and stubborn pride.