Love Under Pretenses | Winrina

25.

"So… I guess something’s changing between you and Minjeong, huh?" Giselle asked me, her eyes gleaming with curiosity as we sat across from each other, eating at one of those trendy, expensive restaurants that we loved.

I looked at her for a few seconds, trying to avoid her knowing gaze, then quietly returned my attention to my food, taking another bite.

"You can’t just look at me like that, Jimin. I know what’s going on between you two isn’t just for show," she said, voice firm, not willing to back down without answers.

I sighed, my irritation bubbling up. "So, you already know, so why would I still need to say it?" I shot back, rolling my eyes in exasperation.

"Of course I want the details! I need the full story—how did you two even end up like this?" she pressed, her eyes wide with anticipation as she leaned in closer.

I paused mid-chew, a little taken aback by how straightforward she was being.

"We’re not together yet," I replied shortly, watching as confusion spread across her face.

"What? Really?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as if she didn’t quite believe me.

"Yes."

"You’re not joking?"

"I’m not."

"Then what the hell was that in the office the other day when I saw you two? Was that just for fun?!" Giselle asked, disbelief all over her face as she recalled the scene she’d walked in on.

"There’s something between me and Minjeong, but we’re not official yet. No one’s made the move to ask if we should make it real or not. There, happy now?  I said, my tone edged with frustration.

It’s been a few days since something happened between me and Minjeong—probably fueled by the kick of alcohol—but neither of us regrets what we did. If anything, it’s only brought us closer, deepening the bond we already had.

But whenever I try to figure out what we actually are, I end up stressing myself out.

Do I like her? Obviously, yes. Does she like me? Probably. But the real question is, does she want me to be part of her life beyond being her assistant and fake girlfriend? Does she want me for real, as something more?

I’ve told myself before that I didn’t want to commit to a relationship, mostly because it’s hard for me to trust anyone. No matter how much I care about someone, the fear that they’ll eventually leave always lingers, especially with how messed up my family is and how I tend to push people away with my attitude. My trust issues are that bad.

But my perspective started to shift when I realized I was really, truly falling for Minjeong.

No matter how many times I tried to deny it, there’s no escaping the fact that my mind and heart are both screaming her name.

There’s no one else. Just her.

“If she hasn’t asked yet, why don’t you just ask her?” Giselle asked, as if it was the simplest thing in the world.

“It’s not that easy, Gi. I don’t even know if Minjeong would be open to that idea. What if she’s just caught up in the moment? What if she can’t handle me if things get serious? What if, after some time, she leaves me because of my family issues? I wouldn’t be able to take it, Gi. I need assurance—something solid to convince me she won’t hurt or leave me. I want her to be the one to ask, because if she does, it means she’s certain. I want her to show me she’s serious about me, about us. But it’s frustrating because Minjeong… she keeps doing all these things that make me fall harder for her, yet she hasn’t even bothered to ask if we could put a real label on what we have! Like, couldn’t she just say, ‘I like you, and I want us to be official girlfriends' But no, nothing!” I ranted, the frustration evident in my voice as I let out everything that had been weighing on me.

Giselle’s eyes widened as she stared at me, clearly taken aback by the flood of words that had just come pouring out. It was obvious that she didn’t expect me to unload this much.

“Damn, you really want Minjeong that badly and for things to be official between you two, huh?” Giselle said with a smirk, her amusement barely concealed.

“I really do like her, Gi. No! screw that—I love her. She’s the only person I can see myself being with for the rest of my life. I don’t want anyone else, just her- my Minjeong” I confessed, my voice softening as the weight of my feelings settled in.

Giselle smiled at me, her expression turning warm and supportive. She reached across the table and gently took my hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.

“I’m so proud of you, Jimin. Seeing this side of you, where you’re not all negative or stressed about your family and work—it’s a huge relief. I’m really grateful to Minjeong for bringing out this side of my best friend,” Giselle said, her voice filled with genuine affection as she met my gaze.

There was something reassuring about her words, as if she’d been waiting to see me like this for a long time.

“No worries. Maybe Minjeong just isn’t ready yet. Give her some time, okay? Or maybe she is ready, but she’s just waiting for the right moment. You just need to be patient a little longer, alright?” Giselle added, her tone gentle yet encouraging.

I managed a small smile in return and nodded, feeling a bit more at ease after our conversation.