𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥

𝗑𝗅

Joshua didn't mind that their friends knew about his relationship with Jiwon—until they chose to remain silent about it. Normally, he was someone you wouldn't want to cross, and he figured that the three of them would keep their mouths shut. Jiwon had confided in him that Soonyoung had picked up on their secret from the very start. 

As they walked towards their shared apartment, Jiwon buried her face in her hands, her emotions bubbling to the surface. Joshua wrapped her in a comforting embrace, concern etched on his face. "Why are you crying?" he asked softly. "I thought you'd be mad," she muttered, her voice muffled against his chest. He gently held her hands, looking deeply into her eyes. "I could never be mad at you, Jiwon."

The next morning, as sunlight streamed through the apartment windows, bathing the room in a soft golden glow, Joshua spoke again. "I've been thinking about something." Jiwon, who was sipping jasmine tea, raised an inquisitive brow. The light made her brown eyes glimmer, and today, without the weight of stress hanging over her, she looked radiant. "What is it?" she asked gently.

He set down the cup of tea she had brewed for him, his gaze momentarily drifting away. "You know, we've been so busy lately, and it looks like the coming months will be just as hectic," he began. Jiwon smiled encouragingly, urging him to continue. "I want to take you out on a date," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Surprised, Jiwon broke into a broad grin, laughter bubbling up from within her. "Wow, is the great Joshua Hong actually asking me out on a date?" she teased, her playful tone making him chuckle as he fought back a smile. "So, what's your answer?" he asked, hopeful.

Hours later Joshua got his answer as Jiwon excitedly revealed her plans for the evening. She had chosen a lovely restaurant and even picked out outfits for both of them. Joshua's ensemble consisted of a sharp black shirt paired with matching trousers, sleek black boots, and a Cartier watch that added just the right touch of sophistication. Jiwon wore a stunning black dress that fell just above her knees, complemented by matching boots. She had styled her hair elegantly up, with silver bracelets glinting on her wrists.

As she made her way to the drawing room, Joshua extended his hand towards her. "You look a lot like someone," he said, curiosity piqued. "Who?" he asked, interlacing their fingers. "My boyfriend," she replied cheekily, a twinkle in her eye. Joshua chuckled, appreciating her playful spirit. They made their way to the garage, slipping into his sleek white Maserati, excitement bubbling between them as they hit the open road.

The restaurant was a gem on the outskirts of Seoul, owned by one of Jiwon's friends. Its impressive architecture captivated Joshua as they arrived, and Jiwon informed him that they had the entire top floor to themselves. A waiter ushered them to a beautifully set table, the glass walls offering a stunning view of the twinkling city lights. The atmosphere was enchanting, and as they settled in, the two fell into a comfortable silence.

Reaching across the table, Joshua laced their fingers together. "Thank you for tonight," he murmured softly. Jiwon smiled back, her heart swelling. "You take such good care of me. I should be the one treating you more often," she replied casually, although her voice betrayed the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

As their dinner progressed, Jiwon animatedly shared a juicy piece of gossip she had heard about the Chairman at work. Just as she was building up to the climax of her story, the waiter returned, interrupting them. "Are you ready to pay?" he asked cheerfully. The waiter, a young man with a genial smile, radiated positivity, but his timing was less than ideal for Jiwon.

Joshua broke their eye contact, reaching for the bill. "Yes, please," he said, his tone polite. "I'll pay," Jiwon insisted, collecting herself and preparing to swipe her black card. But before she could, Joshua had already handed the payment to the waiter, who nodded respectfully before departing.

"Let's go," Joshua said, his expression pleased as he extended his hand to her. Jiwon had indulged in a few drinks that evening, and even though she felt a little tipsy, Joshua's high alcohol tolerance meant he remained steady, protectively guiding her as they made their way downstairs to the garage.

As they walked, Jiwon found herself laughing at one of Joshua's comments. Suddenly, her gaze landed on two women standing nearby, seemingly foreign, who were eyeing Joshua with interest. A surge of irritation washed over her as she noticed the way their eyes followed him, lingering on his back until they reached the car. With a defiant stare, Jiwon bore down on them, refusing to look away.

"Darling?" Joshua called gently, sensing her change in demeanour. When she didn't respond, he turned to see the silent competition between her and the two women. A laugh escaped him, pulling Jiwon out of her trance. She stepped closer, standing on her tiptoes to peck him on the lips. "Come on, let's go," he said, biting back a smile. Jiwon shot a smirk at the two women as Joshua hurried to the driver's seat. With a firm bang, she closed the door, the soft purr of the engine filling the car's interior as they drove off into the night.

"You're upset," Joshua observed after several long minutes of silence filled only by the soft hum of the engine. Jiwon mumbled something barely audible, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she gazed out of the window. The road was mostly deserted at this late hour, illuminated only by the occasional streetlamp casting a warm glow on the asphalt.

"Honey," Joshua said gently, trying to draw her attention. When Jiwon remained silent, lost in her thoughts, he pulled the car to the side of the road and switched off the engine with a soft click. The sudden stop startled Jiwon, who turned to him with a frown. "What?" she asked, her voice sharper than intended.

"Finally, you're talking," he replied with a playful smile, but his expression quickly shifted to concern. "You're upset, aren't you?" he probed, trying to keep the mood light. Jiwon rolled her eyes, attempting to brush off his concern.

"No, I am not," she retorted, though her grumpiness gave her away. Joshua, undeterred, turned to her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You're jealous," he teased, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

"Absolutely not!" Jiwon exclaimed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I just didn't like those girls staring at you—" She started to explain, but her words were abruptly cut off as Joshua leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was unexpected, yet it ignited a spark between them. Before she could think twice, Jiwon found herself wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing him back with a fervour that surprised them both.

Joshua's warm taste enveloped her senses, just as it always did, filling her with a sense of comfort and belonging. Their lips moved together in a rhythm that felt both familiar and exhilarating. When they finally pulled apart, both breathless and a little dazed, Joshua's voice came out low and husky. "You know I don't have eyes for anyone except you."

Jiwon wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, a playful smile creeping onto her face as she leaned down to unfasten her boots. The soft rustle of fabric filled the car as she climbed into the back seat, and Joshua followed her lead, settling himself on the seat beside her. In a fluid motion, Jiwon nestled herself on his lap, her legs wrapping around his waist as Joshua's hands found their way to her back, the other tangling in her hair. Jiwon could feel the hunger radiating from him. Without missing a second, she leaned in and so did he.