in love, legally || CHOI YEONJUN

Chapter 11

ִֶָ𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ🐇་༘࿐

if you've stuck so far. ily.

Linking her arm with his, they walked out of the shop, casually glancing around the crowded mall. They exchanged lame jokes, both forcing smiles as if nothing was out of the ordinary, even though they had a feeling they were being tailed. They eventually stopped before an ice cream stall, where a bear mascot danced around, attracting a handful of kids. Standing in line, they switched topics, talking about the business trip to the new venue Kang Groups chose for his events.

"We've already sent out the proposals to the clients," Yeonjun said, stepping forward as the line moved. "Now we just have to wait for them to show up and book."

"That sounds good," Hyemi replied, tapping her heels on the tiled floor as they waited their turn. Just as she relaxed, she felt a sudden nudge from Yeonjun. Startled, she instinctively tightened her grip on his arm, her nails nearly digging into his skin as she tried to regain her balance. She glanced at him, confused, but quickly noticed the familiar face beside him. Han Yura, all smiles.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't realize you were here with someone," Yura said with a giggle, extending her hand. "I'm sure we've met before, but just in case—I'm Han Yura."

Hyemi unclasped her hold on Yeonjun and took Yura's hand, offering a polite smile in return. "Nice seeing you again. I'm Kang Hyemi."

Yura dropped Hyemi's hand just as quickly, her smile not budging an inch, though her eyes flickered with something less warm. She turned back to Yeonjun, grabbing his thumb and swinging their hands back and forth like it was the most natural thing in the world. "So, is she the woman you like, Jjuni? For whom you broke our engagement?"

Without missing a beat, Yeonjun gently pulled his hand away from Yura and laced his fingers with Hyemi's. Lifting their joined hands, he casually flashed the ring he'd just bought for her. "Yeah, this is my fiancée. And we can let go of the childhood stories," he said trying to ease the tension and the awkwardness Hyemi might be feeling.

But Yura stopped listening after hearing the word fiancée. The shift in Yura's expression was subtle but unmistakable—shock, maybe even a hint of hurt. Hyemi could feel the tension settle in the air and felt a pang of guilt. She knew about their history, about how they had been childhood best friends, and seeing Yura's reaction now, it was clear this wasn't easy for her. But as much as Hyemi wanted to sympathize, there was no denying what was real between her and Yeonjun. He clearly felt uncomfortable around Yura.

"You guys are almost like family, so I'd like to be on good terms with you," Hyemi tried to break the silence, "Why don't you join our date today?" as soon as the proposal left her mouth, she wished she could take it back. This was their first date, how could she invite a third-wheeler?

No, not just a third wheel— his childhood friend who probably knows Yeonjun better than her. How could she invite someone to have his attention alongside her?

Hyemi's thoughts spiraled. Why was she worrying about not having Yeonjun's undivided attention? The sudden insecurity gnawed at her, and she found herself questioning the very invitation she'd just extended. She just prayed Yura would decline it.

"Sure! This unnie could tell you a lot about him!" she squeaked, and Hyemi's heart dropped. "Were you guys getting ice creams?" she asked but proceeded to walk to the stall. Without waiting for their reply she looked at the ice cream options and spoke, "Two chocolate and..." she now turned to Hyemi who stood still with the voices in her head.

"What would my baby like to have?" Yeonjun nudged, tilting his head towards her, "cookies n cream? Or strawberry?"

Her cheeks burnt at the nickname, and she looked at Yura who was closely examining her expressions. She smiled linking arms with him again and said, "the first one," the show must go on.