Fake Love : K-Pop romance [ English ]

Chapter 3.2

The tables, spaced apart to ensure privacy, were draped with pristine white linens, adorned with silver cutlery and sparkling crystal glasses. Through the large windows, a stunning nighttime view of Seoul unfolded. Exotic plants, arranged around the restaurant, added a touch of nature while preserving the anonymity of the guests inside.

I picked up the menu and skimmed through it. My body slowly relaxed. I ordered a marinated beef dish with seasonal vegetables. Eliel requested a bottle of wine to go with our meals.

With my hands resting on my knees, I tried to appear calm, but part of me still couldn't quite grasp what was happening. Staring down at the table, I couldn't bring myself to look up at Eliel. He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat.

"You don't have to worry."

Slowly, I lifted my head and looked directly into his dark, mesmerizing eyes. There was nothing ordinary about him. Two long black strands of hair framed his pale face. I forced myself to breathe, and that's when a wave of his intoxicating scent filled my lungs. I struggled to maintain eye contact as he added,

"I understand this is... unusual. But I'll do everything I can to make it manageable."

His smile contrasted with the somberness of his face. He wasn't okay. Up close, anyone could see it. And why would he be? He was being kept from the woman he loved. My heart clenched with empathy. Eliel didn't want this charade any more than I did. Come on, Bora. It's your turn to reassure him! I summoned my inner strength, embraced my role, and pulled myself together.

"I'll do everything I can to make this as bearable as possible for you," I replied with a calm and sincere tone. "Do the minimum, and I'll handle the rest. You don't have to like me or worry about me. Focus on your life, your work. I'll take care of the rest. It's my job. In a few months, you'll be free to be with whoever you want. I hope."

My last words were barely a whisper. Eliel seemed moved. His shoulders relaxed, as if a weight had been lifted, easing the tension that had kept him on edge until now.

"Thank you," he said, his gaze never leaving mine. "I didn't expect to meet someone so genuine and straightforward tonight. I was uncomfortable all day."

My sudden cough sounded like a poorly disguised laugh. Rubbing my eyes, I emphasized my exhaustion before replying with a lighter tone,

"Same here. Today was... absolutely crazy. My biggest fear was meeting someone cold, arrogant, and unpleasant."

Eliel straightened his shoulders, turning his head toward the large window. A devastating smile played on his lips, and I felt myself melt slowly. He had an irresistible allure, an overwhelming presence. His aura extended around him like a shadow. I'd seen his face countless times on posters, on TV, but seeing him in person was incomparable. In profile, I noticed then two silver rings in his left ear.

"I hope I never become that kind of person," he said, as if speaking to himself.

Then he turned back to me. Just then, the waiter arrived with our food, allowing the blood to drain from my flushed cheeks unnoticed.