THE BLIND DATE MIX-UP||L.HS X P.SH

T W E N T Y S I X

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX: UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL

Sunghoon had never imagined himself in this position—standing in Heeseung's office, listening to him argue on the phone about some business deal with a level of passion that was both intimidating and attractive. Heeseung’s sharp wit and calm demeanor in high-stress situations were qualities Sunghoon admired, even if he’d never admit it out loud.

As Heeseung hung up the phone, he glanced at Sunghoon, who was pretending to be engrossed in the company’s latest report but was actually lost in his thoughts about the man in front of him.

"Sorry about that," Heeseung said, setting his phone down. "These clients are impossible sometimes."

Sunghoon shrugged, trying to play it cool. "It’s fine. I’ve seen worse.”

Heeseung smirked. "I doubt it, but thanks for sticking around anyway."

Sunghoon felt a flicker of warmth at Heeseung’s appreciation, but before he could respond, Heeseung’s expression shifted into something more serious. He leaned back in his chair, eyeing Sunghoon thoughtfully.

“I’ve been thinking,” Heeseung began, his tone softening. “About us.”

Sunghoon’s stomach did a little flip. He set the report down, suddenly feeling exposed. “About what, exactly?”

Heeseung took a deep breath, as if weighing his words carefully. “I know we’ve been trying to figure things out between us, but I want us to move forward. I don’t want to keep playing it safe.”

Sunghoon frowned slightly, trying to keep up. “What do you mean by ‘move forward’? Are you talking about our… relationship?”

Heeseung nodded. “Yeah. I’m talking about making this official. No more pretending, no more hiding. I want you by my side—for real.”

Sunghoon stared at him, heart pounding. Heeseung’s words felt like a whirlwind, too sudden and too overwhelming. They had just begun acknowledging their feelings, and now Heeseung was talking about making it official? It was exciting, but it also scared Sunghoon. He wasn’t used to things going right in his life.

“Heeseung… that’s a lot,” Sunghoon finally said, his voice wavering. “I mean, we’re still figuring things out.”

Heeseung nodded, his expression earnest. “I know. But I also know what I want. And I want you, Sunghoon. We’ve been through all this craziness, and I’m done hesitating.”

Sunghoon felt his cheeks heat up, his usual composure faltering. “You’re really just going for it, huh?”

Heeseung chuckled softly. “It’s kind of my thing, isn’t it? Diving in headfirst.”

Sunghoon laughed despite himself, feeling a mix of exasperation and fondness. “Yeah, it really is.”

Heeseung leaned forward, his gaze locking onto Sunghoon’s. “I don’t expect you to have all the answers right now. But just… think about it, okay? Think about us.”

Sunghoon nodded, his mind a tangled mess of thoughts and emotions. “I will. I promise.”

📌🖇

Later that evening, Sunghoon found himself pacing in his apartment, replaying Heeseung’s words over and over in his head. He could feel the weight of the decision pressing on him. Everything had been moving so fast, and now Heeseung wanted to go all in.

“Am I really ready for this?” Sunghoon mumbled to himself, rubbing his temples. He’d always been cautious, preferring to keep his feelings locked away where they couldn’t get hurt. But with Heeseung, everything was different. He was different.

Sunghoon’s phone buzzed, pulling him out of his thoughts. It was a text from Heeseung:

Dinner tomorrow? Let’s talk more. No pressure, just us.

Sunghoon stared at the message, a smile tugging at his lips despite the anxiety bubbling inside him. Heeseung had a way of making even the most daunting situations feel manageable.

Sunghoon typed back a quick response: Sure. I’ll be there.

📌🖇

The next evening, Sunghoon arrived at the restaurant, his nerves simmering under the surface. Heeseung had reserved a private room, away from prying eyes and the gossip that still lingered around the office.

When Sunghoon walked in, Heeseung was already there, looking relaxed in a simple button-up shirt and slacks. He flashed Sunghoon a warm smile, gesturing to the seat across from him.

“You look good,” Heeseung said, his tone casual but his eyes full of something deeper.

Sunghoon rolled his eyes playfully. “You say that every time.”

“And I mean it every time,” Heeseung shot back, his grin widening.

As they ordered their food, Sunghoon found himself relaxing, the tension between them melting away with every shared glance and smile. It felt easy, like they were just two people enjoying each other’s company.

When their plates were cleared and the dessert was set on the table, Heeseung finally spoke up, breaking the comfortable silence. “I’ve been thinking about what I said yesterday.”

Sunghoon looked up, his fork hovering over the slice of cake. “Yeah?”

Heeseung nodded, his expression softening. “I don’t want to rush you, Sunghoon. I know this is all new, and I don’t want you to feel pressured. But I also don’t want to waste time pretending I don’t want you in my life.”

Sunghoon felt his heart flutter, the sincerity in Heeseung’s voice hitting him hard. “I’ve been thinking about it too,” Sunghoon admitted. “And you’re right. I’m scared, but… I think I’m ready to try.”

Heeseung’s smile was so bright it could’ve lit up the whole room. He reached across the table, taking Sunghoon’s hand in his. “Then let’s try. No games, no more avoiding each other. Just you and me.”

Sunghoon squeezed Heeseung’s hand, feeling a rush of warmth spread through him. For the first time, the fear didn’t outweigh the excitement. Heeseung wasn’t just his boss’s son or the guy from the awkward blind date anymore. He was someone Sunghoon genuinely wanted to be with.

And for the first time in a long time, Sunghoon felt like maybe, just maybe, he was exactly where he was meant to be.