Arrange Marriage

CHAP 5

The day of the family dinner had finally arrived. Wonwoo’s family, uncharacteristically sentimental, had insisted on hosting a small, private celebration for the newlyweds. Wonwoo had reluctantly agreed, knowing it would mean a lot to his parents and, secretly, even to him. He promised Mingyu he’d pick him up from campus, wanting to surprise him by actually being on time for once.

As he pulled up to the university, he glanced at his watch, noting that Mingyu should be waiting for him by now. But the courtyard was empty, and there was no sign of his husband. He sent a quick text and waited, but when there was no reply, a sense of irritation prickled at him. A few students passed by, eyeing him curiously, but none of them were Mingyu.

Growing impatient, Wonwoo got out of the car and made his way through the campus, scanning the faces of the students milling around. A distant murmur of excited voices drew his attention, leading him toward the football field. Curious, he strode in that direction, his eyes narrowing as he realized the crowd’s energy was focused on something—or someone—at the center of the field.

He stopped at the edge of the field, and his gaze locked onto Mingyu.

There, in the middle of the football ground, Mingyu stood with a faint, slightly uncomfortable smile on his face. He was dressed in his usual casual style, holding his books, his stance a bit awkward. Directly in front of him was a man, a fellow student judging by his casual attire, who was down on one knee, holding out a bouquet of roses. The gesture was painfully clear: he was proposing to Mingyu in front of half the campus.

Wonwoo’s expression darkened, a flash of possessiveness igniting in his chest. His hand curled into a fist, the grip tightening as he watched Mingyu’s surprise turn into polite amusement, a hesitant smile tugging at his lips. Mingyu wasn’t flirting or encouraging the guy—he looked more embarrassed than anything—but the sight of another man daring to make a grand gesture toward his husband was enough to make Wonwoo’s blood boil.

Without a second thought, Wonwoo strode across the field, his figure cutting a sharp silhouette against the bright green of the turf. As he approached, students began to notice him, whispers spreading through the crowd. Wonwoo’s reputation was well-known, even among those who weren’t part of his world, and his presence alone was enough to make people take a step back.

Mingyu noticed him at the last moment, his eyes widening in a mix of surprise and—if Wonwoo wasn’t mistaken—a hint of relief. But the guy kneeling in front of him didn’t seem to notice Wonwoo’s approach.

The student on one knee looked up at Mingyu, completely oblivious to the growing tension. “I know this is sudden,” he was saying, “but I had to tell you how I feel. You’re amazing, Mingyu, and I can’t stop thinking about you. Will you go out with me?”

Mingyu’s mouth opened, looking both flustered and ready to politely decline, when Wonwoo finally reached them. He stepped in, positioning himself firmly between Mingyu and the would-be suitor, effectively cutting the man off mid-sentence.

With a calm but deadly tone, Wonwoo said, “I think you’ve made a mistake.”

The student blinked, his expression faltering as he took in the sight of the tall, well-dressed man standing before him with a look that could freeze fire. “Excuse me? Who are you?”

Wonwoo’s gaze was cold, his eyes narrowing. “I’m Mingyu’s husband.”

The words hung in the air, and the entire crowd seemed to collectively hold its breath. The student’s face drained of color as he processed what Wonwoo had just said, his hand awkwardly dropping the bouquet to his side.