Arrange Marriage

CHAP 11

Wonwoo had always prided himself on his independence. Even with a bullet wound in his shoulder, he had insisted on managing his own tasks, pushing through the pain as he returned to his usual schedule. However, with his dominant arm out of commission, everything from shaving to buttoning his shirt had become a struggle.

It wasn’t long before Mingyu had caught on, observing with his usual sharp eye that Wonwoo was gritting his teeth over tasks that normally wouldn’t have fazed him. And Mingyu had decided, in that easygoing yet relentless way of his, that he’d help his husband out for the day, despite Wonwoo’s protests.

“Mingyu, I don’t need a babysitter,” Wonwoo had muttered that morning, trying to brush him off.

Mingyu merely rolled his eyes, plucking the toothbrush from Wonwoo’s hand. “I’m not babysitting. I’m just… lending a hand,” he’d said with a grin, holding the toothbrush out for Wonwoo. “Now open up.”

Wonwoo had grudgingly complied, feeling oddly embarrassed as Mingyu brushed his teeth for him with surprising gentleness. He wasn’t used to being taken care of like this, especially by Mingyu, who typically preferred to tease rather than pamper him. But there was something about the way Mingyu was handling him—carefully yet playfully—that had Wonwoo feeling slightly… flustered.

After brushing his teeth, Mingyu insisted on helping him shave. Wonwoo’s cheeks flushed as Mingyu lathered shaving cream onto his face, focusing intently as he angled the razor. “Stay still,” Mingyu murmured, as if he were the expert. Wonwoo couldn’t help but smirk at the intense look of concentration on Mingyu’s face, though his amusement wavered each time Mingyu’s fingers brushed against his skin.

“Enjoying yourself?” Wonwoo asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Mingyu grinned. “Very much. You have no idea how hard it is to get you to sit still.” He winked, making Wonwoo roll his eyes, though his heart fluttered at the fondness in Mingyu’s gaze.

As they finished up, Mingyu dried Wonwoo’s face, beaming with satisfaction. “See? Not so bad letting me help, huh?”

Wonwoo merely shrugged, though he couldn’t deny the warmth spreading in his chest. “It’s… tolerable,” he replied, fighting a smile.

The day continued like that, with Mingyu shadowing Wonwoo as his self-proclaimed “right hand.” Mingyu opened doors for him, pulled out chairs, even held his phone while Wonwoo answered a few important calls. Wonwoo tried not to feel self-conscious as Mingyu hovered nearby, casually adjusting his glasses whenever they slid down his nose, or holding out a drink for him with a soft smile. At first, Wonwoo tried to dismiss him, but Mingyu’s enthusiasm was too contagious to resist.

The real surprise came when they arrived at the Jeon headquarters for a few meetings. Wonwoo had hoped Mingyu would leave his “helping” act at home, but Mingyu was undeterred. To the astonishment of Wonwoo’s typically stoic guards and colleagues, Mingyu continued his doting act, even feeding Wonwoo lunch in the office when he struggled to cut through a particularly tough piece of meat.

At first, Wonwoo felt his cheeks heat up as Mingyu brought the fork to his lips. But seeing the amused sparkle in Mingyu’s eyes, he found himself leaning into the moment, letting Mingyu fuss over him.

“Eat up, boss,” Mingyu said in a mock-stern voice, nudging the fork closer. “Can’t let you go hungry, now can I?”

Wonwoo huffed, giving in with a playful eye-roll as he accepted another bite. Around them, his staff tried to mask their surprise, exchanging glances at this new, softer side of their usually intimidating leader. Some even chuckled, unable to hold back smiles as they watched Mingyu make it his mission to keep Wonwoo fed and comfortable.

As they moved from meeting to meeting, Wonwoo found himself almost enjoying Mingyu’s attentiveness. The simple acts—Mingyu adjusting his tie, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder, and even leaning in to fix his collar—all made Wonwoo feel a warmth he hadn’t felt in years. He was used to power and respect, but this gentle kind of care was new, disarming. It was a side of marriage he hadn’t expected to enjoy so much.

Later, as they headed to the car, Mingyu leaned in close, adjusting Wonwoo’s glasses again and smoothing his hair back with a small grin. “You’re so serious, even with a little fluff like this,” he teased, brushing a thumb over a stray hair near Wonwoo’s temple. “You’re still the most intimidating man in Asia, you know?”

Wonwoo chuckled, finally letting his smile show. “Not with you around,” he murmured, reaching up to place his good hand over Mingyu’s. He squeezed it gently, his gaze softening. “Thank you. For today. You didn’t have to do all this.”

Mingyu’s face softened, his playful expression giving way to something deeper. “I know,” he said quietly. “But I wanted to. You don’t let people take care of you, Wonwoo. And… I kind of like being the one who gets to do it.”

Wonwoo felt his heart swell, an unfamiliar yet comforting warmth filling his chest. He hadn’t realized how much he’d needed this—someone to be by his side, someone who didn’t fear him, who wasn’t intimidated by his world. Someone who simply wanted to care for him, wounds and all.

“Then… maybe I’ll let you do it again sometime,” he replied, his voice softer than usual.

Mingyu’s eyes lit up with a pleased smile. “Good. Because you’re stuck with me, Mr. Jeon.” He patted Wonwoo’s cheek, earning a playful glare that quickly dissolved into a smirk. “Now, come on, we’re heading home.”

With Mingyu at his side, Wonwoo felt more at peace than he’d felt in years. He leaned into the affection, amused, a little embarrassed, and completely in love with the man who had, somehow, turned his cold, dangerous world into something softer, something warmer. As they left together, Wonwoo felt a sense of calm and certainty settle over him—knowing that with Mingyu by his side, he was right where he belonged.