Arrange Marriage

CHAP 24

The day started with an argument, though "argument" might have been too strong a word. It was more of a one-sided rant from Mingyu, punctuated by stomping feet and dramatic sighs.

"But I need spicy food, Wonwoo!" Mingyu whined, sitting on the couch with his arms crossed over his chest.

Wonwoo, standing firm by the kitchen counter, shook his head. "No. Last time you had spicy food, you were up all night with heartburn, crying, and blaming me."

Mingyu gasped, clutching his chest as if deeply offended. "Blaming you because it was your fault! You didn't stop me from eating that chili ramen."

"And this time I'm stopping you," Wonwoo replied, his tone calm but resolute. "No spicy food, Mingyu."

"You're impossible," Mingyu muttered, shooting him a glare before stomping off to the bedroom.

By mid-afternoon, Mingyu had made his decision. If Wonwoo wouldn't let him have spicy food, he would take matters into his own hands. And what better place to find a sympathetic audience than at his in-laws' house?

He packed a small bag dramatically, making sure to huff and puff loudly enough for Wonwoo to hear from the next room. When Wonwoo didn't come to stop him, Mingyu pouted but held his ground. He called for the chauffeur, climbed into the car, and announced his destination.

When Mingyu arrived at the Jeon family home, he was greeted warmly, as always. Wonwoo's father raised an eyebrow at the sight of the small overnight bag but said nothing as Mingyu was ushered inside by Wonwoo's siblings and cousins.

"Mingyu!" Wonwoo's younger sister chirped, pulling him into a hug. "What brings you here? And why do you look so upset?"

Mingyu sniffled for effect, his lower lip jutting out. "Wonwoo's being mean to me."

A collective gasp echoed through the room.

"What did he do?" his mother-in-law asked, already frowning.

Mingyu sighed dramatically, clutching his belly for emphasis. "He's refusing to let me eat spicy food, even though it's all I'm craving! He's such a dictator."

The room erupted in a flurry of indignation.

"How dare he deny you something you're craving!"
"Doesn't he know pregnant people need to eat what they want?"
"Poor Mingyu!"

His in-laws cooed and fussed over him, pulling him to sit on the couch and bringing him snacks-though none spicy, much to Mingyu's chagrin.

Back at home, Wonwoo noticed Mingyu's absence. It didn't take him long to figure out where his husband had gone.

"He went to my parents' house," Wonwoo muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. He grabbed his coat and made his way out, muttering under his breath about his dramatic husband.

When Wonwoo arrived at his family home, he was met with glares from every corner.

"Wonwoo Jeon!" his mother barked. "How could you treat your husband like this?"

Wonwoo blinked, startled. "What did I do?"

"You denied him his cravings!" his younger sister accused, pointing a finger at him like he was on trial.

Wonwoo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's because the last time he ate spicy food, he had terrible heartburn. I was just looking out for him."

"That's no excuse!" his father chimed in. "Mingyu is glowing, carrying your child, and you're making him upset?"

As the family berated him, Wonwoo finally spotted Mingyu sitting on the couch, looking smug and victorious as he nibbled on a piece of fruit.

"Mingyu," Wonwoo called, his voice low but filled with exasperation.

Mingyu turned, blinking innocently. "Oh, hi, darling. Took you long enough to come after me."

Wonwoo crossed the room in a few long strides, kneeling beside him. "Are you done throwing a tantrum?" he asked, his tone softer than his words.

Mingyu stuck out his tongue. "I'll stop when you let me eat spicy food."

Wonwoo sighed, taking Mingyu's hands in his. "Fine. I'll let you have it-but only if you promise to drink milk with it to ease the heartburn."

Mingyu's face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. "Really?"

"Yes," Wonwoo relented, pressing a kiss to Mingyu's knuckles. "But if you wake me up at 3 a.m. crying about heartburn again, I'm making you drink milk straight from the carton."

Mingyu laughed, leaning forward to kiss Wonwoo's cheek. "Deal."

The Jeon family watched the exchange with amused smiles, their anger dissipating.

"Well," Wonwoo's mother said, "I suppose we can let you off the hook this time, Wonwoo. But only because Mingyu seems happy now."

As the family began chatting again, Mingyu leaned into Wonwoo's side, whispering, "You're so whipped."

Wonwoo smirked, wrapping an arm around him. "Only for you."