stars × cnblue kangminhyuk

6 : The Good Wife Act

I blinked a few times and stared at Minhyuk for several seconds. How could he say that so calmly? How could he just accept the board's decision like it was nothing? And hello, why the hell am I involved in this mess with him?

"Are you kidding me? Because I don't think I'd be able to laugh." I stood from my seat, my voice sharper than I intended.

He turned to me, his face completely expressionless—I couldn't read a single emotion.

"I'm not kidding, Hyojin-ah." He sighed and slicked his hair back. "It's not like I could do anything about this anyway. This is how it works—the entertainment industry. Hoseok is right, it's a cruel place. You might want to think again about this job."

Minhyuk stood and walked toward me, his gaze locked on mine. His two cats padded after him, brushing their fluffy fur against my feet. How could such sweet, innocent creatures belong to him of all people?

"You can quit, Hyojin. I think it's unfair for you too. Sorry." He heaved a deep sigh.

Really? Now he was being considerate? How many personalities did this man have? Slowly, he was showing me sides of himself I never expected—like the fact that he actually loved pets. Or that he could be neat and organized when I'd only ever seen him scatter his belongings across the dressing room like a storm had passed.

And excuse me—who told him I was going to quit? No way. Bring it on. As a mature, grown-up Han Hyojin, this should be nothing but a small challenge. People would eventually notice my skills and talent in makeup and styling. I might even land something better after this.

"Who says I'm quitting?"

He gaped at me in disbelief. Poor thing. He must have thought I was a weak crybaby. Hell no. Han Hyojin is no ordinary girl.

"Really?" he mumbled under his breath. He was still staring at me, his hair falling messily into his round glasses, making him look like a clueless schoolboy.

I lifted my hand toward his face and he immediately winced. "But I have five conditions," I said firmly. Of course, he thought I was going to hit him. I wish I had the heart to, but the bruise already sitting at the corner of his lip looked pitiful enough.

"I don't like your tone." He cleared his throat nervously. But he nodded anyway. "Tell me."

Good boy.

"First, my parents must not know that we're pretending to date." I lifted my chin, proud of the confidence in my voice. His eyes widened in alarm.

"That should be easy," he said with a quick nod.

I held up two fingers. "Second, you must greet my parents and apologize for the rumor."

His face instantly paled, as if blood had drained from his cheeks. He looked ridiculous, and I couldn't help the evil little laugh bubbling inside me. But to my surprise, he still muttered, "Okay."

Damn it. Why did he agree so easily?

"Third, I'll sleep in the living room and you are not allowed to leave your room at night—"

"Hell no! You're sleeping in the room," he cut me off immediately.

Exactly what I'd expected, but I couldn't give in that easily. I had to put up a fight.

"No! I said I'll sleep out here!" I shouted, though I was laughing inside. Of course, he would force me into the room anyway.

He smirked and cupped my face, leaning dangerously close. "Choose: either we both sleep out here, or you sleep in my room."

I froze. That, I did not see coming.

"I'll take the room!" I blurted.

He let go of me and chuckled. "Go on."