10 일만 내놔 : Give me 10 days (MICHAENG)

CHAPTER 32

[Mina's POV]

"Give me 100 days." He stood up from his seat and offered me a handkerchief that he took out from his pocket.

"Bambam—" he held his right hand up and inched closer to me, and knelt down.

"Ani. Just give me 10 days." He looked up and stared directly to my eyes. "Before you make any rash decisions..."

I've seen this before. Chaeyoung's face flashed right in front of my eyes. Her hands raised up and her wide grin showing off her dimples. "...shib ilman naenwa (give me 10 days)."

I stared at him with eyes full of confusion. "W-why are you doing this?" tears stopped falling.

"I'm doing this for you, Mina." He sighed. "Even though Chaeyoung stated in the interview that the girl she's been dating is a non-celebrity, people have been speculating that it's you based on the pictures. Soon, people would start connecting the dots and knowing Dispatch, they'll reveal this eventually... when it's most advantageous for them to do so."

"I..." I don't know what to say.

"Chaeyoung's efforts to hide your identity will be worthless if we can't stop these rumors."

"So you think it's better if people talk about us dating instead of Chaeyoung and I?"

"Look. I'll be honest with you... Yes. It will divide the public's attention from both of you. It will soften the blow instead of them being focused on both of you together. I mean, you know how people's perceptions are..."

He's trying not to delve deep in the topic but I understand what he's talking about. Of course.

"I'm not trying to be your real boyfriend anymore, Mina. I'm offering to be your cover boyfriend. We don't really need to date, we just need to be seen in certain places or occasions together. That's it." My brain tells me to trust his plan and that it's the better option for all of us, but my gut tells me otherwise. I don't know how to feel about it anymore.

I shook my head, "L-let me think about it first. I can't really decide yet."

"Arraseo. I understand. Just give me a call when you're ready." He stood up and I followed.

"Mianhe." I stared at him and he looked back with a pained expression.

He gave me a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "As much as I want to comfort you right now, I know my company isn't the one you're needing. I'll just leave it to your members to take care of you. Get some rest, Minari."

I nodded and watched him as he left.

I was left standing there. Feeling empty.

[Chaeyoung's POV]

I've been in France for almost two days now. I was in Spain three days before I arrived here and time is both relatively slow and fast. The weather is chilly but it's bearable. It's not that different from South Korea.

I lowered my scarf and tried taking a picture of a flock of pigeons surrounding the water fountain. It's almost sunset and the golden light hitting the concrete sets a nice backdrop for the shot. This is nice. Appreciating pretty things and avoiding reality. I'm torn between the guilt and the relief I'm both feeling. And as much as I try to ignore my emotions, I keep thinking about her.