《 PROLOGUE 》
“Wow, he’s insane!”
That was the thought that crossed her mind the moment she first saw Jang Taejin.
A hairstyle that neatly revealed his forehead. Because of that, his straight forehead—with just the right width—stood out even more. Sharp, sizable eyes with a refreshingly open gaze beneath thick eyebrows. And a nose bridge like a towering mountain, plus lips with just the right thickness. It was like looking at a work of art created by God.
That such a man was gay. What a waste.
His sturdy physique made the luxury suit look even better. And why was he so tall? Even though she was wearing twelve-centimeter heels, she still had to raise her head to see his face.
“Stop admiring my face and sit down.”
Admiring his face?
At those words, Woo Yeong quickly pulled her mind, which had momentarily been captivated by Jang Taejin’s shell, back to reality and opened her mouth.
“I was just looking. Not admiring.”
“Whatever.”
He sat, and she also lowered herself into the seat across from him, placing the bag she had brought on the chair beside her. Woo Yeong’s gaze turned to the staff member standing nearby.
“One iced Americano, please.”
“I’ll have a hot Americano.”
Having taken their orders, the staff member left.
Woo Yeong turned her head toward the window and waited for the thirty minutes to pass quickly.
[I should at least maintain basic courtesy toward the other person.]
Because of her father’s threat, she figured she should have the composure to drink at least one cup of tea.
*No, if he’s gay, he should just live alone. Why is he trying to get married? Does he have to drag some innocent woman into this?*
She knew there were people who married for show because of their social standing, but why did the sacrificial lamb have to be her?
*Ah, these clothes are uncomfortable.*
The blind date was already uncomfortable enough to kill her—had she pointlessly chosen eye-catching clothes?
Whether she wore a short skirt or a sleeveless see-through blouse with a deep neckline, it wasn’t like she would be an object of interest to a man.
Still, she had to give the impression that she lacked modesty, so it had been an inevitable choice.
“I know you came against your will, but you’re showing it too much.”
As she watched the cars passing by with her downward gaze, his words struck her. Her head turned to face him.
“Is it that obvious?”
“You would know better than anyone.”
Just then, the coffee arrived. Woo Yeong glanced at the staff member who set down the cups and moved away, then picked up hers.
As the cool coffee passed through the straw and down her throat, the heated reluctance she had felt about coming here seemed to cool a little.
Setting down her cup, Woo Yeong opened her mouth.
“That’s right. I came here against my will. Isn’t it the same for you, Mr. Jang Taejin?”
“No.”
“What?”
“I’m not.”
It was she who was flustered by the unexpected answer. Toward her, he continued.
“I came with the intention to marry.”
“Ridiculous.”
“What did you just say?”
“I said it’s ridiculous.”
“Heh.”
Watching him with one corner of his mouth twisting, Woo Yeong’s eyes narrowed.
*He smiles so unpleasantly.*
She understood he had lived a life of inherent superiority, but he subtly felt as if he were looking down on her. She already didn’t like him, and now she disliked him even more.
“You are indeed lacking in manners, but fine. It’s better than putting on airs.”
What is he talking about, this man?
A question flew toward her as she pouted.
“Do you cook?”
“Yes. I’m not good at it, but I do a little.”
“Do you like exercise?”
“I do.”
“What kind? Golf?”
“No, I don’t really like golf.”
“Then?”
“I do strength training at the gym, or Pilates about twice a week…”
What the hell. Why was she answering his questions so obediently? So annoying. The thought that she had gotten caught up in his pace made her feel terrible.
“Why are you curious about such things?”
“Because I need to have some information about the person I’m marrying.”
“Who said I’m getting married? Is counting your chickens before they hatch your specialty?”
“Heh.”
*Interesting woman.* Honestly, he had no expectations whatsoever regarding his partner, but her hostile attitude strangely triggered his competitive spirit.
Unlike other women who fell for his looks and said he was unconditionally fine, she was different, and he liked that.
*Yes. I’ve decided on you.*
He had made a promise with his mother.
To go on ten blind dates. And today was the tenth blind date. Whether he liked the other person or not, his mother had threatened that if this blind date fell through too, she would make him go on another round equal to that number.
He had no choice. She had even threatened to sever their mother-son bond if he didn’t get married—what could he do?
“Let me say it again, I have absolutely no intention of getting married!”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
“If I did, I wouldn’t have even considered coming here.”
“Doesn’t coming here mean you have thoughts of marriage?”
“No. I was forced to come.”
“Whether by force or not, the very fact that you came means this was already conducted under the premise of marriage.”
“How does that make sense? So you’re saying everyone who goes on a blind date has to get married?”
“Not necessarily, but it means you can get married if you like the other person.”
“Then we’re done. I don’t like you.”
“Give me a reason.”
“The most important thing is…”
Could she say she hated him because he was gay? That would be too inconsiderate.
“Say it.”
“Th-that… I don’t think I can do that.”
Her loose mouth blurted out words of its own accord.
Damn it, why did those words come out? She should have just given a different reason—why did those words have to pop out? She was dying of embarrassment.
Watching her, unable to meet his eyes even after blurting that out, Taejin’s thick eyebrows twitched.
“Are you talking about sex?”
She hadn’t expected that word to come from his refined mouth. And at a blind date, no less. It was she who was flustered by his words.
“Ah, why are you asking when you already know? Hoo.”
Thinking it was a good thing she had ordered iced coffee, Woo Yeong sucked down the rest with all her might. Then, unexpected words fell toward her.
“If you want confirmation, I can do that.”
“Cough.”
Woo Yeong, who had been tilting the straw to finish the cup cleanly, was so startled that she dropped the cup in her hand. The cup fell onto the glass table and tipped over, ice spilling out. Ice also fell onto her thigh.
As her eyes hurriedly searched for a napkin, a handkerchief was dropped in front of her.
“Wipe.”
Without a moment to think, Woo Yeong took the handkerchief and wiped her skirt. Then she gathered the spilled ice and put it back into the cup.
Thank goodness there was almost nothing left in it.
Wiping the table with the handkerchief, she spoke.
“I’ll wash the handkerchief and…”
Would they ever meet again?
“No, if you give me your address, I’ll send it by courier.”
“I’ll get it back on our wedding day.”
“Ha!”
It was so absurd that words failed her.
What on earth was this man?
While she was only blinking her wide eyes, he leaned back against the chair and opened his mouth.
“If what Song Woo Yeong is worried about is the marital bed, I’d like to say there’s no problem.”
“Hey! Damn it, seriously!”
Her head felt like it was burning. She had never imagined he would be a man she couldn’t communicate with like this.
“Why are you getting excited? You’re the one who provoked me.”
“Who provoked whom? I was just saying exactly what I felt.”
“Then we can just check, can’t we? Fortunately, the place is a hotel, so it works out perfectly.”
“Wh-what did you say?”
Ah, my blood pressure.
That a gay man would act like a normal man for the sake of marriage.
Wasn’t he a more meticulous person than she thought?
The fact that he was coming at her like this meant he was counting on her definitely backing down a step—if so, she couldn’t back down either.
Clenching both fists tightly, Woo Yeong raised her head high.
“Fine. Let’s go.”
Yes, since it had come to this, she would just push through. Let’s see if he remained this confident once they got to the room.
Watching her stand up with her handbag, his lips curved up in a smirk.
To think it was like a pitiful rabbit leaping toward a wolf.
What was she relying on to oppose him so actively? Whatever it was, it was certainly not a bad situation for him.
If they slept together, her rejection of marriage would likely improve a little, too.
*Since I’ve decided on you, it wouldn’t be bad to sleep together in advance.*