Work Text:
"I have to stay by my brother's side, so you just have to stay by my side." Gang-tae says with renewed hope in his voice. After that day in the beach, he has kept on repeating to himself that he has just dreamt an impossible dream - that a life with Mun-yeong is impossible and his life should have been focused on his brother to atone for his mistakes and to honor his mother's wishes. Yet, every night, she overtook his dreams- it's as if his subconscious is fighting for a different reality.
"Sure, why not." She replies with a twinkle in her eye, and he wonders if this is just another dream.
They smile at each other for quite some time, seemingly under each other's spell. Suddenly, the memories of last night comes back to him- the feeling of her soft lips crashing into his, his arms around her body, him lying on top of her - and he has to look away or else he won't be able to control himself again.
"Let's have breakfast." He says as he stands up and goes to the kitchen. He hears her stand up as well and follow him. "Are you hungry?" he asks.
"Yes." she replies and he feels her breath so close to his neck. He turns around and she is right in front of him, her eyes glowing with a different kind of hunger.
"What do you want to eat?" he asks like a deer caught in the headlights.
"You." Mun-yeong has put her hands on the top of the counter and has him trapped now, she cranes her neck to match his height, and their faces are so close. She loves challenging him, seeing him on edge - and she really just wants to kiss him again.
Gang-tae had to count to three before returning back to his senses and getting out of her hold. He busies himself opening the cupboards, finding any food to prepare. Mun-yeong leans back to the counter. "Why are you so shy all of a sudden? Was last night just a fever dream?" She asks fondly, enjoying his blush and embarrassment.
When he has opened the fridge and still hasn't found any food, he looks up to her, "How come there's no food here? Have you not been eating?"
"You weren't here to cook for me. And I didn't have any appetite." She answers truthfully.
He closes the door to the fridge and approaches her slowly. Her wide-eyed expression and her boldness of speaking the truth make her seem so strong but he also sees the weariness in her eyes- how the past few days have made them both weak. He hugs her tightly, as if it could seep out all her ache, as if he could transfer to her how sorry he feels. "I'm sorry for everything I said on the beach. I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to fight for us then. I'll stay by your side from now on too." he says as he caresses the back of her head.
Mun-yeong smiles and puts her arms around him. She feels as if the heaviness has been lifted from her. A different kind of hunger has been sated in her and she suddenly feels truly hungry for food. "Okay, but can we eat now?"
They walk hand in hand to the car, their intertwined fingers fit perfectly in each other- they are a set.
***
In the restaurant, a man approaches Mun-yeong while he is ordering food. She is unaware of his advances, putting on the smile he recognizes as the one she makes when meeting with fans. He almost leaves the food tray in the counter rushing back to her.
"Are you with him?" the man asks Mun-yeong with a smug smirk. Gang-tae stands there eye to eye with the man, no intention of backing out.
"He's my boyfriend." Mun-yeong says nonchalantly, like it's the simplest truth in the world.
"Next time, make sure first that those approaching you are really fans of your books." Gang-tae says as he puts on the straw in her drink for her and gives it to her. She sips with a contented smile on her face.
***
After breakfast, he drives her back to the castle.
"My shift is starting soon." He explains.
"Why can't you just use your day off again like that time I got sick? We just made up," she says with a pout as they approach the driveway to the castle. "Let's just have fun today." she says now with a smirk, tugging on his sleeves.
"I have to report back today and check in about the situation with Park Ok-ran. I also promised my brother I'd see him in the hospital later." he says when he has parked already. His gentle eyes meet hers, asking for her understanding.
"Aish, fine." She gives in, he is really making her soft. She opens her car door, annoyed that she has to go out now. He laughs at her and goes out too. With her pouting face and her arms crossed, she looks like a kid throwing a tantrum. He steadies her with both of his hands on her sides. He waits for her to look up at him. "I'll see you later?" he asks.
"I'm busy too." she says with defiance which only makes him laugh.
"I'll go now. Lock your doors. Call me if anything comes up. Okay?" she only nods in understanding.
When he has turned around to go back to the car, she shouts back at him, "Ya!" He turns back at her. "Don't boyfriends kiss their girlfriends goodbye on their way to work?"
She walks towards him because he always has the tendency to stay stunned when she spurts things like that. She leans her head towards him, "Goodbye, honey. Have fun at work," her voice sounds so sweet. She closes her eyes anticipating the kiss, and it's a moment before she feels his lips on her forehead. She glances up at him, not content with what he gave, how dare he pretend to be chaste after he has devoured her lips last night. She puts her hand behind his neck and pulls him toward her. She kisses him deeply and passionately. She feels him respond to her kiss, feels his hands on her face to angle their faces better. They break apart, the need for air disrupting their need for each other. She smiles that bright smile of hers, her eyes crinkling - she is brighter than the sun. He almost doesn't let go.