Chapter Text
"Hyung, they say Cancer is the best match for Taurus. You should go for water signs. The compatibility is way higher."
"....What?"
"Water signs? Huh? You don't know chart compatibilities? I was reading about it on Pann."
"No, I know. But what is the context? And hurry up, I have to run for the 10 AM patient."
"Don't tell me you forgot about marriage thing. You promised mom!"
"Uh...Oh. Nevermind. Let's speak in the evening. I'm busy."
"I am telling this to mom."
"You are too old to rat me out. Like really? Don't you have anything better to do, Seung? Like maybe studying for Physics? You have terrible grades."
"That I will cheat, don't worry. This is more important."
"My life is none of your business."
"Oh, it is. I'm representing mom here! She won't be happy to know this."
"If I give you 50000 won, will you shut up?"
"Do you think you can buy me? Seriously? I have my morals."
"100,000 won and new airpods. Good?"
"The best!"
"Perfect, I'll leave now."
"Get me kkulbbang and some banana kicks."
"Uh, okay."
"Hehe, bye!"
Changbin has made a lot of mistakes while growing up.
They say you learn while you grow, and it makes sense. He now knows how to ignore people perfectly, prioritize himself, focus on what he wants, and manage his time for the best outcomes.
Everything is under his control. As it should be.
Not this shit.
He regrets even making this promise. Honestly, he can't even remember when he made it. Might have been either shitfaced or overly emotional that particular day. Younger Seo Changbin was wilding.
But that doesn't stop the constant nagging he gets. First from his mom and now from his brother dearest.
Seungmin is 16 years younger and nosy as fuck.
No amount of teasing and threats can phase his little brother. He was born into steel for some reason.
You are not my brother. Your blood group is O, while all of us are either A or B.
It's okay hyung, Mom loves me more.
Seungmin speaks money. He knows how to throw Changbin into submission. Either by hook or crook. That kid always has tricks up his sleeves. Entrepreneur in making indeed.
But Seungmin being a loudmouth is the least of Changbin's worries.
He still has his mother. Who is Seungmin 2.0 but a thousand times more dramatic.
To make matters worse, his mother has already announced the ill-fated news to her kitty party clan.
Oh, our Changbinnie is going to get married on his 38th birthday. You all are invited. Bring gifts haha.
Changbin is running out of time. His road to escape is blocked by a 5 feet lady in a frilly dress and low bun.
Marriage.
Changbin is no prude. He has had multiple quick relationships and one-night stands. But none stable enough to reach the registrar office.
Having a stable partner wasn't his priority.
Now, he has no solid reasons to refute the marriage thing. He is in a good position at his work, has his own apartment and car, has a fit bank balance. No reason apart from naah, I don't feel like it. It's too much work.
Don't get him wrong, he likes people and he likes going on dates. But marriage is a big thing. He can't be just rushing through choices.
Which he will have to, now.
Oh well.
He is running out of potentials too. How on earth is he going to find someone good on such a short notice.
This is Changbin's fault. Completely.
Why delay the inevitable?
But even with a degree and years of practice in dentistry, his mind is still like a college student. Last moment stuff does give you an adrenaline rush. He hardly gets time between patients to do something exciting.
Minus the thrill of running away from his loud and obnoxious co-workers.
They say age doesn't bring maturity, looks like a serious profession doesn't either.
Anyway, he might need them later. Chan, in particular, is pretty resourceful. He might get him some numbers or blind dates.
His first thought was Jisung. But his short dating streak with the guy has taught him one thing - do not make a hole on the plate you are eating in. Don't - never mix business with pleasure or it will come to bite you in the ass. Jisung is cool enough to not care, they are kind of friendly even. But even them looking at each other sparks gossip in the clinic.
Where is he supposed to look when Jisung is speaking? At his feet? No, that will spark another controversy. He is already a loser in others' eyes, and can't be a pervert now.
Changbin is indeed a loser to stay at this clinic for over a decade. But he is attached and the damage is done.
That's a smaller price to pay than marrying someone he hardly knows.
But that's the fun. He could negotiate with the person and get divorced when they want.
He promised marriage, not a lifetime attachment award.
Ten minutes and he will shift to his no nonsense work-mode. It's a relief that the traffic isn't insane today. He would need hair if he is going to go on blind dates.
Three minutes and he is already parking. Parallel. Because someone has very kindly occupied his private parking space. And there's only one place left, near the park.
Hubarro Dentals.
Today is going to be fantastic .
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"Thank you, doctor."
"No problem, take care. Make sure you brush at least twice a day."
"I will, thank you."
Ms. Yoon moves out as Changbin is taking off his gloves. Cavity case. Nothing major. It's good that dental health is becoming one of the major priorities in his area. It means more work and more people living a healthier life. That's his contribution to society.
He drops the first set of tools in the sanitizer. It's gonna be there for the next 30 minutes or so.
A knock. It has to be Nurse Park to sanitize the sheets and the table.
"Come in."
"Oi, Dr. Seo is working!"
Hwang Hyunjin.
When Changbin mentioned loudass co-workers. He specifically meant this one. Fellow doctor cum caveman.
"No, I am dancing."
Cue a loud laugh. Changbin is a funny person, but this joke was dry as fuck. He has no idea why Hyunjin finds him funny 24/7. He is a dentist, not a straightface standup comedian.
"You are funny!!"
There you go.
"What is up, Dr. Hwang? I have another patient in five."
Hyunjin shuffles on his feet, moving directly into Changbin's personal space. Only to pass by him to the jar of candies.
"Kids coming by, need some bait. Mine needs refilling."
Right. Candies.
"Okay, go ahead. Anything else?"
"Naah, I'm good. See you at lunch!"
Good Lord.
Hyunjin sways his scrubs as he takes his leave. Only to stop by the door.
Please no.
"So, you are looking for dates?"
Of fucking course.
The thing is Hyunjin knows a lot. Not because Changbin tells him so. But because his own brother can't shut up.
Your misery is my happiness.
The missing link is Jeongin. Hyunjin's cousin and Seungmin's boyfriend. Together they move like some sort of an organized gossip team. And their common enemy? Seo Changbin.
Thankfully, Hyunjin is not a spreader. He will tease him, laugh at him, but won't spread personal information to others.
This comes as a blessing. Especially when they have Jisung in the team. He should not know Changbin still has his photos in his drawer. Old films, memories of a happier past.
Anyway, Changbin is a lost case through and through.
"Yeah, I do. Do you know anyone?"
"I do have a few numbers. But it's kinda on a short notice, isn't it?"
"Yeah.."
"I think I have a better idea."
Should he listen to Hyunjin's idea when he has a patient due in minutes?
Changbin is crazier than you think.
"Shoot."
"Try online marriage dates platforms."
"Huh?"
"I mean not that I tried it. But a friend of a friend mentioned something like this. You sign up, mention what you want and they set up with correct matches. It's simple and quick. Fits what you need right now. Your birthday is in three weeks, right?"
Right.
"What if it doesn't work?"
"Run to Las Vegas. Get married for a night and take an instant divorce."
Hyunjin is too nonchalant with Changbin's major problem.
But then -
"Wait, did you try that?"
"What?"
"The Las Vegas thing?"
"Maybe."
He winks and runs straight out of the door.
Changbin knows Hyunjin is bluffing. Unless, he is already married three times and has a full family sitting overseas. Hyunjin has always been kind of a fishy type.
Then Nurse Park walks in and Changbin is saved from his wild thoughts.
"Three more patients today, doctor."
"Thank you."
---------
March might be chilly but Changbin's insides are on fire.
He is embarrassed.
Half because of the questions sent his way, half because Jisung is standing right next to him.
There's a limit to the Universe punishing him.
This was supposed to be a private water cooler conversation between Chan and him. Where did Jisung come from?
"This sounds like a plan. Try the online thing first. If that doesn't work out, I will help you with people. Do you want temporary or permanent?"
He is not renting an apartment, Bang Chan-ssi. Please read the room.
"Anything will work..."
37 years and he has now mastered the art of pokerface. Chan is now thinking deeply. His co-workers really are useless.
"Alright. Ping me if you need anything."
Chan leaves with a quick wave. Changbin is ready to launch himself into the hall of shame when Jisung calls for him.
"Wait, Chan."
Perfect.
"Hmm?"
"I think I know a website like that. Search for Matrimony Hunt dot co dot kr."
How does everyone know about such sites? Is it only him living in the stone age.
"Actually, Hyungseo told me about it. His friends have used it before."
Sometimes Changbin really forgets that his ex is already married for years. There is literally no reason for him to tiptoe around Jisung. But love comes hard to him. And Jisung was only one of the few people he really loved.
It's unfortunate when you meet the one you used to love every day. When they are annoyed, sad or happy. When you want to console them but they have someone else to do the same. When they have someone else waiting for them at home.
It's unfortunate when you are forced to move on fast.
It's unfortunate when you know a piece of yours will always love them.
Changbin had refused to attend their wedding. The only good thing he did in his life. Prioritizing himself.
Hyungseo is good to him. They are happy. What else will he ever hope for Jisung?
"Ah, okay. Let me check it out then."
"Cool, I gotta go. I have a patient in a few."
"Okay, bye."
Matrimony Hunt. Maybe this site will help him close this deal before his birthday.
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Choose your life partner.
With your conditions.
It takes Changbin a day and multiple thousand wons to actually explore the dating site.
Living with his nosy little brother is annoying. Especially when he decides to bring all his friends in for a movie night.
He had to buy him with a long KFC order and soda. Just for a few hours of peace and quiet.
There is a contact form on the site. Simple, just name, email and phone number. Just for the sign up. Other stuff will be done later, according to the website. They will be particularly assigning a dating manager for customized profiles and further management of their partnership.
Easy thing. 100% doable.
He quickly fills in the form and shuts his macbook. Changbin needs sleep, his only off day should not go to waste.
19 days. It should be okay.
Las Vegas is still an option.
--------
Changbin should not be surprised to get a call back within a few hours.
It's business. Product companies would want to have their customers on a leash. Delay would cause them wons in loss. No company would want that.
He is just annoyed that he was rudely woken up from a good nap.
"Hello, this is Kim Geunhee from Matrimony Hunt. Am I speaking with Seo Changbin?"
There's a chirpy voice on the other side. Business speak.
"Yes, yes. This is Changbin."
"Great! You contacted us for a matrimony arrangement, correct? Do you have any preferences?"
"I mean…"
"No, I meant whether you want to be contacted via phone or email?"
"Anything is fine. It just needs to be quick. Can you send across your rates?"
"Sure, I'll send them and you can revert with your choice of plan. The contract signing will be done via electronic signatures. We will introduce you to your dating manager and they will take care of the rest. Do let me know if you have any questions."
"No, it's okay. Thank you."
"Great! It was nice speaking to you, Changbin-ssi!"
The line cuts before he can say a monotonous same here . The caller is maybe used to clients not responding that way and uses this method to escape. Good for her. At least this was a warm call.
Now we wait.
------
Maa : Binnie, how are you doing my son?
Me : Good, good. How are you mom?
Maa : Just waiting for the day I would meet your spouse
Maa : Binnie?
Maa : Oh, did I message you at the wrong time?
Maa : I miss you, my son. Call back once you get free
Changbin cherishes his mother. But sometimes she is just too much.
It's not necessary for her to bring up marriage this, spouse that all the time. But she still does and he is honestly tired of it.
He should not be ghosting her like this but Changbin has no other option. He is trying, he is really trying. But spouses don't grow on trees.
It requires work and the email sitting in Changbin's personal inbox says a million words.
He hopes this expensive deal will deliver some good results. He really has no patience left now. Neither does he have time.
URGENT: Matrimony Hunt [Subscription Details]
to me, Lee Minho
Hi Seo Changbin,
It was great speaking to you earlier.
As discussed, I am attaching the pricing breakup and other contract details. Please fill it in at the earliest. Once agreed, you can proceed to our website portal and do the payment there. I'm attaching the payment module and other details, just in case.
Also, let me introduce you to Lee Minho (CC'd in the email), he will be taking care of your profile.
Thanks once again for choosing us.
Best Regards,
Kim Geunhee
Sales Manager
Matrimony Hunt (matrimonyhunt.co.kr)
[Attachment 1] [Attachment 2]
There's not much to think about. If he is jumping into this deal, he might even go ahead with the best plan. Money has never been an issue.
Changbin just hopes this Minho guy can get him some good matches to go on a date with. Maybe, just maybe, he can even score a good one.
RE: URGENT: Matrimony Hunt [Subscription Details]
lee.minho @matrimonyhunt.co.kr
to me, Kim Geunhee
Hi Changbin,
Thanks for the introduction, Geunhee and it's nice to e-meet you, Changbin.
I shall be handling your profile from now on.
I'm attaching the detailed questionnaire, please fill it up with your best options. It will help us narrow down the best matches for you.
Looking forward to your reply.
Thanks,
Lee Minho
Dating Manager
Matrimony Hunt (matrimonyhunt.co.kr)
[Attachment]
MATRIMONY HUNT [FORM OF INTEREST]
We specialize in best matches, across the country.
General
Name: Seo Changbin
Age; Birthday: 37 years; April 25, 1983
Height:
Weight: 60 kgs
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
MBTI: ESTP
IQ: Did not take a test
What is the length of your hair?: ?
Favorite Color: Blue?
Hobbies: Cooking, Music, Books
Ideal Date: Somewhere nice and quiet
Ideal Type: Not really
Allergic to anything (food, pets): None
Expanded Details
Profession: Practicing Dentist
Do you own any property/asset: Yes
Do you own any vehicle: Yes
How much do you make?: Good enough
Do you smoke/drink?: Yes?
What is your political inclination?: Nothing specific?
Do you prefer beaches or mountains?: Beaches
Do you like Summers or Winters?: Winters
Do you believe in god?: No?
Do you have any medical conditions?: None
Partner-specific
Gender Preferences: I just want someone fun, gender doesn't matter
Did you ever cheat on your partner?: No?
Did your partner ever cheat on you?:
How long was your longest/shortest relationship?: 3 years
Do you hate children?: No?
Are you open to exploring kinks?:
Favorite sexual position:
Dominant or Submissive?:
Would you love your partner even if they turn into a worm?:
Note: Please attach two photographs with this form - one full length, one close-up
Changbin has come across a lot of weird things in life - but this form takes the cake of being the weirdest of them all.
Who in the world asks for such invasive questions? Shouldn't this be his date's job?
This form looks fit for some teenager or young adult, not for someone pushing 40.
He neither has time nor patience to fill out all the details. His dating manager would have to make do with whatever he has provided, he hardly cares now.
It's good that he has some best looking shots from the clinic's website photoshoot. They might be one year old but Changbin has hardly changed since then. Receding hairline was an issue then, even now.
Going on dates, night outs, point blank drinking - Changbin has had his days of fun. A time when everything was amplified - happiness, pain, heartbreak. He has turned into a rock now. Less emotions, more annoyance.
A gray world.
Maybe his mother is right. A spouse could help him see the bright in his monotonous life.
Maybe, just maybe, the spouse will help him get over his past.
---------
URGENT: Matrimony Hunt [Selected Profiles]
lee.minho @matrimonyhunt.co.kr
to me
Hi Changbin,
Thanks for sharing your response. We have shortlisted 10 candidates based on the details provided by you.
As per your request, we have arranged for consecutive days at 6:30 PM, starting April 7, 2021.
The blind date details will be personally messaged to you on the day of the date, including your date's name, their contact details and identification clues.
Happy to answer any question you have. For more stuff, you may contact me on my office number 123 - 789345 (ext 41).
Thanks,
Lee Minho
Dating Manager
Matrimony Hunt (matrimonyhunt.co.kr)
This company moves very professionally, which is part relieving, part terrifying.
As if he is booking movie tickets, not hunting for a life partner.
But he has already jumped into the dry well, might get his bones snapped as well.
10 days. He might actually have fun with this.
Hopefully.
Asking for an earlier shift wasn't a big deal. Work a decade at one place and your loyalty will prove useful one day. Apart from the 5 year gratuity amount and bonuses he gets.
Now he will have extra two and a half hours to get his shit together, dress properly and reach wherever they decide to meet.
It's crazy how his life has turned out to be.
---------
"Seo Seungmin, you flunked, again?"
Changbin is annoyed at his brother. Seungmin is smart, everyone knows that. But he hardly cares about anything other than Jeongin now.
"It's just maths."
The nonchalant answer. Changbin is older, but he doesn't like scolding Seungmin. At all. He has witnessed his baby brother growing up with his own eyes.
Playing a temporary parent is tough.
He still steels his voice to a harsher tone.
"Maths has a higher percentage in your grades, seriously, what are you even doing?"
"It's a class quiz, Hyung. It would hardly count."
"You are not focusing on your studies. You said you would do well if you shift here."
"I am studying. It's just hard."
Seungmin sighs, a low voice coming out. He is not looking at Changbin with challenging eyes now.
It's softer. And pleading.
This softens Changbin. Seungmin is still young. He has his own worries, rose colored glasses, amplified pain.
Changbin pours some juice for his brother and himself. He had been in the kitchen when he received the email from Seungmin's professor.
Seungmin is still on the sofa, shuffling through channels which he is not paying attention to.
"Here, have this."
"Are you mad?"
Changbin nudges Seungmin to make some space for him on the couch.
"No, no. Obviously not. I just….I just worry. A lot."
"I am sorry…."
Seungmin's hair is coarser now. He needs some serum and care.
"No, it's fine. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"I was….I was worried, hyung. You are busy, I don't want to disturb you."
Changbin chuckles.
"How are you disturbing me? I'm okay and I will always have time for you, Seungie. Now, tell me what's wrong?"
"Jeongin….we fought."
So, it is a love problem.
"Aha... something happened?"
"He says we are always together and it's affecting his circles. He wants to spend more time with his friends. I am scared this will cause us to break up. I really like him, hyung. I don't want to lose him."
Seungmin is somber now. Dark eyes with unshed tears. His brother never cries, he has that pride up his sleeve. This fight is a big one.
"I can't say I understand what you are feeling right now. But maybe some time apart will help? He is your friend first, Seungie. He is not going to go anywhere."
And Jeongin will not. Seungmin knows Jeongin for 4 years, but Changbin knows him for longer. Hyunjin's little cousin who used to visit the clinic often. Cute smile with braces. Shy but loved by everyone at his workplace.
"You think so?"
Seungmin's eyes shine at that. Hopeful.
"Mhmm. He likes you, you like him too. These things happen, Seungmin. Roadblocks. We have to find our way past that."
"Is that what happened with Jisung hyung and you?"
Changbin always wished he could tell things to Seungmin. Come clear. His brother was young at that time and thinks Jisung and him fell apart naturally.
"Kind of. Do you want me to help you with your assignments?"
"How..?"
"Don't worry about that. We can do late at night. Maybe one hour a day."
"You are tired…"
"Seungmin, I said it's okay. It's been a while since we had our brothers time too. Wanna go out for dinner tonight?"
"Really?"
"Yep, yep. You choose what you want."
"Ah, thank you, hyung….I miss you."
Changbin pulls Seungmin into a side hug.
"I missed you too, kiddo!"
He did. Really.
Seungmin might be independent and nonchalant most of the times. But he is still his little brother. Someone he would do anything to protect.
"Wait….hyung. You have your dates?"
"Yes, in four days."
"Have you decided on the outfits?"
"That's no big deal?"
Seungmin suddenly breaks apart from the hug. Deeply offended.
"What are you even talking about? How would anyone like you if you dress like a hobo?"
"I don't dress like a hobo."
"Right. You dress like you are 50. Come on, hyung. Think of fashion."
"I am going to wear suits, mostly. What's fashion there?"
"I will not let you shame me or Seo family. We are going shopping today and that's final."
This is so wasteful and unnecessary. But it makes Seungmin happy. Changbin is okay spending money and time if it makes his brother this excited.
"Okay. Get ready by 6 PM. I will pick you up after work."
"Yay!"
Seungmin goes back his TV and Changbin goes back to making breakfast for them both.
This is going to be a long day.
-------
MH-6789 :
Congratulations! You are set to meet Kim Rowoon on April 7, 2021 at Cafe Milano at 6:30 PM.
Their contact: +82 24363626
Identification details: A dark blue suit
Happy dating!
Team Matrimony Hunt
Changbin is way into trying his third suit when he receives the message.
They are early. But it's fine.
No amount of preparation can help his nervousness anyway.
He is not ready, but he will never be.
A day closer to the date. His life.
The countdown to choosing a life partner.
Let's see where his fate brings him to.