Chapter Text
“Yah!! Nam Yuri, is this the best you can do?” my manager’s voice sliced through the air like a knife, as he hurled my proposal back at me.
The thick folder landed with a thud on my desk, sending a few pens rolling off the edge.
“Write it again!” he barked, his frustration palpable.
Great. Mr. Lee is on another power trip. … All I can do in this situation is mutter an apology and bow to him.
And.. as expected.. this appeases him.
As soon as he’s gone, I can’t help but let out a defeated sigh as I flop back into my seat.
What a day. It was like I was stuck in a creative rut, unable to escape the relentless cycle of revisions and rejections.
Back to the drawing board, I thought bitterly.
Just as I started editing the proposal, a sudden buzz from my phone jolted me upright. I glanced at the screen and saw a message from my best friend, Jisoo.
Jisoo: I hope you didn’t forget the date tonight!
“Ugh,” I sighed, running a hand through my already disheveled hair.
Jisoo had been relentless about this — her dad and his matchmaking attempts were not her cup of tea. If anything, they had become a running joke between us.
Each time, I found myself stepping in for her, pretending to be an obnoxious date to scare off the guys.
“Another one? This is the fourth one this month!” I quickly type back, hurrying so Mr. Lee doesn’t catch me.
“Just one more! Pretty please!” came her even more quick reply, accompanied by a string of pleading emojis.
Once home, I waste no time and head straight to my closet. I settle on a sleek, black dress that hugs my figure perfectly.
A quick look in the mirror confirmed my decision. The dress flatters my figure, accentuating my waist while the neckline was tastefully low. I did my hair in loose waves and applied makeup that enhanced my features without being too over the top.
Though I was merely a stand-in, I felt the need to dress up for the rich bastards I meet. I was determined to make my performance of being a spoiled heiress believable, if nothing else.
The trip to the restaurant was uneventful, a short train ride to the heart of Gangnam where the upscale dining scene thrived. I tapped my foot impatiently as the train rattled along, feeling the familiar mix of nerves in my stomach.
Eventually, I found myself standing outside Les Vines, a swanky restaurant that touted its intimate atmosphere as “the perfect place for a first date”.
I couldn’t help but scoff. ... With its soft lighting and extravagant decor, it felt more like a romantic film’s set than a dining establishment.
Glancing at my watch, I realized I was twenty minutes late. .. Perfect start!
A wry smile crept onto my lips as I pushed through the heavy wooden doors.
As I entered, the warm, inviting scent of roasted garlic and herbs enveloped me, immediately making my stomach growl.
Admittedly, the soft lighting did create a romantic ambiance, casting a golden glow over the tables filled with couples whispering sweet nothings to each other.
“Table for one?” the hostess asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“No, I’m meeting someone,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my chest. “Kim Taehyung.”
The hostess nodded and led me to a table tucked away in the back, a small oasis away from the intimate chatter.
Sitting at that table was a man with dark hair, tousled in a way that suggested he had run his fingers through it multiple times but yet it still fell perfectly over his forehead, framing his striking features perfectly.
He wore a fitted suit without a tie, exuding an effortless charm that almost made my heart skip a beat.
It felt like time stopped.
“You must be Lee Jisoo,” he said, his deep voice smooth like silk.
So the work of art can speak, I thought to myself.
I mean the man was perfect. I honestly wish I had more time to admire his beauty. But it’s time for me to end this date. Jisoo is counting on it.
“Uh — yeah, duh, that’s me,” I managed, feeling a rush of warmth creeping up my cheeks.
“I was starting to wonder if you were going to show,” he admitted, leaning back slightly in his chair.
“Traffic was a nightmare,” I lied smoothly, taking a seat across from him. “But here I am!”
I have to remind myself, I’m here for work.
Don’t flirt with the handsome man. Don’t flirt with the handsome man.
..Turn on the “charm”.
I took a sip of the overpriced water, grimacing at the taste. “What is this, distilled sadness? I ordered sparkling!”
“Maybe they ran out? You know how these places can be,” he replied, clearly trying to keep the mood light.
I rolled my eyes. “I feel like I need a drink to survive this.”
“Want to order some wine?” he suggested, eyebrows raised.
“Only if you promise to drink it with me. Otherwise, it’s just me drowning alone in my sorrows, and that’s not as fun,” I replied in a sarcastic tone.
He chuckled, and I could tell he was genuinely trying to engage. “Okay, deal. But let’s not get too crazy; I still want to get to know you.”
“Right, because getting to know each other while pretending we’re not both secretly planning our escape is what it’s all about!” I shot back, smirking.
We went back and forth like that for a while, and despite my best efforts to keep the conversation ridiculous, he would respond smoothly in that deep voice of his.
It was now time for dessert.
It was a beautifully plated slice of rich chocolate cake adorned with delicate swirls of cream and a drizzle of raspberry sauce. … This was it — the moment I’d been waiting for to really turn up the obnoxious dial. I couldn’t let the night slip away without giving it my all. The big guns.
Instead of using my fork like a civilized human, I dove right in, picking up the cake with my bare hand.
The gooey frosting smeared between my fingers as I tore off a piece and shoved it into my mouth, savoring the sweet flavor. It was messy and ridiculous.
“Hey, Taehyung-ssi! Want some?” I offered, holding out a finger loaded with cake towards him.
I was hoping to gross him out, to see if I could make him squirm.. he only hesitated for a short moment before he laughed and leaned closer, accepting the piece of cake, much to my surprise.
He took it like a champ, casually chewing as if I hadn’t just violated every table etiquette rule in existence.
“Not bad!” he said, nodding with a grin.
Oh, great. This guy was impossible. I had to think fast. What else don’t guys like? I scanned my mind for inspiration, and then it hit me.
“Oppaaaaaa!” I said with a hard wink, my voice dripping obnoxiously with playful flirtation as I leaned in slightly.
“I saw a love motel on my way here! Maybe we can get a room and continue this hot night.”
I delivered the line with a mixture of excitement and fear, praying I didn’t sound noticeably nervous.
Rich snobs don’t marry sleazy women, right?
My heart raced in my chest, my leg was shaking, and I couldn't help but bite my lip, half-expecting him to laugh awkwardly and change the subject, or better yet end the date.
But to my surprise, Taehyung merely raised an eyebrow and smirked at me.
He didn’t flinch. In fact, he seemed completely unfazed, minus being amused.
“Wow, you really don’t hold back, do you?” he replied, his voice smooth and teasing.
Oh god. What had I gotten myself into? I felt a flush creep up my neck as I realized I’d miscalculated the whole obnoxious act.
Instead of scaring him off, I had somehow… possibly… maybe intrigued him?
This was definitely not how I had envisioned the night going.
What should I do!?