Chapter Text
Chapter 1
The world is a peculiar place. While some couples are battling their parents to preserve their relationship, in a luxurious private room at a five-star restaurant in Seoul, Jisung’s parents are casually arranging his marriage to Lee Jeno, a renowned stoic heir to a technology company. Lee Jeno is a well-known figure among the elite, admired for his seemingly perfect intelligence and sharp tongue, complementing his jawline. He is a name that resonates with many, as it seems like everyone and their mothers aspire to have a son like him. However, for Jisung, Jeno is nothing short of a nightmare. He embodies everything his parents want him to be, but Jisung, the quiet boy who prefers reading space encyclopedias to attending galas or socializing, cannot live up to these expectations. His parents have always struggled to get him out of books and into the real world, but over time, their efforts have diminished, as nothing in the real world could separate him from his literary pursuits. But apparently, Jisung was mistaken. He was now seated in front of Lee Jeno’s parents, engaged in a discussion about their impending marriage. As always, Jeno was nowhere to be found, as punctuality is something he could never manage.
Suddenly, the door swung open, jolting Jisung back to reality. Standing before him was the infamous Lee Jeno, dressed in a casual yet formal black formal shirt and blazer, with the top two buttons undone. This stark contrast to Jisung’s full three-piece formal suit made him appear like a child cosplaying as an adult.
“You are late, Jeno,” Mrs. Lee, Jeno’s mother, remarked. As expected, she shared her son’s dismissive attitude and strict adherence to morals.
“I encountered traffic on the way, mother.”
"A successful businessman should always consider liabilities. That’s what sets us apart from the working class. Now, sit down quickly; we need to discuss the contract." Jisung internally winced at the wording of this sentence. A hot wave of embarrassment rushed over him, starting in his cheeks and trickling down his neck. Did she really just call their engagement a contract? He clenched his hands under the table, feeling a swirl of anger and humiliation churning in his stomach, but he kept his face carefully blank. It was always like this, no matter how small he tried to make himself, someone always found a way to remind him that he would never quite fit in. All he could do was lower his gaze and try not to react, wishing desperately to be anywhere else.
“Those are some very wise words, Mrs. Lee,” Jisung’s mom said.
“Oh! Eunji, there’s no need for formalities; just talk casually. After all, we’re going to be a family soon.”
Jeno’s eye roll did no go unnoticed by Jisung, along with his judgmental stare, which seemed to assess Jisung from head to toe.
Mrs. Lee turned to Jisung and said, “Jisung, this is my son Jeno, and your future husband.”
Jisung didn’t acknowledge him verbally; instead, he nodded toward Jeno because he couldn’t muster the courage to speak in front of these influential people.
Jeno sat there looking as uninterested as ever, as it was just another meeting, not a life-changing one.
“You really grew up to be a very handsome young man, Jeno! I’m really glad that you’ll be my son-in-law soon.” Jisung’s mom said with an enthusiasm that Jisung couldn’t even muster to save his life.
Jeno scoffed and replied, “Can’t say the same.”
Both the elders cleared their throats and proceeded with the contract signing, as this was not only the union of their children but also their companies.
Park Corporation, operating in South Korea’s financial sector, needed Lee Enterprises to secure its position among the elite.
Lee Enterprises, in turn, needed a bank that readily provided financial support for its energy and technological ventures.
This was a crucial merger that required heavy collateral, and the heirs were the perfect candidates for this purpose.
The next hour flew by as they engaged in a whirlwind discussion about the contract and marriage, which was set to take place only after they graduated from college. However, in their grand plans, every detail had to be meticulously prepared in advance to avoid any unforeseen complications.
For now, Jeno and Jisung will get engaged, but instead of exchanging rings, they will sign contracts. The signing process required Jisung’s active participation, but he couldn’t hold the pen steady due to his trembling hands. Jeno, witnessing this, couldn’t help but chuckle humorlessly and crossed his legs, giving Jisung an impatient look.
Despite his trembling hands, Jisung managed to gather his strength and sign the contract. Jeno, however, snatched the contract and signed it hastily, leaving the room in an instant. The elders exchanged pitying glances and proceeded with their farewells.
Jisung bid Mrs. Lee goodbye and left the room, only to find Jeno waiting for him. “Park Jisung,” Jeno said, “never in my 19 years of existence would I have imagined that my parents would choose someone like you for me. Just look at yourself; you can’t even hold my gaze properly. Understand that this engagement means nothing to me, so don’t even think that I would honor it. Stay out of my business. This is nothing but a contract.” Jeno’s expression was filled with malice as he spoke, and before Jisung could respond, he turned around and left.