10

That night, I ended up cleaning the mess Serin left behind. The dishes, the chairs, the spilled water.

Everything she touched felt contaminated. And Jake, as usual, was nowhere to be seen.

I was exhausted. Not just physically but in a way that couldn't be fixed with sleep.

It was draining, pretending like everything was fine when it clearly wasn't.

A notification pinged on my phone.

"How are you?"

I stared at the message for a moment, unsure what to feel. Was he checking on me or was it about work?

"I'm doing fine, Mr. Lee. Is there anything wrong with work?"

"It's not about work. I just miss you."

I paused. My chest tightened.

"Can I see you?•

Jake had made it clear, I wasn't allowed to have visitors.

But then again, Jake rarely followed his own rules. Heeseung wasn't just anyone, either. They worked together.

"Yes. I'll be waiting."

⸻

I waited at the gate, holding a small paper bag with fruits and snacks inside. It felt silly, but I couldn't greet him empty handed.

His car pulled up shortly after. He stepped out, dressed simply in a black hoodie and jeans, but he still looked effortlessly good. I tried not to stare.

He walked up with a smile.

"Where's Jake?"

he asked gently.

"He's working late," I said.

"Why did you want to see me?"

He chuckled.

"Call me Heeseung. No need to be so formal."

I nodded, then held out the bag. "For you."

"Thanks," he said, genuinely pleased.

"I was starving."

He handed me a small box in return.

A Gucci label peeked from the top.

I hesitated, but accepted it.

I opened it slowly and found a simple, elegant dress inside.

"This is too much," I said quietly.

He smiled and patted my head.

"I just wanted to get you something nice."

My heart ached, and for a moment, I wished the timing of everything in my life had been different.

Then a voice cut through the moment.

"What's going on here?"

Jake.

He was standing just a few steps behind Heeseung, staring at us. I saw his eyes drop to the gift in my hands.

Heeseung turned with a polite smile and stepped forward.

"Just dropping by to discuss something with Jina."

Jake didn't return the handshake.

"Oh? Is giving her gifts part of your meeting?"

"It's nothing serious,"

Heeseung replied calmly.

"Just something I thought she'd like."

Jake's tone shifted.

"Next time, ask me first. You might be her boss, but she's my wife."

Heeseung held his gaze.

"And I think we both know that doesn't mean you own her."

I stepped between them before it escalated.

"I'll walk Heeseung out,"

I said quickly.

He nodded and let me lead him back to the car.

"I'll text you later. I'm sorry about that,"

I said softly.

He just smiled.

"Take care, Jina."

⸻

When I returned, Jake slammed the door behind us.

"So this is how it is now?"

he said coldly.

"You're inviting people behind my back?"

"You're the one who started breaking the rules,"

I said, hugging the dress tighter against my chest.

Jake's jaw tensed. "Don't raise your voice at me."

"Then act like someone who deserves respect."

His expression darkened.

He took a step toward me, and I instinctively lifted my arm to shield myself.

But instead of lashing out, his fingers brushed the bruise he left earlier.

"Did he do this to you?"

I pulled my arm away. "You did."

His brows furrowed.

"Heeseung would never treat me like this. He wouldn't push me or ignore me. He sees me."

My voice broke.

"Why are you pretending to care now? Just go back to Serin. At least she doesn't fake who she is."

I turned to walk away, but he caught my wrist.

"I'm the only one who can touch you."

His voice was low, restrained.

"You belong to me. Not him."

He let go and disappeared into his room, leaving me standing alone again.

⸻

The next morning, I knocked on his door.

"Jake, do you want breakfast?"

No answer.

I opened the door slowly and found him still asleep. It was almost 9 a.m. I hesitated, then walked over to his bed and gently poked his cheek.

No reaction.

He looked peaceful like thisc nothing like the man who hurt me yesterday.

My eyes landed on a black marker on his desk. A silly thought crossed my mind. Before I could talk myself out of it, I picked it up and drew a mustache and a few dots on his face.

I bit back a laugh and quickly took a selfie beside him, holding in my amusement.

"Your fans should see this," I whispered, grinning.

His eyes opened.

"What are you doing?" he said, voice flat.

"Nothing," I said too quickly, hiding the marker behind me.

I tried to run but he caught my wrist, pulling me onto the bed. I landed on top of him and quickly pushed myself up.

"You're still ugly," he muttered, walking over to the mirror.

"Hey! That's a permanent marker!" he shouted.

"I didn't know!"

"I have a photoshoot."

He groaned and rubbed at his face, frustrated.

I grabbed his arm and pulled him to the bathroom.

"What now?" he asked, annoyed.

I stood on my toes to reach his face, applying his cleanser carefully while avoiding his eyes.

"Sorry. I thought you were off today."

He didn't reply.

"You're standing too far," he said after a moment, pulling me closer by the waist.

I stiffened. "I'm not comfortable."

He looked down at me again. Something unspoken passed between us.

The silence hung in the air.

Then he asked, quietly.

"Can I kiss you?"