⤬ HOTEL.

@Jung Taekwoon ((sorry for the late reply - it's exam season rn and ugh...school))

She should've let him go - him storming off in a rage was perfect for her - but at the same time, letting him leave like that left nothing resolved. She needed to make sure that this arrangement was severed and that they'd never see each other's faces again. So, sighing and frustrated, Miyoung followed his way out, grabbing his forearm as they walked into the chilly city streets. She clutched her coat around her a little tighter.

"Wait, Dr. Jung-"

"Miyoung! Are you two finished with your dinner already?" her father's voice laughed from down the street. He and his old friend were approaching them now, both giving approving glances at the woman's hold on Leo. She immediately dropped her hand. "I'm glad you two have gotten a chance to further know each other. Now, this marriage is more solidified, hm?"

Breathing in deeply, she firmed her resolve. As much as she hated to say no, this wasn't just a favor that was being so lightly discussed. It was marriage. Not just to someone that she didn't know, but to someone that disliked her just as much as she disliked him. There could be no other answer.

"Actually, Dad, I-" But she was once again interrupted by the too-eager man. However, this time, his companion seemed to smile far more brightly than her father. The almost-objectifying look of appraisal that the elder Dr. Jung gave her sent shivers down her spine; she felt like a /thing/ being valued.

"You know, Taekhyun here was telling me about how much more dependable his son would become after marriage, especially since you're one hell of a reliable worker, yourself, Miyoung. Apparently, this engagement is making him seriously consider handing down his position to Taekwoon. And honestly, you being the wife of a hospital director would be enough for your mother and I to finally relax."

Her breath hitched in as she slowly glanced up at the man beside her. Director. It wasn't so much her greed that made her hesitate, but it was her worry that maybe - if she said what she thought - she could blow this chance for Leo. And as much as she disliked him, she didn't want to make him suffer for it. Miyoung's jaw tightened. How much more hopeless and narrow could this situation get? The words coming out of her sweet father's mouth couldn't have been any more manipulative and it tore her apart how genuine his happiness was.

But the more that she thought about it, it was true that there were so many benefits for her - it was a golden opportunity. They would never have to worry about financial matters anymore and her parents could finally retire. Her little brother wouldn't be so pressured to take over the family clinic if there was a son-in-law to assimilate that into his own hospital. And she'd finally be the wife she wanted to be. But was it worth it? To trade spending her life with someone she wanted to be with for luxury? She felt dirty and base. As she stood still in that biting winter wind, Hwang Miyoung felt like a gold digger.

@Hwang Miyoung Their heated argument grew louder as they exchanged insults and from the looks of it, they were starting to get unwanted attention; Taekwoon couldn't care any less at the moment but he was well known; his reputation was on the line at all times which was one of the reasons he was so well reserved and adamant in causing any type of scene in public.

He knew tensing against the shaking of his anger was futile but he did it instinctively, trying to suppress for a few more moments what he knew he could not. So he drank the last of the amber liquor in silence to counteract the fear that threatened to engulf him whole.

It always seemed like his parent's put up a facade for the public eye; they were distant and withdrawn for most of his childhood. Taekwoon was never treated like a child or their son for that matter. Simply a pupil of their's, an underling, an alumni there to absorb their knowledge for the betterment of the world. On occasion he'd received gifts and what not but all were for the appraisal of his academic excellence; rewards at most. So the thought of not having the only privilege he was thought to have for his own; the sentiment of marrying the woman he loved taken away from him, tore him. "I'm here because I respect my father and my mother's decisions be it for my benefit or not." He rose from his seat before pulling a wallet out of his taylored jacket, setting a black card on the table once the waiter came with the bill; whilst signing, he made sure to leave a tip after all was revised and excused himself.

He was tired and all he wanted was to sleep off what was left of the night away.

[If you find yourself stuck, she can either 1. go after him. 2. have her father drop her off at his house a week or two after the incident. 3. not let him go because their parents might come back or.. 4. any suggestion you make.]

@Jung Taekwoon ((haha don't worry, she won't hit him. Maybe she'll throw some water on him, though))

Ooh, he looked like he was going to hit her. She knew he wouldn't - he didn't seem like a debased man, just an arrogant one - but Leo looked the type to be able to spit his fair share of poison. Insulting a stranger like this made Miyoung feel quite horrible, to be honest. Regardless, the doctor had her fired up and it seemed like both of them were just to proud to calm down; which was yet another reason to avoid this marriage.

"How about I don't?" she seethed as her eyes narrowed, "you shouldn't care, should you? I'm sure you have your fair share of women and you probably will continue to, even if we /do/ end up married. And I don't blame you - marrying a commoner you don't love, that's more than enough reason for having a few mistresses here and there. So I won't judge you for your escapades in exchange for the fact that you don't meddle with mine." They were being a bit more conspicuous now, since it was quite clear that it wasn't your average marriage meeting. Heaving out a frustrated sigh, Miyoung signalled for the bill before glancing around. Her father was probably going to come back after having his fun with the other; it would be better to continue this conversation in a more private place.

"Why are you even here, Dr. Jung? Why even stay if you disagree with me so much?

@Hwang Miyoung [anger does make the heart grow fonder- I think. I have a feeling someones going to get violent and it won't be Leo.]

Who was she to demean him in such a way? He hadn't cared whether she slept with a dozen men nor did he care what she thought of him but her words oozed with honeyed poison, her dimpled smile irking a quite irritable Taekwoon to no end.

"I don't actually care about what you think; I don't plan on letting you know about my whereabouts either because unlike you I actually have a reputation." He hissed, wanting to verbally unhinge the woman. He'd never lay a hand on a woman, but had she been a man, they would have had a tussle. A man's ego was not to be played with no matter the circumstance but he had nothing to prove to his soon to be fiancee.

His fists clenched and his jaw rooted, his gaze fixed on the woman. "So I suggest you make yourself available because you are not going to ruin this for me." He spoke as if a fire burned inside him.

@Jung Taekwoon ((wow is it bad that I'm enjoying this insult-battle? lol ><))

She gave him the most professional smile to ever grace her pretty features, but her fingers drummed in annoyance on the surface of her napkin-clad lap. It was funny how worked up he was getting, but she'd be lying if she'd said she wasn't as infuriated as Leo was.

"As much as that isn't your business, I'll still answer it because I'm polite. My boyfriend very much enjoys my dirty mouth, but I suppose that's just a bit too graphic for a stuck-up like you." Miyoung quipped, maintaining her pristine expression despite her internal wish to punch the grimace of his face. "Also, I'm a normal person, so I'm nice to those who are nice to me and rude to those who are rude to me. It's called the Golden Rule, thank you very much."

Okay, to be honest, this was only 80% actually Leo's fault that Miyoung was so aggravated. The rest of her muffled frustration stemmed from the fact that she completely opposed being married off to a stranger. Especially since it wasn't as though she didn't have any options for a husband - contrary to what her parents thought. Well, she /was/ lying about the boyfriend part, but just because her dad didn't approve of those that she was sort of romantically-involved with, didn't mean that they didn't exist.

@Hwang Miyoung Taekwoon lowered the glass to the table, letting it fall heavily, but not so much it spilt.

Miyoung's presence seemed to buzz around him like a fly that one could never swat. Every word, movement and breath she performed seemed to infuriate him to no end. Smoldering underneath his stony expression, his eyes narrowed at her haughty attitude. He ran a hand through fringed golden hair and layed back on the back rest of his seat.

"Do you have a boyfriend? Because if you do then I'm shocked he let's you kiss him with such a dirty mouth." Replying quite smoothly to her snarky remark, he rose an eyebrow. "I figured you didn't." His words were spat out with the ferocity and rapidity of machine gun fire.

Anger boiled deep in his system, as hot as lava. It churned within, hungry for destruction, The pressure of this raging sea of anger would force him to say things he didn't mean, or to express thoughts he suppressed for weeks. The thought of being hitched to a woman he shared no previous past with, made his jaw clench.

@Jung Taekwoon Miyoung wondered if she could possibly find Jung Taekwoon any more distasteful that she currently did. Nope, impossible - in less than an hour, he'd forced the singularly cockiest impression that any person had ever given her. He was a genuine, bona-fide douchebag. Oh, how she wanted to dump that damn bourbon on his pretty little head.

Her smile morphed into an annoyed sneer as she took a final bite of her steak. Her appetite had officially been lost. "Contrary to your rude opinion, I was sincerely apologizing for kicking you. At least now I know that it doesn't hurt as much as that stick shoved up your ." She pat at the corners of her lips with her napkin before raising an eyebrow at him.

Don't be mistaken, I'm not at all happy to be your...marriage partner. But we both know that neither of us are in the position to easily reject to this union. So for now, let's just get along - or at least, pretend to - and we can tell our parents the truth when all the hype dies down." Purposefully avoiding the word, 'fiancee', Miyoung pursed her lips as her expression grew weary. This wasn't what she'd dreamed about as a child. But reality was far more mature and stricter than childhood fantasy.

"So bear with me for a bit, alright?"

@Hwang Miyoung The sound of light jazz in the background soothed him somewhat, the waiter he'd called for previously, now back with Taekwoon's drink of choice whilst Miyoung's father made light conversation. He could but only grimace through his lack of expression towards the woman's father and nodded at once to let the elder know he was listening in on the coversation. The two older men seemed to fawn over their children's qualities, putting both on a high pedestal, giving good impressions and laughing boisterously as the night continued.

Startled after he felt a sudden pain rise through his leg, he'd dropped his phone on the table. Catching everyones attention, he seemed to have known who said culprit was due to her surprised expression but all he could do in the presence of their parents was quietly swirl the whiskey in his glass, listening to the chinking of the ice cubes, breathe in a fragrance that only years in an oak barrel could achieve as if he hadn't been out right kicked under the table.

His father cast a knowing glance at him before nodding decisively and excusing himself with the woman's father, biding their goodbyes before Taekwoon and Miyoung were left at the table, silence enveloping them the moment their father's left until Miyoung had broken the peaceful silence.
" Listen." He started off, his expression unreadable. "I've had a busy schedule this week so the last thing I want right now is to talk to the woman I'm forcefully marrying for someone elses liking; I don't know you and you don't know me so drop the act." He uttered in an as a matter of fact tone.

When the liquid in the glass he held settled, he brought it to his lips and let the amber fluid sit in his mouth a while before swallowing. Closing his eyes, he dwelled on the flavour.

@Jung Taekwoon "Leo?" she gave him an impressed smile, but scoffed inwardly. Gosh, each second she spent with this pretentious made her allthemore unwilling to stay. Fortunately, the food was absolutely exquisite and a more-than-enough lure for her. As her "marriage partner" was introduced to her father, Miyoung took it as a sign for her to give her bubbly charade a rest.

"Your father's getting cheesier as he ages," Mr. Hwang (he never quite liked the title, 'Dr.') chuckled as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "but if you're anything like your old man, I'm sure we'll get along with you just fine. If anything, I'm more worried that you'll have a problem with my workaholic daughter." Miyoung gave him a quiet laugh and continued with her steak, not really wanting a part in this stereotypical conversation. "See, she's a sweetheart and has a kind heart, but my daughter is a stubborn one. Don't be fooled by that cute face - my wife and I used to say that Miyoung was actually our son and her brother was our daughter. She's a beast in a beauty's body, young man, be careful!"

Ugh, she shouldn't have let her father drink whiskey. As much as his buzzed jokes embarrassed her, Miyoung couldn't help but be amused by the fact that Leo looked far more uncomfortable than she did. Actually, he looked physically pained. It was a bit rude of him to have such a forced smile, but she found it funnier than insulting - and the fathers were too excited to catch their unwillingness. His constant checking of his phone didn't exactly help his case, either.

"But - maybe it's biased coming from me - our Miyoung won't ever be boring. She's like an onion with lots of layers that'll make you cry. I guess that's why she hasn't settled down; I mean, she's an amazing wife candidate, but she always scares her suitors away. Ignorant men don't like intelligent, independent women, you know?" Wow, okay, now was time to feign illness to leave. Painting on a pleasant expression, the secretary attempted to kick her father under the table, but ended up doing so to Leo instead and made him drop the phone he'd been so discreetly glancing at. Oh gosh, she wanted to crawl under a rock.

Even more unfortunately, her parent took it as a sign from her, but with all the wrong meaning. He gave her a wink and cleared his throat, nudging his friend in the process.

"Well," the elder Hwang grinned widely, "you two don't need us old men to chaperone. Waiter!" he signalled for the check, "we'll go ahead and go grab a drink. You two get to know each other." As they not-so-gracefully excused themselves, Miyoung let out a tired sigh.

"I'm sorry about that," she pushed away her own glass of wine, noting its dangers, "is your leg alright?"

@Hwang Miyoung MIyoung's father and his father seemed to be getting along just fine but his introduction would come in do time and he was to interact with his supposed future 'father in law'. His father, placed a hand on his back as if simulating that they were close but the latter knew otherwise as he was introduced. "Now, there's someone I'd love to introduce you to. He come's on a little strong, pretty unorthodox opinions. He's a rebel at heart, not one to ever play by the rules. But he's the most loving man you'll ever meet. Not that he shows it much, like most men he shows his love through self sacrifice and working hard. He's got so many good ideas though, I just know you're daughter is going to love him as much as I do." An inward grimace to such a sugar coated introduction was all he could make before he shook the elders hand.

"It's quite a pleasure to meet you, sir." Smooth and subtle he was, lying through his teeth.

[Part 2]

@Hwang Miyoung Taking in his surroundings, he noted the floor was tiled in fine marble, which made every step echo. A chandelier made rainbow colors dance across the luxurious hotel. Embroidered silk sofas surrounded a large, flat-screen television in the lounge area. The twin doors that led into the restaurant were a pristine white with golden handles. The tables appearing to be made of amber-colored wood and a green granite top. Exquisite paintings hung from the rich, red walls. Even the door hinges were engraved with swirls and elegant designs. The domed ceiling rose at least 50 feet high.

Miyoung. That was her name. He'd heard the conversation between her and his father play out and he seemed quite pleased, taking a liking to Miyoung's feminine yet bubblish personality. All Taekwoon could do was stare out of indignance and anger at his phone. He wasn't up for a conversation, he hadn't wanted to be there to say the least but he didn't want to appear crude and disrespectful; that would be unethical from his part. The least he could do was have a light conversation with the Miyoung's father, that way it could somewhat lighten the mood.

But just as the cuisines were to arrive, Miyoung seemed to have wanted to start a conversation he deemed unnecessary at the moment. His name curling it's way past her rouged lips. Sighing inwardly, he spoke to her in a cold and distant way like professionals did. "Leo." He corrected; His brooding gaze tantalizing at most, letting it be known that he was displeased with the current situation before his gaze shifted to the platter in front of him.T he steak was perfectly seasoned, juicy and seared brown on the outside. Just the way he liked it. But with the presence of the woman across the table he'd lost his appetite, he rose his hand; signalling for a waiter to tend to him and so he came. "I'll have a bourbon, neat." He figured liquor would ease the tension and help him get through the night.

[Part 1]

@Jung Taekwoon "Thank you for your kind words," when she laughed, her eyes disappeared into crescents and her hand instinctively went to cover , "but my father only says I'm pretty because I take after him." Miyoung was as cordial and polite as she could be; her boss would've been proud to see the way that she handled the situation.

But under all that friendliness, she was unnerved by her companion's disposition. He hadn't broken into the conversation nor even given her a smile. Whether this man was a well-known surgeon or not, it ticked Miyoung off to know that she was being looked down upon. 'Trust me,' she thought in annoyance, 'I don't want to get married to you either, prick.' Unfortunately, it didn't seem like their opinions weighed very much in the decision at this point. As much as she valued the sanctity of marriage and truly wanted to be joined with someone she truly loved, this wasn't something that she could refuse so wholeheartedly.

Her entire life, her parents never asked anything of her. They only wished for her happiness and, as much as they were sometimes /too/ laidback, Mr. and Mrs. Hwang had really given her and her brother everything that they'd had. If marrying into this family, to this esteemed doctor, was the one thing her father asked of her - who was she to say no? Maybe it was a bad quality, to be selfless, but Miyoung was willing to give up the most cherished bond of her life for her parents' happiness. So no matter how haughty and gloomy this bright-haired stranger was, she'd have to stick through it...at least until he rejected her - then he'd be the villain and she could go back home, guilt-free.

But right now, she had to make it through this dinner without making a mistake. She was determined to wipe that 'holier-than-thou' look off of Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome. After their courses started to arrive, Miyoung smiled across the table to the towering doctor.

"Is it alright if I call you Taekwoon-sshi?" it was a bold move, but she was tiring of the formalities and mannerisms being shared - and anyways, she was older than the guy, "I don't mind at all if you drop titles with me."

Miyoung sent her dimpled beam towards the elder Jung as well, meaning to endear herself to him only enough as to not dishonor her father. Although, she couldn't imagine why the high-class Jung family would even contemplate her as a daughter-in-law, regardless of the fathers' friendships. It wasn't as though she was poor or even middle-class, but she definitely wasn't the aristocrat Dr. Jung Taekwoon seemed to look good with.

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@Hwang Miyoung To Taekwoon marriage wasn't a ring worn or a paper signed. It wasn't something endured but savoured. It was the union of two hearts beating as one, each that would sacrifice for the other's happiness and wellbeing. Marriage was the blessing people gave to one another, an eternal bond of soul-mates. The atrocity to take place that night was no where near that definition. It was arranged.

He was to forge a union with a woman he'd never met, simply for his father's gain. Confining his son to a woman he'd never love just for prestige. For the sake of a friendship. For the joining of two families.Taekwoon and Taekhyun had a rather detached and unbonded father-son relationship so an arrangement such as the one taking place at the hotel left him in utter disbelief.

He only had himself to blame for the current situation; the decision was final.

Their arrival at said hotel was brief but the father and son duo had a discussion prior to the encounter and it was notable in his expression as they were welcomed by a gentleman who appeared just as aged as his father, no less. He recast his face into one of superiority, erasing the crestfallen face he wore before the encounter. His features had become rigid, jaw clamped tight, teeth grinding

Eyes the colour of unvarnished oak with rich reddish brown flecks narrowed through thick eyelashes when his penetrating gaze locked not on the older man having a talk with his father but on the much younger woman beside him who he presumed was the man's daughter. Hair so thick, it cascaded down her delicate skin like midnight waves on a sandy beach, big coffee brown with eyes, a glowing complexion and notible indentations near the corners of ; dimples. She was finely figured but quite petite. The golden blond towered over her and quite notibly.

"My, it has been quite a long time since we last talked." His father's tone sounded upbeat yet calm, a small smile tugging at his lips when he glanced at his friend's daughter. "You must be the very pretty Miyoung your father talked about." The low rumble of his voice is comforting as he rose his hand for a small shake.

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@Jung Taekwoon If there was one word to describe how she felt right now, it was uncomfortable. Even next to her own father, Miyoung felt slightly sick - her makeup was too pretty and the new dress was too soft on her skin. She cleared .

"Is something wrong, sweetheart?" Mr. Hwang's voice held its normal warmth, but it was impossible to mask the excitement in his tone. How wonderful.

"No, no, I'm fine, dad," /I want to go home/, she thought, "I'm just a bit nervous." /um, what if this guy is a rich prick?/

It was funny; she'd worn formal attire every day for the last 6 years, but it'd never felt quite this stuffy before. 'Breathe,' she reminded herself, 'they probably won't like a normal old maid like you, so this'll be over soon.' While Miyoung calmed herself with visions of fluffy pajamas and drama marathoning, her father tapped her arm and dragged her back to reality.

"Ah, Taekhyun!" she was looking at the newcomers, but Miyoung could still hear the grin in her father's greeting, "and you must be Taekwoon. Good to meet you, Dr. Jung."

As she bowed, the secretary silently assessed her situation. Dr. Jung Taekwoon seemed like exactly the type her parents loved - quiet and serious - but she could tell something that the elders couldn't. This guy was arrogant. There was a definite air of confidence about him; the way he carried himself was so proud that it was (near) impossible to notice - at least for someone who worked in business negotiations, anyways. Still, manners were manners, so Miyoung gave the two doctors her most genuine smile before taking her seat. Although, from the approving look that the elder Jung was giving her, she predicted that she would not make it back in time for Running Man.