seulgi x baekhyun.

@kang seulgi. “You really think it's a good plan?” He asked with a happy smile on his face but sadness in his heart. Since he knew nothing about the woman he was supposed to marry, he couldn't do that for her. So much for his future partner being lucky. Although he knew he would be married soon, he agreed to her request and held out his phone for her as he said “I’m gonna need your number. I want to be up to date on all your favourites if I'm proposing in sixteen years.”
“You don't look like a bum.” Baekhyun said as he shook his head softly. “But yes, I will meet you at your room after I change.”

@byun baekhyun. "wow! your future partner is one lucky woman...who wouldn't want to be the center of attention for the whole day, and then have it come to a close with such a thoughtful proposal?" seulgi murmured in awe. "tell you what, if we're somehow both single by the time we're forty, i'm requesting a proposal like that from you!" she teased, a warm smile playing on her lips. not like something that grandiose would ever happen, anyway. after all, her wedding date would be in the near future. god, did that frighten her.
"i- well, i know. sorry, it just caught me off-guard. i'd be happy to have dinner with you!" after glancing down at her outfit, she added, "i'll, of course, have to freshen up a bit. i'd hate for people to see you with a woman who looks like such a bum. would you like to meet me at my room later? it's room 203."

@kang seulgi. “Seeing my friends proposing did get me thinking about it a bit.” He admitted. “I was thinking about maybe doing a day trip. It could be somewhere that means something to the both of us, but somewhere nice. Have food, snacks, flowers and maybe even music that she likes. Depending on how she feels about public proposals and where we end up going, possibly propose there. If not there, propose when we get home before heading out to dinner in a restaurant that she likes. Or something like that. I don't know. That could all change.”
A light chuckle passed his lips when she asked if he was sure. “Of course I’m sure. I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't.”

@byun baekhyun. "oh! that makes sense, i'm sorry," she chuckled while adjusting the sunglasses on her face. "you /would/ have to be in a relationship to plan a proposal. although, have you ever thought about how you'd do it? or is that something you've never pondered over?" seulgi wondered how her chosen partner would propose to her, or if their parents had that planned out as well. would he even propose? maybe their parents would just have them meet and that would be the end of it. how romantic, right?
"lust is a powerful being. it's difficult for most people to resist, as you know. of course, a relationship isn't going to work out if it's based solely on lust. eventually, it'll lose that spark, and the pair will drift apart." she hummed. "but hey, don't be too hard on yourself; none of my relationships have worked out, either." seulgi's eyes then widened. "dinner? i would love to! but are you sure?"

@kang seulgi. Upon hearing her repeat his sentence back to him, he realised he had put himself in an odd position. Should he tell her the truth? That his parents are arranging his marriage to someone he has never met. Or should he say something else? "Oh, em.." He let out a soft, awkward chuckle before committing to his answer. "I can't really plan a proposal when I'm not in a relationship at the moment." It wasn't a lie. Since he hadn't met the woman his parents want him to marry, he was still single. That would change after the cruise.
"I think some people just get blinded by lust." He said blunted. "It's like they forget that relationships are more than that. That they take work. Not that I'm a great example. None of my relationships worked out." Baekhyun's smile reached his eyes upon hearing she enjoyed his company. "I'm enjoying your company too. So forgive if this is too forward, but would you like to join me for dinner this evening?"

@byun baekhyun. "i do! we think pretty similarly; that's kind of refreshing, honestly," seulgi could count on one hand how many people shared her views back home. knowing baekhyun also shared those same views provided a sense of comfort within her. the male trailing off, however, caused her curiosity to pique, and she peered over at him with interest swirling in her warm orbs. "can't really plan a proposal, when...?" she repeated back to him, encouraging him to continue.
"yes...so it doesn't make much sense to me when some people don't discuss those things in the early stage of their relationship. not being on the same page right out of the gate could easily cause their relationship and feelings for each other to crumble," seulgi sighed, remembering all of the relationships her and her friends experienced, which made them feel like maybe the dating scene wasn't for them at all. "you're right. we're having a perfectly fine conversation about it, and we've only just met. and no, i don't find that weird to admit. i, too, would enjoy having children of my own." nothing would make her happier than holding a little bundle of joy (or two!) in her arms. "not that i ever tend to shy away from talking, but i must admit that i enjoy your company, baekhyun! you're very easy to speak to."

@kang seulgi. "You see why I'm in two minds about it, right?" He said as he turned to face her again. "I'm not planning a proposal or anything. I was just really curious about a woman's opinion on the topic. That's why I asked. Purely curiosity. Can't really plan a proposal when.." His voice drifted off leaving the rest of his sentence unfinished as he thought about how he doesn't actually get to propose. It's like his parents already did it for him. Such a strange situation to be in.
"I agree completely. Marriage, kids, health. They are big things that could easily break a relationship." Baekhyun took a drink of water before continuing, "It doesn't have to be an awkward conversation though. Take our conversation for example. People might think it's strange for two strangers to talk about their views on marriage and public proposals, but we both now know how each other feels about both of those things. Maybe it's weird, but I've no problem saying that I'd like kids in the future. As for health, I've got no serious health issues. Physical or mental."

@byun baekhyun. seulgi nodded slowly in agreement. "sometimes, i think people rush into marriage...they conclude that putting a ring on it will solve all of their problems, only to find out that it could only make things worse because now you're legally bound to that person...i do feel sorry for them, because it could be their last attempt at making the relationship work, but..." she paused and crossed her arms over her chest in a self-hug. "it was probably doomed from the start." glancing back over toward him, seulgi quietly admired his side profile while continuing. "you're right. it should be a commitment for life, but just like everything else, there are exceptions."
"oh, gosh..." she frowned, her heart breaking for the two men. "not only did they have to deal with the pain of rejection, but also the pain of realizing that their significant others only said yes to save face. how horrible! as awkward as the conversation might be, i think at the beginning of the relationship, marriage and kids should be two big topics discussed."

@kang seulgi. “Honestly, I'm the same. I believe marriage should be for life. It's legalizing a commitment to someone you love. That commitment to love each other and be there for each other forever should really already be made before taking the step to marriage, in my opinion.” The male said, looking up at the clear blue sky. “I'm not saying I don't think divorce should be a thing. There are situations that make divorce the only real option. But there are many cases where it could have been avoided. Or at least that's how I see it.”
Baekhyun smiled when she reassured him that he wasn't making her uncomfortable. “I'm in two minds about public proposals.” He admitted after hearing her answer. “Like you, I love seeing the joy and surprise…when things go right, and that's really what both people want. Unfortunately, I have witnessed two public proposals that didn't end well.. The friends I mentioned. They proposed publicly. One had been with his girlfriend for a year and thought they were on the same page but apparently they weren't.. She said yes in public, but as soon as they were alone, she told him she didn't ever want to get married. They ended up breaking up a couple months later. As for the other guy..” The twenty-four year old made a face as he recalled what happened to his friend. “He was dumped on the spot..”

@byun baekhyun. "oh, really? it's amazing how common this is," she mumbled quietly to herself. "with all of the reality tv and access to the internet, you would think people these days would be able to figure out that maybe jumping into relationships and marriages...well, most don't work." seulgi sighed, leaning back against the chair and running a hand through her thick locks. "when i get married, i'm hoping it's for life. i don't want to have to deal with divorce and all of that heartbreak. i suppose that's why i'm extra picky with partners."
"please, it would take a lot to make me uncomfortable...especially when i'm on a cruise ship in the middle of a beautiful ocean!" seulgi laughed. "mm...public proposals. i think they're adorable! i love watching the couple's joy and surprise when it happens. although, if it was /my/ public proposal, i'd probably be super shy. i don't like being the center of attention, heh."

@kang seulgi. The male nodded once again. “You're completely right. I actually have a few friends that could learn a thing or two from you. Especially on the marriage side of things.” He said with a light chuckle. Sure he was taking time to think about things, but friends of his had jumped head first into career moves and relationships, including the marriage side, without really thinking things through. “Actually, can I get your opinion on something? It might be a strange thing to ask considering we’ve just met, and I will completely understand you avoiding me for the rest of the cruise if I make you uncomfortable with this or anything I say. Anyway, my question is.. What's your opinion on public proposals?”

@byun baekhyun. she shook her head, setting the glass on the small table between them before looking over and offering a reassuring smile. "if it makes you feel any better, that sounds exactly like what i'm doing as well. i think sometimes life becomes too difficult or frustrating...and while maybe it's not always best to run away, there are times when stepping back and contemplating a decision or response is warranted. better than jumping headfirst into something you should've thought out first, right?" at least, that was her philosophy, anyway. "especially when it comes to a career, or...a marriage." saying the word out loud made her wince. the entire idea of marriage used to bring her great joy and she had hope that one day, she'd end up with the right person. now, however, seulgi feared the day she'd say 'i do'.

@kang seulgi. Baekhyun hummed softly and nodded in understanding when he heard her say she needed a break from family drama. Although he didn't know exactly what her family drama was about, he understood needing a break. "Yea, I've been on a good few too. This is my first one alone though. I wanted to get away. Not have to deal with...well anything for a while. It's kind of like I'm running away from my life for a bit." After saying that he replayed it in his head and asked "Did I just make myself sound irresponsible? Cause that's not what I meant. Obviously I cleared things with work. I didn't just hop on a cruise and leave a mess for other people to handle. That's not the kind of guy I am." Growing up hearing about how his actions could affect both the company and his families image had him explaining himself to someone that didn't know him or link him to the business.

@byun baekhyun. "fair enough," she replied, letting out a soft laugh before taking one slow sip of the cool liquid. "i've been on a few, actually! they've all been pleasurable experiences. that's how i knew booking it for myself this time would help me...unwind and relax. not that you care, but i'm in the middle of some family drama, and i couldn't bear being around my parents any longer. i'm hoping by the time the cruise comes to an end and i'm on my way back, i'll be calmed down enough to have a civil conversation with them." feeling rather embarrassed for suddenly spilling all of that to him, seulgi cleared and quickly took another drink of water. "um, anyway- have /you/ been on any other cruises?"

@kang seulgi. "Let's try avoid either of us ending up dehydrated on this cruise." He said, accepting the water she was handing him. "Baekhyun. My name's Baekhyun. It's a pleasure to meet you Seulgi." After taking a drink, he placed his glass of water down. "So, em.. Is this your first cruise? Or have you been on any before?"

@byun baekhyun. "i worry what might've happened if i didn't escape..." she mumbled, more to herself rather than the man next to her. he didn't need to know the predicament she was currently stuck in. who even arranged marriages these days? surely, it sounded archaic to most people.
raising a curious brow, seulgi watched as the man called a waiter over for service. within a couple of minutes, the waiter brought a pitcher of mouth-watering ice water and a glass for each of them. "i- thank you. you didn't have to do that for me. but yes, i'm the same way. i swear, i always end up dehydrated," she smiled, pouring water into both cups and handing over one for him. "my name's seulgi, by the way. it's nice to meet you."

@kang seulgi. Baekhyun smiled when he heard a normal response from the woman beside him. "Seems we made the right choice booking this cruise then. Couldn't ask for a better weather forecast." With a quick look around the deck he spotted a waiter and flagged them down, wanting to order a drink. "I also booked last minute, but yes, I have been enjoying myself." When the waiter arrived, Baekhyun held out his card and asked "Can you bring out a jug of ice water and two glasses please?" Looking back at the woman beside him, he smiled and said "I don't know about you, but I can forget to drink enough water when relaxing in the sun." He had wanted to offer to buy her a drink of her choice, but didn't want to scare her away by being too friendly too fast. Water seemed like a safe choice. One that they would need with the wonderful weather.

@byun baekhyun. seulgi purposely left her phone back in the room, not wanting the flurry of texts and calls to interrupt her 'me' time. just as she was about to open her bag and pull out the current book she was reading, a voice caused her to pause and look over to the side behind her sunglasses. seulgi did a quick check to ensure there wasn't anyone else he could've been talking to before clearing . "oh- um, yes... thankfully, the weather is supposed to be nice for the next two weeks, considering i booked this cruise last minute." she replied while kicking off her flipflops and stretching out her legs. "have you been enjoying your time so far?"

@kang seulgi. It felt nice to get away. Not having to deal with the future of his family's company or even his own future, for that matter. Before booking the cruise, he had been informed that his marriage had been arranged and that after he was married he would be taking on more responsibility in the family business. Not ready for that, he stopped his parents before they could tell him anything about the woman he was going to marry and said he needed time to take things in. Only a couple hours later, he was telling them he was taking a cruise alone and that he'll meet his future wife when back, but for now he didn't want to know anything about her.
But that's not what he was thinking about. No, he was just sitting back and relaxing on the deck. Just enjoying his vacation alone. That was until a woman in a leopard print bikini sat next to him Upon seeing her he thought 'Just cause I came here alone doesn't mean I can't talk to people. What harm will it do anyway? It's just talking.'
"Lovely day for a cruise." He said casually, using that simple sentence to see if the woman would even respond to him or not. There had been many times were he had tried talking to woman and they either ignored him or responded with "I have a boyfriend." even though that was not what he was aiming for.

@byun baekhyun. an arranged marriage.

seulgi scoffed at such a thought. how archaic were her parents, choosing a man for her and setting up a wedding in so little time? she couldn’t believe that those kinds of setups were even heard of in this day and age.

as soon as they broke the news, seulgi booked a cruise and distanced herself as much as possible from them. she’d felt too suffocated and needed to get away to destress.

donned in her favorite leopard print bikini, ray-ban sunglasses, and comfy flipflops, the woman exited her room and wandered down to the main deck. once she spotted an open chair, she beelined for it and plopped down before sprawling out and letting out a quiet sigh.

@kang seulgi. Twenty-four year old Byun Baekhyun need a break. A break from everything that was going on in his life. No family or friends. No responsibility for anyone or anything other than himself. So that's what he got. Since he had money thanks to the family company, the one that he didn't want to think about for a while, he was able to book himself onto a nice cruise with very short notice. Of course he told his family that he was going. He needed a break but he still respected them. Right now, he was relaxing on the deck of the cruise ship, taking in the sun. This was what he needed.