“I thought you said you don’t play video games?” Valerie asked as she sat on the arm of the couch beside 종현 watching as he played against one of the young boys.

“I don’t anymore.” He didn’t take his eyes off the screen making sure he was still crouched behind the wall ready to ambush the other team.

It had only taken him a round or two to get himself reacquainted with the games but once he did, he was ready to win. The kids all sat around their eyes glued to the screen to see who would win the battle. And that’s when he saw the last opposing team member fall right into his trap.

      “Fire!” He shouted as his character stood from his crouched positions and laid waste to his opponent in front of him. The screen lit up with the word ‘VICTOR’ and the room erupted into the children cheering, hooting, and hollering while the young boy who lost shook his head in shock and defeat.

And when 종현 turned to his side he saw Valerie jumping up and down as well, her one hand holding her dress up on her chest while bouncing up and down with the girls around her who were gently tugging on the tule skirt with excitement.

He didn’t think twice about putting his arm around Valerie’s waist to pull her to him, her chest flush against his and press his lips to hers. Her small jumps stopped immediately, and her free arm wrapped around his neck tugging him closer to her, causing him to stumble a step, but he caught himself as he continued to kiss Valerie as if his life depended on it.

And she was kissing him back with such a fury he felt like he couldn’t catch his breath. Her arm around his neck moved so that her hand could run up into his hair and his grip on her waist tightened. He wanted her. Desperately. Every single part of her.

“아들!” A loud yell came from behind him and him and Valerie jumped apart.

And there at the door stood his mother, her eyes wider than he had ever seen, her mouth parted slightly and her cheeks going bright red. He had never seen such an expression, come to think of it, he had never seen any kind of expression on her face. He saw from the corner of his eye Valerie bowing a multitude of times to his mother.

“어머니, Valerie Parker를 소개할게요.” He reached out to Valerie, grabbing her hand and weaving his fingers between hers, “내 여자친구. But you already know all of that.”

“안녕하세요. It’s nice to see you again Mrs. Park.” Valerie bowed a final time.

His mother dipped her head coldly, her eyes had finally returned to their normal scowl as she her hands made a small clap before weaving into themselves.

“You need to get back to the event 종현.” She reprimanded. “Your speech was supposed to start fifteen minutes ago but no one could find you.”

He didn’t like the way his mother’s eyes roamed Valerie as she spoke. He tugged Valerie’s hand to pull her closer to him.

“You have to go now huh?” the young girl whose name he found out was Lindsay sad with a pout her eyes dimming with sadness.

He glanced at his mother who was watching with a raised brow at his interaction with the child. He let go of Valerie’s hand, to pull at his suit pants in order to crouch down to Lindsay’s level. It also helped him adjust the slightly obvious enjoyment he had stretching the crotch of his pants.  

“Yes, I need to take your 공주 back for a little bit.” He grabbed Lindsay’s hand. It was so small, so frail. It broke his heart to see all those kids, stuck in the hospital. “But I’m sure I can convince her to come back with me another day. How does that sound?”

Lindsay’s eyes lit right back up with hope as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He brought her tiny frame to him with a small squeeze before letting go and standing to face Valerie whose eyes were reddening with tears rimming her bottom lids.

He grabbed her hand and they walked towards his mother to leave the room.

“When you get married, we better be invited to the wedding!” Lindsay shouted making all the children laugh and caused him a good chuckle as well. But when he saw his mother’s top lip with disgust he knew they needed to get out of that room before she said something, most likely reprehensible in front of the kids.

When they were in the hall his mother’s dagger eyes were shooting between him and Valerie.

“어머니, 죄송합니다. My behavior in there—” He tried to explain.

“We will discuss that later.” She tossed up a hand as she cut him off. “Right now, we need you back in that ballroom and giving your speech. And as for you,” She pointed to Valerie who 종현 pulled so tightly to his side it was like they were conjoined at the hip ready to defend her from any evil his mother spilled out of her mouth. “Your shoes are still in the lobby. We wouldn’t want anyone stealing $2,500 shoes now, would we?”

“I- I – I’m sorry they’re how much?” Valerie stuttered.

Valerie didn’t have the mental capacity to think about the fact the shoes she was strapping her feet back into were two grand, all she could think about was how amazing of a kisser 종현 was and how well they matched each other’s … enthusiasm.

His lips were dangerous. They sent shivers up her and down her spine, goosebumps all over her body and started a fire just below her belly. He devoured her like a man starved for years and she was his first meal. When his hands cupped her cheeks, they were warm, soft, inviting.

The first kiss was a shock to her system. Something she wasn’t expecting but once felt she knew she wouldn’t be able to get enough of. The second kiss though. That kiss was every desire she had begun to feel for 종현in the past month coming to a head. She had gone blind in passion, she forgot the kids were standing around them. It was only when she heard 종현’s mother shout at him that she snapped back to reality.

She wanted to get out of there, back home so she could struggle with her feelings alone. Because while those kisses did not help her growing affection, 종현 seemed unphased, and that bothered her.

Maybe that was how he could be a ruthless businessman. He had no set feelings. He rolled with the punches and if the punches called for him to be a doting boyfriend, he adapted and became the perfect specimen.

“I’ll make this speech quick so we can get out of here. My speech usually is the item to begin the end of the party.” He explained as he put out his hand for her to take.

“Great because I don’t think my feet will last in these heels much longer.” She laughed as she placed her hand in his. “I think I only have another twenty minutes before I’m limping.”

“I’ll carry you.” He smirked and lead them back into the ballroom where all eyes were on them, and bulbs flashed as photos were being taken. They walked to the side of the stage and he let go of her to go on stage and give his speech.

She watched as his demeanor went right into rigid businessman. No emotion, stating facts, mentioning donating to the cause and thanking the people for coming to the gala. There were loud claps and cheers from all around the room as he bowed and waved to the crowd before exiting the stage and coming right up to Val.

She was about to compliment his speech when he squatted down and with no time to react, her feet were off the ground.

“What are you doing?” she wrapped her arms around his neck to stabilize herself.

“You said you had twenty minutes before you would be limping.” He started “My speech was twenty-two.”

“You would know how long your speeches are.” She rolled her eyes.

“Speak fast enough to get it done quickly but slow enough for them to understand. Maximizes efficiency.” He smirked as he explained.

“I’m ok though. I can walk back to the car.” She tried to shimmy out of his hold.

“Nope.” She could feel his grip strengthen even through all the tule of the skirt. “I’m not going to risk it and get an earful tomorrow from you or Ms. Seung about how I injured a designer.”

They smiled at each other, and he made his way out of the ballroom bowing to the executives and doctors he needed to. Once at the car he still refused to put her down and only allowed her to open the door so he could slide her into the backseat.

~*~

As his driver hit the streets, she once again noticed the direction in which they were being taken wasn’t her place.

“종현,” she turned to see he was already looking at her. He didn’t hide the fact he had been caught either, but a blush rose to her cheeks as she continued. “Why are we going to yours?”

He glanced past her to the view out of the window and was surprised to see the direction the car was going and turned to the driver.

“The press are following us 대표님.” The driver said as he peaked through his rear-view mirror.

They both turned to see several vans behind them, and when the streetlight shown on them, Val was able to catch a glimpse of a man in the passenger seat of the van holding a large camera directed at their car.

“Your apartment is safer than hers.” The driver continued.

“But my hair—” she cut herself off knowing neither man would understand her predicament. She touched her head and hair immediately thinking it needed a deep condition after the hell she put it through to get it straight.

“We need to make sure everything is secure at yours.” 종현 explained. “If they’re following us, there are probably already reporters at your place and mine. But like he said, my apartment is more secure. I will send over my assistant to check on yours and if we get the go ahead, I will drive you back myself.”

He tried to reassure her before getting on his phone to make the arrangements. She knew he was doing what was best. What was safest. But she was exhausted and all she wanted to do was get out of the painful heels, tight dress, and have her hair wrapped and prepped for the best night sleep.

Twenty minutes later they pulled up to his apartment building there was a swarm of cameras and reporters and the reality of being seen with 종현 was settling in. Their dates had never been followed. They were to help his cover story to his mother. She should’ve known walking in on his arm, and him carrying out of the gala would raise some eyebrows and turn a lot of heads.

He turned towards her. As if he could sense her nerves he grabbed her hands. Using his thumb to rub the top. The soft pad of his thumb was able to calm her anxiety.

“저 믿으세요?” He asked.

His eyes roamed her face but it didn’t go unnoticed that they lingered on her lips longer than what was appropriate. She brought her bottom lip between her teeth and gave a small nod to let him know she trusted whatever he was about to do.

He released her hands and climbed out of the car and put out his hand for her to take as his driver came around to help make a path for them to get into his apartment’s front door. 

“I’m here Valerie. I got you.” 종현 assured.

She grabbed his hand, slid out of the car, and he wrapped his arm around her waist to keep her against him as they made their way to the front lobby of his building. Her imagination of what was under his clothing was running wild. She had felt the strength of his arm muscles as he carried her out of the venue, but feeling his chest flex as he pushed people away to make room for their walk, she realized how safe she felt in his arms.

Her heart continued to race as they finally got through the door to the lobby. Once the door closed the shouting from outside was almost completely muted. 

“I’ll stay down here to make sure no one gets in.” The driver explained.

“Thank you. My assistant should be here soon, so please make sure he gets in safely.” 종현 responded with a nod and gently pulled Val to follow him to the elevator.

“Is my apartment safe for me to go back to?”

“네?” He asked.

“You said your assistant was going to check on my apartment before.” She started “But you just said he is on his way here. Does that mean I can go home?”

“미안 Valerie. But I don’t think it’s smart for you to go back to your apartment tonight.” he said but before she could protest the elevator dinged its arrival and the doors slid open.

“I need to go home 종현. You may not understand but it’s important I —”

“I understand Valerie.” He cut her off. “It’s not safe ok? I’m not trying to be an asshole about this. I’m trying to protect you. And we’re also going to work on our story now that a lot more than just my mother’s eyes are on us.”

He was right about that. That still didn’t make up for the fact her hair needed a deep condition or her scalp was about to be a painful mess of irritated skin. She pushed herself out of his hold on her waist and she watched as his hand flexed open and closed in the empty space. She saw his face looked unsettled. Like he was questioning his own reaction, but he said nothing and shoved his hand into his pant pocket.

The elevator climbed and they stood in silence. All she could think about was how badly she wanted to get out of the shoes, the dress, and be able to get her hair into it’s silk bonnet for the night. She would have to settle with only getting the first two.

When the elevator arrived on his floor they stepped out and he immediately walked into his bedroom, leaving her alone in the foyer. She had been their countless times obviously, but that night felt a lot different. And that’s when she was alone with her thoughts. And they went right to 종현’s lips on hers. How for a man who claimed such dispassion for affection, he was remarkably able to make her body come alive with a lustful hunger for it.

“여기.” his voice came from her side.

She turned to see him offering her clothes.

“This is the second time I’ve had to borrow clothes from you. I promise to return them all.” She bowed grabbing the plush sweat suit set.

“No need. That’s yours.” He shrugged before continuing, “You know where the guest bathroom is. I’m gonna get out of this tux and grab a quick shower.”

“What do you mean by this is mine?” She understood the words, but she needed time to comprehend.

“You’re the one who said we should add a women’s section in my closet. The last few times we’ve seen each other I made note of the styles you like and had my assistant purchase similar items.” Another shrug of no concern, “They’re all yours once this is over so it might as well be items you’ll like and can keep.”

Dammit 종현. Stop being such a great boyfriend! She scolded.

She bowed her thanks as he walked back towards his bedroom to change. She walked to the guest bathroom and was happy to see several of the facial cleaners she purchased sat on the double sink vanity. At least she would be able to clean her face of all the make-up. She scolded herself for not thinking about shower necessities. It was the fine details that would help keep his mother’s questioning at bay and she mentally made a note to purchase hair care to drop off at his place. 

~*~

After getting out of the dress and cleaning her face, she felt somewhat fresh and clean. And when she slid the sweat set on she relaxed into the soft fuzzy texture of the fabric. Taking a deep breath she walked out to face 종현 in her most casual form.

What she didn’t expect was to see him stood at his elevator door receiving a large paper bag, dressed in his own set of sweats, his hair damp and hung low covering most of his forehead, a towel wrapped around his neck.

Val was probably one of very few who had seen him in such relaxed clothing and holy shit was it hot. Jaw dropping really.

He dipped his head and the elevator doors closed and he turned to walk towards her and upon seeing her, he gave a kind half smile.

“I just got you some haircare products.” He came closer putting the bag out for her to take.

“네?” She grabbed the bag, “You didn’t have to—”

She cut herself off when she opened the bag to see a lot of products she used as well as higher end products she had always wanted to try.

“How did you know?”

“Google is a hell of a thing.” He joked. “I also sent my assistant to your apartment building. He may’ve convinced your landlord to let him into your apartment to find what you usually use as well.”

“종현…” She didn’t know what to say. All she wanted to do was kiss him and let him know how meaningful it was to her that he even took the time to do the research.

“도와줄까?” He asked nervously. “I’m not sure how I can really help but when I was scrolling through some tutorials it seemed like—”

“Tutorials? When did you have time to…” She trailed off remembering he had been staring at his phone for most of the car ride. “In the car?”

He nodded his head as if his actions were normal. Nothing about 종현 was normal. And Val was realizing how hard it was going to be to walk away from such an amazing man.

Holding back tears as well as trying to take deep breaths to keep her heart from bursting out of her chest she cleared her throat and responded, “Actually, could you? It’ll help me get it done a lot faster with four hands.”

They smiled awkwardly at each other and walked back to the bathroom. That’s when she realized–

“Crap.” She said out loud.

“무슨—” He began.

“Turn around.” She spoke panicked and without question he turned away from her. She searched for a towel. Finding one hanging by the shower she pulled the sweater off and wrapped the towel tightly around her chest. She held it even tighter to make sure there was no way it would come loose. She walked to the large white freestanding tub.

“Alright you can look.” She said.

He turned back around and she caught his eyes goes wide before trying to glance at everything else but her.

“What’s first?” He asked.

“Shampoo. Twice.”

~*~

They were sitting side by side as her deep conditioner sat in her hair. He had been the biggest help when he started to brush out her hair as he massaged the conditioner into her scalp after finished each side of her head.

“If your business ever goes under, you might have a job in the salon world.” She joked which caused him to laugh.

“I always wondered what I would be doing if I weren’t born and bred to be a CEO.” He retorted. “Honestly the fact you do this every night…I would be exhausted.”

“Luckily it’s not every night.” She explained. “Only when I put it up in certain styles. My mom tried to learn but since my parents were older when they got me, she could only help until I was a teenager.”

“Got you?” He asked.

“Oh, yeah. I was adopted. Probably should know that if it ever comes up in conversation.” She said. “I was adopted at birth. My parents couldn’t have kids but they always wanted children. My mom was a teacher in high school and one of her students came crying to her about being pregnant and how she couldn’t take care of a child while still being one herself.”

“My mom talked to my dad and so they spoke to the young mother’s parents and got all the papers properly filed and when I was born, I was theirs. I’ve met my birth mom a few times, but it was tough.” Val hadn’t expected to unload all that on him but he seemed to be interested in what she was saying and so she continued.

“She went off to college, got married, and started a whole new family.” Her breath was becoming ragged her throat burned. “I was invited to her other kid’s birthday parties and all I could think was ‘Why couldn’t she keep me? Why couldn’t I have that with her?’ And I know that’s irrational. She was so young when she had me. I wouldn’t have the same kind of life. Neither would she. And I love my adoptive parents. They’re my real family, but sometimes I just wonder how my life would be different.”

Tears fell from her eyes but they barely made it down her cheeks as 종현’s hands cupped her face and his thumbs brushed her tears away.

“You would still be the brilliant, charismatic, talented, beautiful woman you are today. I have no doubt about that.” His eyes stared straight into hers never lingering anywhere else.

“You don’t know that.” She cracked smile but it only caused more tears to fall a choked out laugh to pass her lips.

“You’re right, I don’t, but neither do you. You can imagine all day the ‘What if’s’ but all that will do is make you sad for what you don’t have and you never did.” His thumbs continued to stroke her cheeks. “Your birth mother made her choices. Your mother made hers. And you’re going to make yours. All you can do is see how your life unfolds because of all those choices made.”

They sat in silence. Just staring at each other. She started to take deep breaths again, her tears dissipated, and her eyes stayed on his not wanting to miss a second of his care.

When she finally felt she could speak again she smiled, her cheeks getting scrunched in his hold, “When you find yourself a real girlfriend, you’ve got the consolation thing down pat.”

He smiled back and she saw the warmth and care leave his eyes as he dropped his hands from her cheeks and rubbed them on his sweats and moved to stand.

“Should we get this conditioner out of your hair?” He asked walking back around to the shower head connected to the tub.

As he helped wash the conditioner out of her hair and massaged her scalp all she could think about was how she could get used to him helping her wash and style her hair, how he listened and took her on dates to places she had mentioned in passing, how he thought about her enough to buy her clothes she would like.

It was that moment she realized it wasn’t just a crush. She was falling in love with 종현.

“You can sleep in my room. I have some work I need to get done tonight.” 종현 didn’t want to leave her, or let her leave him, but after her confession while they washed her hair, he could see she was exhausted and he wanted to let her rest.

“I still need to finish finger curling my hair.” Pulled at a lock of her hair, “And after, If it’s ok with you I would like to sketch a bit. Could I borrow some paper and a pen?”  She was picking at the cuffs of her sleeves, a nervous habit he was able to pick up on.

He grabbed her hand to stop her and with a smile responded, “Of course you can. And if you want to watch anything as you design go ahead. No need to mute I’ve worked in packed conference halls, a TV is nothing.” He reached over the coffee table handing her the remote. “Let me grab you some paper.”

He left her to get her some paper and a pen and all he could think was how he didn’t want to do any work that night. Having her merely across the room but to his open floor plan, it was going to be next to impossible to focus.

When he turned back to her, she was sat on the couch separating her hair and wrapping the curls around her finger, when she released them, they bounced and shined and he wanted to dig his hands into those curls. He placed the paper and pen down on the table which she nodded her thanks and he went to his desk to try and work.

His phone buzzed on the hardwood of his desk and he saw his friend’s name.

이환수: 뭐해?

종현 didn’t know where to start so he began with the most insane news of the night.

종현: 키스했어.

이환수:  알아.

종현: 뭐?

A second later, screenshots of several South Korean news outlets posting photos of 종현 and Valerie kissing around the children in hospital that night. The screenshots were followed up with actual links to several of the articles. Most wondering how she caught his eye, a lot questioning 종현’s public actions, but even those headlines had comments that were supporting his decision. In fact while some commentors were upset he was no longer single they applauded him finding his happiness.

His phone buzzed one more time.

이환수: 기뻐?

Was he happy? As he questioned himself, he laid eyes on Valerie who was using one finger to curl her hair and using her other hand to flip through channels on his TV. She bit her the corner of her bottom lip which caused his heart to beat a smidge faster and a smile grow on his face and knew his answer.

종현: 응, 기뻐.

He put his phone down on the desk and continued to watch Valerie twist the ringlets in her hair. His mind started to wander around the thought that he could get used to seeing her in his apartment every night. Coming home after a long day of work to her smiling face. Or even a grumpy face because she had a rough day with a client. He imagined them sitting on the couch, his arms wrapped around her as they watched some mindless television before heading off to bed where he again held her in his arms.

He liked her. 종현 had a crush on someone. For the first time since he was probably in high school.

“종현아?” Valerie’s voice carried him out of his daydreaming. And she had used his name informally which caused another stir of emotions to pump his blood faster through his body.

“네?” he asked not even trying to hide he had been watching her.

“괜찮아?” She asked pulling at one of the curls which released from her finger and gently bounced into place atop her head.

“Yes, I was just watching how you did your hair for next time.” He abandoned the hope of getting any work done, standing, and walking over to her on the couch.  

“There’s gonna be a next time where my apartment is flooded with paparazzi that I can’t get to my front door?” She raised a curious brow.

He let out a light laugh and sat down beside her. He had honestly forgotten the reason they were even sat together in that moment was that he had put her into the public eye. And not only that someone had nabbed a picture of them kissing. She didn’t truly want to be there and with that in mind he closed his heart back up a bit.

“Unfortunately, yes.” He went back to his desk to grab his phone and pull up all the articles 환수 had sent him and gave the phone to her. Her eyes went wide with shock, her cheeks went red, and he even watched as she zoomed in on the photos.

“How did- when- it hasn’t even been a day.” She dropped the phone to her lap as her shoulders dropped and her mouth hung open in shock.

“The media are ruthless and blood hungry.” He started sitting back down but leaving more space between them than he had originally. “You’re going to be in the public eye a little more now. 미안해.”

“I didn’t think about this when I signed on to being your fake girlfriend.” She stared at him. Her eyes wide and he could make out what looked to be panic and nerves.

“And I shouldn’t have done what I did in the hospital. I wasn’t thinking clearly.” He bowed his head.

“We both weren’t.” She grabbed his hand, her warmth already trying to break the barrier he had just put back up on his heart. “There is nothing we can do about it now. What’s done is done. They’ll get to have another four-ish months of our relationship and then we break it off and I’m free to live my life normally again.”

“Right.” was all his lips would let pass.

“Great. Now help me pick something to watch because honestly nothing on Netflix is looking too promising.” She handed off the remote and started curling her hair once more. He wanted to have his fingers in her hair again. He wanted his hands on a lot more than just her hair, but he needed to curb that feeling fast and so he focused on the task she had given him.

Scrolling through what there was, Valerie had been right that there wasn’t much that caught his attention. But one show name did in fact cause him to pause.

“Have you ever watched a drama?” He asked.

“Like a soap opera or something?” She responded with another question.

“No.” he laughed. “It’s just what Koreans call our tv shows.”

“Can’t say I have.” She shrugged.

“I’m surprised Tina never mentioned them. I can remember a few times her and my mother talking about some of the hot gossip around some of the actors.”

“Your mother? Watching TV?” Valerie let out a light laugh. “I can’t picture it, but oh do I want to.”

They both chuckled at the thought of his mother watching any kind of TV that wasn’t related to business news.

“She has one vice like everyone else.” He laughed.

“Yours is video games.” Valerie joked.

“I hadn’t played in so long.” He reminisced about the days he wouldn’t leave his dorm room in hopes he would defeat all the bosses and win the epic battles. “It felt good.”

“I think it was the first time I had seen you totally relax.” Valerie’s smile was warm as she continued. “I know my job in decorating your home is done, but I could always throw in a last-minute request for a gaming console.”

“That’s not necessary.” He shook his head. “I don’t have enough time to play.”

They sat in silence for a few seconds before he finally got back to the topic at hand. “I asked because this drama is one of my favorites from a few years ago. The only reason I watched it is because my friend back in Korea had his first small roll in it and I had to support him.”

“That’s so sweet. And so amazing!” She reached over and pressed the play button on the remote.

~*~

종현 had Valerie between his legs. She was sat on the floor beneath him on the couch, his legs spread, and her there cozily in the middle of them. Too bad her back was to him and she was drawing with the paper and pen while also watching the show he had chosen while he finished the last few finger curls in her hair.

“You’re becoming a pro at the finger curls 종현아.” She joked, “I might just pop by so I can get some work done while you do my hair.”

“And what about my work?” he responded.

“You work too much. My hair would be a good distraction.” He watched her shoulders bounce in the sweater he had bought her and wanted to turn her around to see her smile.

“What’re you drawing?” He inquired.

“A new play space for the kids at the hospital.” She lifted it up over her head for him to see. “I just was so heartbroken to see how boring it looked. In fact, once you walked past the main corridor, the hospital became scary. Kids, especially kids who are in the hospital more than they’re at home, should feel comfortable in that environment.”

He admired her drawing. He was stunned. She had created a whole new fun, imaginative place for the kids to play in. And even though there was no color but the black pen she had been sketching with he knew it would be a happy pallet to make the children feel safe and comfortable.

“와, Valerie. It’s…” He traced several of the lines with his finger soaking up the happiness she felt while drawing it. “This is beautiful. I knew you were talented, but this is something else.”

She turned around and he lost all train of thought. Her eyes were wide with pride, a smile so bright it could light up the night sky, and he could almost feel a sense of hopefulness radiate from her.

“I don’t know who is in charge there, or who they hire for their designing, but I know you have a lot of pull so maybe mention they could fix the place up.” She said.

“Are you asking for me to get you the job?” He raised a brow, a devious smirk playing on his lips.

She moved away from him, bumping into the coffee table behind her.

“아니거든!” she waved her hands in front of her face. “I was simply saying-“

He laughed hard stopping her panicked cover up immediately.

“I know what you were saying.” He smiled reaching out to grab her hand and calm her. “And I will talk to them. Can I bring this sketch with me? It might help them if there is even a tiny media aid to help them envision the change.”

She said nothing but nodded her head gently.

“It’s extremely late.” He turned to the clock to see it was close to five in the morning. “We both have work in a few hours so I suggest we get some sleep.”

“Right.” She stood up gave him a rather deep bow before running off to his bedroom to shut the door.

He thought it was maybe from embarrassment but even so his heart was full that she felt so comfortable in his home to run off to his room. Sure he offered it to her but the fact she willingly went no questioning if he was sure she could have the bed made him happy.

He turned to scan the drawing in his hand once again and knew what he needed to do. Grabbing his phone he, he pulled up the contact that was going to make him the best fake boyfriend in the world.

“Mr. Park, to what do I owe this very early morning pleasure?” The voice on the other line answered.

“Doctor Prim, I apologize for this out of the blue, as you said, very early call. But I have something to ask you.”

Valerie had been bombarded by cameras everywhere she went after the gala. Even when her and 종현 went on their scheduled dates she felt she had to be more loved up with him. That included sharing more public displays of affection. His kisses had become addicting and when he held her hand, and when his thumb would rub over her knuckles, she was done for. And it wasn’t hard to pretend. The fact of the matter was she had fallen in love with him the night of the gala.

He was so commanding when talking to the doctors and contributors and yet sweet to the children. And when he had his assistant purchase her the hair care she needed and then proceeded to help her wash and finger curl her hair while they watched a K-drama he had .

But they only had two more months together. She stared at the calendar in her office their next date that weekend circled and her mind couldn’t stop running in circles. He had said a million times he never wanted a real relationship. He saw no point in them. If she confessed her feelings he would most likely turn her down in the most polite manner possible. It wouldn’t even hurt at first.

Knock, Knock.

“바쁘세요?” A voice she knew so well said from near her.

Val peered up from the calendar to see none other than the man she had just been thinking about leaning against the door frame of her office. Dammit he looks immaculate as always.

His three piece suit a tartan pattern of different shades of brown, tailored to fit him snuggly, with a a baby blue button up with a navy-blue tie oozed that he was out of her league. Another watch on his wrist that was worth more than her year’s salary also put the nail in the coffin.

“종현씨!” She raised from her seat quickly to bow. “I’m sorry did we have an appointment today? Is there something wrong with your place?”

“Valerie,” He took two long strides and was stood right in front of her. He smiled as he placed his hands on her shoulders. “진정해요.”

“미안해요. It’s just that you’ve never just shown up unannounced.” She tried to fight the nerves of his unexpected visit and the butterflies that were fluttering away in her stomach.

“You’re right, but I have a pretty good reason for this surprise visit.” His smile grew as he slid his one hand down her arm to grab her hand and gently navigated them to the couch.

“종현 what’s going on?” she asked.

“Do you remember the night of the gala a month or so ago?” He asked.

You mean the night I knew I fell in love with you? How could I forget?

“네.” She nodded her head.

“I know there was a lot that happened that night.” He cleared his throat and she could swear she saw a blush rise on his face and even ears. He continued, “But when we were in my apartment do you remember drawing out a new space for the children of the hospital?”

“Vaguely.” She lied.

She had went to work the next morning and mapped it out and had it rendered on her computer. She even had a printed copy sat in a file on her desk.

“Well…” He reached into the inner breast pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper and handed it to her. When she unfolded it she saw it was her original sketch of the room.

“Y-yo-you kept this? Why?” her heart raced, and she felt tears well in her eyes.

“You asked me to show it to who mattered at the hospital.” He shrugged as if him following her request was nothing special. But to her it was the whole world.

“You didn’t?” her heart was waiting to explode if he gave the answer, she had a very strong feeling he was about to give.

“I did. Of course I did Valerie.” He grabbed her hand with the drawing she was clutching on for dear life. “And they loved it. I raved about how amazing of a designer you were and how you made places feel like home and that’s what those kids need most. Is to feel the safety of home.”

“Wow. 종현 that’s amazing. I hope you throw another gala there soon so I can see what they end up doing.” She got dreamy eyed hoping they followed her plans.

“아니…That won’t be necessary. They liked your design Valerie. You will be the one bringing it to life.” He explained.

She was frozen in place. 종현 had gone out of his way to help her get a new client. And not just any client a massive conglomerate. If they liked her work for the kid’s playroom it could open up huge opportunities for her.

“종현…” She whispered unable to process the information and also put into words how thankful she was towards him. He was a dream. Men she had been in relationships for years hadn’t been as generous as a man who wasn’t even really her boyfriend.

“I hope this is a happy silence?” he let go of her hand and started to move away from her. “Did I overstep?”

She watched his eyes dart around to try and focus on something other than her silence. She didn’t want him moving away. She didn’t want his eyes on anything but her. She grabbed onto the collar of his suit jacket and brought her lips to his.

She felt his body tense up from surprise but as he realized she was kissing him he relaxed. His hand reaching up to her cup the side of her face and pull her closer so that he could slip his tongue into her willing mouth.

“Ahem.” A throat cleared causing them to jump apart.

Val looked behind 종현 and saw not only Tina but-

“Maria?!” Val jumped from the couch catching site of her best friend stood at the door.

Maria was dressed casually in some jeans and a crew neck hoodie, her long wavey brown hair cascaded down her shoulders making her olive skin pop and her green brown eyes look even more wide with surprise.

“Val…” Maria trailed off looking down to the couch where 종현 still had his back turned to the two people stood in the office doorway.

“Ah this is-“

Val was cut off by 종현 turning to stand and putting his hand out for Maria to shake. “Hi Maria. I’m 종현, Valerie’s boyfriend.”

Val wanted to curl into a ball.

“Boyfriend?” Maria reached out to shake his hand her eyes on Val.

“Yeah I’ve been meaning to tell you.” Val stepped between them, breaking the hand shake to wrap her friend in a massive hug. “What are you doing here?”

“Well during our last facetime call you seemed so stressed and out of sorts I thought it was time for me to come visit.” Maria leaned to the side to inspect 종현 again which Val followed so Maria couldn’t start an interrogation.

Val felt a hand slip into hers and she turned towards 종현 with an apologetic plea on her face.

“We can talk more tomorrow.” He smiled softly before pecking her on the cheek and turning his sights to Maria. “It was nice to meet you. Valerie has talked about you so much I feel like I already know you. Let’s all grab dinner while you’re in town.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Maria smirked.

“Let me walk you out 종현씨.” Tina offered as 종현 bowed to everyone in the room before following Tina out to leave a terrified Val and a overly curious Maria alone.

“Didn’t realize Tina was so open about PDA in her office.” Maria joked as she dropped to the couch.

“It isn’t like that. We just…” Valerie couldn’t explain to Maria why she had kissed 종현.

“Were making out in your office.” Maria’s smile kept growing.

“Maria, please this is already embarrassing.” Val rubbed her forehead as she tried to get a handle on her emotions in order to explain what she could to Maria.

She didn’t want to tell Maria about the real nature of her relationship with 종현. Maria and Val had always dreamed up the loves of a lifetime together. And while the books they read loved a good enemies to lovers Maria would constantly complain that she hated the fake dating trope. They both had their versions of love and the fact was while Val and 종현 were fake dating, and she had fall in love with him, she hadn’t asked him his feelings.

From the brief kiss they had shared before interrupted by her boss and best friend, she thought he might have the same feelings for her.

“I’ll let you catch your breath. But don’t think you’re getting off from telling me everything.” Maria leaned back on the couch.

“We met at an event Tina invited me to.” Val had to think quick. “We kept running into each other and have been seeing each other for a few months now. I didn’t want to tell you until I was really sure about him.”

“Can I just say that kiss told me you’re both very sure of each other.” Maria laughed as a blush rose to Val’s cheeks.

Like that they were both giggling like school girls.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Val plopped down on the couch next to her best friend in the whole world and wrapped her up in a hug.

“Well I have some free time.” Maria explained.

Val knew what that meant. She quit another job.

“Why did you leave this time?” Val asked.

“Same as every other time. I was bored and they weren’t going to have me move up so it was time to find something new.” She explained.

“One day you’ll find something you’re really passionate about, I know it.” Val knew that Maria had a passion for photography that she never shared with anyone. But Val saw how much she loved taking the photography class in college and how happy it made her. But after the semester was done she never mentioned it or made the effort to pursue it further.

“I just came to surprise you at work. I know you have to get back to work. I will go to yours and wait for you.” Maria gave Val one more hug before leaving. “And I’m serious about grabbing dinner with your little boyfriend.”

“He wouldn’t have offered if he wasn’t serious.” Val laughed.

~*~

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Val turned towards 종현, who was stood beside her in front of her apartment door.

He was about to see her place for the first time to cover her ass from having to explain who he really was.

Val had called him after Maria left her office so they could come up with a cover story of their relationship. 종현 was confused why they had to lie at first, but Val quickly explained that since their relationship wasn’t real she didn’t want Maria getting pulled into the lime light. The press for the most part had left her alone once there was a new, bigger story for them to follow but they still were one or two who would linger outside his apartment. She also wanted to keep just how rich he was on the down low.

“She’s your friend Valerie,” He grabbed her hand in reassurance.

“That’s why I’m asking.” Val gave the vague warning as she opened the door.

“Yas! Pizza!” Maria jumped from the couch jogging to grab the pizza boxes from 종현’s grasp. And brought them to the small kitchen counter, ripping open the box top and grabbing a slice that still had steam rising from the cheese.

“It isn’t New York pizza but it is pretty damn close.” Maria moaned as she took a few bites.

“You would be confused by Korean Pizza.” He laughed. “You can get almost an entire meal on one slice.”

“Sounds like something I would love to try.” Val smiled grabbing a slice of pizza and plated it to hand to 종현.

“고마워.” He whispered. His breath on her neck caused goosebumps to rise across her skin.

“Now 종현, I want to hear more about you.” Maria tried to sound commanding but with the sauce on her face she was less powerful looking.

“Of course. What would you like to know?” He asked with such a happy and bright smile.

“Your intentions with my friend Val is the pretty obvious first question.” She raised an inquisitory brow as she sat back down on the couch.

“My intentions?” he raised a brow walking over to the mustard yellow modern wingback chair across from Maria.

“Do you not plan to make this relationship permanent?” Maria seemed upset by his response being another question.

“Maria, we only just started seeing each other.” Val tried to ease her friends apparent dissapproval of his response and sitting on the chair’s arm to keep a barrier between her best friend and 종현.

“I care for your friend very much Maria. I enjoy every moment we spend together and I hope to spend many more with her.” 종현’s eyes were glistening with what seemed to be amusement.

“Eh.” Maria shrugged. That meant she didn’t hate the answer but she was not a fan either. “What was your first impression of her?”

He cast his glance towards Val and the both let out loud laughs.

“Clearly I missed something.” Maria spoke confused.

“Sorry, Mari.” Val wiped the tears from her eyes before explaining, “I actually called him a bastard the first time I met him.”

“You what?!” Maria exclaimed with an impressed look on her face.

“To be fair, I was being a bit of one. But once we put aside our differences we realized how well we fit.” He wrapped his pizza-less hand around her waist and gently pulled on her. She tried to stay balanced on the arm. But when she regained her balance he pulled harder causing her to fall into his lap, her legs hung over the arm she had just been sitting on, her back hitting the other arm of the chair as she let out a small squeal from her and a sexy smirk from 종현.

“She has made me a better person. And I don’t think I could be this happy with anyone else.” He confessed.

But what sent Val’s heart fluttering was the fact he wasn’t looking at Maria as he spoke. His eyes were staring directly into hers as he switched his pizza holding hand to the one now resting on her knees. His other hand sliding up her upper back and grabbing one of her curls and wrapping it around his finger.

“Now that’s a much better answer.” Maria responded before taking another bite of her slice.

Val felt the draw to kiss him again and caught his eyes fall to her lips as she licked them thinking about the possibility.

“I’m sure you’re used to being all alone but don’t forget I’m here.” Maria brought attention to not only she could tell they were in fact about to kiss but the fact they shouldn’t be.

“Sorry Maria.” 종현 finally removed his stare from Val to her friend. “I just get so captivated by Valerie I tend to forget there are other people in the room most of the time.”

He continued to play with the curls at her neck as they talked. Every time she tried to get off his lap, he would tug one. She took it as an indication to stay exactly where she was.

~*~

“As fun as this night has been, I really need to go.” 종현 didn’t want to leave but he also wanted Valerie to have alone time with her friend. He could tell how much it bothered her to not tell her best friend the truth.

He hadn’t intended to keep her in his lap the whole time, but once she was there, he never wanted her to leave. He loved playing with her natural curls, twisting one in his finger as his the rest of his fingers grazed her back. He was thankful she didn’t say anything about the bulge in his pants every time she would try and move to get up.

When he got himself under control was when he chose to make his exit and lifted her up as he stood her arms wrapping around his neck in surprise he was picking her up with him.

“You’re leaving?” her and Maria said simultaneously. He was surprised they had expressions of disappointment on their faces.

“I thought you would want some alone time with each other while Maria is here.” He explained as he placed Valerie on her feet.

“That’s very sweet of you.” Val pecked his cheek and oh what he would have given to turn just slightly for her lips to be on his.

“I’ll walk you out. I gotta throw the pizza boxes out.” Maria interrupted.

Valerie gave him a nervous glance. She had warned him about Maria possibly getting him alone to make some very vague threat of “if you hurt her I’ll kill you.” He gave Valerie the nod of understanding and mouthed 괜찮아.

He leaned in to give her a peck on the cheek and whispered, “I’ll text you later to let you know what she said.”

He followed Maria out the apartment door and they made their way to the stairwell. At first Maria said nothing. He was worried he had been so poor at pretending to be a boyfriend that even Maria had zero to say to him. And just as he was about to talk she spoke up.

“Valerie is very scared when it comes to relationships.” She started. “She may not look it or act like it but I can tell when she starts to pull away. I think it might have something to do with her relationship with her birth mother.”

“She mentioned her struggles with her birth mother and her parents.” 종현 pushed his fists into the pockets of his jeans.

“It makes me happy she told you that.” Maria smiled. “I think she is scared that others will give her up. She’s even tried to push me away.”

“I won’t let her do that.” He tried to reassure Maria. The fact was he didn’t want Valerie out of his life when the contract was over. He had never wanted to keep someone by his side more.

“She seems smitten with you.” They had gotten down to the first floor where Maria tossed the cardboard boxes into the recycling bin. “I’ve never seen her let someone into her life so quickly. I mean, holy shit, you played with her hair!”

“Huh?” 종현 had to admit that was such a bizarre trivial thing to pick up on.

“Her hair!” Maria repeated. “She never lets people touch her hair so easily.”

“I helped her wash it before. Maybe she thought-“

“You helped her what?!” Maria’s eyes lit up with excitement as she grabbed his button up to pull him down to her level. “Jung-hyun, I need you to listen and listen carefully.”

“Marry her.”

“Wh-wha- what?” he stuttered. That wasn’t what he was expecting when he explained he had helped Valerie wash her hair.

“I know right now you won’t understand exactly how serious of a thing this is but Val takes her hair very seriously. Hell when we were kids she almost took my arm off for trying to touch one of her barrettes.” Maria let go of his collar. “I learned from then on to ask if I could touch her hair. Anyone’s hair for that matter.”

He smiled remembering their night spent washing her hair, when she opened up about her family and how they spent the night finger curling her hair. “She actually told me if I ever need a job in a salon she would recommend me.” He laughed.

“Jung-hyun, you are special to her. And I swear to God if you break her heart I will not only kill you, I will find a way to bring you back so I can kill you again.” Maria threatened.

“Valerie said you would say something like that. I can assure you I have no intention of hurting her in anyway. I care for her very deeply.” He explained.

“Good. But know I am still watching you.” She pointed two fingers to her eyes then to his person and went back and forth several times. “Have a good night Jung-hyun.”

“You too.” He bowed his head before walking out the front door.

As he stepped out he turned to take several steps backward getting a glimpse at Valerie’s apartment window. He watched for what felt seconds but when his phone rang and he saw the time he saw it had been several minutes.

It was a texted from 환수 asking what 종현 was doing and he chose to call his friend instead of answering.

“형, to what do I owe the pleasure of a phone call?” 환수laughed.

“Love.” He stated.

“어?” 환수 asked.

“How do you know you’re in love?”