Only you
The air between them buzzed—awkward, warm, and thick with everything unspoken. Minji’s lips parted, and her hand twitched at her side like she wasn’t sure what to do with it.
“Hanni, I…”
Her voice was soft. Nervous.
Hanni blinked up at her, a deer caught in headlights.
“. . .”
“I–I’m sorry, it just—it was—” Minji stumbled over her words, her voice pitching up like she couldn’t get enough air.
“Y-yeah. I know it’s—I know it’s okay,” Hanni said too quickly, waving a hand like she could brush it off. Her cheeks were practically glowing.
“I didn’t mean to, it was like—”
“Yeah l-like instinct or s-something, r-right?” Hanni laughed awkwardly, her voice cracking at the end.
“Right. Right. Like impulse.” Minji nodded, eyes darting everywhere except Hanni’s face. “Totally just... muscle memory or whatever.”
“Yeah…”
They both nodded. And nodded. And then nodded again. Too much nodding.
Minji suddenly took a step back, fiddling with the hem of her shirt.
“Uh... I-I should take a bath.”
Hanni stiffened. “Oh! Of course! Take care…”
Minji blinked. “Huh?”
“I mean—yeah, just take care!”
“Yeah sure… Thanks…?”
Minji slowly turned and walked away, eyes wide, internally screaming. Hanni, however, just stood frozen, eyes bugged out like she’d just been caught saying “I love you” on accident. Heart on sleeve.
Wait.
Did I just tell her to take care???
Her mouth fell open. Her brain scrambled.
TAKE CARE???
She’s just going to take a bath not hiking the damn Mount Everest!
She buried her face in her hands, cheeks burning.
“Oh my god this is embarrassing…”
Then she gasped. “Wait—what if she slips and hits her head?!”
She nodded to herself, flailing her arms a little as if trying to justify it.
“Exactly! Slippery and wet floors! Accidents happen! It's a reasonable thing to say!”
She paused. Slowly frowned.
“…Slippery and wet…”
She groaned, dragging her hands down her face. “No. Nope. I’m done. I’m so done.”
Meanwhile, behind the bathroom door, Minji leaned against the sink, hands on the edge, staring at her reflection with wide eyes.
“What the fuck was that Kim Minji.” she whispered to herself, her ears redder than her cheeks.
Her heart was pounding so loud she swore Hanni could hear it from the other room.
Oh no.
This isn't good.
This isn't the plan.
. . .
The meal was quiet and… awkward.
It seemed like neither of them could find the right words to say without intensifying the discomfort.
Hanni ate in silence—peacefully… or maybe not. Her mind was running wild, her nerves heightened.
“Hanni?”
“Oh!?” she responded almost immediately.
Minji took a breath. “How are your wedding ideas? I’ve reached out to some professionals already. I might meet them today. And I’ll be late, so eat without me.”
Hanni’s nerves calmed slightly. She nodded.
Another silence settled between them, until Hanni remembered something. Gripping her utensils, she carefully asked:
“Minji… why were you late yesterday?”
“There was a problem at the office I had to take care of urgently,” she replied, so casually and calmly—as if this wasn’t anything new.
Hanni’s right brow raised. “With alcohol?”
Minji inhaled. “Sorry. I just needed a breather, that’s all.”
Hanni locked her jaw and nodded again. She turned her attention back to her food, though she ate blankly—without any real appetite.
Minji gulped down her food. “Why? You didn’t wait for me, right? I told you to eat early,” she asked, her empty eyes boring into Hanni’s.
Well, I was hoping you’d be home early. Since we had a conversation… and you listened to me rant about my customers. Or I thought we were in the same boat, thinking you’d be home early too. And also because I forgot and was way too excited to tell you everything in person.
But no, she didn’t say that.
“No, I didn’t,” she replied, never breaking her gaze from Minji’s—as if proving to her, or to herself, that not even a single part of her waited for the older woman to come back.
Minji just nodded nonchalantly. “Good. I don’t want you to wait. I come home late most of the time anyway.” Then she casually resumed eating.
So you're really going to neglect me?
Thought you’d make up for it?
Pft. Why do I even care?
We're really just doing this for the sake of grandma's will and my memories anyway.
Nothing else.
We’ll have a divorce after a year too.
Yes…
This will end soon…
“Okay.”
-----
Sitting on the counter, Hanni paused her studying and focused on brainstorming ideas for the wedding—something she'd been stuck on for a while. She pondered what would suit her best: the clothes, colors, designs, flowers, and everything in between.
She groaned.
“Argh!”
What color did old Hanni even like?
I honestly don't remember having a favorite color.
Did I have a favorite color?
I don't even have a favorite flower?!
And what's Minji's favorite color again? Ah—blue.
What about me?
“GAHHHH!!!!”
She leaned back heavily on her swivel chair with a huff, basically giving up. Blankly staring at the ceiling, she let her thoughts wander wherever they pleased. After a minute or two of zoning out, she pushed herself upright and grabbed her phone when something crossed her mind.
Her fingers typed Minji’s name into the search bar, hoping for results—and there really were some. She read the information out loud to herself.
“Kim Minji... business billionair—BILLIONAIRE?!” she exclaimed, then swiftly looked around as if someone were listening—when, in fact, no one was.
She checked it again. “Billionaire... I’m marrying a billionaire?” She put her phone down and stared at nothing for a moment, unsure if she was still connected to reality or if she was somehow still stuck in her coma.
Am I still dreaming?
Lost in thought, her mouth slightly agape, she muttered, “She’s so... It doesn’t feel like living with a billionaire, honestly… Tsk, so down-to-earth, huh… ‘Youngest president of a company in the countr—’ damn?!”
She covered her mouth, both impressed and dumbstruck, with a growing feeling of pride. Like—damn, she’s really marrying someone that high-class?
This girl is mine?
For real...?
Still gaping, she slowly shook her head with an unbelievable smirk. “This is crazy,” she whispered to herself.
I’m really marrying someone like her?
She’s everyone’s dream woman.
What the hell...
How did I even get her...?
Wait...
How dare she sing me the song “Get You”? When she’s obviously the one who’s way out of my league?
I can’t believe it…
Now even more curious, she kept scrolling until a few articles caught her attention—about Minji and—
“HER GIRLFRIEND?!”
ME!?
WHY AM I IN THE ARTICLE??
“Hanni Pham, Minji’s gf, is wearing a ring? Could this be an engagement ring?” she read aloud in disbelief. It was an old article from years ago.
Another article followed:
Kim Minji, president of Aurevia Group International, is seen on a lovely date with her long-term girlfriend.
For some reason, she opened the article with low expectations, but as she scrolled down, she was met with paparazzi-style photos of them. She couldn’t help but scoff in amusement—for the nth time—especially when a weird flutter tickled her stomach. I mean, who wouldn’t feel something? The photos captured intimate and affectionate moments: Minji holding her hand while gazing lovingly into her eyes, laughing with eye contact, brushing her hair or cheek—or even her leg—whispering something into her ear from a close distance and—
That’s enough.
She was about to exit when a certain photo caught her eye. She scrolled back.
It wasn’t Minji’s animated talking or even her joyfully childish expression. It was her—Hanni.
The way her old self smiled softly while listening to Minji yap. Even with the low quality of the photo, she could see it—the sparkle in her eyes.
The look of love, indeed.
You look so happy, huh...
Warmth began to rise in her chest the longer she stared at the photo. But that warmth slowly turned into a pang, and her smile faded. There was always something sad about her and Minji’s past. Like a cloud of regret or gloom hanging over a love story she couldn’t remember.
No matter how—deep down—there was still disbelief about their relationship, she knew for a fact: she had never seen herself look that happy and in love. Almost to the point that she couldn’t recognize herself.
An unrecognizable happiness.
She’d seen enough photos of them on Minji’s phone when she borrowed it again. And there was no point in denying it, because “in love and happy” looked so good on her.
So good that it made her wonder how it would look on her again.
Or feel...
Again.
She exited the site, ignoring the little voices in her head. But just as she was about to put her phone down, a new article caught her attention.
It was about her accident.
She froze. A heavy feeling crept in as she stared at the article’s headline. She couldn’t bring herself to open it. So instead, she scrolled past with a shuddered breath—only to be stopped by another headline.
“Kim Minji seen at bar multiple times after girlfriend’s accident.”
She couldn’t resist clicking it.
Kim Minji, daughter of the owner of Aurevia Group International, has been seen multiple times visiting a bar after her girlfriend’s accident. The girlfriend remains in a coma...
Hanni stopped reading and looked away from her phone. A familiar sting in her chest made her pause, take a breath.
She may have made it this far, but that didn’t mean she had moved on from the biggest incident of her life. The one that flipped her entire reality.
When she was ready again, she didn’t leave the site. Instead, she scrolled through the old comments on the article. Some said:
"She’s probably drinking the pain away."
"Rumors have it she’s been visiting the bar almost every night. Damn… She’s really hurting so bad :("
"They’re my ship… I’m so sad with what happened to Hanni. I hope she wakes up soon :((("
"They’re my dream couple, bro… I can’t believe this happened to them. It really feels like a Wattpad story. I’m praying for their happy ending."
Happy ending...?
"I wonder if she’s awake now. It’s been threemonths... :((("
Oh...
I’m already awake…
Then another comment grabbed her attention—the most recent one:
"What if... just what if... she’s cheating behind her back?"
- "Dude stfu, Minji would never do that.
- "Girl, stop."
- "You probably have a sad life, lol."
- "You just don’t believe in love, do you?"
Hanni stared blankly at the screen.
And then—her phone rang.
Danielle's calling.
"Hey, unnie! How are you!?"
"Oh... hi, Dani-ah. I'm all fine. I'm currently in my bookstore," she answered as she relaxed back in her seat.
"Yep! I could tell! I passed by your bookstore just now—that's why I called you. I couldn't swing by, sorry, I'm currently heading to my appointment today, hehe." Hanni could picture her eyes disappearing with the giggle.
"Oh. So you're driving right now?"
"Yep!"
"Where's Haerin? And don’t use your phone!" she scolded lightly.
"Haerin went to work really early, so I’m alone for now. And hey, I’m just calling you, hehe."
"Well, thank you. I do kinda miss your voice anyway." A small smile spread across Hanni’s face. It was true—hearing her now weirdly made her feel a sense of longing.
I wonder how Hyein is...
"Pft, I know you miss me, unnie," Danielle giggled on the other end.
"Hah! I don’t!" Hanni replied jokingly.
Danielle only laughed, the sound of the highway in the background. Hanni could tell she was driving—hopefully not too fast.
"Dani, I have a question. Do you still have time to—"
"Of course! I’m still 10 minutes away, so shoot," Dani answered enthusiastically, as if something exciting was about to happen.
Happy Danielle, as always.
"So, uhm... does being in a relationship with Minji mean getting featured in articles...?" Hanni asked, instinctively scratching the back of her head.
"Oh! Right!" She giggled. "Guess we forgot to tell you that your girlfriend is basically a famous sapphic icon instead of just a businesswoman."
"A what?"
"Well, aside from being known in the business industry, she got famous when someone randomly edited her—probably because they found her attractive, especially her fashion. She ended up getting attention on TikTok, which led people to get curious about her and then find out about you two. That made you both a sort of icon in the sapphic community. People say you look like you came straight out of Wattpad. You're the kind of relationship everyone wants. So yeah, that’s that."
"Wait... sapphic? What’s that...?"
"It’s W-L-W, wuhluhwuh. Woman-loving-woman."
"Huh... So... basically lesbian?"
"Yep. It’s kind of a Gen Z term—btw, you’re a Gen Z too! The most chronically online among us, especially on TikTok."
"Huh... but I don’t really use it that much. It’s just clips and videos... I’d rather read."
"That’s so un-Hanni-like! You sound like a grandma, HAHAHA."
Hanni scoffed playfully.
"Anyway, wanna know how famous your girl is? Go search her name on TikTok and you’ll see a bunch of girls thirsting over her—HWHAHAHA."
Hanni didn’t reply. Instead, her face fell, and she went quiet. The words “a bunch of girls thirsting” over her fiancée made her eyes narrow slightly. A spark of annoyance and uneasiness ran through her veins.
"Oh sh—wait, I gotta go. I have to call my manager—shit, why did I forget—"
"Yeah, yeah, you should go now. Take care, Dan."
"I’ll visit you sometime, unnie. Bye! Love yah!"
"Yeah... bye."
She hung up, her tone distant. Her mood had shifted.
Hanni eventually opened TikTok and, urged by a mix of curiosity and hesitation, searched her girlfriend’s name.
And there it was—tons of videos with her girlfriend’s face on them. She scoffed with a furrowed brow and clicked on the most-liked one...
Damn.
She watched the whole clip, lips slightly parted in disbelief, unable to form any words or thoughts. Her mind went blank. The video showcased her girlfriend in multiple outfits—especially suits—edited in an uncomfortably appealing way, with a sensual background track.
Yeah... it’s definitely not healthy.
After enough time watching, she opened the comments section—and instantly regretted it.
Her jaw dropped.
"Born to ride, forced to scroll.”
"Something’s off... oh, it’s just my clothes.”
“Hanni’s strong, I would’ve given her children.”
The fuck? Like that’s possible!?
“I’d let her destroy me.”
Excuse me!??
“Oh, I love women.”
"She’s so daddy.”’
She's a woman?????”
"Who is she!???”
“WHO THAT IN THE BACKKKK!!?”
"BOOMSHAKALAAAA!!!!”
“I just know she’s the aggressive type.”
What.
"Til the bed breaks.”
WHAT!?
“‘Dinner is ready, my love!’ I yell as I spread myself over the table.”
WHAT THE FUCK???“
"I (S)CREAMED.”
“Both lips smiled.”
“ALL 20 FINGERS!!!”
“What. The. Fuck.”
“WHAT THE FUCK IS WITH ALL THESE COMMENTS!??”
“WHAT’S WRONG WITH PEOPLE NOWADAYS!? WHAT HAPPENED TO COMPLIMENTING NORMALLY???”
Overwhelmed by disbelief and an odd sense of irritation, she threw her phone onto the table and stood up from her seat. Her hands rested on her hips, brow furrowed, glaring at her phone like it had committed a crime.
Her teeth clenched as she began practicing breathing—inhale, exhale, Hanni.
Come on.
What’s wrong with me?
I need to calm down, really.
It’s just them thirsting over your fiancée. Nothing else.
Then why am I so pissed, anyway?
Can this be considered sexual assault?
And why do her videos look like that!?
No—WHY DOES SHE LOOK LIKE THAT!?
NOW EVERY WOMAN WANTS HER!?
"Ha..." Hanni huffed, running a hand through her hair with an annoyed smirk.
So everyone wants you, huh...
Abruptly, and without much thought, she grabbed her phone and texted Minji.
Minji?
It didn’t even take a minute for her to receive a reply—which was weird, considering it usually took minutes, even hours.
And Hanni let her intrusive thoughts win.
Have you ever broken a bed before?
----
What?
Hanni, what do you mean?
Why is that so random?
Wdym broke a bed?
Hanni?
When the two customers arrived at the midst of her existential crisis, she put her phone away as if she had sobered up from the alcohol of jealousy. But of course she wouldn't admit that, she probably don't even understand what's she's feeling at the moment.
So Hanni ended up leaving Minji on read and leaned herself on the chair, and found herself staring at the ceiling once again.
What is wrong with me?
Why am I acting like this?
Just as she'd calm down from her rollercoaster emotions, the costumers now approached her. She stood up and checked all their books, but not without overhearing their conversation.
"So, which is which, darling? On the beach or the mountain?" The tall handsome man asked the woman with his hands around her waist.
"Love, I can't just choose... You know I love them both... How about you? Where'd you prefer?"
"Baby, I'd marry you anywhere."
"Oh please~" The woman giggled with her obviously-future-husband staring down at her with a shy smile.
Hanni secretly snickered while internally cringing, before she finished packing their books as the husband pay. She then handed it to them but not without congratulating them.
The woman smiled so widely and genuinely, "Thank you! Oh wait— You're getting married too—or soon?" She asked enthusiastically when she noticed Hanni's ring when she gave the paper bag.
Hanni flickered at hers before covering it with her other hand, "Ah, y-yes. Soon."
"Really? How soon is it!?" The woman asked further, clearly starting to enjoy this small talk.
Hanni forced a smile before flickering her eyes to the both of them while her husband patiently waited for her with an excited smile too.
Now Hanni could see why these two are indeed made for each other.
"T-this month, soon."
"Oh my god! Really!? Congratulations to you and your husband!!" She excitey exclaimed with her husband smiling widely now.
"Congratulations." The man added.
Hanni nodded her head, "Thank you."
"Well, we better be going. I wish you two have the best of the best honeymoon with your husband! Hehehheh see you around!" She said before waving her hand in goodbye and head for the door.
Hanni held her awkward smile until their figure vanished outside did it drop immediately.
And when silence settled for a whole minutes, the sting inside her ribcage also settled right in. A feeling of envy and loneliness shifted inside her, a harsh reminder of HER reality and with the woman she's supposed to be in love with.
“I’m back,” Minji said as she opened the door.
Hanni didn’t reply. She just glanced at her, then turned back to the movie playing in front of her.
Minji stood still by the door, weirded out by how unusually quiet—cold, even—Hanni was acting. It just wasn’t like her.
Still, Minji walked inside and headed to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. Then she returned to where Hanni sat idly on the couch, standing distantly behind her like she was waiting—waiting for Hanni to spare her even just an ounce of attention.
When Hanni finally felt the presence behind her, she looked back and stared. She didn’t say anything. She just stared. Really, really stared.
“What?” Minji asked quietly.
“What?” Hanni echoed coldly.
“I mean… did something happen?”
“No,” Hanni replied, shaking her head while continuing to eye her—gazing from head to toe.
“What?” Minji asked again, more curious now.
But Hanni just shook her head after that silent scan, then turned her attention back to the oversized TV screen.
Minji stood there, clueless and confused. She didn’t move for a few seconds, waiting for Hanni to say something else—but nothing came.
With a sigh, she turned and headed to her room.
-----
After several minutes—filled only by the occasional dialogue and action sounds from the movie—Minji came back. She walked quietly behind Hanni, then bent down to whisper in her ear.
“Say what’s on your mind.”
Hanni jumped. “Jesus! Minji!” she exclaimed, rubbing her ear in surprise.
“You’ve been giving me that look since I arrived,” Minji said, standing upright again. “Did I do something wrong?”
“What? No. And what look?” Hanni answered, quickly shifting her focus back to the screen.
Minji wasn’t convinced. Bothered and persistent, she walked around the couch and plopped down beside her.
She studied Hanni’s serious side profile. “That look. Like you’re… scrutinizing me.”
“Oh? Am I? Nope. Definitely not. Just… staring, I guess?” Hanni replied, still not meeting her eyes.
“You guess, huh?” Minji raised a brow, clearly not satisfied.
And she knew herself—just like the old Hanni used to know her—that if there’s something she wants, she gets it. No matter what it takes. Especially if that something is Hanni.
Not that she’d brag, but Hanni always ended up giving in to her—giving her what she wanted, what she needed.
And right now, she wanted something.
Hanni was doing a great job—too great—at pretending she was immersed in the TV. She didn’t even notice Minji inching closer.
So when she finally flicked her gaze to the side—Minji’s face was right there.
“The fu—” she yelped, literally jumping in surprise.
But Minji wasn’t backing down anytime soon. She moved in again, inch by inch, as Hanni nervously leaned away on the couch. Her eyes were locked onto Hanni’s—intense and unwavering. It made Hanni’s heart flip and bounce in panic.
She was about to stand and probably run away, but Minji caught her hand and gently pulled her back down.
What the—
Minji leaned in further, her arm now braced on the couch beside Hanni’s head—effectively caging her in.
What the fuck?
As she hovered closer, Hanni instinctively leaned back until she was practically lying down, trying to create distance. But it didn’t help. Minji just followed. Her presence filled the room—her scent, her breath, her heat. Hanni heard nothing but her own ragged breathing and the suffocating air around them.
What is she doing what is she doing WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOING!!!???
Hanni’s breath hitched—once, then twice—her heart pounding as Minji literally hovered on top of her.
She gulped, both arms pressed tightly over her chest as if to contain her racing heart. Her fingers gripped her shirt in panic. It didn’t help that the AC suddenly felt like it was blowing heat instead of cold—though, in truth, it was just her body heating up under the pressure.
“M-Minji—”
“I know there’s something bothering you, baby,” Minji said softly, but firmly. “So just tell me now… before it keeps you up all night.”
Hanni gulped. Again.
All she could do was sink further into the couch as she stared up at Minji’s intense gaze, which pinned her down more effectively than any touch.
Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. What’s going on?
What’s happening to me!?
“Say it, baby.” Minji whispered so low and deep that it did something in Hanni’s stomach… and down to her knees.
Fucking stop calling me that!!!
“You really won’t speak?” Minji continued, still in that infuriatingly soft tone. Hanni parted her lips to say something, but the words got stuck in her throat. She froze.
A smirk slowly grew on Minji’s face. Her eyes traced from Hanni’s trembling ones to her nose, then down to her parted lips. And before Hanni could react, Minji started leaning in.
Hanni’s eyes widened in realization—and she immediately pushed her away. Not so gently.
Minji fell butt-first onto the floor.
“I—I’m—what the hell are y-you doing!?” Hanni exclaimed, finally functioning as she sat up in a nervous panic, pulling her knees to her chest. Her cheeks were glowing red—down to her neck.
Minji snickered, the smirk still intact as she rubbed her tailbone.
“I had to do something just to get you to say it.”
“I don’t want to say it!!!” she yelled, avoiding her eyes and pushing herself further into the couch, as if she could physically distance herself from Minji. Not because she was scared of her—but because she was scared of the sudden, overwhelming feelings inside.
Minji stood up, brushing imaginary dust off her clothes.
“Alright. I won’t force you any further. But whatever I did wrong, I won’t be able to apologize or make it right if you keep it to yourself.” She turned and started walking away. “You’re gonna be like this the whole time? Fine. I can live with it.”
And just like that, she disappeared into her room. The sound of the door closing echoed through the space.
Hanni didn’t even look.
But deep down—somewhere—something regretted what she just did.
The little devils in her head whispered:
You should’ve pulled her closer.
-----
2:38 A.M.
Minji is still awake. It's always like this—she never gets any sleep when they have a problem. Well, she couldn’t really count it as one, since they didn’t argue or fight. But she could tell the girl was upset. And Minji, being Minji, doesn’t like the idea of letting herself—or her—sleep without talking it out.
But this is the plan. Don’t make her want to stay.
Which means hurting her...
With a sigh, she sat up in bed, got up, and walked out of her room toward the kitchen. Then, the sound of the television caught her attention. She followed the noise and found Hanni asleep on the couch while the movie still played, again.
She fell asleep again.
Without a second thought, Minji gently lifted her into her arms and started carrying her upstairs.
Before she could reach the door, Hanni suddenly spoke. “Put me down,” she said in a sleepy tone.
Slightly surprised, Minji shook her head. “We’re almost there. Let me carry you.” She insisted and was about to continue walking when Hanni persisted.
“I can walk, Minji. I said, put me down.” This time, her voice wasn’t sleepy at all—it was firm, even demanding.
Minji met her gaze—slightly red from sleep but sharp, determined. There was fire behind her eyes. Pissed? Annoyed? Angry? Minji couldn’t tell. But it was definitely one of the three.
So she complied, gently setting her down.
As Hanni turned to walk toward her own room, Minji reached out and grabbed her wrist.
“Tell me—what did I do wrong?”
Without turning around, Hanni replied coldly, “Nothing. Let go.”
But Minji furrowed her brow and tightened her grip.
“Hanni, I’m sorry. I don’t know what I did, but... I’m sorry.”
Silence.
For several seconds, Hanni didn’t move. Their hands remained the only thing connecting them. Then suddenly, she pulled away.
“Are you really my fiancée? Are we really going to be a couple?”
Confused, Minji murmured, “What?”
“I... I don’t think I can plan the whole wedding on my own. I don’t even know where to start, or how... I have no idea how weddings work.” She finally let it out. It had been bothering her ever since she saw those soon-to-be-married couples—like a lingering scent that haunted her with every thought of marriage.
“Shouldn’t this be... something two people work on? I mean... the couple?” Her voice was small, hesitant, as if she was afraid to admit what they were. She couldn’t even say the word.
“Couple? Us?” Minji asked, still standing in the dim hallway outside their—no, her—room.
Obviously.
“Yes. Us.” Still, she kept her back turned to Minji.
With a soft sigh, Minji said, “Okay. But we can only start on weekends. Those are the only days I’m available.”
What?
Hanni felt a wave of annoyance rise inside her. “Minji, wha—why don’t you...” She finally turned to face her.
“What?”
She gritted her teeth and let out a breath. “Minji, you’re the president of the company. Your father owns it. Don’t you think he’d understand if you took a few days off for the wedding? You have the upper hand here! You’re not just an employee—you’re practically the owner!” she snapped, her voice rising.
Minji remained quiet, clearly trying to process her words—trying to connect the dots behind Hanni’s coldness.
“Or... are you using work as an excuse?” Hanni’s voice softened, almost as if she didn’t want to say it aloud. Her hand subtly gripped the fabric of her shirt.
But Minji caught it. “Excuse?”
“I don’t know. Maybe you just don’t want to see me. Maybe you’re tired of me,” she said with a humorless chuckle, her voice worn and weary.
Minji was taken aback. “Hanni.”
“Well, it’s okay!” She waved a hand. “I think I get it now,” she said, trying to sound cheerful. Then she turned her back. “Like you said—‘going back to the start is tiring.’” She started walking toward the door.
“Hanni.” Minji called after her.
But Hanni kept walking.
“Hanni, stop. We’re not done yet.”
“No, Minji!” She turned around. “You’re tired! You had a long day—I mean, look at the time! Maybe you had fun with someone else, right?!” she snapped bitterly. “After all, you’re famous! Almost every woman wants you! Maybe even your employees! Who knows—”
She was cut off when Minji abruptly walked up and gripped her arm. “Stop it.”
But as she got close, Minji froze. Hanni’s eyes were burning red—and not from sleep. There was pain there, raw and silent, and the more Minji looked, the more the tears became visible... and heavy. They carried something hidden deep inside her.
“W-Why won’t you eat dinner with me anymore?” Her voice broke. “Are you eating with someone else?”
Minji’s grip slowly loosened. Disbelief filled her face as she watched a single tear fall down Hanni’s cheek.
“Hanni...” she whispered, blinking in guilt. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry if I made you doubt. But I swear, I’ve only been in my office, doing paperwork. You can even ask my secretary.”
But that didn’t help. Not when Hanni’s eyes flickered with what looked like... insecurity.
She looked down. “. . . Is your secretary... a woman?”
“Uh... Yes?”
She fell quiet, staring at her feet, hands clenched at her sides.
Minji wasn’t clueless. She had been with this girl for years. So she reassured her.
“Hanni, she has a boyfriend.”
“And? Even marriage doesn’t stop men from getting mistresses.”
“I’m not a man—”
“And women,” she interrupted, finally raising her head to meet Minji’s gaze. “So I don’t think having a boyfriend would stop someon—”
“No. I’m not seeing my secretary. I’m not dating her, or eating dinner with her, or having an affair, or looking at her that way.” Minji was quick and firm.
She still didn’t want to hurt her.
“. . .” Hanni said nothing. Her eyes lowered again.
Minji knew it wasn’t enough. “Look, I’m sorry. Alright? We’ll both work on the wedding starting tomorrow. I won’t go to work.”
Even with her soft, assuring voice, Hanni still looked down, her doubt and worry more obvious in her body than in her words. Her bottom lip trembled slightly, and Minji could tell.
So she gently reached for her trembling hand and pulled her into a hug.
“I’m sorry, Hanni-ah. I promise I’m not seeing anyone. There’s only you. Only you, baby.”
Hanni stiffened. Her heart skipped a beat. The unexpected affection and soft endearment hit her all at once. Her hands stayed frozen at her sides while Minji’s arms wrapped around her. Her eyes fluttered, overwhelmed, unsure how to process it. Then she closed them tightly, as if trying to convince herself this was real—that Minji was telling the truth.
The silence stretched.
Eventually, Hanni let out the breath she’d been holding. Slowly—hesitantly—she raised her arms and placed them on Minji’s back, finally returning the hug.
What have you done to me?
As Minji felt her soften in her arms, she instinctively tightened her hold, one hand rising to stroke Hanni’s head.
Then she pressed a soft kiss to her hair, closed her eyes, and leaned her cheek against her.
I can't stand it...
I can’t stand hurting her...
End of chapter 12.