The following morning, Minji awoke with a throbbing headache, the remnants of her tearful ordeal from the previous day. As she rose from bed, the memories of yesterday's events surged back into her consciousness. She let out a heavy sigh and shuffled towards the bathroom, only to confront a disheartening sight. Her lipstick was slightly smeared, mascara tracks adorned her face from the tears, and her skin appeared tired and neglected, a result of not removing her makeup the previous night.

Minji washed her face and made way to the bedroom that was once her's and Beomgyu's to get clothes and her skincare supplies, because after everything that she said to him, she couldn't sleep beside him again. Screw that, she couldn't even face him. 

Upon opening the bedroom door, a sigh of relief escaped Minji's lips as she discerned the sound of the running shower. She quietly entered the room, gathering her essentials for the day. Minji picked up her hoodie and a pair of sweatpants which were way too big for her, since she didn't plan on going anywhere. As she started organising her skincare products, the sound of the bathroom door opening reached her ears. 

Suddenly, she was met with a sight that left her momentarily breathless. There stood Beomgyu, clad in nothing but a towel snugly wrapped around his waist. The droplets of water cascading down from his wet hair onto his well-defined abs made him appear even more attractive than usual. 

Minji cursed her hormones, for in that moment, she found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Beomgyu's captivating presence. Clearing her throat, she tore her eyes away from him and continued picking her products, trying to ignore her insanely hot husband. As she was preparing to exit the bedroom, Minji felt herself being gently tugged back into Beomgyu's embrace. His hands, which had initially rested on her shoulders, began a tender journey down her arms, eventually reaching the skincare products she held. 

"This is my perfume," he murmured into her ear, reaching for what Minji had assumed to be hers. 

She replied with a fumbled apology and went to retrieve her own perfume.

Minji practically rushed out of the room, her heart betraying her cold aura. Once the door was securely closed behind her, she took a deep, shaky breath, feeling her entire body flush with warmth. Determined to regain her composure, she made her way to her own bedroom and began preparing for the day. 

Descending the stairs, she overheard Beomgyu engaged in a phone conversation. "-is that so? Sure, I'll be there," he said before ending the call.

Beomgyu turned to Minji who was in the kitchen, getting her own breakfast from Mrs Rin, wondering how to break the information he had gotten from his old friend, Lee Heeseung.

Seated in a chair opposite him, Beomgyu summoned his courage and addressed Minji. "Minji, my friend Lee Heeseung is hosting a party to celebrate his two-year anniversary, and he's given an invitation to me. He suggested that you accompany me since you've never met him before. I understand it might be uncomfortable for you, but please consider coming with me. It could also be beneficial for our public image."

Minji almost flinched when Beomgyu suggested she might feel uncomfortable with him, as all she truly desired these days was to spend time with him. She accepted his invitation without hesitation.

"Fine, I will come, but when is it?"

"It'll start at 18:00 today, so be ready before then."

Minji nodded in understanding, unable to ignore the unsettling feeling that they were regressing to the way things were before their fake honeymoon – planned appearances, a distant tone, devoid of smiles. She couldn't help but entertain the thought that perhaps Yoona was right, maybe Beomgyu and Minji were never destined to be together.

Minji brushed aside her thoughts and completed her breakfast before retreating to her room for some much-needed rest. The previous night had been sleepless due to their falling out. 

Beomgyu's gaze followed her every movement. He longed to hold her close, but the knowledge that the person he had cherished and shared so much with didn't reciprocate his feelings weighed heavily on him. His confession had, in a way, disrupted their relationship.

Blinking back the tears that threatened to well up in his eyes, Beomgyu departed for work. As he settled into his office, his gaze remained fixed on nothing in particular, his concentration eluding him. The sound of knuckles rapping against his door interrupted his thoughts, and he instantly recognised it as Yeonjun's. He granted his friend permission to enter the room.

"Whoa, is this Beomgyu? Or am I seeing someone else?"

"Why? There's nothing wrong with me."

"Come on, have you looked at yourself in the mirror? You have dark circles AND you're not doing your work like how you do your wife-"

"Yeonjun, remember where we are. We're in the office, so keep it down. I just had a sleepless night, that's all." 

"Oh?" Yeonjun raised an eyebrow, smirking. 

"And why, might I ask, were you sleepless? I guess my plan to take her on a date really did the trick." 

"Cut it out, Yeonjun. Minji and I had an argument last night." 

"Wait, what? But the date! I had Kai arrange everything perfectly! That guy can't even get one thing right." 

"It's not because of that. Sh-she thinks we're not meant to be together." 

Yeonjun suddenly comprehended the gravity of the situation and pulled up a chair beside Beomgyu, taking a seat. 

"Beomgyu, perhaps something is troubling her at work, and she took it out on you." 

"I doubt it, Yeonjun. She seemed convinced that she didn't have feelings for me." 

"Oh, Beomgyu, what am I going to do with you? Have you two ever kissed before? I mean, has she willingly kissed you back?" 

Puzzled by the odd question, Beomgyu nodded hesitantly.

"Well, there you go! You have your answer. As the best matchmaker of the Choi Enterprises, I have a hunch that she likes you too, but something is holding her back. It could be work-related, or maybe... someone is holding her back." 

"Someone?" 

"Yes, think about it. She's pretty as hell, kind, talented and practically everyone's dream wife. But then you come along and sweep her off her feet. Maybe someone is obsessively infatuated with her, like a sasaeng (an obsessive fan). Perhaps this person blackmailed her into rejecting you." 

"Isn't that a bit extreme? Minji works for one of the most successful and notorious entertainments in the industry of K-Pop, they wouldn't just let her handle something like that alone. They'd probably take legal action." 

"True, but given her background in the industry, it's still a possibility. You might want to look into it." 

"How? We hardly talk anymore." 

"Maybe check her phone for any suspicious contacts?" 

"Seriously, Yeonjun? I can't just go through her phone, that's a breach of privacy." 

"I understand, it's just a suggestion, not a mandate. In any case, I initially came here to let you know that we have a meeting in about... two minutes," Yeonjun informed Beomgyu, glancing at his watch. 

Beomgyu nodded and dismissed him, his mind swirling with thoughts about Yeonjun's advice. It might be worth considering.

As the clock approached 16:00, Beomgyu left his office and headed home to prepare for the party. Upon arriving home, he didn't immediately spot Minji and decided to head upstairs. 

When 17:00 rolled around, Beomgyu descended the stairs, dressed in a sleek black satin shirt with slightly rolled-up sleeves and a few buttons undone, paired with formal black pants. He anxiously awaited Minji's appearance. 

Just as he was about to call out for her, he noticed the guest bedroom door creak open. Holding his breath, he watched as Minji descended the staircase in a stunning emerald green dress with a bandeau neckline. The dress featured a dramatic thigh-high slit, and her long, straight hair cascaded down. A pearl necklace adorned her neck, and she completed the ensemble with silver heels. This breathtaking sight caused his heart to skip not just one, but two beats.

Minji cleared her throat and said, "Should we leave now? We'll be late."

Beomgyu nodded, swallowing hard, as they headed to Heeseung's party. Heeseung was not only a close friend of Beomgyu's but also a crucial partner and shareholder in his company.

Upon arriving at the venue, a barrage of cameras flashed as the couple stepped out of the car. Beomgyu hurried to Minji's side, placing one hand around her waist as he smiled at her. However, it wasn't one of his usual genuine smiles, instead, it was the forced kind that concealed his true feelings, a facade that no one would easily find out.

Entering the venue, Minji let out a small gasp of surprise as she marvelled at the grandeur of the celebration hall. Enormous crystal chandeliers adorned the ceiling, casting a dazzling and luxurious glow throughout the room. The hall was equally opulent, with glistening marble floors that reflected the ambient light. Tall, ornate pillars adorned with intricate designs lined the perimeter, adding an air of regal sophistication to the space. The walls were adorned with large, elegant paintings, and lush floral arrangements graced various corners, infusing the room with a fragrant and vibrant atmosphere. Guests in formal attire mingled, their laughter and chatter creating a lively backdrop to the extravagant setting.

Minji leaned back into Beomgyu's embrace as she noticed a tall, handsome man approaching them with a warm smile. Surrounded by all these accomplished entrepreneurs, she couldn't help but feel a bit overshadowed and insignificant. 

The man extended his hand and greeted, "Beomgyu! It's been a while. How have you been?"

 Beomgyu shook his hand and replied, "Heeseung, I'm doing well, you know, the usual. I see you and your wife have made some progress." 

Heeseung chuckled and said, "It didn't take us long to get along. And I see you've brought your wife, Minji, with you." 

Minji offered a polite bow in acknowledgment as Heeseung reciprocated. He then turned to a lovely woman approaching them. It was evident from the way he looked at her that she was his wife. Aerum introduced herself, and upon meeting Minji, she couldn't contain her excitement. 

"Oh my gosh! It's actually true! Our Beomgyu really married The Kim Minji. You have no idea what a big fan I am of yours. I've been a proud fan since 2018!" Aerum gushed, speaking rapidly. 

Minji chuckled nervously and replied, "I appreciate it. Thank you very much." 

Aerum then proposed as she side-eyed Beomgyu and Heeseung, "Let's go somewhere to talk! I know these two would want their alone time after not meeting for 5 months." 

Before Minji could respond, she found herself being whisked away to a bar by Aerum. Meanwhile, the two men were left behind, both of them sporting broad smiles, although Beomgyu quickly wiped off the smile on his face.

Heeseung guided Beomgyu to a more private corner where they could chat away from the crowd. They both received their drinks, and Heeseung began with an apology, "I'm sorry I couldn't attend your wedding, you know how it is in the corporate world. Anyways, how's it going with Minji?" 

Beomgyu sighed and took a shot of the drink in front of him, replying, "Certainly not good." 

Perplexed, Heeseung inquired further, "Why though? As far as I know, you are completely in love with her. It's evident on your face and smile when you look at her, and there's no way she doesn't like you back."

"Well, I heard it from herself yesterday, she thinks that this arranged marriage should just stay as it is, and that she doesn't want to progress into anything other than acquaintances."

"Damn, but maybe something is holding her back? I mean she is a very famous K-Pop idol after all, it's sometimes crazy how far fans can go just to have their favorite idol for themselves."

"That's what Yeonjun also said, but I'm not sure, I'll have to figure that out later."

As their conversation continued, Beomgyu lost track of how many glasses of alcohol he had consumed, and the room began to spin. Heeseung, noticing Beomgyu's increasing intoxication, urged caution, saying, "Whoa there, let's not get too drunk." But it was already too late as Beomgyu's head began to droop, and he started to close his eyes as sleep beckoned. 

Heeseung sighed, realising the situation, and decided to call for Minji. When she arrived, looking puzzled, Heeseung explained, "Your husband is incredibly drunk. I think you should take him home before he embarrasses himself in front of all these people. Don't worry about the reporters, there's a back door to this place, and your car will be parked there. You can drive away discreetly." 

"Thank you so much for your help and for inviting us. I wish you and Aerum a wonderful year ahead," Minji replied gratefully. 

"Thanks, Minji. Also, I know this might not be my place to say, but please give Beomgyu a chance. He's been my best friend for years, and I can't bear to see him hurt like this." 

Minji sighed and simply nodded, cursing herself internally for the choices she had made. She walked over to Beomgyu, who was now in a drunken slumber, and gently shook him awake. Beomgyu groaned and mumbled, "Five more minutes, please." 

"Beomgyu, we need to go home. Can you please wake up?" Minji implored, her voice soft and concerned. 

Beomgyu's head shot up at the sound of Minji's voice, and a sleepy smile formed on his face. With her help, he struggled to get to his feet. Minji placed one of his arms around her shoulder, and she wrapped her arm around his waist to provide support. Together, they made their way out of the venue, and Minji gently settled him in the car before taking the driver's seat. 

As she started to drive, Minji noticed Beomgyu's persistent gaze fixed on her, and she couldn't help but feel self-conscious. She finally asked, "What's wrong? Why are you staring at me?" 

Beomgyu, his speech slightly slurred from the effects of the alcohol, replied, "I don't think I told you this today, but you look so pretty in that dress." 

Minji's cheeks flushed, and she cleared her throat, focusing on the road to avoid his intense gaze. 

Beomgyu chuckled softly and added, "You look so cute when you're flustered." 

Minji decided to remain silent, but her eyes widened when she saw Beomgyu undoing a few buttons on his black shirt. 

"Wh-what are you doing?" Minji stammered, her voice quivering. 

Beomgyu, his movements sluggish, responded, "What? It's hot in here." 

"Well, you should've told me, I would've turned on the air conditioner," Minji replied, her voice betraying her nervousness as she tried to keep her eyes on the road and not on him.

After pulling over in front of their house, Minji struggled to help Beomgyu up the stairs and eventually managed to get him to sit on the bed. She headed over to his closet and selected some comfortable clothes for him. 

"Here, go and change into these," she instructed. 

Beomgyu protested like a stubborn child, saying, "I don't want to." 

Minji sighed, a mix of frustration and amusement in her expression, as she left the clothes beside him and exited the room to change into something more comfortable. Upon her return to check on Beomgyu, she found him still in his black shirt, sitting on the bed with his face buried in his hands. 

"Beomgyu? Why haven't you changed and slept yet?" Minji inquired, concerned by the faint sounds of sobbing coming from him. 

"Hey, what's wrong?" She approached him, gently placing her hand beneath his chin and tilting his head up to meet his slightly teary eyes.

"What's wrong, Minji? You're pushing me away, that's what's wrong. It's as if you don't even acknowledge my existence anymore after everything we did together. Why?", Beomgyu's voice quivered with a mix of hurt and frustration. 

"I already told you yesterday—" Minji began, but her words were abruptly interrupted by Beomgyu. 

"Don't lie to me, Minji. Look into my eyes and say that you don't love me."

"I don... don't lov-", before Minji could complete her sentence, Beomgyu pulled her wrist and silenced her with a passionate kiss. Minji didn't want to pull away, it was difficult to resist the intensity of Beomgyu's desire. But she knew things were about get way more complicated than it already was. His kiss was flavoured with the lingering taste of alcohol from his lips. 

Suddenly, Beomgyu stood up abruptly, still not breaking the kiss, and he pushed Minji against the wall, his hands gripping on her waist. The kiss intensified, melting Minji with each passing second. She yielded to the passion and kissed him back, allowing him to take control. Beomgyu eventually pulled away slightly, a smug smile playing on his lips. 

Leaning closer to her ear, he whispered, "Your kiss says otherwise, Minji." 

Minji's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she gently pushed him away. "Stop it, Beomgyu. I have to go." 

"Please don't leave me, just for today," he pleaded, holding onto her hands. 

Minji wrestled with her conflicting emotions. Her heart longed for him just as much as his did for her. But she also knew the risks involved, particularly if Yoona found out. 

"Beomgyu, you know I shouldn't," Minji said, but one look at Beomgyu's glassy eyes, and she relented. 

Beomgyu pulled her closer on the bed, wrapping his arms around her tightly, as if he feared that if he let go, she would vanish from his life.

As Beomgyu clung to Minji tightly, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Part of him was ecstatic that she was here with him, in his arms, but another part was still plagued with doubts and fears about their relationship. Minji, too, was torn between her feelings for him and the complicated situation they were in.

"I love you, Minji," Beomgyu whispered, his fingers gently stroking her hair. "I'll say it a million times if it means you'll love me back."

Minji felt like she was on the verge of breaking, wishing that Beomgyu could understand the awful storm of emotions she battled every time he uttered those three words filled with so much desperation and love. Minji wrapped her hands around his waist, wishing that time would just stop at this very moment. 

"I love you too, Beomgyu," Minji whispered, her words barely audible to the deeply sleeping Beomgyu.

"More than you can even imagine," she murmured as she drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Beomgyu woke up with a splitting headache, the result of drinking more than he had in a while. His memory of the previous day was fragmented, and he hoped he hadn't done anything to embarrass himself. He sighed and was about to get dressed when he heard a message notification. 

The message came from Minji's phone, which was on the nightstand. Beomgyu wondered if Minji had been there with him during the night, taking care of him. He walked up to Minji's phone and was surprised to see that she had received a message from... Yoona? Beomgyu rubbed his eyes, thinking that the hangover might be causing him to hallucinate. 

But the message was indeed from Yoona. Beomgyu's curiosity overcame his sense of morality, and he unlocked Minji's phone to view their chat. 

Yoona: Good job, Minji. You really did cut him off, and the video is now safe with me. Now let's forget about that. Can you convince Beomgyu to go on a date with me?

Beomgyu's eyes widened as he read their previous texts. The blackmail from Yoona had left him feeling hollow and incredibly angry. He clicked his tongue in frustration as his mind raced with a thousand thoughts and possible revenge scenarios. However, he knew that acting on his anger wouldn't solve anything. With a deep breath, he suppressed those thoughts and went to get ready.

He went to the bathroom to get ready, and as he emerged wearing his office suit, he descended the stairs. There, he found Minji at the breakfast table, chatting animatedly with Mrs. Rin and sporting a broad smile on her face. The sight of her happiness, coupled with the hope that she might love him back, momentarily pushed aside the vengeful thoughts he had about Yoona. 

Minji noticed him and greeted him, "Good morning, Beomgyu. Mrs. Rin made some hangover soup for you. Have it before you head for work. By the way, have you seen my phone?" 

Beomgyu nodded and handed her phone to her, saying, "Here you go. It was on the nightstand." 

"Thanks," Minji replied with a smile.

Minji unlocked her phone to find a message from Yoona, but it had already been read. She turned to Beomgyu, who was already wearing a piercing glare while his head rested on his hand against the desk. 

"I can't believe you didn't even tell me," he said, his voice low and charged with anger. 

Minji sighed and began, "Listen, Beomgyu, I didn't have much of a choice in this. It would've turned into a huge mess, much worse than if I were single. Remember, I'm not just an ordinary person, I'm an idol with a long-standing career. People in this industry are exceptionally critical, especially when it comes to any form of scandal. Imagine being labeled as a cheater, especially someone who has been in the industry for years. It would not only jeopardise my career but also my entire life. I had no choice but to play along with Yoona, even if it meant hurting me or you. I know it's very selfish of me, but I couldn't think of anything else, I- I'm sorry, Beomgyu."

Beomgyu's gaze softened as he observed the pain in Minji's eyes. He moved closer and enveloped her in a comforting hug. With a soft tone, he said, "You don't have to worry anymore. I'll handle Yoona."

"Yo-you will? Are you sure it's gonna work?"

"Of course it is, now let me go and murder some people."

"Hey, don't do anything harsh, Yoona loves you so much."

Beomgyu scoffed and said, "It's not love, Minji, it's obsession. Sick obsession which makes me feel like throwing up." 

Beomgyu planted a tender kiss on Minji's forehead before speaking with determination, "Don't worry, I'll make sure that the video is deleted for good, and I'll deal with Yoona appropriately. Also you and I need to have a serious talk about our messed up relationship." 

Minji froze in her seat, realising that she had yet to address her rejection of Beomgyu. She managed a forced smile and replied, "Of course, we'll have that serious talk after you've handled your 'good friend' Yoona. Now, off you go to work before you're late for any meetings."

"I love you, Minji-ah," Beomgyu said with a smile as Minji ushered him out. 

She responded with a shy smile and closed the door behind him. Beomgyu wiped the grin off his face, his expression turning serious as he contemplated his upcoming meeting with his 'childhood friend.'