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It is at the edge of a petal

that love waits

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Namjoon returned to his apartment after dropping Frosty.

He had a contented smile on his face. He can't believe he and Frosty did everything for today on their bucket list. He mentally reminded himself to thoroughly read the bucket list so that he could be one step ahead of her.

He chuckled to himself as he remembered how she pouted when she had to spoil him for Valentine's Day. He'd never laughed so much in the presence of a girl. When he was with his ex, Celine he was formal. He never had a sense of humor, she always complained. Yoongi was better according to Seokjins -hyung. Even Seokjins -hyung told him that, Yoongi was better because he was already a lost cause when it came to humor.

When he got home, he quickly took a very hot shower and dressed semi-formally.

He anticipates that the Taiwanese family will be present for dinner. He isn't in the mood to be in Shanchais' presence. He'll be arriving home earlier because he's tired and wants to sleep early.

Before he left, his gaze was drawn to the small package Frosty had given him. Curiosity got the best of him, and he decided to tear it open.

His eyes widen as he notices the small frame holding his miniature portrait painting. Frosty has a lot of talent, to say the least. Frosty is a true artist. She painted him with such flair and precision. Even his earring appeared to be real.

He already knows where he'll put it.

He was about to leave when he received a text message from his mother, urging him to come back to the mansion immediately. The guest has already arrived, and she wishes to serve dinner, but he is well aware that his role is to carve the roast meat. Namjoon took a deep breath before grabbing his keys and hurrying to his mother's dreaded dinner.

His mother was elated to see him. Shanchai was extremely happy, and she was oddly charming. After his mother urged him to start talking with Shanchai. She was bubbly, and Namjoon was surprised at how mature she turned out to be. They were walking around the pool area, and she was telling him about her new film "Surreptitious," and he was amused by her enthusiasm for her job.

She giggled as she joined arms with him "Joon...You'll know what I'm talking about. You wrote crime and espionage novels, and movie directors overshadowed you with film rights to your works. You're a well-known author."

Namjoon chuckles,"Writing is, after all, my passion. Shan passion relates to passion."

Shanchai beams brightly, her lovely soft eyes twinkling in the moonlight. Namjoon can attest that this brat is stunning, but she doesn't physically entice him like...stop it, Namjoon, he berates himself.

"Shan...I want an honest answer," Namjoon said with a serious tone, "Why did you agree to the arranged marriage? We hadn't seen each other in a long time. Why?"

"Joon...my Appa loves you, and he only has a few months to live," Shanchai said softly. He has cancer and wishes to see me marry the man I love. Joon, you've always had a special place in my heart. I told my eomma. I'll only agree to an arranged marriage if you're the groom. I'd like to be with you, Joon." She noticed his furrowed brows. This is a total catastrophe.

"But Shanchai...what if I already have someone with whom I want to spend the rest of my life?" he asks tentatively.

Shanchai flushed, "Are...are you involved with someone right now?" she inquired, her voice trembling with utter disbelief and a hint of jealousy.

Namjoon sighs and closes his eyes for a moment "No, only metaphorically. How can you agree to a marriage without love? Shan, I will not be able to love you. I've already loved passionately and will be unable to reciprocate those feelings."

Shanchai appears defeated, but she smiles softly "We can begin as friends. Love can develop as we age. We will learn We'll rediscover how to love and find solace in one another." She delicately stroked the front of his chest. Namjoon takes a deep breath but does not react to her touch because he is thinking about Frosty's soft fingers.

Namjoon exhales deeply "We are still young Shanchai. We must live for ourselves, not for the sake of our parents. Why not wait a little longer? Your Appas's condition should not have pushed you to be hasty and enter into an arranged marriage that will never work."

Shanchai smirks, "Joon...I am only interested in you. I'll be an excellent wife for you. I'll help you with your work and give you some space to write. I'll be the most deeply committed lover, and I'm good with children. We can have children at an early age. You'll make your Eomma so happy and I'll give Appa his wish. Please Joon!"

She tightened her arms around his waist and looked up at him with pleading eyes.

Namjoon appears conflicted as he gazes down at her beauty,"Shan--" he gently tried to break free from her grip.

Shanchai pressed up against him, her lips close to his, and whispered against his lips, "I'll be as extremely passionate as you want me to be.Joon, I love you."

Her lips softly grazed his jaw as she whispered those words, and she left little pecks in his neck folds. Namjoon exhaled sharply in response to her blatant seduction. My word! Why is he suddenly subjected to the open seduction of two women?

He will not succumb.

He looked down at her rose-colored mouth, which was begging for him to take it. He shook his head mentally. No!!! Why does he feel so guilty as though he was cheating on the most beautiful and pure girl who has constantly assured him of her love for him?

He simply cannot agree to this marriage. His sister had just entered and unknowingly saved him from having to explain himself. Shanchai sighed slightly, unaware that his eyes were thanking his sister for the welcome interruption.

He closed his eyes and unwrapped Shanchais' tentacle-like arms around his waist.

"Our parents want to speak to you in the private study," his sister said with a smile.

Namjoon was perplexed, "Why?"

Shanchai smiled, "To discuss our engagement, silly," her demeanor was ecstatic. Namjoon will eventually succumb to his mother's desires, she knows. He cherishes his mother and will do anything to make her happy, and convincing him to marry her would make her extremely happy and content.

His sister's eyes are filled with sympathy. Namjoon felt shivers run up his spine as Shanchai took his hand in hers and walked quietly beside him up the stairs to his mother's private study.

He never disobeyed his mother, but this marriage will be a first.

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In the meeting that evening...

Shanchais'father sobbed as he explained to Namjoon why he doesn't want his daughter to marry someone she doesn't love. Consider it, and their family will be the happiest they have ever been.

He even told Namjoon that Shanchai would never hurt him because she is a great cook, naturer, beautiful, and very intelligent with a master's degree in live performances.

She is already well-known just like him. She is stunning and refined. She will fit in anywhere. She understands how to behave in various levels of conversation. He was doing a fantastic job of marketing his daughter. He could see his mother's joy and excitement. How could he let her down like that? She made numerous sacrifices for him and his sister. Following his father's death...she ran a billion-dollar empire while he was pursuing his graduate studies.

He told them he needed time to think about it and that he wasn't ready to marry yet. But when he saw the light in his mother's eyes dim in disappointment, Joon sighed deeply, knowing that his answer and decision would condemn him to a lifelong loveless prison, even though Shanchai would love him but what about his fulfillment?

Namjoon sat there calculatingly looking at his mother "Ok. I'm going to be marrying Shan "and reluctantly agree to get tied down.

It was as if he had just told them they had won the national lottery. There was never so much joy in their home. His mother was ecstatic. She and Shanchai's mother were both crying with joy. Shanchais' eyes were filled with tears. She will finally marry the man she has loved and admired since she was 12 years old.

She hugged Namjoon tightly and looked up into his serious face, declaring, "You will never regret it, Joon my love."

Namjoon gently embraced her, her head resting softly on his chest. His wary eyes met the soulful eyes of his younger sister, Soo-Joos, who simply shook her head and left the adults to enjoy the joy of the new unofficial couple.

Namjoon closed his eyes and rested his chin on Shanchais' head.

How will he be able to come clean and break the girl's fragile heart who gave him the happiest hours of his life...

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Namjoon was frustrated when he returned to his penthouse apartment after 10 p.m. It was a bittersweet meeting.

What made him agree? Just to see his mother smile? To be bonded for life to a girl he knew in his heart he would never romantically love.

He just lay on his bed with his eyes closed, reflecting on four women in his life who had an impact on his life.

His ex, Celine, who was the only girl he ever loved and who left him to return to her country, Mi-Young, his best friend who was always his supportive shoulder, who loved him, Shanchai who loved him since he was a teen, and....and then Frosty who loves him unconditionally, staying friends even if she knows he cannot reciprocate the love, but gosh she is the one who turns him on physically and makes him crazy with want which he has to suppress constantly.

He had just received a text message from his sister, Soo-Joo.

SJ - Oh, Joon, I'm so sorry for the sacrifices you had to make. How will you put up with this obnoxious brat for the rest of your life?

He smirks at his sister's ranting.

NJ- I love you and Eomma and will go to any length to make you happy, even if it means sacrificing myself.

SJ- Joon, I love you, but a loveless marriage is not for you. You were devastated when your ex left Korea. You've never dated a girl seriously after her, and now this unexpected engagement. Mom is just as terrified as Yoongi's mother. Eomma just wanted to see you happy, and the way you embraced Shanchai delighted her that you like Shan as well.

NJ- I know, sis.

SJ- Joon, you were supposed to marry for love. You're very loving, but you also need to give love, Joon. Simply allow yourself to be open to love. When it's mutual, it's so much more rewarding.

NJ-Yeah, but I'm over-loving a woman in that sense.

SJ-Sleeping with women is not the same as loving them, Joon.

NJ-Aye! Just after my breakup, I only dated on the side. I've never hooked up with a girl like that before. You know how busy I am these days. Marriage to Shan will keep her and our mothers happy. I don't hate Shan; she's just a spoilt brat, and if she can give Eomma a grandchild, I'll keep her happy with all my credit cards and be at peace. There is no emotional connection.

SJ-Is this truly what you want, Joon? Your wife should be loved. Shanchai will eventually become frustrated and lonely. She will have your body but not your heart. That would be excruciatingly painful for any woman.

NJ-Sis, don't fret. It's my miserable existence. I'll handle it. Simply be happy.

SJ-Oh, Joon...Eomma, I suspect, is self-centered. If she arranges a marriage for me, I'll jump off the bridge...but know that I love you and have your back.

NJ -Okay...I love you as well.

They greeted each other and hung up. Namjoon sighs deeply, knowing that what his sister said was accurate. Shan will grow tired of only sharing his bed... but she will also demand his heart...

He even had to give up his day with Frosty...

Frosty, Frosty.

His mother had asked him to take Shanchai to the mall and then to dinner with Bangtan Elite. He was upset when his Eomma told him to take Shan shopping. Being photographed with a celebrity like her will land him in the tabloids. Their parents are aware of what they are doing.

His sister was even forced to give Shanchai her wedding invitation so she to attend the bachelorette party on the yacht and the wedding ceremony.

He quickly texted Frosty that he wouldn't be able to see her the next day. He was excited to spend time with his blonde friend.

Frosty-All right, Joonie... I understand. Have a marvelous day. Chiji and I will be on the yacht early tomorrow morning to set up the flower arrangements for your friend's wedding rehearsal dinner and reception. Maybe I'll see you there... I love you.😘 Stay safe.

NJ- Frosty, I'll miss you. I might run into you there. Have a wonderful night's sleep, sweetie.

Frosty -And you, Joon.Sweet dreams.

Namjoon was so distraught that he chose to lie to Frosty. He's not sure why he feels like he's betraying her when they're not even dating.

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A/n: Another update in the life of Namjoon and the ladies in his life.

Thank you for all your reads, votes, and comments. I would like to hear from all those shadow readers who help Fly like flower petals to reach 1k.

1. Why do you believe Joon chose to marry Shan rather than Frosty?

2. Do you think Frosty will uncover the truth?

3. Will Frosty accept his engagement if and when she finds out?

3. Can Joon let go of his friendship with Frosty in order to spend more time with his fiance?