CHAPTER 8
It was rare for him to be at a loss for words.
He answered any question without hesitation, and even in situations that would fluster or shock others, Junhyeok remained calm and composed.
Some even called him a “robot,” joking that he lacked emotion.
But now, this small and delicate girl was shaking that emotionless robot to his core.
“We’re basically at the point of getting married now.”
Rin’s light brown eyes, staring straight into his, left a deep mark on his chest.
Her eyes were always unusually clear.
Even when she looked off into the distance with a world-weary expression that didn’t suit her age, that clarity in her gaze never faded.
Junhyeok assumed that growing up as the child of famous parents had brought her some hardships.
Perhaps it left her tired, but never tainted.
And so, every time he looked into Rin’s eyes, Junhyeok felt like he was facing a mirror that reflected his innermost self.
No lie, no pretense could pass.
After a heavy silence, like a lump of iron, Junhyeok finally opened his mouth.
“You want to spend the night together.”
“Yes.”
“The night.”
He stared at her as she answered again with firm resolve. Then, he gave a small nod.
“What if things get dangerous?”
“Dangerous?”
“If I can’t control myself. You may not have realized it yet, but before I was your tutor, I’m still a man.”
A man. That word made her light-colored eyes tremble momentarily—but that was all.
“It’s okay.”
“Okay?”
“I came here prepared. Ready to be your real wife. Including…”
Rin took a deep breath and continued.
“…sharing a bed, like real married couples do.”
A bed. This time, Junhyeok didn’t repeat her words.
Under thick eyebrows, his jet-black eyes stared at her quietly, like black holes.
Rin unconsciously touched the base of her neck. She felt like prey in front of a predator pausing before the pounce.
‘I can’t back down now.’
Rin inhaled and braced her body so her voice wouldn’t shake.
“I’m not a child who’d joke about something like this. Not anymore.”
Junhyeok let out a quiet sigh and ran a hand through his hair.
Even that gesture looked stunning.
Still, it made her chest tighten with emotion.
“…Alright.”
Rin’s eyes widened. Even though she’d long awaited this answer, her heart pounded like mad when Junhyeok finally gave it.
“If this is what you really want.”
Junhyeok tilted his head ever so slightly.
You’ll come to your senses after experiencing it once.
“Just don’t run away.”
“…I won’t. Never.”
Run away? She’d cling to him with all her might—no way she’d run.
If only he could read her heart, he wouldn’t say things like that.
Regardless, Rin had no intention of letting go of the lifeline suddenly thrown her way.
“No take-backs.”
He nodded and suddenly gave her a faint smile.
Rin tucked her lips inward.
‘Why is it suddenly so hot?’
She felt the heat rising from her cheeks all the way to the nape of her neck.
She couldn’t look him in the eye at all.
“What’s wrong?”
“What do you mean?”
“Your face turned red.”
“No, it didn’t. It’s just the lighting.”
Rin unnecessarily pushed her hair behind her ear.
Revealing her pale, slender neck in the process.
Junhyeok, who had been looking at her fondly, suddenly had his gaze darken.
Even in her neat outfit, just the glimpse of her neckline added a seductive air to Rin.
Did she also push her hair back like that in front of that doctor earlier? Or not?
Just as he was getting lost in such thoughts, the food they ordered arrived at the table.
“You’re really not ordering wine?”
His deep eyes traveled up her elegant neckline to her mildly sulking face.
Her face turned red again, likely from embarrassment.
“It’s just… Since it’s dinner, I thought it’d be nice to set the mood.”
Junhyeok’s intense gaze made Rin gradually lower her head.
Why’s he looking at me like that?
‘Does he not like alcohol? Or does he dislike women who suggest drinking?’
“After dinner.”
“Sorry?”
“There’s a jazz bar in the basement of this hotel. It’s actually pretty nice.”
Her eyes grew wide.
“Really? We’re going to the jazz bar after dinner?”
Junhyeok chuckled softly.
“You like it that much?”
“Yes! I love it.”
“You like alcohol?”
“I’m not great at drinking… but one or two glasses now and then are fine. Also, I’ve never been to a jazz bar before.”
As expected. Seeing this side of her made her seem young again, which oddly reassured him.
As Junhyeok gave a small laugh, Rin pouted and looked at him.
“You’re thinking I’m still a kid. Aren’t you?”
“I’m not.”
“Then what?”
“You’re just… cute.”
Her cheeks, which had just returned to their original color, turned a soft pink again, like a drop of ink had landed on her skin.
It was the first time he’d said something like that to her.
Unsure how to respond, Rin nervously tucked her hair behind her ear again and rubbed the back of her neck.
Junhyeok covered his mouth with a hand. Her flustered reaction was genuinely adorable.
“Did the word ‘cute’ bother you?”
“No, not bother, but…”
“Then I’ll rephrase. You’re lovely.”
“Th-that’s…”
“Why? You don’t like that either?”
“It’s not that I don’t like it…”
It’s that it’s embarrassing.
Rin bit her lower lip slightly. It seemed like Junhyeok was far too experienced when it came to women.
Somehow, she felt a little frustrated.
If only I had experience dating someone before…
Then maybe she’d be a bit more skilled in this.
‘Am I… too childish?’
Rin fidgeted with her hair.
Navy tweed jacket, a skirt just above the knees, dainty pearl earrings, a soft wave at the end of her hair, and natural makeup.
She didn’t exactly look mature—but she didn’t look too young either.
“Oh.” Rin let out a small gasp and looked at Junhyeok.
“Now tell me.”
“Tell you what?”
“You said there was a reason it had to be me. That you’d tell me if I agreed to marry you.”
The way he looked at her was the same as six years ago.
As if she were nothing more than a student he once tutored—nothing more, nothing less.
Yet he proposed marriage. Saying she wasn’t unpleasant, if she recalled correctly.
“I’ll tell you later.”
When Rin pouted, Junhyeok raised one corner of his mouth.
“We’ve got plenty of time.”
* * *
After finishing their meal, the two stepped outside.
“There are a lot more people now. And it’s a weekday.”
“I heard there’s a concert nearby—some Canadian artist is performing.”
Just then, a crowd began to surge in their direction.
Junhyeok pulled Rin into him protectively.
“Careful.”
His deep forest scent enveloped her, soaking through her entire being. The sensation was oddly thrilling, so Rin quickly stepped away from him.
“Ah… Th-thank you.”
Junhyeok looked at her quietly for a moment.
“Which way is the jazz bar?”
“That way.”
“Oh, I see it.”
As Rin was about to step forward, Junhyeok suddenly held out his arm.
When she looked up at him with a questioning glance, he tilted his head and responded flatly:
“Take it.”
“Pardon?”
“Escort.”
Rin lightly pressed her cheek with the back of her hand.
She’d lost count of how many times her face had flushed today.
She timidly linked arms with him—and her eyes widened.
“What?”
“Wow… you’re really solid.”
He gently tapped her nose with a finger.
“Such nonsense.”
“Ow.”
“That didn’t hurt.”
“It hurt my feelings.”
He chuckled at her cute remark.
“What does that even mean?”
Rin furrowed her brows and impulsively blurted out:
“Treat me like a woman, not a student.”
Junhyeok let out an incredulous laugh, which only stirred a strange determination in Rin’s chest.
“Someone could be watching us right now. How are we supposed to quiet the rumors like this?”
Though usually quiet and reserved, Rin occasionally spoke with striking clarity and conviction.
Then and now, Junhyeok found that side of her incredibly charming.
Hmm. As he smiled, Junhyeok suddenly wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.
Their noses were almost touching.
“Is this what you wanted?”
His breath brushed hotly against her lips.
Rin couldn’t even open her mouth at the sudden proximity.
All she could do was hold her breath.
Junhyeok lowered his head and gently touched his forehead to hers.
Softly, he whispered:
“Is this what you wanted?”
