Chapter Text
Sunlight fills the room, followed by the distinct sound of birds chirping. The city is already awake and bustling, and by all means, it's a bright sunny day. For everyone else, that is. For Wonwoo? He might as well be scrubbing his bathroom floor with a toothbrush. The sun, the birds, the city, all can go fuck themselves for all he cares about.
Wonwoo is busy sulking on bed when the dressers arrive, asking for permission to enter with delicate knocks. Wonwoo is almost thrilled to act petulant and tell them off this instant but that's the whole point - he can't. He has to let them in, he has to dress up, he has to play his part. It's all about the spectacle of a big gamble and he's the gauntlet thrown by his family.
Wonwoo's eyes are narrow and sharp as he studies himself in the mirror. The staff are fussing around him, bringing him ties and cufflinks to try, shoes to match. It's already decided what he has to wear, what customs he has to follow but the formality of letting him choose is a facade he truly hates. He couldn't care less but he knows his staff does and it's unlike him to be rude without reason. So, Wonwoo gives polite smiles and plays along, acting like the perfect client. He could get the Oscar if he vied for it. Leonardo Dicaprio? Pfft, he's nothing against the act Wonwoo is pulling right now.
He counts his inhales and exhales, trying to balance it out and concentrate on each individual task of the day. Okay, just have to nod and smile for this event, he thinks. Just a small one hour event. Nothing big, nothing huge. Just a little wedding. His own wedding. So, what if it's a wedding blessed by snakes? It's only his life. Wonwoo doesn't want to marry, Wonwoo doesn't want to do anything with his groom but it is what it is.
The moment arrives and Wonwoo admires himself one final time. He's impeccably dressed to the nines, highlighting all his features in the perfect way. It makes him a little sad, he never imagined a special day like his wedding, were to be celebrated like this. Try as he might, Wonwoo was quite old fashioned when it comes to the matters of the heart. He believes in love and sacrifice, he believes in the holy union of two souls, he believes in fairytale endings even though he knows it always comes at a cost. Alas, Wonwoo has grown out of his fantasies now. He has to make peace with the fact that his first wedding is built on false promises and compromises, and hopefully an expiration date.
Emphasis on "first".
Wonwoo has no plans to let this little thing ruin his life.
Bad fate has befallen the Jeons and their business. Wonwoo's family had to accept the Kim family's proposal for him to wed their son after losing a handful companies and contracts to them due to fierce competition. Though even a stranger could smell the bribery and politics from miles away but they're too weak to stand their ground now.
Wonwoo understands they're on the verge of declaring bankruptcy but his pride doesn't allow him to admit it, nor accept it. He had been given the news of his impending alliance over dinner one night, his angry disapproval had only resulted in broken plates across the floor and seething words from his father.
Wonwoo had bemoaned why his life had to be ruined for the sake of their rivalry, his father had only admonished him by saying his life comes from their business. He must sacrifice to stay alive, at least he - the Jeons' heir - should survive, that his survival was crucial for their own survival. Wonwoo had to accept it in the end, his father may be a crude person but not one with malice. It must have been difficult for him too to choose this path and give away his son this way. It's cruel but Wonwoo knows his father means him no harm. If anything, it's a way of protecting him.
But Wonwoo is determined to escape this fate.
All he has to do is play his part and bid his time away.
Easier said than done.
Wonwoo doesn't know why the Kim family chose this alliance, they have nothing to gain from it. He knows nothing of their son, not even what he looks like. He vaguely remembers seeing pictures of him from years ago before the Kims had parceled him off to the western side for education, or so what the murmurs said. Wonwoo hasn't seen him since, hasn't even heard of him. It's not unusual for future heirs of conglomerate families to keep tabs on their rivals while sharing amicable friendships but somehow the Kim heir had flown under the radar. He tried looking him up on the internet - typing his name "Kim Mingyu" with gritted teeth - only to find nothing except his basic biography, not even a recent picture.
It had puzzled Wonwoo for how strange it was but then again, maybe Mingyu was just a private person. So private that Wonwoo didn't even understand why he was willing to marry at his family's behest, even more so to a man beneath his class. He had prayed he'd be rejected but it seemed Wonwoo had run out of all luck.
They had managed to talk to each other via phone calls a few times but it hadn't been opportunity enough to discuss where they stand. Mingyu had given his acceptance rather easily and Wonwoo had no choice but to follow suit. Mingyu had sounded soft spoken, even gentle. Later, maybe much later, Wonwoo thinks they can talk it out. They will have to, there's no other option.
Wonwoo is not settling for a man who doesn't love him and vice versa.
It's only minutes left for Wonwoo to be joined in holy matrimony with a total stranger. Forced it may be but one would think he'd be nervous, maybe even emotional, at this weird juncture of life. After all, his marriage is very much real but Wonwoo is so consumed by anger and grumpiness that he forgets to feel anything else. His secretary and dear friend, Jun, nudged him with a stern gesture to straighten his expression, he had been biting on his bottom lip with creased eyebrows, storm evident on his face.
And so, the veil of facade falls over his being.
The doors fall open and Wonwoo faintly flinches as reality dawns on him. This is it, the moment of his metaphorical beheading, his pride being the ultimate sacrifice. There's a decent crowd seated and he knows all of them come from affluent families. Wonwoo can't afford to make mistakes now, he has to preserve whatever little dignity he has left. He keeps his eyes forward, looking at the man to be his husband.
Wonwoo's groom is handsome to say the least. He looks nothing like the Mingyu he remembers but Wonwoo can see some familiar features. It helps that Mingyu too seems nervous with mildly fidgeting fingers, smile not quite reaching his eyes but Wonwoo keeps his eyes trained on him, regardless. He reads it as a silent promise of "let's get this over with".
Mingyu gives him a soft smile as he reaches the altar, Wonwoo reciprocating with a sweetness reminiscent of summer breeze from green meadows. Mingyu is not falling for it though, he knows it's all for the cameras. They forgo the vows and go straight into exchanging rings. It's a marriage of lies, what could they possibly promise each other?
There's a feeble tremor on Wonwoo's fingers and he inwardly curses at himself. Nothing to worry about, Mingyu has got it. He holds Wonwoo's hand steady as he slides the ring on. His hand is warm and feels nice, Wonwoo thinks.
It's Wonwoo's turn and when Mingyu raises his hand, he's caught off guard by a shiny ring already on his pointer. Granted, it's not the finger where the wedding ring is supposed to go and it shouldn't matter but Wonwoo is still somewhat surprised. The ring is solid silver with a small blue sapphire set on it, not something he'd expect a man like Mingyu to wear but then again, who cares. Wonwoo pushes away the thought and finishes the ritual as expected of him.
The night crawls at a snail's pace as they acknowledge their guests, accept the wishes and blessings. They cut the cake, drink the champagne, take the occasional perverted joke from some old demented uncle and fake laugh at it all. Wonwoo is already exhausted halfway through and promises himself his next wedding (the real one with his real groom) will be just about signing papers because he can't bring himself to socialize this much twice in one lifetime. This trial run is hell.
Mingyu stays beside him like a loyal obedient pet, nodding and smiling and filling in the gaps. Wonwoo knows Mingyu is younger by abouy a year but he's willing to let him take the lead as long as they have it under control. Thankfully the event ends rather uneventfully. Wonwoo had hoped for a meteorite to crash through the roof at any given moment but he has to suffice with his new husband now.
They bid farewell to their families and friends, Wonwoo catching his father's conflicted eyes in the crowd. He gives him a hug with a tight squeeze to console him and hopes it takes effect. They leave with whistles and laughter behind them, rose petals raining on them and Wonwoo feels himself breaking at the prospect of his whole life changing in just one day.
Wonwoo knows the Kim family had gifted them a new luxury apartment to start their newly wed life but he never bothered to check. He looks at Mingyu looking out the window rather somberly, exhaustion evident on his face. Maybe later they'll have the eventual conversation about what all this means. For now, he just wants to crawl into a soft bed and rot away for a couple of days.
The apartment is nice and spacious, overlooking the Han river and surrounded by lush greenery. It's as sophisticated as Wonwoo is used to but there's also a touch of... something that makes him think it's not on par with what he expects from a family as ostentatious as the Kims. Whatever. He's not here to make a home out of it.
Mingyu walks in minutes later, loosening his tie and removing shoes at the entrance. Wonwoo ponders for a second how to break the ice but Mingyu beats him to it.
"hope the apartment's fine"
Mingyu's voice is clipped, not betraying any emotion. He doesn't even look at Wonwoo as he walks into the open kitchen to pull out a bottle of water from the fridge.
"uh-huh, you like it?"
Wonwoo is not ready to give in just yet, his approval isn't easy to get.
"i bought it"
Well, this is news to Wonwoo.
"i was under the impression it was a gift"
"you look too kindly at the Kims"
There's an edge to Mingyu's tone, almost like resentment but Wonwoo chooses to not dwell on it. It's been a long day and truthfully he doesn't really care. Neither about Mingyu nor about the Kim family dynamics.
"forgive my bluntness but i hope you aren't expecting me to fulfill your husband's role"
Mingyu sighs as he settles on the long blue couch in the living room. He crosses his feet atop the coffee table, hands gliding on his phone screen.
"i certainly don't, it goes the same for you"
"then why marry me?"
"i would have not if I had the freedom to do so"
Oh. Strange. Why would the Kims force their one and only son to marry the heir of a bankrupt family?
This is too much to process for his tired brain and body.
Wonwoo boldly takes a seat away from Mingyu, letting his head roll over the headrest. He closes his eyes and lets himself sink into the couch.
"damn, this couch is soft"
"i bought that too"
"nice"
They let their tired bodies rest in the silence that follows, the blue couch acting as their oasis. Wonwoo lazily wonders if this is how it's going to be. Untouching, silent, tense. He came in with no expectations, prepared for the worst but the least he wishes for is a civil friendship and cordial separation. He has to lay the ground rules.
"so, how do we do this?", Wonwoo breaks the silence.
"do what?", Mingyu answers dryly.
"this. marriage."
"ah, it's not complicated, let's give it some time and divorce? should be easy"
"i know but how long do you reckon we have to keep this up?"
"a year maybe. that should be enough"
Wonwoo thoughtfully hums, a year does sound right. It's neither too short nor too long. People have separated after far shorter periods of time but keeping the media at bay is of supreme importance here. They have to keep up the pretense for a year, it's long enough to justify them trying to maintain a married life and failing at it.
"we have to make some rules to survive with each other for a year"
Mingyu sighs again exasperated and turns to look at Wonwoo.
"listen, all we have to do is pretend to be a nice couple. I'm not evil, you're not even the type I like"
"that's a relief to hear, i'd kill you if you took advantage of me"
"i can take all the advantages I want, dear husband"
Wonwoo glares at him and Mingyu tiredly giggles.
Wonwoo doesn't really mind the joke, Mingyu is nice to look at and so far, he has been nothing but decent to him. They're on the same page and he hopes that the one year he has to suffer here at least happens in the company of a friend.
Mingyu sobers up and sits straight with hands clasped between knees.
"relax, that won't happen, i promise. i know your business is struggling and I'm willing to help you rebuild it. isn't that why you accepted this alliance?"
The one thing Wonwoo knows is Mingyu's demeanour and voice changes when he means business and now is that moment. He's too prideful to admit his deficiencies but there's only so much he can do about it.
"yes but i'll have you know i'm not looking for charity. all i need is..."
"capital."
"yes, and i'll repay it back"
"of course"
Wonwoo still feels unsettled, it shouldn't be this easy. He had expected Mingyu to be carrying around a pitchfork to dole out cruelty, maybe even punishment on behalf of his family but it does not come. Mingyu is placid, even understanding.
"why are you being kind to me?"
"am I not supposed to be?"
"your family ruined mine, i don't see why you'd be any different from them"
The stony words slip past Wonwoo's lips before he could think it through.
Mingyu's eyes turn cold in mere seconds, they look almost frightening but Wonwoo has always held his ground. Mingyu is nothing to him yet, the edges of their connection are barely formed. Nothing worth fighting for, nothing to accept defeat for.
"you don't know me from adam, Wonwoo. i'm kind because i choose to be."
"i won't apologise for judging you, your family still ruined mine"
The direction this conversation took was unprecedented and Wonwoo feels he has damaged whatever progress he had made with his fake husband. One year feels long.
Mingyu suddenly stands up, pocketing his phone and pulling on his blazer.
"there are two bedrooms and one guestroom. The bigger one down the hall belongs to me, you'll find your luggage and stuff in the bedroom beside it. get some rest, don't wait up"
"are you leaving?"
A cold, almost melancholic, laugh escapes Mingyu. It's unlike the giggles Wonwoo had heard previously. So devoid of life and warmth.
"do you not understand? i'm as trapped in this hell as you. i cannot leave you till you leave me."
Mingyu takes long strides towards the door and disappears like the wind leaving only silence behind him as Wonwoo struggles to grasp what he had been told.
Morning rolls around and Wonwoo can't bring himself to get out of bed. As much as he had held onto his ego the previous night, he still somewhat feels guilty over the harsh words he had subjected Mingyu to. He doesn't know this man, he doesn't know what forced Mingyu into marrying him. Maybe he's as much a victim of this nefarious planning as him.
The bitter part of him scoffs at his logical side. So what if he's a victim? Mingyu is still established and rich and won't have to lift a finger to destroy him if he wished to. It's him who has had to leave behind his old life and migrate onto rival grounds, all because of bad business. It's infuriating to think his life is just a gamble in this game of survival. To make it worse, if his business doesn't take off again, he'd not only be labelled as a loser and divorcee but he'll also be in debt. All at the prime age of 28.
Wonwoo's angry mental monologue is broken by the distinct sound of his stomach grumbling. Damn it. He had slept pretty late the previous night, waiting to hear the front door open for any sign of Mingyu but it never came. Maybe Mingyu never returned. The prospect of being alone fills him with relief.
Wonwoo pads barefoot out of his room like a skittish cat, straining ears to detect signs of life. It's peaceful, not even birds are chirping. The quietness makes him take confident steps, a little smug smile on the corner of his lips.
Alas, it all comes crashing down when he comes face to face with Mingyu in the kitchen.
In all honesty, Mingyu is taken aback at Wonwoo's sudden appearance too but he wraps it up faster. The aroma of fresh coffee and omelette surrounds Wonwoo and his grumbling stomach makes its presence known. Embarassing.
"good morning", Wonwoo tries.
There's no point in being arrogant, Wonwoo has too much to lose.
"afternoon, sunshine. it's past 1 PM", Mingyu deadpans.
"oh"
"do you want breakfast?"
"shouldn't it be lunch?"
Bad joke, bad joke, bad joke.
"prisoners shouldn't be picky"
Wonwoo stumbles on his way to fetch a glass of water. His angry side almost flares up but he catches the apples of Mingyu's cheeks perk up before he turns back to the sizzling pan.
"douchebag"
Mingyu throws him a cheeky grin and Wonwoo feels at peace. Somehow the world has regained balance, the sun is bright, he can even hear the damn birds again. It'll be alright.
"take a seat, will be ready in five"
"didn't know you cooked"
"pretty sure you know nothing about me"
"oh that's def true, the internet has nothing on you"
"you googled me?"
Wonwoo grimaces to himself. oof, strike two.
"i had to see what my husband was like"
The term "husband" has Mingyu dropping the spatula. Two can play this game.
"all you need to know is I'm the heir of the Kims and I'll free you in one year"
"ah yes, the ideal marriage vow"
Mingyu snorts as he loads up a couple of pieces of toast, sausages, eggs onto two plates and slides one towards Wonwoo, with a steaming cup of joe. It looks scrumptious.
They eat in silence, the only sounds being the tinkling of cutlery.
"you're a good cook, i'll have to give you that"
"much appreciated but don't get used to it"
Wonwoo side eyes him.
"i'll be gone a lot for work", Mingyu clarifies.
"ah"
"and i expect you to come up with ideas for reviving the Jeon business"
Wonwoo nods, that's of utmost importance, but before that he has to say something.
"listen, um— i just.. i wanted to apologise for last night, i shouldn't have been so harsh. You're right, I don't know what kind of life you have lived and it's none of my business"
Mingyu blinks at him, a piece of egg hovering halfway to his mouth. He nods his acknowledgement.
"it's okay"
"do you have any plans for today?"
"right, i forgot. we have to go to dinner at my family's place"
Wonwoo's face scrunches up in distaste. Ugh.
"really? do I have to? will there be others?"
"yes. you're the pawn they bought, they wish to flaunt you"
And just like that, Wonwoo is thrown back into his reality. He had been enjoying a delicious meal but the fact remains that he is indeed a prisoner.
"i hate your family"
Mingyu doesn't have anything to say to that, choosing to give a smile that doesn't look real. It's almost sad and a bit pathetic. Wonwoo decides it shouldn't be on Mingyu's face.
Surprisingly, dinner was an easier affair than Wonwoo had expected. Not only had Mingyu's parents left shortly after meeting him, he had also not seen his own parents at it. Mildly confusing but it soon dawned on him that most of the guests were young people from different families, most likely the future heads of their companies.
"is that Xu Minghao from Xu Enterprises? from China?", Wonwoo whispered to Mingyu seated beside him.
"yes", Mingyu softly nodded.
"i don't get it"
"get what?"
Wonwoo takes a sip of his whiskey, gulping slowly to savour the burn and bitterness of it.
"that i'm being flaunted. what's there to flaunt about the heir of a failing business family?"
"your legacy is not what they wish to show off. it's their own"
Wonwoo cocks his head towards Mingyu in confusion.
"you're the symbol of something they destroyed and own, you're the warning that the Kims can do it to others too", Mingyu solemnly adds.
Wonwoo feels his heart breaking at the bitter truth laid bare in Mingyu's words.
"i guess, I'm glad I won their heir"
Mingyu scoffs.
Wonwoo is determined to not let it affect him. This is no brand new information, the Kims are known to be ruthless towards their competitors. But the question begs why is Mingyu so different? He doesn't talk fondly of them, going as far as to help Wonwoo regain his self-respect and free himself. Can he be trusted? Wonwoo is not so sure, he shall be the judge of it as time moves.
And time does move.
Wonwoo falls into a newer routine of listening to the padding of feet around the house, rustling of groceries in the kitchen, grunts of victory as some game concludes in the living room. Wonwoo learns Mingyu is a clean freak and prefers keeping his place spotless which ironically is the polar opposite of Wonwoo. He has never had to lift a finger to clean a speck of dust. They decide to not hire household staff to protect their privacy and professionally wedded relationship a secret from prying eyes. Wonwoo tries to help with the chores but one burnt steak later with smoke alarms blaring off, Mingyu had banned him from cooking ever again.
Somedays he wakes up early to run his ideas by Mingyu who seems to be busy all week round, returning late, sometimes not at all. On other days, he drives to work and brainstorms on bysiness policies along with Jun and his father. Wonwoo works hard, it is his ego and freedom on the line. If nothing, he has to show Mingyu of all people at least.
Thankfully, no one really enquires about his newly wed life, though he knows curious eyes follow him and Mingyu everywhere. They make sure to keep their ring fingers occupied, smiling at each other at the ridiculousness of it, smug at the belief that they're so skilled at this. People are so foolish.
They learn it's not that difficult to keep up a pretend relationship. You laugh at the right time, at the right things and show up at the right places. Heap praises on your partner, shyly smile at each other, hold hands couple of times in front of paparazzi and make it to the glitzy pages of local tabloids. Easy peasy.
Wonwoo has grown used to the friendly presence of Mingyu now, though he still struggles to trust him. He cannot read him as much as he tries but he figures as long as he treads carefully, it'll be fine. The point of contention raises when Mingyu doesn't return for three days in one go. That's unusual even for Wonwoo and faint worry lines etch on his forehead as he thinks of it while watching tv in the living room.
Has he been unwell? Or has his father sent him on some new adventure? Wonwoo worries his bottom lip, fingers gliding up and down over Mingyu's contact information. Even if they don't share the camaraderie of confidants or even close friends, Wonwoo grows frustrated at his absence.
Just as Wonwoo was about to give up and go to bed, the front door clicks and his head turns at the speed of light. It's Mingyu indeed, alive and in the flesh. He looks rather gaunt and fatigued, the hollow of his eyes sunken and hair mussed. Their eyes meet and Mingyu gives a tiny nod in greeting.
"wow, you look radiant", Wonwoo makes light as he shuffles to the side to make space for Mingyu.
Mingyu crashes on the couch with a soft grunt and sighs despondently. Wonwoo doesn't know what he has been through or where he's coming from but still feels a weird mixture of comfort and anguish in his heart.
"are you okay? did something happen?", Wonwoo asks, trying to keep his tone casual and not sound too overbearing.
"just tired, work.. was tough"
"for three days?"
"i'm sorry, i should have called.. or something, i don't know"
"you look like shit"
"thanks, what are you watching?"
"lion king"
"are you five?"
Wonwoo rolls his eyes and forgets why he was worried in the first place.
"it's timeless, alright. adults enjoy it too"
Mingyu hums in response and wiggles his butt in place to find a comfortable position. The tale of respectable Mufasa and egomaniac Scar offers much to learn and Wonwoo is about to elaborate on the same to this uncultured person when he feels a weight on his shoulder followed by whispers of calm breaths brushing the side of his neck.
Wonwoo's heart skips a beat as he stills himself like a lamppost. Unbreathing, unmoving. It's one of those moments where he's hyperaware of everything - the press of Mingyu's head on his shoulder, his messy hair prickling the sensitive points of his neck, the elegant rise and fall of Mingyu's chest beside his, light floral citrus scent lighting up his olfactory senses.
Wonwoo is overwhelmed by everything Mingyu out of nowhere, yet he remains frozen in place. Time grinds to a halt, up is down, east is west. He decides to let Mingyu rest, he must have been exhausted to collapse in deep slumber like this, it's only polite. After all, he has been nothing but helpful all this time.
It's only a matter of time, soon he'll rise and mutter an apology, Wonwoo ruminants.
Well, that was just wishful thinking.
The next thing that Wonwoo comes back to is laying flat on his back, the familiar weight from previous night now pressed to his right side and something secure around his waist. He's extremely warm as if he's been laying next to an open oven emanating heat but it's not uncomfortable per se. Just unfamiliar is all.
As soon as he regained senses, Wonwoo realises he's still on the couch, except now he's on his back and Mingyu is still beside him, snug against his body, a lazy hand thrown over his waist, legs lodged against his knees. He must have dozed off sometime last night and now here we are.
Strangely Wonwoo's mind and heart are blank with not a single thought to process. He's awake but also in some other land where he's nothing but serene as if this is exactly where he should be, at his rightful place. He lets himself feel this moment of rare clarity as he unashamedly studies Mingyu's face - the plump of his parted lips, moles adorning his nose and cheeks like jewels from another life, jaws straight and sharp as if cut from mountains.
He's distracted by the lushness of Mingyu's eyelashes, fingers tentatively rising on their own to run over it ever so delicately as if floating over piano keys. Mingyu is so beautiful, Wonwoo sighs to himself.
The moment breaks into reality as random music plays into his consciousness. It takes a second for Wonwoo to grasp its Mingyu's phone ringing on the coffee table. He cants his head to check the name flashing on it but fails, only vaguely catching the contact picture of a short haired man before settling on willing the gadget to fall silent. Mingyu jerks against his body and Wonwoo immediately closes his eyes to fake sleep, it's partly to spare them the embarrassment of having been in each other's arms but mostly because Wonwoo isn't ready to accept that he had been admiring Mingyu mere seconds ago.
Wonwoo feels Mingyu softly untangle himself from his body, he kind of misses the press of it now. He listens to Mingyu clear his throat with his phone falling silent, followed by his groggy voice tenderly saying "hey darling". Wonwoo can't hear anything beyond that, his awareness now stuck at the quietly uttered "darling" as he listens to the faraway click of Mingyu's bedroom door lock.
Wonwoo opens his eyes to look at nothing, he doesn't know why he feels abandoned and a bizarre kind of sorrow.