And now for something completely different

- Min-beom is so singularly focused on protecting his reputation, and his business, and his fortune, that he can hardly process what he thinks about this kind, beautiful, new person who is suddenly in his orbit. You can easily see how much the young heir is struggling under the weight of his responsibilities, trying to offer reassurances where you could. He'd nod politely as you tell him that no one could beat the boys in a fight, that this would all work out okay, that he needed to remember to eat and drink if he's going to make it through this awful period of stress. It isn't until his tormenter is in jail and he's celebrating with his new found friends that he starts to really see you for the first time. 

- He's not sure how blinded by fear he must have been to ignore the way his gaze is constantly drawn to your smile, how he finds himself inching closing to your side as the night passes with drinks and stories shared, that it feels like you're still keeping a thoughtful eye on him even though you owe him nothing. He can feel the warmth of expensive whiskey spreading to his cheeks and hopes it hides the blush that forms there as he realises he can't stop himself smiling at you every time you talk, and suddenly he realises he's not sure he could have made it through the last few weeks without your calming presence by his side. 

- The next day you're at the cafe, not sure you'll ever see the man again, a slight ache inside you at the thought. He might not have said much to you over the last few weeks, but it hadn't taken much to see the kind of man he is; generous, loyal, thoughtful. He carried himself with such seriousness, but still held so much warmth for you and the boys, especially when he finally let himself relax for the first time over some expensive liquor. A small smile had made its way to your face at the thought of his affectionate expressions thrown in your direction last night, when you heard Gun Woo's mum give an overly friendly hello to a customer, the same face suddenly barely a foot away from you.

- Dressed in a fine suit with a neatly pressed white shirt as always, and looking straight out of a romantic k-drama with a bouquet of expensive flowers clutched in his hands, a nervous smile twitching against his lips as he turned to find you. His eyes sparkled slightly in recognition as he approached you, extending the flowers towards you and speaking softly, 

"I wanted to thank you. For everything you did to take care of me when my life was falling apart. I don't think anyone has ever been there for me like that before."

"You didn't have to get me flowers for being a good friend." You reassure, but taking the mixed blossoms anyway, looking closely at the ornate arrangement as Min-Beom spoke again, 

"Actually that's just a small part of my plan to thank you. The next part is dinner, if you accept?"

- Your first date with Min-Beom won't be at as fancy a restaurant as you expect. He doesn't want to make you feel uncomfortable with his level of grandeur so he picks somewhere nice, but not intimidating. For a man raised in the lap of luxury he's surprisingly easy to talk to when he has you alone, and by the end of the night you feel like you've seen a very different side of him. More of the person he is behind the decadence and tailoring, and by the time he's opening the door to the car he's called to take you home, you feel yourself getting carried away by the romance of it all, landing a gentle peck against his cheek and watching through the window as he smiles to himself with a hand pressed to his face as you drive away. 

- Once you've had your first date, he'll slowly start to mix in more and more elaborate dates to make it very clear that he's trying to impress you. He'll hire out private gardens, and bring to bars you would have never even heard of without the Lil Group Heir on your arm. He's also very happy to spend his time entertaining you in his penthouse apartment, nights passed at home in easy company as you get him up to speed on your taste in music and movies and anything else you can teach him about you, because he wants to know it all. 

- Given all the trouble he was tied up in when you met, he's extremely protective of you. The moment he starts to consider himself your boyfriend (which is about twenty minutes into your first date) he gets a private security detail for you, ensuring you have a driver ready to take you anywhere you want to go, any time. He texts you often, especially when he's working, the thought of seeing you making his long days of meetings with investors much more bearable. He's often spotted smiling at his phone as he works, any little update or picture from you making his whole heart flutter. He might even come across as pretty needy, just wanting to know where you are, and what you're doing when you have to be apart. 

- Obviously Min-Beom is extremely generous with his money. While he's used to buying lots of generic gifts from his business trips away, when it comes to you he loves that he knows you well enough to find you something special to show he's thinking about you no matter where he is. He also wants to make it very clear that you will never have to worry about money when you're with him, every bill paid from his account before you even realise he's set his card as the default on your phone. When he starts getting into your hobbies, he'll make sure to buy you every possible version of anything you might be interested in, stocking his apartment with things he thinks will make you more likely to come sleep over. 

- While some rich men might like to have a playboy lifestyle, Min-Beom is much more devoted in his dating. He likes to make it very clear to everyone around him, including you, that he takes your relationship very seriously and he completely trusts you with his heart and his business. He'll keep a hand wrapped tightly around yours when you visit him in his offices, or attend an important event with him, making sure to introduce you as 'his partner' or 'his love' anything less than that feeling too insignificant of a title. Once you start sleeping over regularly, he'll ask if you're happy with his penthouse, or if you'd be happier in a bigger house somewhere. He'll send you property links in some of the city's nicest neighbourhoods, happy to spend every penny he has if it means he gets to keep waking up next to you every day.

- Absolutely wants to buy you a ring within a year. He's never given something like this much thought before, so ends up borrowing Gun-Woo's mum for a shopping trip and her advice, the two of them ending up half-planning the wedding by the time he returns her to the cafe and tells you that he just needed her fashion advice with a knowing smile on his face.

NSFW

- Being so focused on his work and responsibilities from a very young age means Min-Beom hasn't exactly had a lot of time for dating and girlfriends. So now that he has his beloved by his side, he REALLY wants to make up for lost time. The first time you kiss him in the entrance hall of his penthouse, he can't remember ever feeling so content. What starts as one innocent peck ends up with him dragging you deeper into his home until you're straddling his thighs on his dark leather sofa, fingers combing through his now dishevelled hair as he devours your lips. He needs you to remind him to breathe because this loverboy will happily trade oxygen for your kiss.

- He needs to keep a hand on you at all times. He's needy and possessive and he wants everyone to know that he is yours and nothing will ever part him from you. Whenever someone talks to you for too long at some party his club is hosting, you'll feel his arm snake more tightly around your waist, his imposing presence getting steadily closer until you can feel his chest against your back, and anyone dumb enough to try and flirt with you is getting unceremoniously removed by private security before your devoted man can get his hands on them and make an example out of the poor guy.

- Min-Beom wants your first time together to be special, more romantic than any other man can possibly give you. When he thinks the time is right, he'll take you for a romantic weekend away, renting out some enormous mansion in the most beautiful scenery so the two of you can be truly alone and focus on nothing but each other.

- As he is in the rest of his life, he's dominating in bed. Not in a violent way, he'd never do anything that makes you uncomfortable with him, but he knows exactly what he wants and he'll tell you exactly what's he thinking about. Strong hands hold your thighs apart when his face is buried between them, drawing more pleasure out of you than you can imagine, Min-Beom only satisfied when every noise from your lips is a deep cry of his name. He'll interlace his fingers with yours and hold your hands tightly in his as he thrusts firmly into you, the intimacy of you seeing him at his least composed making all of this so meaningful to him. He needs to keep up appearances everywhere he goes, but with you he can show exactly what you mean to him, exactly how badly he needs you, exactly where he needs to feel you right now.

- He's such a greedy, messy kisser. He wants to make out with you all the time, frustrated by having to wait until security and assistants and business partners are all out of sight before he can get his hands on you. More than once he'll beg you to bring something to his office for him, just to pounce on you when you're through the door, knocking everything off his desk so he lift you there and rest between your knees as he kisses you again and again. Desperate hands clawing at fabric of your shirt, slipping underneath until he can feel your skin, his whole body burning with his desire to be close to you. But it's never close enough, fingers digging into your thighs as he craves sliding himself inside you but knows he has to wait until his workday is done. Sometimes you'll end up on your knees behind his desk to give him a little relief until he can have you to himself properly that night, his eyes threatening to spill tears at how perfect your lips feel wrapped around his throbbing length.

- Loves to buy you expensive lingerie and toys and anything he thinks makes it clear just how badly he needs you. He will try absolutely everything you want him to, seeking to experience all he can when it comes to your shared pleasure. He'd even soundproof your future bedroom if you asked, so he can make you scream as much as he wants without worrying about his housekeepers hearing what he does to you.

- He may despise everything he went through during his blackmail experience, but the fact that it brought you into his life is the greatest silver lining this sweet, loyal, wealthy man could have ever imagined, and now he will do absolutely anything to protect you, your shared peace, and the life you're building together.

🖤 Want to support my writing? Treat yourself to my original romantic thriller: It's only $3 for the e-book or $9 for the paperback! Or if you want to support me another way - why not buy me a coffee or commission something special? 🖤

The first light of dawn crept into the condo through the tall glass windows, washing the room in muted shades of gray and gold. Hyun-pil stirred before you did, his body already accustomed to waking early after years of schedules and meetings that demanded precision.

For a moment, he stayed still, listening to your even breathing beneath him, the warmth of your body curled against his chest. When his eyes opened, he couldn’t help the soft chuckle that left him.

There you were, mouth slightly parted, hair messy from the night before, cheek pressed lazily into his shirt. Vulnerable. Completely unaware of the storm of thoughts raging in his head.

“ You really don’t know what you do to me.” He muttered under his breath, his fingers lightly tracing the curve of your cheek before pulling back.

Carefully, as though handling something breakable, he shifted his body. One arm slid beneath you, the other securing your legs, and in one smooth motion, he lifted you off the sofa. You stirred, murmuring something incoherent, but didn’t wake. Hyun-pil smiled faintly, holding you tighter as he carried you through the dim hallway and into his bedroom.

The bed was cool when he laid you down, adjusting the sheets over your body so you would remain warm. He lingered a moment, watching you curl into the pillow like a child seeking comfort. Then, with a tenderness that stood in sharp contrast to the rest of his life, he leaned down and pressed his lips against your forehead.

“ Sleep. I’ll handle everything.” He whispered.

Straightening, he slipped out of the bedroom, closing the door softly behind him. The moment he was alone in the living room, his entire aura shifted. The softness evaporated, replaced by the sharp edges of the man who ruled boardrooms, political hearings, and backroom deals.

He grabbed his phone from the glass table, scrolling through contacts until he pressed one. The line rang only once before a crisp female voice answered.

“ Senator, you have—”

“ I won’t be coming to the office today.” Hyun-pil cut in, his tone leaving no room for debate.

“ Clear my schedule. Push back the committee hearing. Tell them I have a prior commitment.”

There was a pause. “ Yes, Senator. Understood.”

“ Good.” He said, already ending the call before she could respond further.

The second number he dialed didn’t belong to any staffer. This one was private. Direct. A right-hand man he trusted with the darker side of his empire.

The voice on the other end answered immediately. “ Yes, sir.”

“ Update me.” Hyun-pil demanded, leaning back into the couch. His free hand dragged down his face, brushing over the fatigue lingering in his eyes.

“ We’ve compiled most of what you asked. Some of the threads are still being pulled, but the picture is coming together. The files are…extensive.”

“ Send me what you have. Now.” Hyun-pil said. His tone was low, dangerous in its calm.

“ Through the drive. No traces, no leaks. You know what’s at stake.”

“ Yes, sir. I’ll send them within the hour.”

“ Good.” He cut the call abruptly, tossing the phone onto the table with a dull thud.

Silence returned to the condo. For a long moment, he simply sat there, elbows on his knees, pressing his palms against his face. Ji-byun. The name itself twisted something sharp in his chest. Politics demanded masks, patience, strategy. But when it came to matters involving you, patience became a foreign word.

He exhaled slowly, forcing the tide of anger and obsession to settle at least for now. He could crush Ji-byun soon enough. There would be time for hearings, for strategy, for fire and blood.

But today?

His gaze shifted to the closed bedroom door, where you still slept soundly in his bed. His chest tightened with something softer, more dangerous than any ambition he’d ever chased.

He didn’t give a damn about the hearings. He didn’t care about the games of power waiting in the Capitol.

Today, he wanted only one thing.

To spend every second of it with you.

…

The condo was unnervingly quiet. Hyun-pil’s mind, however, was anything but. The silence didn’t soothe him—it magnified every thought, every dangerous thread that tied together his private obsession and his public war.

His phone buzzed on the table, the vibration loud in the stillness. He leaned forward and picked it up, already anticipating what it would be.

A notification blinked across the screen: Drive files uploaded. Confidential access only.

With a swipe of his finger, the folders opened, and line after line of documents filled the screen. Reports. Transaction records. Leaked memos. Surveillance images. Some names redacted, others clear as day. At the center of them: Ji-byun.

Hyun-pil’s jaw tightened.

His thumb scrolled, the muscles in his forearm flexing with restraint as he absorbed the information. Each document was a piece of rot in Ji-byun’s carefully constructed mask.

Bribes disguised as donations. Illegal meetings with lobbyists in hotel suites. Rumors of a mistress silenced with payoffs. The deeper Hyun-pil read, the clearer the picture became, and the darker his expression grew.

A faint sound broke his concentration.

He froze, glancing up toward the hallway. The door to the bedroom was still closed. You hadn’t stirred, still cocooned in his sheets, dreaming softly while he combed through the kind of filth that ruined lives. He exhaled, the sound heavy, dragging his hands over his face again before forcing his attention back to the screen.

One of the attached files caught his eye—Audio Recording.

He tapped play.

A muffled conversation filled the air, tinny through the phone speaker. Ji-byun’s voice, low and oily, negotiating with someone. Talking about “containing threats.” Talking about pawns. And then—your name, spoken like an afterthought, as though you were nothing but leverage.

The fury that slammed into Hyun-pil was instant. He killed the audio before it could go on, knuckles white around the phone. His vision darkened at the edges, and for a moment, he was no longer sitting in a luxury condo but inside the senate chamber, imagining the man across from him, and the countless ways he could destroy him.

He leaned back, forcing a breath past his clenched teeth. His other hand curled into a fist, pressing hard against his knee until it hurt, grounding himself before his rage could spiral.

Your laugh, faint in memory, anchored him back. The image of your sleeping face. The warmth of your body curled into him just hours ago. Hyun-pil lowered the phone and turned his head toward the bedroom door again.

He could go to war today. He could start pulling threads, leaking pieces of this evidence, setting fire to Ji-byun’s carefully stacked empire.

But the idea of stepping away from you—leaving you alone even for a few hours was unbearable.

No.

Not today.

Today, he would bide his time. Ji-byun’s fall would come soon enough, and when it did, it would be absolute. But first, Hyun-pil would protect the one thing he couldn’t allow the world to touch.

His fingers loosened around the phone. He dropped it onto the couch cushion and let himself lean back, staring at the ceiling, chest still heaving from the storm of emotions.

When he finally rose, it wasn’t to dress in a suit or prepare for battle. It was to quietly cross the living room, open the bedroom door, and return to the warmth of your sleeping body.

Because right now, in this fragile morning, you were the only war he cared to fight for.

…

You grumbled low in your throat, shifting slightly under the heavy weight draped over you. The sheets rustled as a sudden movement jolted you further awake, and before you could make sense of it, a strong arm tightened around your waist, dragging you flush against a firm chest.

“ Mm…” Hyun-pil’s voice rumbled against your hair, warm and amused.

A moment later, lips pressed to your shoulder not a simple kiss, but a slow, teasing suck that made your skin prickle.

“ Already awake, baby?” He purred, voice hoarse from sleep. You yelped and half-buried your face in the pillow.

“ I’m not awake! I’m still asleep.” You muttered stubbornly, refusing to give him the satisfaction. He chuckled, low and husky, vibrating right against your back.

“ You talk in your sleep now? Cute.” He teased, dragging his mouth higher to nip at your neck.

His free hand wandered boldly up your shirt, fingers sliding under the fabric until his palm was massaging your chest in lazy circles.

“ Hyun-pil—!” You squeaked, squirming against him, trying to push his hand away.

“ Stop that. It’s—it’s morning!”

“ Mmhm…” He hummed, completely ignoring your protest, his thumb grazing over your nipple until it tightened under his touch.

His smirk pressed into your neck when he felt you tense. “ See? Your body’s awake even if your mouth isn’t honest.”

You reached back blindly to swat at him, but that only made him laugh, his chest shaking against your spine.

Then you froze.

Something thick and heavy pressed into the curve of your ass, the undeniable proof of his morning wood. His hips shifted just enough to grind that heat into you, deliberate and needy. Hyun-pil groaned softly, his lips brushing your ear.

“ He was patient yesterday.” He whispered, voice raw with restrained hunger.

“ But he can’t wait anymore, baby. He’s aching…I’m aching. You know you’re my only cure.”

You flushed furiously and snapped your head back to glare at him. “ Yah! It’s too early for this!"

“ Too early?” He repeated in mock disbelief, eyes glinting with amusement.

“ It’s perfect timing. Consider it breakfast in bed—warm, fresh, and made just for me.”

You gasped when his wandering hand slipped lower, down your stomach, until it dipped into the waistband of your skirt. His fingers traced the damp fabric of your underwear, rubbing dangerously close to your most sensitive spot.

“ Hyun-pil!” You scolded again, but it came out more breathless than stern. His lips curled into a wicked grin as he nipped at your earlobe.

“ You’re protesting.” He murmured, teasing the edge of your panties with his fingers.

“ But you’re not moving away.”

Your entire body went hot, trembling under his touch. You tried to twist your head away from his lips, but he only pressed closer, trapping you against the mattress, his silver hair tickling your cheek.

“ Baby…” His voice cracked into a raw plea, no longer just playful but desperate.

“ Don’t make me beg again. I can’t take another day like yesterday. I need you. Right now.”

You squeezed your eyes shut, torn between smacking him again or melting under the heat of his body. The way his hand moved, the way his hips rolled against you—it was all infuriatingly persuasive.

“ Y-you’re impossible.” You whispered, biting your lip hard to contain a whimper.

“ And you’re mine.” He countered immediately, his tone dark, obsessed, his breath hot against your ear.

The room felt small, suffocating with the thick tension. His arm caged you tighter, his needy touches bordering on reckless, but underneath it all was the same vulnerable truth he’d shown you last night—Hyun-pil wasn’t just hungry, he was utterly consumed.

You tried to wriggle away, but Hyun-pil only pressed harder into you, his hips rolling in a slow, maddening grind. Every thrust of his morning hardness against your ass made you gasp, your scolding coming out weaker each time.

“ Hyun-pil—yah! Stop it, I said it’s too early—”

He groaned against your ear, his voice thick and wrecked.

“ Too early to fuck my baby? Never.” He rasped, his breath hot against your skin. His hand dipped lower, fingers sliding over the thin barrier of your panties, deliberately brushing across your soaked folds.

You jolted, a sharp gasp leaving your throat. “ S-stop that! You’re...you’re crazy!”

“ Crazy for you.” He growled, his fingers pressing down just enough to make your thighs tremble.

He chuckled darkly when you tried to clamp your legs shut. “ Ah, but you’re already wet…Don’t lie, baby. Your body wants me.”

You burned with humiliation and pleasure all at once, glaring back at him. “ Shut up!”

“ Make me.” He shot back immediately, lips twisting into a wicked smirk.

Before you could snap at him again, he rolled his hips harder, his cock grinding against you through his slacks. You whimpered despite yourself, making him groan low in his chest.

“ Fuck, you hear that? That sound you make?” He panted, dragging his tongue along the shell of your ear.

“ That’s my breakfast. That’s all I need.”

“ Hyun-pil!” You squealed, swatting at him, but he caught your wrist mid-slap.

In one swift move, he shifted, hovering fully above you. His weight pressed you deep into the mattress as he pinned both of your wrists above your head, his grip iron, unyielding. Your heart raced. His silver hair fell forward, brushing your cheek as his dark eyes bore into yours—wild, hungry, obsessed.

“ You drive me insane.” He admitted, voice cracking with raw need.

“ Yesterday, I wanted to tear that skirt off. In the Senate hall, I was hard the whole fucking time—thinking about you. And now?”

His lips ghosted over yours, his hips grinding again, rougher. “ Now I’m dying, baby. Don’t make me wait anymore.”

Your breath hitched, your chest heaving under his weight. You tried to glare, but your lips betrayed you by parting when his mouth hovered so close.

“ You’re insufferable.” You whispered, trembling. His grin widened, sharp and boyish all at once.

“ And you love it.” He said, before crashing his lips to yours.

The kiss was hungry, desperate not sweet, but consuming. His mouth devoured you, tongue prying past your lips as he kissed you like he wanted to swallow you whole. You moaned despite yourself, your body betraying you again.

His hand left your wrist only to trail down, pinching your nipple through your shirt before sliding back to your soaked panties. His fingers pressed against your clit through the fabric, rubbing slow, deliberate circles that had you squirming.

“ Hyun-pil—ah—!”

He swallowed the sound with another kiss, his voice muffled but clear against your lips. “ Say it, baby. Say you’ll give me my dessert.”

“ You’re...ngh...you’re impossible.” You panted, arching under him. He pulled back just enough to meet your eyes, his own burning.

“ And you’re mine. All mine. So let me eat, let me fuck, let me ruin you again…because you’re all I crave.”

His words, filthy and raw, sank into you as his grinding became rougher, more frantic, edging you closer despite your resistance.

Your breath hitched when you felt the tug at your shirt. Hyun-pil’s long fingers were slow, deliberate, undoing one button at a time as if savoring the reveal. His face hovered close, watching your every reaction.

“ Hyun-pil.” You warned, your voice somewhere between scolding and trembling.

“ Shhh, baby.” He murmured, lips brushing your collarbone as another button slipped free.

“ Just let me have this. Let me have you.”

You couldn’t help it—you chuckled softly at his desperate tone, biting back a grin. The sound made him freeze, then pout like a sulking boy caught misbehaving.

“ Why are you laughing?” He grumbled, and before you could answer, he dipped his head, burying his face against your neck. His teeth grazed your skin before he began sucking, hard enough to leave a mark.

“ Hyun-pil!” You yelped, smacking at his shoulder.

“ Mine.” He muttered into your skin, and then again, lower.

“ All mine.” His mouth trailed down, each kiss hotter and wetter until he reached your half-opened shirt.

His lips curved in a mischievous grin as he pulled the last buttons free. He spread the fabric open, eyes darkening at the sight of your bare chest.

“ Fuck…even better than my dreams.” He rasped.

You tried to cover yourself with your hands, but he caught them, pinning them above your head with one hand while the other slid possessively over your breast. His palm kneaded, thumb brushing your nipple until it peaked.

“ Hyun-pil—ah, too rough!” You gasped when he latched onto you, his mouth sucking hard. He chuckled against your skin, teeth gently grazing.

“ What? You don’t like when I name them?” He teased, pulling back just long enough to lick his lips.

His eyes glittered wickedly. “ This one—”

He gave a sharp suck to your right breast, making you arch, “ Is mine. And this one—”

He moved to the left, sucking with equal hunger, “ Also mine.”

“ Y-you’re insane!” You cried, writhing beneath him.

“ Insanely in love, insanely hard, insanely hungry—pick one.” He smirked, his tongue circling your nipple again. He sucked harder this time, groaning like he was nursing for life itself.

You tugged at your restrained wrists, glaring down at him. “ You look like a baby begging to be breastfed!”

“ Exactly.” He shot back with no shame, eyes glinting as he nipped your sensitive skin.

“ But I’m no baby. I don’t want milk. I want you.”

Your stomach twisted with heat as he trailed kisses down your sternum, peppering your chest with possessive marks. His free hand slid lower, tugging impatiently at your skirt until it pooled around your hips.

With a victorious grin, he tossed it aside and pressed his fingers against your panties, right where you were already wet. The thin fabric clung to you, and his fingers slid over the soaked outline with maddening precision.

You whimpered, arching instinctively. “ Hyun-pil—!”

He tilted his head, feigning innocence even as his eyes blazed with hunger. “ Enough proof, baby?”

His finger pressed teasing circles over your clothed clit, slow and deliberate. “ Enough to show you how bad I want my breakfast in bed?”

He leaned close, his lips brushing your ear, his voice dropping to a sinful growl. “ But not coffee and toast…You’re my meal. I want to eat you until you scream.”

Your breath caught, your face burning as his words sent heat rushing through your entire body.

“ Y-you’re disgusting.” You whispered, though your hips betrayed you, pressing down against his hand.

He smirked knowingly, his fingers pressing harder, teasing the fabric between your folds. “ Then why is my baby dripping for me already? Hm?”

He nipped your earlobe. “ Admit it...you want me just as much as I want you.”

Your thighs were trembling, your breath uneven, and still, Hyun-pil hadn’t stopped teasing. His fingers stroked the wet fabric covering you, lazily sliding up and down as if he had all the time in the world. His eyes pinned you, hungry and glinting with wicked satisfaction.

“ Stop…stop dragging it out.” You panted, glaring down at him.

He tilted his head, smirking. “ So impatient.”

His thumb pressed harder, circling where you were most sensitive until you gasped and bucked. “ Say it, baby. Tell me what you want.”

You squeezed your eyes shut, refusing to give him the satisfaction.

“ Fine.” You snapped, breathless.

“ Do whatever you want!”

That was all the permission he needed. His grin widened into something downright boyish, giddy with triumph. “ Finally.”

He chuckled, voice almost sing-song. “ I was waiting for you to say that.”

Before you could regret it, he hooked his fingers into your panties and with a single rough tug, tore them down the middle.

“ Hyun-pil!” You squeaked, slapping his shoulder. “ What the hell?!”

“ What?” He said innocently, holding up the ruined fabric like a trophy before tossing it aside. “ They were in the way.”

“ I don’t have any damn undies left if you keep ripping them like that!” You scolded. He leaned close, his lips brushing your inner thigh, his smirk curling against your skin.

“ Good.” He murmured.

“ I don’t want you wearing anything under your skirts anyway. Just bare…all for me.” His eyes flicked up to meet yours, dark and gleaming.

“ You’re more beautiful this way. Raw. Craving. Mine.”

You opened your mouth to retort, but the words broke into a strangled gasp as he lowered his head and inhaled deeply against your slick folds, his facial hair brushing your skin.

The sensation made you jolt, a surprised laugh tumbling out despite yourself. “ S-stop—ah! That tickles!”

His muffled groan vibrated against you. “ Mmm…fuck, baby. You smell even better than I imagined. How am I supposed to stop now?”

And then he didn’t. His tongue pressed into you, slow at first, savoring, then hungrier, deeper. His hands anchored your thighs wide apart as he devoured you, his silver hair brushing against your trembling stomach.

“ Hyun-pil—” You gasped, clutching at his hair, tugging but not really trying to push him away.

His eyes flicked up, locking onto yours. The sight alone nearly undid you, those dark, intense eyes staring at you like you were the only thing he’d ever worship.

He moaned low in his throat, his tongue sliding through every inch of you like he couldn’t get enough. Then came his fingers. One slid in, then another, curling upward until they found that perfect spot inside you.

“ Ah—!” Your back arched, your cries filling the condo.

He groaned, thrusting his fingers steadily while his tongue worked your clit, relentless. Every flick, every curl was calculated, deliberate, meant to break you down piece by piece.

“ You taste…” He murmured between licks, his voice vibrating against you.

“ Better than I ever dreamed.” He pressed harder, faster, his free hand holding your hip down when you tried to squirm away from the overwhelming pleasure.

Your thighs trembled uncontrollably, your hands tightening in his hair. “ Hyun-pil...I’m—I can’t—!”

“ Yes, you can.” He growled, lips slick with you.

“ Give it to me, baby. Come on my tongue.”

That command tipped you over the edge. Your body arched violently, a cry tearing from your throat as waves of pleasure crashed through you. You came hard, your thighs clamping around his head as he held you open, refusing to let go.

He groaned as if he were the one climaxing, greedily lapping up every drop until your legs were shaking and your chest heaving.

When he finally pulled back, his lips were glistening, his chin wet, his tongue darting out to savor the last taste. His smug grin returned as he licked his fingers clean, slow and deliberate.

“ Fuck…” He whispered, eyes heavy with lust.

“ The milk coming from your sweet little slit is better than any candy I’ve ever tasted. Sweeter than honey. Addictive.”

You glared weakly at him, your face hot and your chest rising and falling.

“ Y-you’re disgusting.” You muttered, though your voice lacked any real venom.

He laughed, low and satisfied, his hair a mess from your clutching fingers. “ Disgustingly obsessed with you, yeah.”

He agreed shamelessly, leaning up to kiss your thigh, then your stomach. “ And I’ll never stop.”

Hyun-pil hovered over you, silver hair messy, lips still wet with you. His smirk was dangerous, too smug for your liking.

“ Get on all fours.” He commanded lowly, his voice a mixture of velvet and steel.

You blinked at him, narrowing your eyes. “ Excuse me?”

He arched a brow, clearly amused at your glare. “ You heard me, baby. Hands and knees. I want to see you from behind.”

You scoffed, still catching your breath. “ What, am I a dog now?”

His lips twitched, then he chuckled, leaning close enough to steal a quick kiss against your cheek.

“ No.” He whispered, voice hot against your ear.

“ You’re my pretty little toy, and I want to play with you in every way I can think of.”

Your face burned, and you smacked his chest half-heartedly. “ Pervert!”

“ Guilty.” He said shamelessly, and with a firm but careful hand, he guided your hips until you were positioned the way he wanted—knees on the sheets, ass arched for him, your chest pressed into the mattress.

“ I swear, if this is some kind of weird kink experiment—” You started, grumbling into the sheets.

“ Oh, it’s an experiment, alright.” He cut in, his voice dripping with playful wickedness.

“ But one you’ll thank me for.”

“ Doubt it.” You shot back.

He just laughed, that low rumble vibrating through your spine. Then the sound of fabric rustling pulled your attention—he was stripping, tossing his shirt, pants, and boxers aside without a care. When he climbed back onto the bed, you felt the heat radiating off his bare skin before you even dared to peek back.

Your cheeks flamed when you caught sight of him fisting his length, sliding his tip lazily along your folds. Each graze made you twitch and whimper despite your stubborn protests.

“ See?” He drawled, pressing harder against your entrance. “ Your body knows what it wants better than your mouth does.”

“ Shut—ahh!” Your retort broke into a gasp as he pushed in, stretching you inch by slow inch until he was buried to the hilt.

The position was different—deeper, sharper. You whimpered, burying your face in the sheets as his tip kissed places you didn’t even know existed, the sensation overwhelming.

“ Fuck…” He groaned, hands gripping your hips tightly. “ You feel even tighter like this. Like you were made for me.”

Your body shuddered at his words, heat pooling low in your belly. “ Y-you’re too deep—”

“ Exactly where I want to be.” He growled, rolling his hips forward deliberately, making you keen into the mattress.

Then, without warning, his palm came down with a playful slap against your ass. The sting made you gasp, your nails curling into the sheets.

“ Hyun-pil!” You squealed.

He chuckled darkly, soothing the spot with a rub before doing it again, lighter this time. “ Couldn’t resist. You’re perfect like this...arched up, taking me so well.”

“ Y-you’re insane.” You muttered, muffled by the sheets.

“ Obsessed.” He corrected smoothly, leaning over your back to murmur against your ear, his hips still grinding slow and deep.

“ Completely obsessed with every inch of you.”

Your whimper turned into a moan when he adjusted, hitting your cervix with every push. The pressure was too much, too delicious, and your body betrayed you, trembling as he whispered filth into your ear.

“ You like this, don’t you? Being opened up like this…stuffed so deep you can’t think?” His teeth nipped at your ear as his words spilled, filthy and raw.

“ Tell me you like it, baby. Tell me you love being my little breakfast, my sweet cure.”

You shook your head weakly, trying to bite back a moan, but your body arched into him anyway, giving you away.

“ Ahh, there it is.” He crooned, thrusting deep, slow, savoring each whimper.

His lips brushed the back of your neck, tender even as his hips were merciless. “ You can lie with your words, but not with your body.”

Your thighs trembled violently, your breath coming in ragged gasps.

Finally, after long minutes of torturous rhythm, he eased his body down, pressing his chest against your back as both of you collapsed together into the sheets.

He wrapped an arm tightly around your neck, holding you possessively close while still buried deep inside you. His thrusts slowed, but each one was drawn out, deliberate, reaching impossibly deep. His lips grazed your ear as he whispered,

“ Every time I’m inside you, I swear I lose my mind. You’re going to ruin me, baby.”

You whimpered softly, caught between overwhelming heat and the dangerous tenderness of his confession. And when he shifted again, his words filthy and his pace building, you knew this “new position” was going to drive you insane.

The mattress creaked violently as Hyun-pil picked up his pace, pounding into you with a rhythm so relentless it made your body bounce forward with every thrust. His arm stayed firmly hooked around your neck, pulling you back against his chest so you couldn’t escape even if you tried.

Each thrust made your walls tighten around him, the sound of your bodies obscene, echoing under the sheets.

“ You feel this?” He rasped, his breath hot against your ear.

“ This position—” His hips slammed forward, making you cry out.

“ Was made for couples who want a baby.”

You gasped, clutching the sheets as heat flared across your face. “ Y-you—shut up! Who even says that during sex?”

He chuckled darkly, the vibration of his laugh rumbling against your back. “ Just a fact I read online.”

His teeth grazed your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. “ Makes sense though, doesn’t it? Maybe that’s why I turned out this handsome and hot...my parents must’ve used this exact position.”

Despite your embarrassment, a snort burst out of you, muffled by the sheets. You shook with laughter, your body trembling even as he continued to drive into you. “ You’re insane! You’re seriously complimenting yourself while you’re pounding me?”

“ I’m stating facts, baby.” He shot back smugly.

“ You’re delusional!” You countered between breathless laughs, half-moan, half-tease.

That struck a nerve, his pride wounded by your jab. His arm tightened around your neck, holding you flush against him, and suddenly…he stopped moving. His length pulsed, throbbing deep inside you, stretching you wide, but his hips went perfectly still.

You whimpered, squirming helplessly. “ H-Hyun-pil—! Don’t you dare—”

Your plea broke into a loud, frustrated moan when he shifted his hips just slightly, pressing himself deeper without thrusting. The sensation was overwhelming, his cock filling you to the brim, throbbing with every beat of his heart.

“ That’s what you get for mocking me.” He murmured smugly against your skin, his lips brushing your neck. “ You don’t get to laugh at me and expect mercy.”

“ Y-you bastard—!” You writhed, but it only made you clench tighter around him, which drew out a groan from his throat.

“ Oh, fuck.” He growled, his voice breaking with lust.

“ You’re squeezing me so damn tight…like you’re begging me to breed you right here.”

“ Shut up!” You hissed, embarrassed, but your body betrayed you, trembling hard as slick dripped down your thighs.

He chuckled, deep and wicked. “ Your mouth says no, but your pussy says yes. She’s desperate for me—so greedy.”

With that, he started moving again, each thrust harsher, deeper, until your body was bouncing helplessly beneath him. The sheets tangled around you as your moans filled the room.

“ I’m gonna fill you up.” He groaned, his hand slipping down to grab your hip roughly, pulling you back against him.

“ Breed you so good, you won’t think of anything else but me.”

Your nails dug into the mattress as his pace became ruthless, his breath ragged against your ear. His arm around your neck tightened just enough to make your head spin with heat, every nerve lit on fire.

Then his thrusts turned erratic, desperate, as if something primal was taking over. You felt him press even deeper, grinding in short, sharp rolls of his hips that had you screaming into the sheets.

“ Fuck...baby—” His voice cracked, almost feral.

“ I swear I feel like I’m knotting inside you like I’m locking you to me.” His hips jerked, burying himself so deep you thought he might split you in half.

“ I want you so full of me you won’t stop dripping for days.”

Your body broke, climax tearing through you violently, your walls clenching and milking him as you screamed his name. The sound set him off—he slammed in one final time, groaning gutturally as his cock twitched, spurting hot inside you. His arm held you tight, his teeth sinking gently into your shoulder as he emptied himself, grinding through his release.

“ Take it...take all of me.” He growled into your skin, his voice wrecked. “ Fuck...you’re mine.”

Your legs trembled violently as you collapsed fully into the sheets, his weight heavy against your back, his cock still throbbing inside you, as if refusing to let go.

Hyun-pil panted harshly, lips brushing your sweaty skin. After a long silence filled only with your mixed breaths, he whispered hoarsely, almost smug but softened by affection:

“ See? Best breakfast I’ve ever had.”

…

The room was thick with heat, the faint musk of sweat and sex hanging in the air. Your chest rose and fell, still trying to catch up with your heartbeat, when you felt him gently move.

Hyun-pil gave you a moment to breathe before slowly pulling out, careful and deliberate. You whimpered softly at the loss, your thighs trembling at the sudden emptiness, and he leaned in immediately, kissing your damp forehead.

“ Shh…” He whispered, his voice husky but tender, “ I’ve got you. Just breathe, baby. I’ll take care of you.”

You buried your face in the sheets, groaning at the embarrassing sounds escaping you. His low chuckle followed, and before you could protest, he gently flipped you onto your back so you could finally face him.

The sight almost stole your breath all over again—Hyun-pil’s chest gleamed with sweat, muscles taut, his silver hair disheveled in the most sinful way. His lips were swollen from kissing you raw, his eyes dark and glimmering with a mix of hunger and satisfaction.

He was…too damn hot.

You bit your lip before you could stop yourself.

He caught it immediately, of course. His mouth curved into a sly grin, his chest still rising and falling as he reached down and grabbed his still semi-hard length. “ You keep looking at me like that…”

He gave it a playful wiggle, “ I wouldn’t mind going another round.”

Your eyes widened. “ Yah! Are you insane?!”

He laughed at your scandalized expression, rich and boyish, before flopping onto the bed beside you. The mattress dipped under his weight as he slid closer, tucking his face against your chest and smothering it with kisses.

His lips moved lazily across your skin, alternating between soft pecks and teasing nibbles. Your hand betrayed you, sliding up into his hair without a thought, brushing through the damp strands as he purred like a spoiled cat in your arms.

“ Stop being clingy.” You muttered half-heartedly.

“ I’ll stop...” He murmured into your skin, his voice muffled against your chest.

“ When I’m dead.”

You rolled your eyes, but your fingers kept stroking his hair.

After a while, you finally said what had been nagging at the back of your mind. “ You already came inside me three times straight…”

Your voice trailed off, soft and nervous. “ What if I really get pregnant now?”

His head lifted, and that wicked smirk of his softened into something almost boyish. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to your nose before whispering, “ Then I’ll finally get promoted from senator to appa.”

“ Hyun-pil!” You smacked his arm, your cheeks flaming.

He only grinned wider, unbothered. “ I’d be a handsome father, don’t you think? Our kid would be perfect—smart, beautiful, with my charm and your stubbornness.”

“ More like cursed with your arrogance.” You shot back.

He gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “ Yah, how dare you insult the father of your future children?”

You groaned and shoved his shoulder, but the corner of your lips betrayed you, curling into a smile.

“ I’m not against the idea.” You admitted quietly.

“ But if my parents find out you knocked me up before marriage, they’ll go feral.”

He immediately pouted, his lower lip jutting out adorably. “ Your parents already voted for me, didn’t they? As your handsome suitor?”

He kissed your collarbone, then another kiss just above your breast. “ Then as your soon-to-be boyfriend.”

Another kiss, lower. “ And soon-to-be husband.”

“ Stop it!” You squealed, covering his mouth with your hand, your face burning.

He laughed against your palm, eyes sparkling with mischief as he kissed your fingers instead.

Pulling back just enough to look at you properly, he murmured, “ Before I ever dream of being their son-in-law…you need to stop pretending we don’t have a label.”

You blinked. “ What do you mean?”

“ You’re already my wife.” He said simply, like it was the most obvious truth.

“ In here.” He tapped his temple, then shifted to press his hand over his heart. “ And here.”

Your breath caught.

“ I can marry you right now if you want.” he continued, eyes locked on yours with an intensity that made your chest tighten.

“ No hesitation. No doubts. I already imagine our future—our home, our kids, the fights, the makeups, the everything. I want it all with you.”

You buried your face into your hands, groaning from the onslaught of sincerity and cheesiness.

“ You’re so dramatic.” you muttered, voice muffled.

Hyun-pil only grinned and leaned down, kissing your temple. “ Dramatic? Maybe. But hopelessly obsessed with you? Definitely.”

His fingers slid over your stomach, resting there possessively. “ And if there’s already a little one growing in here…”

His voice softened, dropping to a whisper. “ Then I’ll spend every day making sure both of you never doubt how much you’re mine.”

Your heart thudded wildly.

“ You’re insane.” You whispered back, but your voice trembled, betraying how much his words had hit you. Hyun-pil only smirked, satisfied, before nestling his head back into your chest with a content sigh.

…

The room was dim, only the faint light seeping through the curtains marking the morning. You lay tangled in the sheets, your chest still flushed pink from the earlier heat, when you caught sight of the clock on his nightstand.

Your eyes widened. “ Shit—Hyun-pil, it’s almost past nine. I’m late!”

He groaned from where his face was buried against your chest, his arms locking tighter around your waist like a stubborn child refusing to let go of a toy.

“ You’re not going anywhere.”

“ Yah!” You smacked his shoulder, struggling against his grip. “ Do you even realize what time it is? I should already be at the office by now. And you...aren’t you supposed to have a hearing?”

Hyun-pil only hummed lazily, dragging his lips against your skin. “ Mm, I told my secretary I couldn’t make it today. Prior commitment.”

You froze. “ What commitment?”

When you looked down, he was already smirking, silver hair falling over his forehead, his eyes glinting like he’d just trapped you in some game you couldn’t win.

He brushed his lips against your collarbone and whispered, “ You. You’re my commitment.”

Your heart skipped. “ Wha—”

He pressed a kiss to your jaw, grinning against your skin as he added, “ Spending the whole day with my baby is more important than any senate hearing.”

You stuttered, heat rushing to your cheeks, before smacking him again. “ Don’t say things like that! Your work is important—you can’t just skip it because of me!”

“ I can.” He countered easily, eyes glinting with boyish mischief. “ And I did. Because you’re more important.”

You groaned, rolling your eyes, but your blush betrayed you. “ You’re unbelievable.”

“ And you’re adorable when you’re flustered.” He teased, nudging your chin up with his nose before kissing your cheek.

You pulled back, glaring at him. “ I haven’t even told Ms. Park that I can’t go in today—”

He cut you off with another smug smile. “ Already settled. She won’t expect you. Today, you’re mine. No excuses.”

Your jaw dropped. “ You…you what?!”

“ Mm-hm…” He nodded, completely unbothered.

“ Your only task today is to stay with me.” His voice dropped, low and sinful as he leaned closer to your ear.

“ And maybe…let me show you a few more positions. I know more than you think.”

You gasped dramatically, smacking his chest with both hands. “ Pervert!”

He laughed, the sound vibrating against your skin, clearly entertained by your reaction.

“ Ah, I love when you glare at me like that.” He teased, trailing kisses along your jaw and down your neck, nipping lightly at the sensitive spot that always made your breath hitch.

You squirmed, torn between scolding him and melting into his touch. “ Hyun-pil, stop it—”

He only chuckled, his breath hot against your neck. “ Or what? You’ll punish me?”

“ Yah!” You squealed, covering your face with your hands. He laughed harder, then softened it into a hum as he peppered your skin with gentler kisses.

“ Fine, fine.” He relented, though the mischief in his voice never faded.

“ No senate today. No office for you. Just us. And…”

He pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, his expression melting from playful to warm. “ Our postponed date.”

You blinked. “ Date?”

He nodded. “ Street food. Remember yesterday? The stalls were closed when we went. And I can’t risk disappointing you again. God forbid my baby goes hungry—my life would be in danger.”

You smacked his chest again, trying not to laugh. “ You’re so dramatic.”

“ Not dramatic—realistic.” He widened his eyes, mock fear painted on his face.

“ A hungry you is the scariest thing I’ve ever faced. And I’ve faced senate hearings, corruption scandals, and even prison.”

You burst out laughing, burying your face into the pillow to muffle it. “ You’re ridiculous.”

He smirked, satisfied, and kissed your temple softly. “ Ridiculous about you. Now…get dressed. Or maybe don’t.”

He added with a wicked grin, “ I wouldn’t mind feeding you while you’re still wearing nothing but my shirt.”

“ Hyun-pil!” You yelped, shoving him away, but your laugh gave you away.

He caught your wrist, pulling you back against his chest, whispering with that same obsessive softness, “ Either way, baby…today, you’re mine. All day. No distractions.”

…

The late morning sun was already high when you finally pried Hyun-pil away from the bed. He dragged his feet the whole time like a sulky child being forced to leave his toy behind, his silver hair sticking up in wild tufts that you had to smooth down.

“ I don’t get why we can’t just stay in.” He grumbled, slipping into his hoodie.

You shot him a look. “ Because you promised me street food. Don’t think I forgot, mister.”

“ Street food, hm?” He gave you a lazy grin, eyes hooded.

“ I could just feed you here. On the bed. Something better than street food.”

“ Hyun-pil!” You swatted his arm, heat creeping up your neck. “ Do you ever stop thinking about—”

“ You?” He cut in smoothly, smirking. “ Never.”

You rolled your eyes so hard it hurt. “ God, you’re impossible.”

When you grabbed your bag and rummaged through it, Hyun-pil raised a brow. “ What’s that?”

You pulled out the disguise you’d secretly prepared: a cheap black wig, oversized sunglasses, and a thick black face mask. With a proud little flourish, you held them up. “ This. Your survival kit.”

His smirk dropped. “ You’re not serious.”

“ Oh, I’m very serious.” You shoved the wig into his hands.

“ You’re a public servant. The last thing you need is to end up on the front page of the news because some intern dragged you to a food stall.”

He pinched the wig between two fingers like it was radioactive. “ I am not wearing this. What am I, a washed-up celebrity hiding from paparazzi?”

“ Exactly!” You chirped, trying not to laugh. “ Now put it on.”

“ No.” He folded his arms like a stubborn teenager.

“ Yes.” You shoved the sunglasses toward his face.

“ I’ll look ridiculous.”

“ You’ll look anonymous.”

“ I’ll look like some creep loitering near schools.”

You planted your hands on your hips, glaring at him until he squirmed. Then you leaned closer, lowering your voice. “ Hyun-pil…you’ll look handsome.”

That made him pause. His ears went a little red, and he tried to mask it with a scoff.

“ Handsome? With this?” He dangled the wig.

“ Yes. Handsome.” You smiled sweetly, tilting your head. “ So…are you going to prove me wrong, or prove me right?”

He groaned dramatically, dragging a hand over his face. “ You are evil. Absolutely evil.”

“ Mm-hm…” You said smugly. “ Now put it on, handsome.”

The word handsome broke him. With a resigned sigh, he plopped the wig on his head. The black strands framed his sharp face awkwardly, sticking out in places, and you had to bite your lip to keep from laughing. Then came the sunglasses and mask, completely covering his features until even you almost didn’t recognize him.

You clapped your hands, grinning. “ Perfect! Now no one will know it’s you.”

He gave you a deadpan look behind the glasses. “ I look like I’m about to rob a convenience store.”

You snorted, grabbing his wrist and dragging him toward the door. “ Shut up. You look adorable.”

…

The two of you walked down the busy street, the scent of frying oil, grilled meat, and sweet batter filling the air. Vendors shouted their specials, steam rising from metal trays, and the hum of the crowd surrounded you.

Hyun-pil, despite all his earlier protests, lit up like a little kid. His eyes darted from one stall to another, curiosity sparking under his disguise.

“ What’s that?” He asked, pointing at skewers glistening with sauce.

“ Dakkochi. Chicken skewers.”

“ And that?” His finger moved to the bubbling pan of golden batter.

“ Hotteok. Sweet pancakes with sugar inside.”

“ And that?!” His voice lifted, excited, pointing at tteokbokki smothered in fiery red sauce.

You laughed, tugging him along. “ If you keep asking, we’ll end up buying the entire street.”

“ Good.” He said shamelessly.

“ I can afford it.” Then, leaning down so only you could hear through his mask, he murmured,

“ Besides, feeding you makes me happy.”

Your stomach flipped. “ You’re ridiculous.”

He grinned behind the mask. “ Ridiculous about you.”

The first stop was the tteokbokki stall. You ordered while Hyun-pil stood awkwardly beside you, trying to look inconspicuous but failing completely with his height and broad shoulders.

The ajumma gave him a long look, then chuckled. “ Boyfriend?”

You choked on your own saliva. “ Ah...no, he’s just—”

“ Yes.” Hyun-pil answered smoothly before you could finish, sliding an arm around your waist.

“ Boyfriend. And she’s hungry, so make it extra spicy.”

The ajumma cackled, clearly enjoying your flustered expression as she packed the food. You smacked his arm when the woman wasn’t looking. “ Yah! Why would you say that?!”

“ Because it’s true.” He said simply, eyes glinting. “ Unless you’d rather me say fiancé?”

“ Hyun-pil!” You hissed, your face burning as the ajumma handed over the container. He just hummed happily, carrying it like a prize as he tugged you to the next stall.

By the time you’d sat down on a little bench to eat, your lap was piled with skewers, dumplings, hotteok, and corn dogs. Hyun-pil crouched in front of you, pulling down his mask just enough to take a bite of tteokbokki you fed him. The sauce smeared the corner of his lip, and you laughed, reaching out with a napkin to wipe it off.

He caught your wrist, holding your hand against his mouth, and kissed your fingers lightly. “ Careful. If you keep babying me like this, I’ll start thinking you want me spoiled.”

“ You already are spoiled.” You muttered, your heart racing.

“ Only because of you.” His eyes softened, a rare vulnerability slipping through his teasing tone.

He leaned closer, voice low. “ You don’t know how much I’ve wanted this. Just…you and me. Normal. Eating food on the street. Like a couple who doesn’t care about the world.”

Your throat tightened, the noise of the street fading as you stared at him. For once, he wasn’t the dominant, confident man who always teased and controlled the pace. He was just…Hyun-pil. A man who wanted you, obsessively, wholeheartedly.

“ You’re so cheesy.” You whispered, trying to cover how flustered you were.

He smirked, regaining his edge. “ Cheesy tastes good. Want me to show you later?”

“ Yah!” You yelped, shoving a dumpling into his mouth to shut him up.

His muffled laugh behind the food made you laugh too, the sound blending into the busy street. And though he still teased you mercilessly, you couldn’t ignore the way he kept sneaking glances at you, like even surrounded by food and people, you were still the only thing worth looking at.

…

The afternoon was golden, the sun slipping lower as the two of you strolled between stalls, your hands brushing occasionally until finally, quietly, Hyun-pil’s fingers slid between yours.

At first, you blinked down at your joined hands, surprised. He didn’t say anything. He just kept walking, his head tilted slightly down, the ridiculous wig bouncing a little with each step, sunglasses hiding his eyes. But his grip was tight, almost desperate.

You squeezed back gently, and he let out a breath you hadn’t realized he was holding. For a while, you just walked like that, the sound of sizzling oil and laughter from other couples filling the air.

Then, without looking at you, Hyun-pil muttered, voice low, “ You know…I’ve been thinking.”

“ Oh no…” You teased softly, trying to keep it light. “ That sounds dangerous already.”

He gave a half-smile, but his jaw was tense. “ Don’t joke right now. I mean it.”

His thumb rubbed against your hand. “ Ji-byun’s been moving faster than expected. He’s sniffing around places he shouldn’t be. I know he’s aiming for me, but…”

His voice dipped, strained. “ I hate that he might use you to get to me.”

You slowed your pace, the warmth of his hand contrasting with the chill that ran down your spine at the name Ji-byun. But you steadied yourself and squeezed his hand firmly.

“ Hyun-pil.” You said softly but firmly.

“ I already told you. I’m here. Beside you. No matter what happens, I’m not leaving.”

He finally turned his head to look at you. Even behind the glasses, you could feel his gaze heavy on you. For a moment, he didn’t speak as his throat bobbed as if swallowing something thick. Then his voice came, almost broken.

“ You’re too good to me.”

“ I’m honest with you.” You corrected gently.

His lips twitched, the faintest smile breaking through his storm. He shook his head, muttering, “ Aish…you’re already adopting my cheesy side. What have I done?”

You smacked his arm with your free hand, your face hot. “ Yah! You were being serious a second ago and now you ruin it!”

He chuckled, the sound rough but warm, and leaned closer until his shoulder brushed yours. “ Maybe I need you to ruin it. Otherwise, I’ll drown in my own thoughts.”

You softened at that, your chest tightening.

To distract him, you tugged him to another stall. “ Come on. Let’s buy more food. For my family this time.”

He blinked. “ Your family?”

“ Yes.” you said. “ I can’t show up with nothing after spending the whole day with you. They’ll ask questions.”

Hyun-pil grinned suddenly, mischief returning. “ Then we should buy everything. I’ll bribe them. That way, they’ll love me even more.”

You groaned. “ You’re impossible.”

But in the end, he did insist—loading you both with bags of skewers, fish cakes, dumplings, and hotteok. He carried most of it, puffing his chest proudly like a kid showing off. When you both finally made it back to the parking lot, you were laughing so hard at the sight of him juggling plastic bags like some overworked delivery boy that you nearly dropped your own.

He opened the passenger door for you, nodding his head toward the seat. “ In, you go.”

You slid in, and as soon as he shut the door and came around to his side, he yanked the wig off his head with a loud groan, tossing it into the backseat like it had personally betrayed him.

“ God, I thought I was going to die.” He ripped off the sunglasses and mask next, raking his fingers through his damp silver hair.

“ It’s like my scalp was being tortured. Itchy as hell.”

You burst out laughing, covering your mouth. “ You lasted longer than I thought!”

He turned his head slowly, narrowing his eyes at you, lips twitching in mock irritation. “ You think this is funny?”

“ Yes!” You squeaked, still laughing.

Hyun-pil leaned over suddenly, catching your hand in his. Without a word, he placed it firmly on his head.

“ Pet me.”

You blinked. “ What?”

“ Pet. Me.” He repeated stubbornly, closing his eyes as if daring you to refuse.

“ You owe me for humiliating myself out there.”

“ You’re unbelievable.” You muttered, but your fingers twitched instinctively, brushing through his damp hair.

He let out a low sound in his throat—half sigh, half purr, and leaned into your touch like a spoiled cat. His shoulders dropped, tension easing as he melted against your hand.

You stared at him, torn between exasperation and something warm tugging at your chest. “ You’re ridiculous.”

“ Mm…” He hummed, not even bothering to argue this time, just enjoying your fingers threading through his hair.

And though you rolled your eyes and muttered complaints under your breath, your hand never pulled away.

For once, Hyun-pil didn’t fill the silence with teasing or dirty talk. He just stayed there, basking in your touch, his expression soft and unguarded.

And in that quiet moment, you realized—beneath all the obsession, all the tension, all the power he wielded, Hyun-pil was just a man who feared losing you. And that thought alone made you hold his hand tighter.

…

The two of you stopped in front of your house, Hyun-pil juggling the weight of the grocery bags and street food bundles like he was about to supply a whole feast. You knocked on the door, trying to steel yourself, while Hyun-pil leaned in closer and whispered in your ear,

“ Do I look presentable? Or do I look like the kind of man who stole their daughter and didn’t bring her home last night?”

You smacked his arm quickly. “ Shut up. Don’t you dare say things like that in front of them.”

He smirked, eyes glinting with mischief. “ Relax. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

The door creaked open, and your mom appeared, blinking at the sight of you first.

“ Oh—finally! You’re home.” Her eyes softened instantly, but then they darted to the man beside you.

“ Good evening, ma’am.” Hyun-pil dipped his head politely, balancing the bags with ease.

“ Oh!” Your mom’s brows lifted. “ Senator, you’re here again.”

“ Please…” He interrupted smoothly, smiling. “ Just Hyun-pil.”

You quickly slipped your shoes off and nudged him forward. “ Come in already before the food gets cold.”

The warmth of your house wrapped around you, along with the sight of your siblings sprawled in the living room, their tablets and phones glowing in their hands. When they saw him, their faces lit up immediately.

“ Oppa!” One of your younger siblings exclaimed, bolting up. “ You came back!"

“ Do you have Roblox today?” Another one asked, tugging at his sleeve.

Hyun-pil chuckled, crouching slightly to meet their eyes even as he carefully set the food bags on the table. “ Ah, I’d love to, but…”

He fished his phone from his pocket, pressing the button to show the dead screen. “ Low battery.”

Your siblings groaned in unison, pouting dramatically. “ Aww…”

“ You can still watch us play.” One of them insisted, waving their phone screen.

“ Maybe later.” Hyun-pil said, ruffling their hair in a way that made you bite your lip, because it was too natural, too domestic.

Your father entered from the dining room, wiping his hands on a towel. His sharp eyes went straight to the bags of food and then to Hyun-pil. “ You brought all this?”

“ Yes, sir,” Hyun-pil replied smoothly, straightening up. “ It’s only right to bring something for the family.”

Your dad’s lips curved into a proud grin. “ Good. I’m sure you took care of my daughter.”

The sip of water you’d just taken went down the wrong pipe. You nearly choked, coughing violently as your face heated up. “ A-Appa!”

But Hyun-pil—oh, Hyun-pil—only smirked, the corners of his mouth curling in devilish amusement.

“ Of course, sir. I always make sure she’s…well taken care of.” His tone carried a weight only you could catch, and when your eyes widened in warning, he had the nerve to wink at you.

You wanted to sink into the floor.

Your mother, even the sharp one, narrowed her eyes at both of you. “ Speaking of…the last time you came here…”

Her gaze pinned Hyun-pil, then slid over to you. “ My daughter came home limping. She told me she was helping you that night. What exactly happened?”

Your throat tightened. You opened your mouth, but Hyun-pil’s calm, practiced voice cut in first.

“ Ah, yes. About that...” He pressed a hand to his chest, bowing his head slightly as though confessing.

“ It was my fault. She had a little accident with my car. Tripped while helping me carry something heavy. She insisted she was fine, but she couldn’t move much after that, so I asked her to stay longer. I apologize for the trouble.”

You blinked at him. The delivery was so smooth, so serious, that for a second even you almost believed his story. Your mom’s eyes darted between the two of you, her lips pressed tightly together, suspicion radiating off her.

Your dad, on the other hand, leaned back on the sofa, crossing his arms, and smirked knowingly. Then, under his breath, but just loud enough for everyone to hear—he muttered,

“ At least they better be using protection…”

The entire room froze.

“ YAH!” Your mom whirled on him, smacking his arm so hard he winced.

Your siblings blinked in confusion, still too young to fully grasp the meaning, but sensing enough to wrinkle their noses.

“ Appa!” You squeaked, mortified. Your hands flew to your face, hiding your burning cheeks.

Hyun-pil, though, was fighting not to laugh. His lips twitched, shoulders shaking faintly. Finally, he cleared his throat and turned to your father with the most serious expression he could muster.

“ Sir…” He said, bowing slightly.

“ You have my word...I’ll take responsibility."

You whipped your head to glare at him, your mouth dropping open. “ Yah—!”

But your dad only chuckled, looking far too satisfied. “ That’s what I like to hear.”

Your mom rolled her eyes heavenward, muttering, “ This household is going to be the death of me.”

Meanwhile, Hyun-pil leaned closer to you, his breath brushing your ear as he whispered, smug, “ See? They already approve. You’re practically mine.”

You stomped on his foot under the table, making him hiss and bite back a laugh.

…

The dining table was soon filled with the aroma of the food Hyun-pil had brought. Your mom plated everything neatly, though she kept side-eyeing you and him every now and then, like a detective waiting for you both to slip up.

Your dad, on the other hand, was already pouring drinks, humming cheerfully like he was welcoming a son-in-law instead of a senator. Your siblings scrambled to sit beside Hyun-pil, practically pushing you away from your usual seat.

“ Oppa sits here!” Your youngest declared, patting the chair between them.

You scowled. “ Hey, that’s my spot.”

“ Not anymore!” They stuck their tongue out at you, pulling Hyun-pil down to sit between them.

Hyun-pil chuckled as he sat obediently, leaning closer to whisper, “ Don’t be jealous, baby. There’s enough of me to go around.”

You kicked him lightly under the table. “ Yah, don’t flirt in front of my siblings.”

Your siblings, of course, caught the exchange. “ Eww! Are you two flirting?”

“ No, we’re not!” You snapped, glaring at Hyun-pil, who only smirked like the devil caught in the act.

Dinner began, chopsticks clinking and conversation flowing. Your mom asked Hyun-pil polite questions at first—how busy the Senate was, how he balanced his work. But soon it turned into her watching how he carefully peeled shrimp for your youngest sibling and put it on their plate.

“ Wow…thank you, Oppa!” Your sibling beamed.

“ Anything for my little dongsaeng.” Hyun-pil said smoothly, earning giggles.

Your dad raised his brows, impressed. “ You’re good with kids.”

Hyun-pil smirked. “ I’ll need the practice, won’t I?”

His gaze flicked meaningfully at you. You nearly choked on your rice, glaring daggers at him. “ Stop. Talking.”

Your dad, however, laughed loudly, slapping the table. “ That’s the spirit!”

“ Appa!” You whined, covering your face.

Your mom narrowed her eyes at the both of them, but before she could scold, Hyun-pil turned to her with that politician charm cranked up to maximum. “ Don’t worry, ma’am. I would never let anything happen to your daughter. She’s…the most important person in my life.”

Your mom blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. For a moment, the suspicious look melted into something softer, though she tried to mask it by clearing her throat and telling everyone to keep eating.

Meanwhile, your siblings were plotting.

“ Oppa…” One of them piped up. “ Will you buy us ice cream later?”

“ Yah, don’t take advantage of him.” You scolded.

But Hyun-pil only leaned back, pretending to think. “ Ice cream, hmm? Well…if your noona gives me a kiss on the cheek, maybe I’ll consider it.”

Your jaw dropped. “ What—?”

“ Eww, gross!” Your siblings squealed, laughing hysterically.

Your dad almost spit out his drink from laughing, while your mom smacked her chopsticks against her bowl. “ Aish! At the dinner table!”

You grabbed your chopsticks and jabbed Hyun-pil in the arm with the blunt end. “ You’re impossible.”

He leaned close enough for only you to hear. “ But you like me this way.”

Your heart stuttered, but you quickly shoved another bite of food in your mouth to avoid answering. As dinner went on, Hyun-pil kept earning points.

He listened to your dad’s fishing stories with genuine interest, even laughing and asking questions.

He complimented your mom’s side dishes so earnestly that she finally, reluctantly, smiled in pride.

And every time your siblings demanded his attention, he gave it—whether it was tasting their favorite snack, listening to them ramble about their games, or promising to teach them something “cool” next time.

By the end of the meal, the atmosphere had shifted.

Your dad leaned back, satisfied. “ Well, I’ll say this…You’re not what I expected.”

Hyun-pil tilted his head politely. “ Oh?”

“ I thought senators were stiff and boring.” Your dad said bluntly. “ But you’re not bad.”

Your mom sighed, shaking her head. “ Not bad, yes…but too smooth with his words. I still have my eyes on you.”

Hyun-pil only smiled and bowed slightly. “ I welcome it. I intend to prove myself worthy.”

Your face burned. “ Can we not talk like this in front of me?”

Your siblings cackled at your embarrassment, chanting, “ Noona and Oppa~ Noona and Oppa~” while clapping their hands like they’d discovered the biggest secret in the world.

Hyun-pil, of course, loved every second of it. He basked in their acceptance, in your dad’s approval, in your mom’s reluctant softening and most of all, in your flustered state.

When dessert was served, he leaned over to whisper in your ear, voice low and warm, “ See? They love me already. You can’t escape me now.”

You smacked him again, but your lips betrayed you with a tiny, reluctant smile.

…

The laughter from dinner slowly ebbed away, leaving only the sound of clinking dishes as your siblings excused themselves to the living room, happily shouting about Roblox again. That left just you, Hyun-pil, and your parents at the table.

The mood shifted. You felt it immediately like the weight of an unspoken interrogation settling into the air. Hyun-pil, for once, wasn’t smirking.

He leaned back in his chair, posture still polished, but you could see it—the subtle tightening of his jaw, the way his fingers tapped once against his thigh before he stilled them.

For the man who could handle entire Senate debates with ease, it was almost funny to see him so stiff in front of your parents. Your mom set down her chopsticks with deliberate precision, her eyes fixed on him.

She didn’t circle around the subject like some people would. She went straight for the throat.

“ Hyun-pil-ssi.” She said evenly, her tone mother-sharp.

“ I’ll ask directly. Are you serious about my daughter?”

You froze. Your father tilted his head slightly, watching, waiting.

Hyun-pil inhaled slowly before answering, his voice steady but softer than his usual commanding tone. “ Yes, ma’am. Very serious.”

Your mom’s brow furrowed. “ I don’t mind if…private things have happened between you.”

She glanced briefly at you, making your cheeks flame. “ That is not my concern. What I worry about is the danger. Your job…it is heavy. It draws enemies. Scandals. Threats. I don’t want my daughter dragged into that because of you.”

Hyun-pil’s gaze sharpened, not defensive, but intent. He straightened in his chair, leaning forward slightly, as though to show her the weight of his conviction.

“ I understand that worry. But I will never let harm come to her or to any of you. If being with me means I must protect her twenty-four hours a day, then I will. If it means protecting your family as well, I will.”

There was no hesitation in his words. You could tell he meant it. Even your mom seemed caught for a moment, blinking at the fierce sincerity in his eyes before she gave a small nod.

But your dad wasn’t done. He leaned back, folding his arms, voice low and deliberate. “ There’s another matter. The age gap.”

You stiffened instantly, and Hyun-pil’s eyes flickered to you before returning to your dad.

“ It’s…a bit awkward.” Your dad admitted.

“ You’re already a senator. A man shaped by years of politics. And my daughter—” He looked at you, then back at Hyun-pil.

“ She’s still young. She’s studying. She’s learning. You’ve lived more life, faced more battles. It’s not that I’m against it, but I need to know you’re aware of how big this gap is. And that you’re not using it.”

You opened your mouth, indignant. “ Appa—!”

But he raised his hand to silence you. “ Let me finish.”

His gaze locked onto Hyun-pil’s again. “ I want to be sure this isn’t about…physicality. That you’re not with her just because she’s young. Because if it’s only about warming your bed, Hyun-pil-ssi, then you will have a problem with me. A big one.”

The room went dead quiet. You thought Hyun-pil might actually look offended, but instead, he slowly exhaled, a faint smile tugging at his lips—not mocking, not smug, but almost…wry.

“ I respect your bluntness, sir.” He said finally.

“ And I’ll be blunt in return.” He leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. His eyes were unwavering, glinting with that stubborn fire you knew too well.

“ Your daughter isn’t someone I ‘use.’ She’s not an object, not a distraction, not a convenience. She’s the person I wake up thinking about. The person who drives me insane with her bickering, but also keeps me sane when everything else is chaos. She isn’t just…warmth in my bed. She's a warmth in my life.”

You choked on your drink. “ Yah—! Stop saying things like that in front of my parents!”

Hyun-pil ignored you, his eyes locked with your father’s. “ I know the age gap is unusual. I know people may talk. But I also know what I feel. And what I feel is not temporary. Not shallow. It’s deeper than I ever expected it to be. I want to be by her side...not only because I desire her, but because I admire her, because I need her, because…”

He faltered just slightly, his voice dropping to something almost vulnerable. “ Because she is the only part of my life that feels real.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Your heart pounded so hard you were sure everyone could hear it. Your dad studied him, stone-faced, for a long beat.

Then, finally, he sighed, his expression softening into something less severe. “ You’re either a very good liar…or you mean every word.”

Hyun-pil smiled faintly. “ I don’t waste lies on families, sir.”

Your mom sighed, shaking her head at the both of you. “ Aigoo…this is too much. You two will give me gray hairs earlier than I deserve.”

“ Eomma!” You whined, burying your face in your hands.

Hyun-pil chuckled softly beside you, reaching under the table to brush his fingers against yours. It was subtle, hidden from your parents, but you felt it—the reassurance, the stubborn promise, the quiet obsession laced in his touch.

Your dad cleared his throat. “ I’ll say this, then. If you hurt her...if you break her...then no title, no position, no power will stop me from coming after you. Understand?”

Hyun-pil’s eyes glinted, but he inclined his head respectfully. “ Understood. And I accept it.”

You peeked through your fingers, glaring at both men. “ Do you two have to talk like this while I’m right here?”

Your dad smirked. “ Of course. It’s tradition.”

Your mom rolled her eyes. “ Men and their egos…”

Hyun-pil only leaned slightly toward you, his lips quirking into that devilish half-smile. “ See? They’re already protecting you from me. Guess you don’t need to scold me as much anymore, baby.”

You elbowed him sharply in the ribs. “ I’ll never stop scolding you.”

And for the first time that evening, the tension cracked into laughter again even if your cheeks were burning hotter than the soup on the table.

…

The atmosphere at the dinner table had been too heavy, even though you tried to mask it with awkward laughter and deflective remarks. You noticed Hyun-pil’s shoulders hadn’t quite relaxed since your dad’s warning, and though he played it cool, you knew him too well—beneath his polished senator mask, he was wound tight.

So, after excusing yourselves, you guided him outside into the backyard. The night air was cool, carrying the faint chirps of crickets. The sky stretched wide above, scattered with faint stars.

You sat down on the old wooden bench near the garden, patting the space beside you. Hyun-pil didn’t just sit—he immediately closed the distance, pressing his shoulder to yours, slipping his hand into yours as though it belonged there.

Before you could tease him, he lifted your hand to his lips, kissing it once…then again…then again, like some lovesick fool.

“ Yah…” You chuckled, trying to pull back. “ Are you trying to bruise my hand with all that kissing?”

He ignored the jab and nuzzled against your shoulder, his voice muffled as he muttered, “ I needed this. Fresh air…and you.”

You smirked. “ Who knew? The scary Senator, the great Hyun-pil, reduced to a flustered mess by my mom and dad.”

That got you a groan from him. He tilted his head back with his eyes squeezed shut, as if the memory alone pained him. “ Don’t remind me. I swear, I thought they were going to shoo me away like some poor puppy scratching at the door. Your mother’s stare was sharper than any political opponent I’ve ever faced.”

You laughed, resting your elbow on the back of the bench, watching him sulk dramatically. “ So the fearless man who debates in Congress was nervous about my parents. That’s rich.”

“ I wasn’t nervous.” He said instantly, though the flush creeping up his neck betrayed him.

“ I was…cautious.”

“ Uh-huh.” You hummed, reaching up to comb your fingers through his silver hair. He immediately leaned into your touch like a spoiled cat, a soft sound—half groan, half purr is escaping him.

“ Cautious.” You repeated mockingly. “ More like terrified.”

He cracked one eye open at you, playfully glaring. “ Keep laughing, and I’ll remind you how scary I can be when it’s just the two of us.”

“ Pervert.” You muttered, but your lips twitched into a smile.

For a moment, the teasing quieted. His gaze softened, lingering on you in that way that always made your chest tighten. He twined his fingers tighter with yours, lifting your hand again, but this time he pressed a single lingering kiss against your knuckles.

“ Still…” He murmured, his voice hushed, vulnerable, “ I think…I earned it. Your parents didn’t push me away. That means…I have their approval, doesn’t it?”

You tilted your head at him, amused at how boyish he sounded. “ Looks like it.”

His lips curled into a hopeful smile, his thumb brushing along your hand. Then, with no warning, he asked, “ Then…why don’t you make it official?”

You blinked. “ What?”

“ Be my girlfriend.” He said without hesitation, his tone slipping into that commanding-yet-pleading blend only he could manage.

“ I’ve waited long enough. I don’t want to call you ‘baby’ or ‘jagi’ just in my head anymore. I want it to be real. Say yes.”

You barked out a laugh at how desperate he sounded. “ Senator Hyun-pil, are you begging right now?”

“ Yes.” He deadpanned. “ Do you want me to kneel too? Because I will.”

Your face heated. “ Don’t you dare! My parents will—”

“ I don’t care.” He interrupted, leaning closer.

His eyes glistened under the dim porch light, fierce but vulnerable. “ Please. Let me be yours. Officially.”

You rolled your eyes, but his pout was too much. His lips jutted out, his expression so childishly impatient that you almost burst out laughing again. Finally, you cupped his cheeks, forcing him to meet your gaze. His breath caught.

“ You’re ridiculous.” You whispered, then leaned forward and pressed your lips against his.

The kiss was soft, lingering, nothing like your usual heated clashes. When you pulled back, his eyes were wide, searching.

“ Was that a yes?” He asked breathlessly.

“ Yes.” You said clearly this time, a smile tugging at your lips.

“ Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend.”

For a moment, he just stared, utterly stunned. Then a disbelieving laugh burst out of him, raw and boyish. “ You’re serious?”

“ I just said yes, didn’t I?” You teased.

He looked like he wanted to scream, his chest heaving with sheer giddiness. He opened his mouth to yell—but you immediately leaned in and silenced him with another kiss.

“ Shut up before my parents think you’ve lost your mind.” You whispered against his lips.

He laughed into the kiss, clutching you like you might vanish. When you pulled back, something bright caught your eye.

Both of you turned your heads just in time to see a burst of fireworks in the distance, painting the night sky in brilliant colors. You both froze, surprised. It wasn’t planned—probably a festival or a celebration somewhere nearby, but it felt perfect.

Hyun-pil stared at the glowing sky, then back at you. His smile softened into something achingly tender.

“ Even the universe approves.” He whispered.

You smacked his arm, flustered. “ Cheesy.”

“ Maybe.” He grinned, pulling you into his chest, his lips brushing your hair.

“ But you’re mine now. Officially.”

The fireworks bloomed above, crackling in vibrant explosions, but the real spark was the way his arms tightened around you, like he was never letting go.

Author's Note:

Finally, I return. I haven't been active in a few days because I'm getting lazy, and there are a lot of things that need to be done at school because the midterm exam is in two weeks, so it's an academic cramming session every time there are upcoming exams.