UNLIKELY MATCH | HEESEUNG

6 - Cat-astrophic Encounters

When I sit across from him, I can see the way he's studying, the way he looks at me as if he's assessing every inch of my being. His gaze feels invasive like he's trying to dissect me with his eyes alone. Man, this is no ordinary sponsorship negotiation.

"It's nice to meet you, Heeseung. I'm sure you're aware of our... let's say, unconventional proposal." Mr. Kang starts, making me shift uncomfortably in my seat. "But I assure you, Mr. Lee, this arrangement is beneficial for both parties involved."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "Of course, Mr. Kang," I reply with forced politeness, keeping my tone neutral. I would say it's nice to meet him too, but that would be a lie. "I understand the potential benefits of such a partnership and I'm sure you're aware of my commitment to the team." I glance at the boss and he clears his throat. Message received loud and clear.

"Indeed, Heeseung," The old man continues, leaning back in his chair. He looks like he's about to drop some wisdom on me, and I brace myself for whatever comes next. "Our corporation has a strong interest in associating with individuals who not only excel in their profession but also maintain a certain level of public image. But allow me to be frank, you don't quite fit that image, so we're going to have to work on that." 

"By marrying me to your daughter and advertising us as the perfect couple?" I couldn't help the sarcasm in my tone. "Forgive me if I fail to see how a staged marriage is going to magically transform my public image."

"I wouldn't phrase it so crudely, Mr. Lee, but essentially, yes. The public will perceive you differently when you're seen as part of a committed relationship and you'll make headlines for all the right reasons. You'll become more marketable, and announcing your engagement to my daughter and publicizing your relationship will generate significant publicity for both you and our corporation. This, combined with the strategic placement of our corporation's branding, will undoubtedly elevate your image in the eyes of the public," Mr. Kang explains, his words measured and calculating.

I run a hand through my hair, sighing inwardly. It's not just about racing anymore. "I understand," I say, forcing the words out through clenched teeth. "But is your daughter okay with what you're proposing? Is she aware of the extent to which her life will be intertwined with mine, both publicly and privately?"

Mr. Kang leans back, a sly smile playing on his lips. "My daughter Sena is aware of the arrangement and she's prepared to fulfill her role." I resist the urge to scoff. Of course, she's prepared. Just another piece in her father's carefully crafted game, no doubt. But I bite back my retort, knowing it won't do me any good to antagonize the man who holds my future in his hands. I glance at the boss, silently cursing him for putting me in this position.

"Very well," I say instead, my voice tight with frustration. "I'll do my part to uphold my end of the agreement."

Mr. Kang nods, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Excellent. Now, the two of you should meet as soon as possible. This afternoon. I'll arrange a casual setting for the both of you to get acquainted. A public place, perhaps, to make it look more natural to the public eye. As for the wedding, we don't need a ceremony. A few pictures for the media and some signatures. I have a team of professionals who will handle all the arrangements. Your role will be to attend the necessary events and maintain a positive public image." 

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. It's starting to sink in just how much of my life will be controlled by this arrangement – from the public appearances to the carefully choreographed photo ops. It's a far cry from the freedom I once cherished. "Understood," I say, forcing myself to keep my tone neutral. There's no point in arguing when I know I'll have to agree to whatever the fuck they're planning to keep my seat in the team and ride for Ferrari. 

It's afternoon when I drive to where I'm supposed to meet the woman who is destined to be my fake wife. The location is a trendy café in the middle of the city and many people could recognize me but isn't that what we want? To be seen together, to start building that public image Mr. Kang mentioned? I sigh. Let's just get this fucking over with. 

Inside the place is not so crowded, actually. I take a seat at an empty table and look around, waiting for the woman of my life. Joking. I don't even know if I'll ever get to know her, really. This whole situation feels like a joke. 

Moments later, I'm too busy thinking of this whole ridiculous arrangement when I hear the sound of heels against the tiled floor, signaling someone's approach. I glance up, staring at a woman who's definitely making her way to me. Holy fuck. She slowly approaches me, and when she's right in front of me, she leans closer, almost as if she's about to kiss me. For a moment, I believe that she indeed is, but then she says, "You have to pretend you're in love with me, dumbass. Do something." 

"Excuse me?" I manage to sputter out. To say I'm fucking taken off guard would be an understatement. I'm utterly dumbfounded.

"We're supposed to be convincing, remember? So, do something romantic or whatever. Hold my hand, look into my eyes, I don't care. Just make it believable." The way she rolls her eyes and lets out an exasperated sigh tells me that she's just as unhappy about this arrangement as I am, but it also frustrates me because why the fuck is she acting like this is all my fault?

I glance around and only then I see people looking at us as if we're the most interesting thing they've ever laid their eyes on. Some are even discreetly recording us, which is understandable, it's me we're talking about. But only then did the reality of our situation sink in – we're not just two strangers meeting for the first time; we're two people who are supposed to be in love and so, the next thing I do is sneak my arm around her waist and pull her closer, my lips against hers as I kiss her like she's the craving her touch for ages.

It's a bold move, I know it, but I do it anyway, because damn it, if we're going to sell this lie, we might as well go all in.