Contract| KTH | ?

---

The day began like any other for Ms. Hong—focused, sharp, and meticulously scheduled. Her assistant interrupted her usual rhythm with a soft knock on the door.

“Ms. Hong, your uncle called about some important work,” he said, stepping into her office.

She looked up from her desk and nodded curtly. “Alright. I’ll call him back. Thank you.”

Moments later, she had her phone in hand, dialing the familiar number.

“Yes, Uncle, tell me what’s the matter,” she greeted him, her tone businesslike yet warm.

On the other end, her uncle's voice was steady but held an undertone of hesitation. “We’re going to collaborate with a close friend of mine. What do you say?”

Her brows furrowed as she leaned back in her chair. “Uncle, our company is stable. Why the need for collaboration?”

“I understand, but…” His voice faltered, disappointment seeping through the line.

She sighed softly, sensing his unspoken plea. “Alright, Uncle. If you believe this is the best step, I’ll support it.”

“Thank you, my sweetie,” he said, his tone brightening.

“Anything for you, Uncle,” she replied, smiling faintly.

“Actually, there’s one more thing,” he added hesitantly.

“Go ahead.”

“Please… call me Dad, not Uncle. I’ve always seen you as the daughter I never had. It’s not an obligation, but it would mean a lot to me.”

Her heart softened at his words. “Okay, Un— I mean… Dad. Okay, Dad.”

“Thank you, sweetie. I’ll text you the address and time for the meeting.”

“Alright. Bye, Dad.”

“Bye.”

---

Later that day, her assistant appeared at her door once more.

“Ms. Hong, your uncle sent over a package.”

“Place it on the table,” she instructed, watching as he carefully set it down before leaving.

She unwrapped the package to find a stunning black dress—a timeless piece that instantly caught her eye. Black, her favorite color.

“Why did Uncle—Dad send me this?” she murmured to herself. Shrugging off her curiosity, she decided to wear the dress for the meeting.

---

Arriving at her uncle’s place, she found him already waiting by the car. Without a word, they both got in, heading toward an upscale hotel.

“Uncle, why the dress?” she asked, her curiosity finally spilling over.

“Just trust me,” he replied with a knowing smile.

They entered the restaurant, its atmosphere oozing luxury and elegance. She took her seat, engrossed in her phone as her uncle’s friend and his son joined them.

The moment she looked up, her eyes met the young man’s gaze.

“You?” they both exclaimed simultaneously, shock coloring their voices.

“You know each other?” her uncle asked, raising a curious brow.

“Oh, very well,” she muttered, narrowing her eyes at the man she now recognized as Kim Taehyung.

Her uncle cleared his throat. “As you both are single and compatible, we’ve decided that you’ll be getting married in a few weeks.”

“What?” they both shouted in unison, their expressions mirroring each other’s disbelief.

“Let’s go, Mr. Kim,” her uncle said, patting his friend on the shoulder. “Let them talk it out.”

Taehyung’s father nodded. “Tae, make sure to drop her home afterward.”

“Sure, Dad,” he replied reluctantly.

As their fathers left, an awkward silence filled the air. Neither wanted to be the first to speak, but eventually, Taehyung broke the ice.

“So, are you going to accept me, Ms. Cold?” he asked, his tone teasing.

“Never,” she snapped.

He raised an eyebrow. “Why not? What do I lack? I’m rich, handsome, and every girl’s dream.”

“Then go marry one of them. I’m not interested,” she replied, her voice icy.

“Oh, really? I thought you’d be like all the others, drooling over me. Guess I was wrong.”

“And I thought you’d be like all the others, living off your father’s wealth. Guess I was right.”

“Don’t talk about my father like that,” he said, his voice dropping dangerously.

“Why? You just talked about mine.”

His expression softened slightly. “I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry.”

She looked away, her voice quiet but firm. “It doesn’t matter. He’s as good as dead to me anyway.”

“Why would you say that?” he asked, genuine curiosity replacing his usual arrogance.

“As if you care,” she retorted, standing abruptly.

“I’m rejecting you anyway, so don’t cry over it,” he said, standing as well.

She smirked coldly. “My mascara’s too expensive to waste on men like you.”

He chuckled dryly. “You’ve got guts.”

“Phew,” she said sarcastically, brushing past him.

“I’ll drive you home,” he offered reluctantly.

“No need. My driver’s on the way.”

“Fine. I hope we never meet again, Ms. Cold.”

“Likewise, Mr. Rude,” she replied, pausing at the door to glance back. “And next time, show some manners. I don’t want people mistaking you for my ex.”

Before he could respond, she disappeared through the exit.

---

Back at their respective homes, both faced the fallout of the evening.

“Dad, I’m not marrying her,” Taehyung declared firmly.

“You don’t understand. I promised my friend,” his father replied, leaving no room for argument.

Frustrated, he picked up his phone and sent a message.

---

Ms. Hong was equally annoyed, her argument with her uncle still fresh in her mind. She checked her phone to see a new message.

Tae: Hello.

Yn: Yes? Tell me, Mr. Rude. How did you get my number?

Tae: I have my sources. How did you know it was me?

Yn: I have my sources too.

Tae: So, you were planning to reject me too?

Yn: Yes, but I had no choice.

Tae: Same here. By the way, what’s your full name?

Yn: Why do you want to know?

Tae: You’re my fiancée now. It’d be odd if I didn’t know your name.

Yn: Goodnight.

Taehyung stared at his phone, a smirk playing on his lips. “She’s hard to get,” he muttered before drifting off to sleep.