Scarlet Strings.

Chapter 30:

Scarlet was just about to sleep when she heard the rustling of blankets behind her. She turned, only to see Ha-Joon quickly pull the duvet down from his face, his lips curving into a goofy grin.

"Red," he slurred, blinking blearily at her.

Scarlet crossed her arms. "Go to sleep, Ha-Joon."

But, of course, he didn't listen. Instead, he shot up from the bed, swaying slightly before stabilizing himself on his elbows. His face was flushed from the alcohol, and his dark hair was a mess, falling over his forehead.

"I have to tell them," he declared dramatically.

Scarlet narrowed her eyes. "Tell who what?"

"My family," he huffed, waving his arms. "I have to tell them I love them. They think I'm an idiot fool who loves his fake wife more."

Scarlet froze. The word fake hit harder than she expected. For the past few hours, she had started thinking, maybe, that she was his real wife. Maybe this wasn't all a lie. But here it was. The truth. Fake. Her chest tightened, her fingers curling slightly.

But Ha-Joon, drunk as ever, didn't notice the shift in her expression. He let out a small hiccup and grinned. "But maybe that's true," he continued, tilting his head as if he had just discovered something profound. "Even if you're fake, I still love you more, Red."

Scarlet inhaled sharply. She didn't know what was worse, the fact that he still called her fake or the way he said he loved her in the same breath.

"Ha-Joon," she started, her voice softer now.

But he wasn't listening. "I have to tell them," he repeated, suddenly trying to get up.

Scarlet panicked. "No, you don't!"

"I do!" He struggled to push himself off the bed, wobbling slightly as he stood up.

Scarlet rushed forward, grabbing his arm. "Listen to me," she said firmly. "You cannot say anything about this fake marriage to your parents. Or your brother. Or your aunt."

Ha-Joon blinked at her, his intoxicated brain struggling to keep up. Then, suddenly, he let out a deep laugh. "So, I can tell Ha-Neul?" he teased, his grin widening.

Scarlet groaned. "No! Not to anyone!"

Ha-Joon pouted. "Not even my maids?"

"No."

"My driver?"

"No."

"The tree in the garden?"

"Ha-Joon!"

He let out another laugh, leaning dangerously close to her face. "Fine, fine," he said, nodding like a child being scolded. "I won't say anything."

Scarlet exhaled in relief. "Good."

But just as she stepped back, thinking she had won this battle, Ha-Joon suddenly stretched his arms above his head.

"I have to spend time with my familyyyy," he whined, his voice dragging out.

And before she could stop him, he bolted for the door. Scarlet's eyes widened in horror. "Oh no, you don't!"

She lunged forward, catching the back of his hoodie just in time. Ha-Joon let out a small "oof" as she yanked him backward, dragging him away from the door.

"Nope," she gritted out, pulling him back toward the bed.

"But my family-!"

"I don't care!" she snapped, pushing him onto the mattress.