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彡┆29

he lets out a dramatic sigh. ''you love making me suffer.''

''maybe a little,'' i admit, grinning.

he chuckles again, his voice smooth and warm. ''fine. i'll see you tonight. but don't keep me waiting too long.''

i make my way to bora's office, pushing the door open without knocking. she barely looks up from her laptop before sighing dramatically.

''ever heard of knocking?'' she mutters, typing something quickly.

''no time for that,'' i say, dropping into the chair across from her. ''i need you to come shopping with me. tonight's important.''

she finally looks up, raising an eyebrow. ''shopping? important?'' then her eyes widen. ''wait don't tell me. business dinner?''

i smirk. ''bingo.''

she grins, shutting her laptop immediately. ''oh, this is so serious if you're asking for my help.''

''you know me,'' i shrug. ''i need to look perfect.''

''you always look perfect,'' she scoffs, grabbing her bag and standing up. ''but let's make sure he loses his damn mind when he sees you.''

we've been shopping for hours, trying on countless dresses, debating over colors, and just how much i want to stun in-ho tonight. bora was determined to make me look dangerous, and after a lot of back and forth, we finally found the one.

now, back home, it's finally time to get ready. bora is fixing my hair while i do my makeup, the two of us chatting when the door swings open.

''what are you guys doing?'' hana asks, standing there with a curious expression.

shit. i totally forgot she was going to be here tonight. which means... she's joining us for dinner. i exchange a quick glance with bora before turning back to hana, keeping my expression casual.

''just getting ready,'' i say, applying a final touch of highlighter. ''we have a business dinner tonight.''

hana frowns, stepping further into the room. ''business dinner?''

i sigh, shaking my head. ''i invited someone important tonight. we need to make a good impression.''

hana crosses her arms, still watching me closely. ''so... i'm coming too?''

i pause, realizing i really don't have a choice.

''of course,'' i say smoothly. ''why wouldn't you?''

hana grins. ''nice.''

bora presses her lips together, clearly trying not to laugh. i glare at her through the mirror before standing up.

''just go get ready, hana,'' i mutter.

as she skips out of the room, bora immediately bursts into laughter.

''oh my god,'' she gasps. ''this just got so much more interesting.''

after what feels like forever of getting ready. bora making sure every detail of my look is perfect, we finally head downstairs. the dining room is set, the atmosphere is exactly how it should be.

then the doorbell rings. my heart skips. my dad, bora and hana both turn to look at me, but before either of them can move, i lift a hand.

''wait here,'' i say, my voice calm, steady. ''i'll get it.''

they exchange a look, but neither argues. i smooth down my dress, take a slow breath, and walk toward the door. the moment i grip the handle, something tightens in my chest. anticipation. nerves. maybe even excitement.