The Arrangement

06

Even after Suzy left me to rest, I was up the whole night. Is the work that important if it sacrifices their lives?

There's a lot I don't know and it comes from being sheltered my whole life. A knock on the door startles me, a young maid walks in bowing politely.

Her: Hello Miss Nia, I'm Jihyo.
Me: Hi.
Her: Master Seonghwa and his guests are downstairs eating. Master Yunho told me to wake you so you can eat as well.
Me: Ah, thank you.

She bows one more time before leaving. I take a quick shower to freshen up and look a bit lively. Once I'm downstairs my heart begins to race, I'm nervous as hell.

"Nia!"

My eyes widen as Wooyoung waves back and forth.

I scan around the table for an empty seat and there's one in between Suzy and Wooyoung thank God. As soon as I'm seated one of the butlers places a plate of food in front of me.

Suzy: How'd you sleep?
Me: Good, I think.

She smiles politely, no doubt she seen these horrendous bags under my eyes.

Yunho: Nia this is Yeosang and Hongjoong, apparently you already know Wooyoung.
Me: Nice to meet you.

They both wave.

Seonghwa says nothing as he continues to eat taking glances at his phone every so often.

Yunho: Your father wants us to go suit shopping.
Seonghwa: Suits for what?
Yunho: Your wedding.

I freeze.

This morning I seen a text from my mom about dress shopping. This is ridiculous, I can't even ask my friends to be apart because they'll look at me like I'm crazy.

Seonghwa: Tell him I'm busy.
Yunho: He knows you're not.
Seonghwa: And how would he?
Yunho: Because I told him you weren't. Besides, Mingi is back in town.

Mingi?

That name sounds familiar.

Seonghwa: This shit is stupid.
Suzy: Are you going dress shopping?
Me: Um, yeah with my mom.
Suzy: Would you mind if I came too?
Me: Are you sure?
Suzy: Yes.

I keep forgetting Suzy and Yunho were in the same spot as Seonghwa and I a year ago. This is awkward and invading, but like he said we can't go against our fathers.

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My mother is acting like we're shopping for a normal wedding.

Mom: You're gonna' be a beautiful bride!

Oh I'm sure one day I would have.

Mom: I'll be right back! I'm going to see where they keep there more expensive dresses.

She runs off making me sigh, Suzy giggles.

Suzy: It's insane isn't it? One day you're hanging with friends the next you're getting thrown into a marriage with a random stranger, distasteful.
Me: Was Yunho kind when you met him?

She nods.

Suzy: He was and I appreciated that. It made the situation less painful. Even now he's like my bestfriend. Don't worry, I'm sure you and Seonghwa will find some common grown.

I hope so.

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Dress shopping was utterly exhausting but I found one that was beautiful. If only I seen it through different circumstances.

The living room is filled with men, a bunch whom I haven't met before. I dart into the kitchen holding my chest, what the hell is going on in there?

"Oh? Hwa has a new maid."

I look at the red haired boy, he sips his drink staring me up and down.

Me: I'm not a maid.
Him: Oh? Then what are you?

I open and close my mouth, what am I? He starts to move closer to me until I'm pinned against the wall.

Him: Nervous?

I nod my head.

Him: Good, the shy types are always so fun to play with.

"Get off her or I'll blow your brains out."

Him: My, my, my always with the threats Wooyoung.

Thank God for Wooyoung.

Wooyoung: That's Seonghwa's fiancée.
Boy: The arrangement? Oh wow, she's prettier than I thought.
Wooyoung: Please forgive Mingi for his rudeness.

That's Mingi?

Mingi: Mhm, a thousand apologies my lady.
Me: It's okay.
Mingi: You better run along though, it's ten guys in there that's much worse than me.
Wooyoung: So you admit you're a sleeze ball?
Mingi: The sleeziest.

I run upstairs to my room while they're distracted, unfortunately I run into someone. Before I can fall backwards they grab my collar stopping me from falling.

Me: Seonghwa.

He walks past me going down the stairs.

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red haired Mingi >>>>