~Hannamdong, Seoul, South Korea~

“Chairman Yoon, I just received information that the Young Master arrived in Incheon an hour ago.”

Glancing up from his lap, the elderly man pulled off his glasses while placing the book he had been reading on his desk. He hoisted himself up from his seat with a slight grunt as the butler scrambled to help the chairman into his jacket. Patting the middle-aged man on the shoulder, the affluent businessman whispered in his ear,

“I trust you warned them not to meet up with Min?”

“Yes, sir. I told them that under no circumstances were they to speak with the Young Master nor let him meet with the singer.”

“Good. Make sure they’re on their toes at all times. If that boy is to take over the company, he needs to get rid of all lingering attachments he has to that godforsaken entertainment industry. Tch, what a disgrace to have such a fool as my heir….”

Turning his head to the grand family portrait, the chairman sadly studied the smiling faces of his deceased family members. The elderly businessman knew all too well that life was never fair, but to be so cruel to take away his family…? He never thought he would be sending off his beloved children before him. Letting out a heartfelt sigh, he shook his head in disappointment. If only Min were half as good as his elder brother or father… Just why did he have to be the sole survivor?

“...I must get him married. The sooner, the better. Then, he won’t be mindlessly spending all his time trying to meet that boy again.”

“Sir, I don’t think the Young Master will readily agree with an arranged marriage.”

“Hmph, what can he do about it when it’s a business affair? If he really wants to take over this company, that’s just a small sacrifice he needs to pay... You don’t think he might be gay, do you…?” The chairman’s eyes widened in horror at the thought.

At a loss as to what to say, the butler pondered for a few seconds before responding, “Ah… I can’t say, sir. The Young Master has never expressed any interest in anyone–”

“Tell the chief secretary to bring me a list of eligible bachelorettes. Make sure to remind him I don’t want any politicians or lawyers as my in-laws.”

“... Yes, sir. I’ll relay your orders to him promptly.” Bowing to the stubborn chairman, the butler steadfastly exited the room while the grumpy businessman crossed his arms behind him.

Staring out the windows of his grand study, Min’s grandfather closed his eyes. This was for the best. If those nasty hyenas found anything wrong with Min, including his sexual orientation, they would do anything to bar him from taking over the company. No matter what, his grandson had to get married as soon as possible– even if it meant that Min would hate him for it!

“Let’s see who’ll win this fight, you little brat! I’ll definitely marry you off before you even know it!”

~~~

Min gazed out of the car, noting the drastic changes Seoul went through while he had been abroad. A bittersweet feeling seeped into his chest as he averted his eyes from the unfamiliar buildings and streets. A part of him had hoped that something from his past would remind him of his friendship with Yi-an. Yet, nothing about these streets and businesses held the same nostalgia as they did back then.

“...Min– I mean, sir, are you sure about this? The chairman might kill you if he finds out….”

“I’ll make sure you don’t have to suffer through the old man’s wrath, so stop acting like a dog who has to take a shit.”

“WHAT?!”

“You heard me. Why? Should I say it again?”

“You’re unbelievable! This is why you don’t have friends!”

“What’s the point of having fake friends when I have a loyal, trustworthy one next to me?”

“Man, you’re making me blush. I know I’m one heck of a loyal friend, but you don’t have to be so nice about it–”

“Who said I was talking about you? I’m talking about Kong-i.”

“Are… Are you saying I’m worth less than a freaking cat?!”

Min smirked as Joo-won swiveled in his seat, glowering at his best friend from high school. It was fun riling up his chaotic friend once in a while– his reactions were just too amusing. Noticing Min’s snicker, the secretary stuck out his middle finger at his boss, who only shrugged his shoulders in response. 

“Hmph! Don’t expect me to help you when your grandfather beats you up later!”

“Ha, I’m not even counting on it. What can you do with your scrawny figure?”

“Oh, that’s it! Come here, you jerk–”

“Ahem. We’re here, sir.” The chauffeur interrupted Joon-woo’s meltdown as the driver uncomfortably avoided the secretary’s stink eye. 

“Pfft, thank you, Mr. Kim. Take a break at a nearby cafe or help yourself to lunch. I’m sure it wasn’t easy driving with my lunatic secretary by your side.” Min politely smiled as he handed the chauffeur a credit card.

“Oh! N-No, thank you! I can–”

“Take it; get whatever you’d like to eat or drink. It’s my way of saying thank you.”

“Ah… Y-yes, sir, thank you. I’ll promptly return it to you when I pick you up.”

“Sure. Come on, Joon-woo, let’s go.” 

“No! Mr. Kim, take me with youuuu—!” 

Joon-woo whined as Min dragged him out of the passenger side. As they made their way up the stairs, Min side-glanced behind him and smirked. Well, I guess that old geezer will be absolutely livid once he hears where I’m at.