“Just who are you?”

A tense silence settled between them as Yi-an nervously waited for the businessman to respond. He didn’t know what he expected Jake to say, but the idol was desperate that the sliver of hope in his heart would come true. Yet, as the seconds ticked by, Yi-an was met with the same tense silence from before. Raising his head, the singer felt his heart flutter against him when he met Jake’s anguished but fleeting gaze.

“... W-Well? Aren’t you going to answer–”

“Who do you want me to be? Clearly, you don’t think of me as the heir of S&H Group. Why? Was there some miscommunication when we were first introduced?”

Taken aback by his sudden change in demeanor, all Yi-an could do was gape at the irate man before him. What the… Why did Jake hug him like that and tell him not to leave if he was going to act like this? Was playing around with people’s emotions a favorite pastime for wealthy heirs? Well, whatever it was, Yi-an was determined to stand strong.

“... You’re right. I must have mistaken you for someone else. I’m sorry if what I said to you was offensive.” Gritting his teeth, Yi-an bowed to the heir– trying his best to quell his burst of rage and frustration that was slowly but steadily rising, “But I still expect an explanation from you.”

“For what?”

“How did you know where I live and the passcode to my home? Also, did you send someone to spy on me? How did you know that I was going to kill myself?”

“I thought CEO Lee would have told you. I visited your former agency and was asked to take you home– which is how I knew of your passcode. And as for your accident, I tried to contact you for days and you didn’t answer. So, the only logical thing was to visit you.”

“You expect me to believe that–?”

“Believe what you want; that’s not my concern.” Strutting towards the coffee table a little away from the hospital bed, Min turned to face Yi-an with a manila envelope in his hands. “I waited for you to wake up to give you this.”

Yi-an doubtfully stared at Jake, unsure if this man was pulling his leg. An heir to Korea’s wealthiest conglomerate had waited for him to wake up for a few scraps of paper? What nonsense. Shifting his attention to the envelope, the singer sighed and reluctantly reached out for the documents. This better be worthwhile, or I’m gonna call security on him!

Leaning against the hospital bed, Min watched Yi-an rip open the envelope and scan its contents with a determined expression. Clearly, he was hoping that the documents were nothing of importance. Shaking his head, the heir couldn’t help but notice the singer’s cute habit of sticking his tongue out when focusing on his task. I guess no matter how many years have passed since we’ve been apart, some things will never change, huh?

Sneaking a glance at the businessman, Yi-an felt his heart ba-thump, his cheeks flushing a pale pink. Oh, for Pete’s sake, why did he have to look so much like Min? The idol knew Min was no longer here, but for some odd reason, Yi-an’s heart always seemed to have a mind of its own whenever he ran into this arrogant man. Irritated at his lack of control over his body, Yi-an drummed his fist over his palpitating heart, hoping that it would ease the flutters in his chest. Yet, no matter how much he pounded on it, the butterflies wouldn’t go away.

“Are you done looking over the contract?”

“Huh?! Oh, um… Y-Yeah.” Clearing his throat, Yi-an placed the documents on his lap before he squarely gazed into the heir’s eyes, “What crazy entertainment agency CEO would extend such an exclusive contract to me? Didn’t they see the news? How’d you even get this, anyway?”

“Yes, in fact, I have. I arranged for this contract to be executed with the sole purpose of furthering our relationship. Well, technically, it’s Director Jung who will be working with you since she’s the new CEO of ONE Entertainment.”

“What? How is Director Jung a CEO? She’s working at GOLD Entertainment as their director.” 

“Well, clearly, she isn’t anymore. I hired her as the new CEO of the entertainment company I invested in before returning to Korea, and you’re the first celebrity to be scouted.”

“Wait, why would you–?”

“Let’s just say that Director Jung and I are doing each other a favor by offering you this exclusive contract.”

“A favor…?”

“Don’t you think it’s a waste of your hard work and talent for you to give up like this? I don’t know why you thought ending your life would be the best solution, but….” Min extended his hand to the baffled idol, “I promise to restore your career and make sure the people who ruined your image pay for what they’ve done.”

“Ha! There’s no way you’ll do that for me without wanting someone in exchange. What do I have to do for you in return?” Yi-an scrunched his face, still dubious as to the heir’s plans.

“There is one, strange proposal that I’d like to make in addition to this contract.”

“What is it?”

“Marry me, Yi-an.”