“Marry me, Yi-an.”

A loud slap rang throughout the room in the ensuing silence as Yi-an’s flushed cheeks matched his fiery gaze. “I’m not a fucking toy for some rich kid to play around with.”

“... Geez, you didn’t have to resort to violence, though I understand your shock and frustration.” Min winced as he pressed his cheek slightly, which was now bright red, “What makes you think I’m playing around? I’m being serious right now.”

“No, you just want a fucking plaything! GET OUT!”

Min sighed and wryly smiled to himself. What did he expect? Anyone would react like Yi-an did just now. Heck, even he knew that his plan was completely unreasonable. But, even if marriage wasn’t the most conventional way, Min was determined to save Yi-an’s career… And avoid his grandfather’s plans to marry him off.

“I’m sorry to spring this on you, but I mean every word. I need you to marry me.” 

“Do you not understand Korean? Should I talk to you in English? I don’t want to marry you.” Throwing the documents at Min’s face, Yi-an yanked the covers off of him. “If you won’t leave, then I will! I can’t freaking believe this!”

Sliding in front of Yi-an, the heir’s face hardened as he tightly gripped the singer’s wrists, preventing him from leaving the bed. This wasn’t how Min imagined this conversation to go… Should he have just come out with the truth? Min bit his lip as he slightly shook his head. No, it’s not time yet. I just need to wait a little longer…

“Let go of me! God, what’s your fucking problem?! You think because you’re a conglomerate heir, you can do whatever you want?! Well, newsflash, I didn’t work my ass off to be sponsored by some spoiled brat!”

“One year. I just need to be married to you for one year. That’s all I ask.”

Min fixed his dark eyes onto Yi-an’s, his gaze unrelenting as he pulled the idol closer. No matter what, he had to convince Yi-an to marry him. Or, at the very least, agree to be his partner. If they went public with their relationship, then his grandfather wouldn’t be able to do as he pleases. That was the least he could do for Yi-an, considering the singer was in this mess because of the conglomerate heir.

Yi-an groaned, managing to pull away from Jake’s firm grasp, “... Why would you even go this far? You’re the heir to South Korea’s largest and wealthiest conglomerate. You can choose anyone you want, so why me?”

“...” 

“Are you going to explain yourself, or are you planning to hold me hostage the entire day?”

“... The truth is, my grandfather is the one who planned this ridiculous scandal, and he will do anything to drag you down. This is the only thing I can think of to stop the situation from worsening.”

“What?! Why would he do such a thing?!” Yi-an gasped, his face contorted into a confused frown at the news. The chairman of S&H was behind this entire mess?!

“I informed him that I couldn’t marry the eldest granddaughter of HOSUNG Group because I had feelings for you. He didn’t take such a declaration too kindly, unfortunately.”

“... I… WHAT?!”

“Hm?”

“Why would you do such a thing?! Are you out of your mind? You don’t even know me!”

“Who says I don’t know you? I’ve been your fan before you even debuted. Besides…” Min trailed off as he brought his lips to Yi-an’s ear, “I’m very interested in you. I often find myself spending most of my days thinking about what you’re up to. So, does that answer your questions?”

Yi-an felt his face grow hot as he gaped at Jake with his mouth slightly parted. What was this, some Wattpost story? Who would have thought that some rich heir would confess to him? This is getting ridiculous! Who does he think he is?! I swear, it’s always the crazies that are after me!

“Y-You fucking lunatic!!!”

“I don’t think my offer is that preposterous; it’s a win-win, no? You get your career back, and I avoid a loveless marriage while spending time with the person I like.”

“You’re out of your fucking mind! Get out before I call security!”

“Perhaps. Oh, this offer isn’t part of the contract, but I also can’t guarantee that CEO Jung would go through with it if you refused my proposal. Well, think about it and give me a call–”

“GET OUT!!!” 

Yi-an huffed and puffed, watching his pillow slam against the wooden door that Jake had just closed. Plopping back onto his bed, the idol buried his face in his arms and felt the rushed palpitations of his heart fluttering against his chest. All he could hear was the beat of his racing heart whooshing through his ears. Jake Yoon liked him? Him, of all people?! 

“Oh my God, I must be crazy. Why the hell am I happy about that?!” Slapping his cheeks until they turned red, the idol dove under the covers, too embarrassed and ashamed to stay out in the open, “Ugh, wake up, Yi-an Lee! You can’t get involved with that man! You just can’t…!”

However, despite his desperate attempts to ignore the persistent butterflies in his chest, it was too late. His once jaded heart was slowly melting away for his first love’s “doppelganger.” Maybe it was possible to fall in love at first sight.