Chapter 1 - A Life Before You

The sun filtered through the half-drawn curtains of Hyunjin's bedroom, casting soft golden streaks across his neatly made bed. His alarm had gone off precisely twenty minutes ago, but he hadn't needed it. He was already awake, lying still and staring at the ceiling, savoring the brief moment of quiet before the day began.

Hyunjin had always been an early riser. His mother once told him it was because he never wanted to waste a second of the day—always eager, always ready. Even now, at nineteen, he still carried that same energy.

He pulled himself up, stretching before slipping into his usual morning routine. A warm shower, a crisp white shirt tucked into beige slacks, and a spritz of the cologne his father had given him last Christmas. He liked looking presentable—it was something his parents had unconsciously instilled in him. After all, being the only son of a wealthy family came with expectations.

But Hyunjin never let that change who he was. He was still the same person he had always been—genuine, soft-spoken, someone who smiled at strangers and treated the janitors in his university with the same respect he gave his professors.

"Good morning, sweetheart," his mother greeted him as he walked into the dining room. She was already dressed in one of her elegant silk blouses, sipping on a cup of green tea. His father was reading the newspaper, dressed in a suit and ready for the day's work.

"Morning," Hyunjin replied, pressing a quick kiss to his mother's cheek before sitting down.

"Are you excited for your art showcase next month?" his father asked, glancing up from the paper.

Hyunjin nodded, his fingers absently running over the rim of his coffee cup. "A little nervous, but I think I'll be ready."

Art had always been his passion—his escape. While others found comfort in sports or music, Hyunjin found solace in strokes of paint, in the gentle curve of a pencil against paper. That was why he chose to major in Fine Arts. Some people said it was a waste for someone like him, someone with his family's wealth, to choose something so uncertain. But his parents never questioned his choice. They only ever wanted him to be happy.

"Don't stress too much," his mother reassured him. "You always do your best, and that's more than enough."

Hyunjin smiled, warmed by her words. His parents had given him everything—not just material things, but love, support, the kind of affection that made him feel safe.

After breakfast, he left for university, his canvas bag slung over his shoulder. He met Felix outside their favorite café near campus, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries lingered in the air.

Felix greeted him with a bright smile. "Hwang Hyunjin! Looking disgustingly perfect as always."

Hyunjin laughed, shaking his head. "And you look like you just rolled out of bed."

"Because I did," Felix admitted, pushing open the door. "But that's beside the point. We have a long day ahead, and I need caffeine to survive."

As they settled into their usual seats, Hyunjin listened to Felix ramble about his latest photography project, sipping on his caramel latte. It was a peaceful morning, a normal one.

At least, that's what he thought.

--

On the other side of the city, Minho was anything but peaceful.

His morning routine was quick—wake up, shower, throw on the first thing he found in his closet, and get out the door. He wasn't the type to sit around for a long breakfast, nor was he the type to linger in front of a mirror fixing his hair. He was effortlessly put together, his confidence doing most of the work.

His parents were already out by the time he left, which was fine by him. Conversations with them were always brief, filled with reminders of business meetings and family expectations.

The only person he cared to talk to in the morning was Seungmin.

"Morning," Seungmin greeted, leaning against the doorframe of Minho's apartment when he arrived. He was still in his pajamas, hair a mess, but he looked perfect in Minho's eyes.

Minho smirked, pulling him in by the waist. "You're lazy."

"I prefer the term efficiently relaxed," Seungmin corrected, letting Minho steal a kiss before pulling away. "Aren't you late for class?"

Minho rolled his eyes. "As if that matters."

His major in Business Administration was nothing but an obligation, something his parents expected him to pursue. It wasn't that he hated it—he just didn't care. He was already good at handling things, already knew how to navigate the world without a textbook telling him how.

They spent the morning together, skipping class, watching movies in the comfort of Minho's apartment. Seungmin was curled up against him, half asleep, when Minho's phone rang. He frowned at the caller ID.

His mother.

With a sigh, he answered, expecting another lecture about responsibilities.

Instead, what he heard made his blood run cold.

"We've arranged a marriage for you."

Silence.

For the first time in his life, Minho felt like the ground had been ripped from beneath his feet.

"What?"

His mother's tone remained calm, as if she were discussing something as simple as dinner plans. "We've decided. It's final. You'll meet the boy soon."

Minho's grip on his phone tightened. "No. I'm not doing this."

"You don't have a choice, Minho."

He clenched his jaw, his heartbeat hammering in his ears. He turned to look at Seungmin, who had sat up, his face already twisted in worry.

Seungmin grabbed his wrist. "What is it?"

Minho couldn't even find the words.

--

Across the city, Hyunjin sat in his family's grand living room, his hands resting on his lap as his father spoke.

"We've arranged for you to be married, Hyunjin."

His mother smiled at him gently. "We just want to make sure you're taken care of. We worry about you, sweetheart."

Hyunjin blinked, the words slowly sinking in.

Marriage.

To someone he didn't know.

His fingers curled slightly against his pants, but when he met his parents' eyes, he saw nothing but love. They weren't doing this to control him. They truly believed it was for his own good.

So, despite the uncertainty, despite the quiet ache in his chest, he smiled.

"If that's what you think is best," he said softly, "then I'll do it."

Because Hyunjin had never been one to say no.

Because disappointing his parents was something he could never bear to do.

And just like that, his fate was sealed.