2 Two : Surreal
Dara looked at the tall building where Jiyo's car stopped, she felt amazed by the sheer beauty of the place. Simple and very sophisticated, something that she is used to seeing only on TV.
Jiyo walks towards her and put his arms around her to guide her forward.
"My unit is on the 17th floor, listen act casual and pretend that we knew each other for quite some time now." the man whispers as Dara nods her head and tries to relax.
"I'm sorry I am acting like a wuss, I have never been in places like these." Dara nervously said as Jiyo ushers her inside the elevator, their appearance is garnering some whispers and they are being looked at by many.
"Ignore them, but be prepared to see your face on the papers tomorrow. It's been a while since I take someone with me back to my apartment." Jiyo chuckles in embarrassment, having realized that he has been so busy with work, his sex life has been non-existent.
Dara surprisingly looked at the man.
"Really? But why those tabloids keep on writing that you're with different girls every night?" Dara curiously asked which makes the man snort in distaste.
"Don't ever trust the reports made by some tabloids, they just specialize in making false accusations and rumors." Jiyo said distastefully.
Dara smiled in understanding, such a life these celebrities and well-known people have. It must be a burden and a blessing at the same time. She wouldn't know as she is as normal as a normal person can be.
"Here we are.."
Jiyo ushers her inside and went straight to the kitchen. He offers her some refreshments and went to sit beside her.
"Do you want to rest first then talk or do you want to talk first then rest?"
"Talk, so I can finally take some rest." Dara looked expectantly at the man.
"Okay, before we go to visit my family you need to know more about me if we're going to pretend that we're lovers."
"Yes, that's true."
"Let's start with me. My name is Lee Jiyo and my parents are both Koreans who grew up here in the U.S. I'm twenty-five years old."
"What? Shut up. I thought you're older than that..." Dara gasp.
"Is that an insult or what?" Jiyo scowled at the girl who is now looking elsewhere with an embarrassed blush on her face.
"Sorry...go on." Dara casually said as she makes herself comfortable on the couch.
"I am the eldest child which is the main reason why my family has been bugging me non-stop to find a decent girl, marry and have tons of kids," Jiyo said with a frustrating sigh as Dara lifted an eyebrow at that.
"So they are very old fashion then, I'll take note of that one." She mutters as she shakes her head in disbelief. At this age, people are still forcing their kids to marry? That is so not cool, it's no wonder Jiyo wanted to find something that will make them get off of his back.
"Yes, very old fashion. I am just thankful that they are not into an arranged marriage. That would totally kill me."
Dara nods her head in agreement and shivers in unease as she heard the word marriage, not that she got anything bad for it she's just a non-believer of that bond as seeing lots of her friends and acquaintances are resorting to divorce.
"So the plan is for you to pretend to be my girlfriend for a certain time-period only so that they will shut up about me needing someone. I will take you to the annual family get-together and you will meet my family."
Dara bites her lips in worry.
"If I have to pretend that I am your girlfriend then I need to be comfortable and at ease when you....you touch me." She hesitantly said as Jiyo lean closer to her.
"That is one of the main reason why you are here, I need you to be comfortable around me and I think that sharing a bed as we sleep is one huge help. Don't you agree?"
Dara blushed fiercely as she stutters, leaning away from that handsome face.
"Wait...what. We will sleep on the same bed?!" She gasps in surprise.
"Yes, don't worry your pretty head off babe, nothing will happen without your consent. That I promise you." Jiyo determinedly said as he stared into those wide eyes.
"But this is too fast..." She weakly said when Jiyo put a hand on her lips.
"You already said yes, and now you have to do as I wish."
Dara tries to get her courage back but got intimidated by Jiyo's sharp gaze.
"I... okay fine." Dara weakly said as Jiyo stand up with a satisfied grin on his face.
"Very well...I will take a quick shower and then you can have the bathroom to yourself. I assume that you are not yet ready to share it with me." Jiyo winked at her and went out of the room.
Dara slumped on her seat as she clutches her chest. Hearts beating fast due to nervousness.
"My God...what did I get myself into?" she whines to herself as he glances at the opened master's bedroom where Jiyo walked into.
She has to do it, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime but Jiyo is making it hard for her. She can't afford to be attracted to her temporary boss, and it seems like it is one of the hardest tasks she'll ever take.
Who wouldn't be attracted to Jiyo, tall, fair, and handsome with lots of money to boot, let's ignore the fact that he seems like a jerk, All in all, Jiyo's future wife is lucky, she will live a comfortable life.
"I can't fall for him.."
Jiyo took a shower and dress up for bed when his thoughts strayed towards Dara, his temporary fake girlfriend. He has a fair share of lovers, many women are willing to be his bedwarmers but none looked like Dara. She looks like an innocent girl whom boys can take home to meet their parents. In short, she looks like a goody shoe.
All his former flames are model types, tall, beautiful, and sophisticated. Dara on the other hand is short and sweet looking.
"It is a good thing that she is not my type."
That particular thought calms his mind as he drifted off to sleep. He woke up with a smile that morning, eager to go out and live his life stress-free, a burden being lifted off of his shoulders.
He went straight to the kitchen as his usual morning routine, eager for his single cup of coffee before work when he stops dead on his track.
Dara is right there preparing a simple breakfast of fried rice and eggs.
"What the fuck..." he mutters to himself as he slowly walks towards the girl who finally sees him and smiled in greetings.
"Hi, good morning. Come let's have breakfast."
Jiyo just stands there looking dumb when Dara waved a hand on his face.
"Hey... anyone in there?"
"I'm sorry, I... I'm just not used to having someone to take care of me I mean. Thanks for this breakfast." Jiyo awkwardly said as Dara lifted an eyebrow at him.
"You're paying a fortune for my services Mr. Lee, I might as well work for it right?" she said with a teasing wink as she finally grabs his shoulder and forces him to sit down.
"Now let's eat."
Jiyo just sat there and nods in agreement. Looking every now and then at the woman in front of him as if he really can't believe his eyes. The girl he dated doesn't even know how to fry things and this girl cooked up a meal without burning his kitchen.
"You know what, you're an amazing woman Dara. You can cook. That is a great skill." Jiyo said as he stuffs himself on the food.
"What... never had a lady cook for you before Mr. Lee?" Dara curiously asked.
"Nope, I date models and they don't cook. Oh no... don't let them cook." Jiyo shudders at the reminder of his former flame burning his kitchen down.
"It's a good thing I'm not a model then, Mr. Lee." she cheekily said.
Jiyo stares at Dara with a barely disguised admiration.
"Yes... it's a good thing that I won't fall for you," he whispers to himself.
After they finish their meal Jiyo stop Dara to ask her that one question.
"You don't have to do that for me. Why did you do it?" he quietly asked.
"Kindness doesn't need reasons Jiyo, I cooked for you because I want to and I want some company as I eat. It sucks to do things on our own right? I might as well enjoy my times with you, as friends." Dara explained.
Jiyo looked intently at the girl. Ever since his greatest heartache, he never trusted any girls again. Ever. But since Dara is offering friendship instead of a romantic relationship he can allow it and enjoy some company too right?
"Thank you." he quickly said before walking away from the scene as quickly as he can.
Dara chuckles at the man and shouts her answer.
"You're very much welcome Jiyo!"
