Welcome to my world

Mingwa walked further into the garden, feeling her cheeks warm slightly. "Maybe a bit of both," she admitted, sitting across from him at the table.

He closed the book and set it aside, his eyes still locked on hers. "Well, it's not every day that I get to relax. You just happened to catch me in one of those rare moments."

Mingwa took a moment to settle into her seat, letting the calming atmosphere of the garden envelop her. The soft sunlight, the subtle breeze, and the quiet presence of Moon Taewoo—it all felt oddly peaceful. But she couldn't ignore the question burning at the back of her mind.

After a brief pause, she spoke, her voice tentative. "So… what did you want to talk about? You wouldn't have called me here just for tea."

Taewoo's eyes gleamed with amusement as he leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. "I didn't call you here to talk Mingwa."

She raised an eyebrow, unsure where he was going with this. "Then why?"

He smirked, enjoying her confusion a little too much. "I have something I want to give you," he said, his tone casual, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Mingwa frowned slightly. "Something to give me? And what might that be?"

Instead of answering, Taewoo leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Before I give it to you, there's something I want first."

Mingwa's heart skipped a beat as a hint of annoyance flashed past her eyes. "I thought you were the one giving me? Why do you want something from me, Taewoo?"

"A date," he said, his voice smooth and unhurried. "I want us to go on a date."

Mingwa blinked in surprise. Of all the things she expected him to say, that wasn't one of them. "A… date?" she repeated, as if trying to make sure she had heard him right.

Taewoo nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, a real date. Not the kind where we're pretending for the cameras. Just the two of us."

Mingwa felt her breath catch in her throat. She studied his face, searching for any hint of teasing or playfulness, but there was none.

He was serious.

"And why would we go on a date? You know this… thing between us isn't real," she said cautiously, though her pulse quickened at the thought.

Taewoo shrugged, as if it didn't matter. "Maybe it doesn't have to be real. But I want to spend time with you, without the pretense. No cameras, no red carpets. Just you and me." He leaned back again, his gaze softening slightly. "Is that too much to ask?"

Mingwa was taken aback. This was not the Moon Taewoo she knew—the ruthless CEO who always had an agenda. There was something different in the way he spoke, in the way he looked at her now. It made her feel… unsettled.

"I don't understand," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "Why me? Why go to all this trouble?"

Taewoo's eyes lingered on her face, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flash of something deeper in his gaze—something vulnerable. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

"Because you're different," he said simply. "And I like that. Besides it's just one measly little date."

Mingwa sat back, processing his words. A part of her wanted to argue, to tell him this was all just a game, but another part—one she tried to ignore—was intrigued. Curious, even.

After a long silence, she finally spoke, her voice hesitant. "And if I say yes? What happens after this… date?"

Taewoo's lips curved into a small smile, one that sent a strange warmth through her chest. "We'll see, won't we?"

Mingwa sighed, knowing she was walking into something she might not be prepared for. But still, she found herself nodding. "Alright. One date."

Taewoo's smile widened ever so slightly. "Good." He stood up from his seat and walked around the table, extending his hand to her. "Let's get started, then."

Mingwa looked up at him, startled. "Now?"

He gave her a playful look. "Of course. I'm a man of action, Mingwa. And besides, the day's too perfect to waste."

Hesitating for only a second, she took his hand, allowing him to pull her up from her seat. As they walked together through the garden, the reality of the situation slowly began to sink in. Whatever this was, it was no longer just a game. Something was shifting between them—something she wasn't sure she could control.

As the car pulled up to an unassuming warehouse on the outskirts of the city, Mingwa glanced out the window, her brows furrowing in confusion. This wasn't the fancy restaurant or scenic date spot she had been expecting. Instead, the building looked cold and industrial, like something out of a crime thriller.

She shot Taewoo a sideways glance, trying to read his expression, but he remained perfectly calm, as if this was all part of the plan.

When the car stopped, Taewoo got out first, offering his hand to help her out. "Come on, Mingwa," he said smoothly, his tone unreadable. "I want to show you something."

Mingwa hesitated for a moment, unsure if she wanted to step out into whatever strange situation he had brought her to, but curiosity got the better of her. She took his hand and followed him toward the entrance.

The warehouse doors slid open with a loud creak, revealing a long, dimly lit corridor that stretched into darkness. As they walked inside, the atmosphere shifted immediately. There was a sense of danger in the air, an unspoken tension that made her stomach twist with unease.

The further they went, the more she realized this place wasn't just some abandoned building. It was a…. base.

They passed several rooms, each guarded by men who looked like they belonged in the underworld. Some were covered in tattoos, others had scars that told stories of battles fought. And others just looked weirdly normal. Every one of them nodded respectfully as Taewoo walked by, murmuring "Boss" under their breath.