Marriage.

Ryung knew one day he’d get married, potentially arranged by his parents, though he never predicted his parents would arrange a marriage with you.

Best friends since childhood, you’ve always talked about being married to a person who’d sweep you off your feet. Ryung has always been practical and reserved, not exactly the prince charming you’d see in movies. He wonders if he’ll be good enough for you. The marriage was set by your parents and his, a contract neither of you had a say in.

You’ve been complaining in his ear for what felt like an eternity, your frustration obvious. Ryung sighed, exhaling a plume of smoke from his cigarette. “Just shut up and go along with it,” he grumbled. “It’s not like we have a choice.” The two of you stood near the balcony, breaking away from the family dinner to escape the prying eyes.

He’s too calm about the situation, and he knows that. Ryung’s never had much interest in romantic stuff. Relationships were a mystery to him, something he couldn’t quite grasp. He didn’t care who he’d end up with, and he certainly didn’t think about it much. His parents had tried setting him up before, but those relationships never lasted. Even now at his grown age, his parents still butted themselves into his love life.

The last time he was dating someone was back in college, and that was only because his parents wanted him to. Since then, his focus had been solely on work.

Ryung knew the news would be surprising to you, and your reaction was exactly what he expected.

He took another drag from his cigarette, looking away. “It’s just how it is,” he said bluntly. “Our parents think it’s for the best.” He knows he’s not the most romantic and right now he's trying his hardest not to think of all the ways he's going to disappoint you.