The clinking of glasses and murmurs of laughter echoed throughout the lavish restaurant as you adjusted your napkin, glancing at your phone under the table. Another text from your mom about her "perfect match" for you.

Across the room, Bang Chan was sitting at his own table, looking equally annoyed as his father listed eligible heiresses for him to meet. His sharp suit and confident aura made him look every bit the powerful CEO he was, but his eyes darted around, desperate for an escape.

Your eyes met, and you both smiled—an unspoken understanding passing between you. Childhood friends, now in adulthood, you both were facing the same relentless pressure.

After the dinner, Chan found you waiting outside the restaurant, staring at the city lights.

"Hey," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Rough night?"

"Don't even get me started," you replied with a sigh. "My dad was talking about some guy from a chaebol family who apparently owns a yacht. Like I care about that."

Chan chuckled, leaning against the railing beside you. "Same here. My mom practically gave me a PowerPoint presentation on 'Why I Need to Marry Before 30.'"

You laughed at his dramatic tone, but it didn’t mask the exhaustion you felt.

After a moment of silence, he turned to you, his expression thoughtful. "You know what would solve both our problems?"

"What?" you asked, half-jokingly.

"If we got married."

You stared at him, waiting for the punchline, but his serious expression made your stomach flip.

"Think about it," he continued. "It’s not like we don’t know each other. And it’s not like we’re bad company for each other. We could take care of the business obligations and avoid all the matchmaking nonsense."