Chapter 6
“If you start getting obsessed with me already, that’s going to be a problem.”
Even behind the black sunglasses, the alluring gaze that flew toward her without a sound made it clear—he knew exactly who Junhee was.
“Why are you still standing there? Go.”
…Is he telling me to get lost?
At the low voice, Junhee looked at Ijun with wide, startled eyes.
But Ijun wasn’t looking at her. His gaze was fixed on another woman.
Naturally, Junhee followed his line of sight.
The woman was biting her full, red-lipsticked lips with her white teeth.
“…Ijun.”
Her voice was as soft and beautiful as her appearance.
If she called men like that, no wonder their hearts wouldn’t survive.
“The uninvited guest is being asked to leave.”
Kang Ijun was a step ahead.
With a voice softer than the woman’s and a sweet crescent-eyed smile, he gently told her to disappear.
Well, considering he was the kind of man who could charm even a vengeful virgin ghost, it wasn’t surprising.
But when the woman didn’t budge, Ijun suddenly reached out and pulled Junhee into his arms.
Then he shamelessly rested his chin on top of her head.
What am I, a chin rest?!
Junhee tried to wriggle free, but his hand gently cupped her cheek, holding her in place.
“My fiancée.”
Since when did you start calling me that?!
“…Call me.”
As the woman passed by reluctantly, a strong scent of roses lingered.
Junhee found herself staring, almost entranced, at the woman’s back as she walked toward the elevator like a model.
“Wow, that was one hell of a shield.”
His amused voice dropped from above her head.
Only then did Junhee feel the weight she had momentarily forgotten.
She jumped up with all her strength, headbutting his chin and slipping out of his arms at the same time.
“Ugh!”
Watching the smile vanish from his face, Junhee asked aggressively,
“You two are dating, right?”
Rubbing his aching chin, he tilted his upper body and smirked.
“Do you know what your expression looks like right now? Like a wife who just caught her husband cheating.”
“Feeling guilty, are you?”
“We’re not even married yet. Why would I feel guilty already?”
“I’m asking who she is.”
“If you start getting obsessed with me already, that’s going to be a problem.”
He tried to brush it off again with that smooth smile, but not this time.
“Even if it’s a contract marriage, there are basic manners to keep. And I said I’d act as a shield against a ghost, not against living people. Especially not an ex who looks like she’s trying to rip you away!”
“I told you, she’s not my lover.”
Watching him make an exaggeratedly wronged face, Junhee muttered,
“She totally is.”
“I said she’s not.”
“Then what is she?”
“Just… someone I have to take responsibility for.”
The answer came out far too calmly.
But to Junhee, who was completely unprepared, it was like a bolt from the blue.
“…What did you say?”
“I said I have to take responsibility.”
“Wait… don’t tell me that goddess is carrying your child—ow!”
He flicked her forehead precisely as she blurted it out.
“Try not to waste that chestnut-sized brain of yours on useless thoughts.”
“What other reason does a man have to take responsibility for a woman?”
“I mean financially supporting her. A sponsor, okay?”
A sponsor…
Junhee could count on one hand the kinds of professions where that word was used.
“…Don’t tell me she’s a celebrity?”
“What, you didn’t even know who she was when you called her pretty?”
“Who is she?”
“Chae Songhwa.”
Junhee’s mind started racing.
She didn’t have time to watch TV often, but there wasn’t a single person in Korea who didn’t know that name.
A CF star. A top-tier actress representing the country.
“You should’ve told me earlier! I could’ve gotten her autograph! Her autograph sells for a lot!”
Forget being a cheated-on wife—Junhee stomped her feet in regret over missing a celebrity autograph.
“But wait! If you’re her sponsor, then you and Chae Songhwa….”
She didn’t finish, but her narrowed eyes looked at him like a suspicious wolf.
Amused by her outrageous imagination, Ijun flicked her forehead again.
“Ow! Why do you keep hitting me?!”
“Go ahead, look at me like a sneaky wolf again. I’ll make your forehead burn.”
“Hmph. You’re the one who always goes ‘awoo’ pretending to be a wolf.”
Watching her pout unfairly, he let out a sigh.
“…Forget it. Just come inside.”
As he stepped aside, a luxurious interior stretched endlessly before her.
After walking for a while, they reached a lounge-like space. Sitting on the sofa, Junhee couldn’t stop exclaiming in admiration.
“Wow, this is insane.”
Ijun returned from somewhere and handed her a glass of milk along with some documents.
“Read it. And you like plain milk, right? Want something else?”
“It’s fine. Milk is good.”
As she sipped, Junhee suddenly asked,
“But Chae Songhwa likes you, right?”
“There’s no woman who dislikes me.”
At his confident answer, she couldn’t bring herself to say, ‘Here I am.’
Truthfully, she didn’t dislike Kang Ijun either. She just felt like she had to stay on guard.
“But really, you two aren’t involved at all?”
“I told you, we’re not.”
He put on a stern expression, but she wasn’t convinced.
How could someone like Chae Songhwa, every man’s ideal type, be nothing with him?
“Tell me the truth. Unless you want to feel guilty toward a chestnut.”
“It’s one-sided. I may not look like it, but I’m pretty good at putting up walls.”
“Could you please put up some walls with me too? Stop with the one-sided touching.”
“You’re not a woman. You’re a kid.”
Should I just scratch that flawless face of his?
No… that would be a crime. You don’t deface a masterpiece.
Still, it was a face worth looking at.
“So what you’re saying is, your relationship is pure—like ours?”
Suddenly lowering his voice, his eyes gleamed mischievously.
“How can a relationship leading to marriage be pure? We’re full-grown adults.”
“Honestly.”
Junhee clicked her tongue in disbelief.
After clearly telling her at their first meeting, ‘You’re not my type,’ he was starting again.
As if I’d fall for it twice.
Then, suddenly, Seokhoon’s words came to mind.
—“I’m not sure, but I think Ijun can’t date because of that ghost.”
—“Why?”
—“Who knows? Whether it’s psychological or physical. There’s no way to confirm it. He insists he’s fine.”
…Oh my God. That’s it!
The realization hit her, and she slapped her knee.
Kang Ijun had been pretending to be a wolf all this time so no one would discover his problem.
If Junhee found out, it would obviously reach Seokhoon.
For someone who seemed perfect, he suddenly looked a little pitiful.
Even if I don’t see him as a man, maybe I should at least cover for this flaw.
A sudden surge of maternal instinct rose in her chest.
“You don’t have to act like that with me. I understand. No, I already do!”
“…What exactly do you think you understand?”
Ijun looked genuinely confused.
“Well… because of the virgin ghost. So, um… your secret.”
How do I say this delicately?
Leaning closer, Junhee whispered hesitantly,
“They say you can’t live as a normal man, right?”
“…What?”
For the first time, she saw a completely unfamiliar expression on his face.
Like someone who had just been hit squarely.
At this point, she felt like she should give him space.
How embarrassed must he be, having his secret discovered by someone ten years younger?
“You shouldn’t sign documents carelessly. I’ll read it properly and stamp it later. No rush, right?”
Putting the papers into her bag, Junhee quietly stood and headed for the door.
Then she suddenly turned back and approached him again.
“…What now?”
Ignoring his irritated tone, she smiled generously.
“Stay strong, Mr. Kang Ijun.”
She patted his broad shoulder.
“I’ll do my best.”
“…”
“I’ll make sure to get rid of that virgin ghost so you can become a healthy man, both physically and mentally.”
“…”
“Fighting!”
With a little cheer gesture, Junhee dashed out before he could respond.
Only after the door closed did Ijun regain his senses.
A single absurd remark from a girl ten years younger… the unfamiliar experience of being pitied… it all left him momentarily stunned.
“…Unbelievable.”
He let out a hollow laugh.
“I can’t even explain it to someone who doesn’t know anything.”
She was already completely mistaken—no way she’d believe him even if he tried.
“Should I just knock her over once and be done with it?”
It was an unfair day for no reason.
Tap, tap—pour, drip.
Pepper, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, vodka, and tomato juice were added one after another into a silver shaker.
But unlike her skilled hands, Junhee’s thoughts were busy.
Whether it was mental or physical, Kang Ijun was all show and no substance.
He looked like he could seduce every woman in the world.
“Well, at least now I can be around him comfortably.”
All the times she had been unnecessarily nervous around him flashed before her eyes.
For a man who wouldn’t budge no matter what.
He wasn’t marrying to keep a young wife as a decoy while seeing other women.
He was looking for a wife who wouldn’t need to know his secret.
And honestly, she was perfect for the role.
Sure, he was attractive—but she had zero interest in taking things further.
Plus, becoming the daughter-in-law her father liked was half an act of filial duty.
Now everything finally made sense.
Her endless train of thought was abruptly cut off by a greasy comment.
“Our Rachel looks the prettiest when she’s making cocktails.”
Under the lights, the blood-red liquid looked almost eerie as it filled the highball glass. The man, already tipsy, clapped.
“If you look closely, even your fingers are beauti—”
“Today’s recommendation is the Bloody Mary, named after ‘bloody Mary.’”
Clack.
She placed the glass on the bar.
“I heard you came up with the takeaway cocktail idea too. And the herbal tea cocktail on the menu. Pretty impressive for a 22-year-old.”
“Thank you.”
Her smiling lips twitched.
If he weren’t Ijun’s acquaintance from that party, she wouldn’t have tolerated this much.
“How much do you make here?”
“Quite a lot for my age and experience.”
“Want me to open a bar for you? I can easily afford a place like this. You run it. What do you say?”
“I’m sorry, but if I ever open a bar, I’ll do it with my own ability. I appreciate the thought.”
She had started as a part-timer, but now she was a professional handling cocktail mixing and development.
She usually didn’t have to deal with customers like this.
But ever since she provoked Ijun with that “Orgasm” cocktail, this man had been showing up constantly, flaunting his wealth and hitting on her.
“I heard you’re doing this to pay for college tuition. When are you going to save enough for both tuition and a bar?”
“You don’t need to worry about my personal matters. As I said, I earn more than enough.”
Despite her firm walls, the man was persistent.
“Take the easy path. I’ve got money. Stop playing hard to get and go out with me.”
Should I smash his face with the shaker?
“The tomato helps with hangovers. In England, people drink this to recover. So enjoy it today, and next time please go to a soup place instead. I’d really appreciate it.”
She tried to steer the conversation away.
“You’re the first woman who’s cared about me like this. I’m really touched. You like me too, don’t you?”
Back to square one.
Ugh!
She barely held back a scream.
“What time do you finish today?”
His persistence was exhausting.
“I’m sorry, I have plans.”
“With who? A man? Your boyfriend?”
His relaxed gaze sharpened.
At that moment, a brilliant idea struck her.
Why didn’t I think of this before? I have the ultimate shield.
“Yes, a man. And he’s very handsome and capable.”
Someone you might even know.
“He doesn’t like me seeing other men.”
She was using Kang Ijun as a shield—without his permission.
Well, he used me as one too. Nothing’s free in this world.
“Still, he can’t be better than me.”
“I wonder.”
Her mysterious smile triggered his competitive instinct.
“Call him. If he’s better than me, I’ll back off.”
After his shower, Ijun reached for a strong Cuban cigar.
He cut the tip, rotated it slowly, and toasted it until the flame caught.
“Hmm…”
A faint smile appeared on his lips as he exhaled thick smoke.
He was thinking of Baek Junhee—the girl who had headbutted his chin for hugging her without permission.
Childish behavior.
Otherwise, how could someone ram into such a handsome man’s chin and step on his foot with high heels?
“She’s got quite the temper.”
The more he thought about it, the more peculiar she seemed.
Every woman reacted to him the same way.
Except Baek Junhee.
She treated him not just comfortably, but almost carelessly—like a neighborhood older brother.
After Yoon Eunseo’s death, any woman who showed interest in him reminded him of her.
The moment they got close, he felt a strong sense of wariness.
But strangely, Junhee was different.
Instead of caution, she made him want to tease her.
“Even ghosts see her as a kid, maybe?”
Or maybe he saw her that way.
He let out a quiet chuckle at the absurd thought.
Unlike his father Seokhoon, he didn’t believe in superstitions—but he didn’t dismiss them either.
“Well, she does make a decent shield.”
Considering she even blocked Chae Songhwa.
As he stood by the window, looking out at the dark world, the silence was broken by a phone call.
“I told you not to call. I’m taken now.”
His voice flowed smoothly, as if nothing had happened.
Surprisingly, the idea of marriage was giving him small bits of amusement.
[After I came all that way, how could I not call? I rushed to see you right after landing, and you humiliated me in front of a child and sent me away?]
“My future wife comes before a friend. That’s only natural.”
[You pushed me away for her? With just an email? We’ve been together for six years!]
“Chae Songhwa, how many times do I have to say it? Don’t misunderstand.”
His gentle voice delivered cruel words.
“You’re just a high school classmate. And, well, a business partner I can’t cut off.”
[You feel nothing for me?]
“Our relationship is simple.”
The phone fell silent.
Ignoring the expectation in that silence, he spoke plainly.
“It started with pity.”
Back then, in his reckless youth, among chaebol heirs…
She had been an aspiring actress seeking a sponsor.
They had mocked her—making her dance, act, drink.
When she finally broke, he had taken her away.
Because her eyes resembled his mother’s—wounded, rejected.
It wasn’t love.
Just pity.
“I maintain it out of responsibility.”
A relationship that had turned into an inescapable entanglement.
But while he couldn’t completely sever it, marriage could at least push it away.
[…Then keep that responsibility.]
Her sharp voice softened.
[You might’ve died back then without me. Did you forget?]
The same line she always repeated.
[Is that why you treat me like this? Because I didn’t die like Yoon Eunseo? Are you already tired of me after six years?]
His gaze darkened beyond the night outside.
“I’ll keep my promise. I’ll support you as long as you want. But only through Manager Park.”
“Kang Ijun!”
“Behave yourself. Things are different now.”
The only reason he stayed silent about her actions—
They weren’t true.
“I only answered to say that.”
Because from tomorrow, this number would no longer exist.
Beep—beep—
He ended the call and tossed the phone into the trash.
Then another phone on the bedside table rang.
He narrowed his eyes.
This time, it was Baek Junhee.
“She really doesn’t let me rest.”
Yet his hand had already picked it up.
<Can you come to ‘Time’ right now?>
He tossed it aside again.
“A little chestnut ordering me around?”
As if.
He closed his eyes again—but the phone rang once more.
He tried to ignore it, but it bothered him.
That bouncy, unpredictable Baek Junhee kept stirring his curiosity.
What now?
Finally, he checked the message—and cursed.
“Damn it, Baek Junhee!”
He quickly pulled on a white shirt over his solid frame.
