Contract Marriage with a Male Friend - Chapter 32

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#32

“Why do you keep looking at me like that? It’s killing me.”
Killing…
An Sui squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head slightly.
If she let herself get caught up in Dok Go Beom-jin’s face again, she’d really commit some catastrophe—and probably do it twice over.
“Dok Go Beom-jin.”
“Yeah, baby?”
“That thing about being a lightweight drinker—was that a lie too?”
“Hmm, well.”
Beom-jin brushed her hair gently behind her ear, smiling.
“My drinking capacity isn’t actually weak.”
Ah, I knew it—!
An Sui jolted as his fingers traced soft circles around her earlobe.
In that moment, Beom-jin continued.
“But I wouldn’t exactly call it a lie, either.”
His tone was casual, matter-of-fact.
“When I’m with you, staying clearheaded is impossible.”
“What? What do you even mean—”
“My vision blurs. My head spins. My reason evaporates. My body stops listening and goes wild on its own.”
His gaze was unwavering, his voice cutting straight toward her.
“So all I remember is your face, your scent, your voice. Isn’t that a Blackout?”
An Sui bit the soft inside of her lip.
That makes no sense.
That’s a sophism.
But what her mind understood and what her cheeks felt burning were two entirely different things.
What kind of confession is this, said so carelessly…
‘No, get it together.’
An Sui shook her head slightly.
So, well, in any case.
Dok Go Beom-jin’s drinking capacity isn’t weak, and that means he remembers everything that happened between us when we drank together.
From the beginning until now. All of it.

“That man. The one in the striped shirt and jeans.”
“Huh? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
“He asked you for your number the other day.”
“How did you even remember that? You were completely hammered back then.”
“Did you give it to him?”
“No. You suddenly collapsed into my arms, and I was so busy catching you that I couldn’t think straight. Don’t you remember that?”
“No. I don’t.”

Recalling the nonchalant past version of Beom-jin, An Sui was so exasperated that no words came out.
“Are you angry?”
An Sui couldn’t answer him.
Was I angry? At first, it seemed like I was.
But now…
Then An Sui looked at him again and opened her mouth.
“When I was preparing for employment. When I chose this path instead of joining the Kangho Group, was it because you were actively supportive—for that reason?”
She hesitated a moment before continuing.
“Because you were afraid your identity would be exposed?”
Beom-jin had tried not to be separated from her.
Same university, same club, even aligned their class schedules entirely with hers.
But at that moment, he’d stepped back, saying he respected her choice.
She’d thought it was because he was a friend who understood her longing to find her father better than anyone.
Was that not it?
“No.”
At his answer, An Sui’s closed lips tightened.
She felt the tension in her nerves ease just slightly.
“It’s true I didn’t want to reveal my identity.”
Beom-jin wiped the smile from his face and fixed those wavering auburn eyes on hers.
Within them swirled the confusion, anger, hope, disappointment, and resignation she was feeling.
“But not once, while we were friends, was my heart ever insincere with you.”
Beom-jin gently stroked her face.
“And the reason I didn’t actively encourage you to join the Kangho Group wasn’t—”
“…”
“Because of the fear of exposure. It was because there are too many men there.”
…What?
At his sudden change of direction, An Sui’s large eyes blinked.
“Too many… men?”
“The number of male employees is several times that of Sunham Mutual Aid. Did you think I’d be crazy enough to leave you in a place like that?”
Beom-jin ran his thumb along her neck, speaking matter-of-factly.
“I hate the way those bastards look at you.”
An Sui’s words died in her throat.
His words, the black eyes that held only her, the touch that grazed her cheek—all of it spoke.
That Beom-jin’s answer was no lie.
“I hate the thought of them holding your image in their eyes while their minds spin with base fantasies. That’s why I did it.”
As if such a man stood before him, something close to murderous intent flickered in his darkened eyes.
“If you give even a gentle smile, there’s a whole den of beasts mentally planning grandchildren’s names. How could I possibly throw you into a place like that?”
“…Isn’t that thinking a bit too far?”
He laughed dryly.
Too far.
He’d carefully chosen these words precisely to avoid startling her.
She simply didn’t understand.
How beautiful she was.
Provocatively so, in the worst possible way.
Were it not for him always being at her side, he knew exactly what those animals would say about An Sui when left alone together.
He’d taken revenge on every single one of them.
Physical retribution dealt heavy; social retribution dealt heavier still.
Job offers or promotions that had been promised simply vanished.
Audio files of them cursing their bosses or friends, recorded from god knows where, played at their companies or alumni gatherings.
Or videos of them tangled with women at bars were sent to their girlfriends or spouses—usually timed for family gatherings or anniversaries.
Yet Beom-jin was not satisfied.
It was a drop in the bucket.
How many others had spoken of An Sui in that same degrading way when he couldn’t see or hear?
Since finding each one was impossible, instead he’d chosen to stay by her side, savoring her gaze and smile.
Even if it was all wrapped in lies.
“I’m sorry for deceiving you about my identity. Truly. I’ll spend a lifetime making it up to you.”
“A lifetime…?”
“But I’ve never once lied about my feelings.”
The seductive smile that would have glossed over any words vanished, leaving behind Dok Go Beom-jin meeting her head-on with full sincerity.
Now he looked like the Beom-jin she knew.
Blunt, straightforward, yet locking his eyes unflinchingly onto hers.
My closest friend, Dok Go Beom-jin.
“We’ll be together for life.”
At his words, An Sui’s wide eyes trembled slightly.

“Be my friend for life. That’s my wish.”
“…I don’t have a choice.”

An Sui’s heart suddenly shook violently as she remembered the boy who’d linked his pinky with resignation and a small smile to the finger he’d extended.
So Beom-jin’s words about spending a lifetime atoning—
He meant he’d remain her friend. For life.
‘Am I… happy?’
An Sui pressed her palm hard against her chest.
‘This should be happiness, right?’
Yet it felt like lead was lodged in her chest.
Her wildly beating heart seemed to have frozen solid.
As if someone were strangling her throat, the pressure wouldn’t ease.
They say excessive joy brings tears, and perhaps that’s what this was for her too.
She’d finally gotten a real promise after all.
“…You promised, right?”
Her heart felt sparse and hollow at the sight of Beom-jin finally nodding with a relieved smile.
She, too, forced the corners of her mouth upward.
It was the day she learned that excessive joy borders on emptiness and void.

***

“Good morning.”
Beom-jin entered the executive office with his usual expressionless face, but his secretaries knew.
His mood was excellent.
“Today will be peaceful too.”
“We might even leave early.”
“Exactly. I already booked movie tickets. You know me—I only bet on sure things.”
“Come on, that’s enough idle talk. The director is here now, so let’s get to work.”
The happy secretaries moved in unison at their manager’s words and returned to their desks.
Not long after they’d begun their duties, something arrived for Beom-jin.
Secretary Chief Ma Do-hwan carried it to the office door and knocked.
“Director, something has arrived from the Unsung Department Store.”
It was an Old Vintage Wine and a Limited Edition Whiskey Set.
[Congratulations on the wedding, Beom-jin. —Han Jeong-o]
Beom-jin let out a dry laugh.
He knew well how anxious Han Jeong-o was, having been surpassed by his brother.
They must have spotted the Kangho Group family enjoying shopping with their prospective bride at their department store and couldn’t miss the opportunity.
Well, the gift choice showed decent taste.
Since such gifts could later be interpreted as evidence of favorable treatment or collusion, and watches or jewelry worn immediately could easily be exposed to outsiders, becoming a problem.
‘I should drink wine with her tonight.’
Beom-jin nodded, indicating that the rarely-appreciated gift should be stored.
Then Ma Do-hwan checked his phone, his eyes widened, and he spoke urgently.
“Director, Dok Go Seung-jin is reportedly heading to the Sunham Mutual Aid office.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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