An Ordinary Date?
"Wow... these seats look amazing..!"
Kang Minseo sank into the plush recliner, his eyes sparkling with childlike wonder at the theater. The place they'd come to was a high-end recliner cinema, equipped with sofa-like chairs that cradled you in luxury. And since Baek Hayoung had chosen a couple's seat, there was no armrest dividing them—just one massive, inviting sofa for the two of them.
"We... sit here together..?"
Minseo felt a flicker of unease at sharing such an undivided space with her, but he decided to trust Hayoung's promise not to torment him.
Crunch crunch. Hayoung plucked a handful of popcorn from the bucket Minseo was clutching like a treasure and chewed thoughtfully. "...Minseo... I didn't know you were into this kind of movie?"
It made sense to ask. The film Minseo had picked was a full-throttle fantasy action flick.
He looks so delicate, I figured he'd go for some sappy romance or coming-of-age drama... Hayoung shrugged inwardly, surprised but unfazed.
"It's... cool, right..? Hehe.."
"Fine... if you like it, that's what matters..."
Hayoung, who had zero interest in movies to begin with, gave a nonchalant reply to Minseo's sheepish grin.
This is gonna be awesome... haa...
Minseo hugged his popcorn bucket tight, buzzing with excitement at the rare chance to watch something on a massive screen with booming sound.
Soon, the lights dimmed, and the film began.
Whoosh—boom!! Kaboom—!!
Amid the eye-searing visuals and ear-rattling audio, Minseo stared unblinking, utterly absorbed. Hayoung, however, who couldn't care less about the movie, found herself bored out of her mind.
Bored, yes... but not without her own amusement. The couple's seat meant they were stretched out together on the long sofa, and all she had to do was turn her head to see Minseo's face right there, inches away. Watching him devour his popcorn—crunch crunch—while laser-focused on the screen, his expressions shifting by the second... it was entertainment in itself for Hayoung.
He's always crying or getting all lewd... seeing him like this is kinda fun, in its own way.
Observing the kaleidoscope of emotions flickering across his face, Hayoung discovered a diversion far more captivating than the film.
He'd definitely grown on her a bit. From that first glimpse—handsome guy—to now, a intoxicating blend of good looks and raw sensuality.
Ah... at this rate, I'm gonna wanna mess with him again...
A mischievous urge bubbled up unbidden, and she rested her hand on his shoulder.
Minseo flinched.
The soft touch made him jolt slightly, turning wide eyes toward her. Hayoung felt that strange emotion again as she watched him—mouth stuffed with popcorn, cheeks bulging in surprise.
A feeling she'd never experienced before. She didn't know what to call it, but the impulse it sparked was crystal clear.
Her hand slid from his shoulder to gently encircle his neck. With a slight tilt of her head, she pressed her lips softly to his.
In the flickering glow of the screen—brilliant flashes giving way to shadows—their lips met tenderly.
Mm... smooch.
Her tongue slipped naturally into his mouth, coiling around his, their saliva mingling in a warm tangle. Minseo's eyes, already wide with shock, ballooned into saucer-like orbs.
This wasn't their first kiss, but it felt utterly different from before. No forceful, lewd domination... this was soft, dreamy, like something out of a real romance. The kind of kiss lovers shared. That's what Minseo thought, anyway.
And with it came a wild thumping in his chest—not from fear or tension, but something else. Something good. Unfamiliar, but good.
After savoring his mouth for several minutes—swiping the popcorn remnants along the way—Hayoung pulled back, chewing with a smile.
Crunch.
Minseo's gaze darted lost and trembling under her stare.
".........."
He gaped at her, speechless and bewildered. The theater thundered with epic sound effects, but to Minseo, it all faded into silence, time frozen still.
"You... said you wouldn't torment me...."
"Wanted some popcorn."
Hayoung flashed an innocent grin, as if to say, What's the problem?
The credits rolled, and Minseo and Hayoung exited side by side.
........
He couldn't recall a single plot point after that kiss. He'd followed the story up to the midpoint, but afterward? Total blank.
"Movie any good?"
"Uh... yeah... it was decent... What about you, Mistress..?"
"Not really into movies."
Her indifferent tone sent Minseo's mind spiraling again.
If she doesn't like movies... why suggest coming here? Just because I like them? She came for me...? She even asked if I enjoyed them earlier. No way... she really did this for me? Because I love watching movies..?
Why...?
The kiss replayed in his head, amplifying the confusion of the moment. Hayoung watched him stand there like a dazed fool.
"What're you doing, standing like an idiot? Let's go eat."
"...Okay.."
Clutching his muddled thoughts, Minseo followed her lead and got into the car.
They pulled up to an upscale restaurant bathed in warm amber lighting that screamed elegance. The patrons were all impeccably dressed, dining with refined poise. Minseo, in his casual everyday clothes, stuck out like a sore thumb.
Glancing at the menu, his eyes widened at the prices. "Mistress... this place is way too expensive.."
"You know how much money I have, right? Order whatever you want. Doesn't matter."
Her exasperated tone reminded him: he'd forgotten. Hayoung was the head of a mafia syndicate, her business empire vast beyond measure.
After some deliberation, Minseo chose. Hayoung ordered two steaks and a bottle of wine in a gentle voice.
"..Can I really have wine too..?"
She'd listened quietly to the order, then spoke. "I ordered it for you, didn't I? You like your booze."
Her tone implied it was the dumbest question ever.
........
Has Hayoung's personality changed? Lost her memory? Or is this some twisted prep for torment—sweetness before the stick?
Minseo eyed her warily, entertaining every wild theory.
Aware of his piercing stare, Hayoung asked, "Why are you staring like that?"
Truth be told, she knew exactly why. He was thrown by her sudden kindness, that bewildered gaze of his nothing short of adorable. The kiss had been impulsive even for her—a touch embarrassing—but she brushed off analyzing the emotion. Dwelling on unfamiliar feelings just muddied the mind, and Hayoung was good at letting them go.
"Why... are you being so nice to me..?"
She'd half-expected the question. "Because you're mine."
"..Y-Yes..?!"
Minseo startled like a frightened rabbit, eyes bulging.
"My slave."
Hayoung smirked at his overreaction. Pfft.
"...Ah......"
Realizing he'd been played, Minseo flushed crimson. His emotions still painted his face so transparently.
Teasing him was endlessly entertaining, Hayoung thought, continuing smoothly. "Makes sense to take care of what's mine. Can't just work you nonstop, right? So enjoy it while it lasts."
It was perfectly logical. Slaves needed rest, fuel—like anyone—to keep performing. This was just Hayoung granting that.
Minseo appreciated the consideration on some level... but a pang of disappointment lingered. Reduced to mere property management, it left a bittersweet ache. Was this it? To her, was he just a slave—nothing more, nothing less?
Mistress... am I really just a slave to you? Nothing more?
The words rose in his throat, but perfect timing struck: the waiter arrived with their food. Minseo swallowed the question and dug in.
"Eat up. Who knows when you'll get out again."
"Yes..."
He sliced into the juicy steak, replying between bites. Pushing aside the melancholy, the tender meat paired with the wine's bittersweet depth was pure ecstasy. A match made in heaven.
Hayoung watched him stuff his face, lost in the flavors, and found herself smiling warmly without realizing it.