At the manager’s call, Haneul and Taeo hurried to the meeting room.
“Today’s a special mission. For the next joint stage, you have to act out a proposal scene.”
Taeo nearly choked on his own spit. Haneul froze, her mouth half-open.
Soojin waggled her eyebrows and grinned.
“Haneul, whose proposal would make your heart race the most? Wooseok? Taeo? Or maybe Jimin?”
Jimin winked. “I’ve even got a ring ready.” Wooseok just laughed awkwardly, glancing at Haneul.
Haneul, face bright red, tried to play it cool.
“It’s just acting. Anyone’s fine, really.”
Taeo clamped his mouth shut, looking a bit sulky.
The manager handed out the schedule and explained the rules.
“Everyone prepares a proposal line, but you’ll draw lots to decide partners. Total surprise!”
Haneul’s eyes met Taeo’s. Neither said a word, but the tension was unmistakable.
Soojin piped up again.
“No scripts! You have to act like it’s the real deal!”
Haneul whispered, “What if I get too into it?”
Taeo murmured, “That’s fine. I might be serious, anyway.”
Haneul stared at him, startled. Awkward silence settled in.
Wooseok cleared his throat.
“Should we practice? Haneul, mind if I go first?”
Jimin nodded. “You go. Taeo looks like he might faint.”
Haneul just nodded, flustered.
Wooseok mimed kneeling with a rose.
“Haneul, will you accept my heart?”
Everyone cracked up. Haneul laughed along, but her eyes drifted to Taeo.
Taeo avoided her gaze, waiting his turn. The awkward air lingered between them.
Suddenly, the manager announced, “First rehearsal’s tomorrow. Bring your best proposal lines.”
As Haneul and Taeo left the meeting room together, Haneul quietly asked,
“If I hear your proposal on stage tomorrow… what should I do?”
Taeo smiled at her.
“I hope you look forward to it.”
A sweet, nervous silence settled between them. But footsteps and voices echoed from down the hall—Soojin and Jimin were on their way.
Haneul gripped the door handle, heart pounding. Tomorrow’s stage—whose proposal would sweep her off her feet? Their night brimmed with anticipation.