The wedding venue looked like it had been lifted straight out of a drama set.
Rolling green hills. White lanterns swaying from trees. Rows of fairy lights wrapped around wooden railings. It was equal parts charming and intimidating, and Mina hated how expensive everything looked.
"This is... elaborate," Minseo said as they stepped out of the taxi.
Mina groaned. "Yuri's dad owns a golf resort. She's basically a princess now."
"And you're the rebellious cousin from the city," he said with a grin. "Good contrast."
"Don't romanticize it. I'm the embarrassing 'still single' barista who didn't study law and wears sarcasm like sunscreen."
Minseo lifted their bags from the trunk and gave her a look. "Well, today, you're the barista with a hot boyfriend."
She rolled her eyes. "Try not to enjoy yourself too much."
As they walked toward the check-in area, Mina mentally rehearsed the fake backstory they'd built on the train—where they met, how long they'd been together, and most importantly, why no one had met him before.
Minseo was calm. Almost too calm. His shoulders relaxed, his steps confident. He'd even changed outfits—now in a neatly pressed button-down and tailored pants that screamed "charming, responsible boyfriend."
He looked like he belonged in a wedding party photo.
She looked like she wanted to disappear behind a floral arrangement.
"Are you nervous?" he asked as they approached the front steps.
"Only in the 'fight or flight' way," she muttered.
"Well, if you run, I'll chase you dramatically through the rose garden."
"Please don't."
Inside the lobby, they were greeted by a staff member who handed over room keys and directed them to the guest area. Mina barely made it ten steps before she heard her name.
"MINA-YAH!"
She flinched.
There she was. Auntie Yoo. In a fuchsia dress with matching lipstick and enough suspicion in her expression to interrogate a K-pop idol.
"Mina," she said sweetly, eyes narrowing. "You brought him."
Minseo stepped forward like a man walking into a movie scene.
"Annyeonghaseyo," he said, bowing respectfully. "Kim Minseo imnida. Thank you for inviting me."
Auntie Yoo's smile twitched. "So polite," she said, circling them like a shark. "And so handsome. Are you really dating our Mina? Doesn't seem your type."
Mina forced a smile. "Gee, thanks Auntie."
Minseo turned to Mina with the softest expression she'd ever seen him wear. Like he was gazing at a rare piece of art.
"I think she's exactly my type," he said.
Auntie Yoo blinked.
Mina choked on her own saliva.
"Ohhh," the aunt said slowly, eyeing them like she'd just caught a juicy scandal in real time. "Very sweet. How long have you two been together again?"
"Ten months," Minseo said instantly.
"And how did you meet?"
"At the café where Mina works," he added. "I spilled coffee on her by accident. She threatened to sue me, but instead I bought her lunch."
"Romantic," Auntie Yoo said flatly, still not convinced. "And why haven't we seen you before?"
Minseo gave a bashful laugh. "I was nervous. Mina's always talking about how intense her family is. I didn't want to mess up."
He was smooth. Too smooth. Mina wanted to throttle him and high-five him at the same time.
Auntie Yoo tilted her head, calculating. "Hmmm."
Mina braced herself.
"Fine," the aunt said. "I'll be watching you."
"We look forward to it," Minseo said politely.
As they walked away, Mina hissed, "You're way too good at lying."
"I'm not lying," he said casually. "I'm storytelling."
"You're enjoying this."
"I am. It's like improv theater but with snacks."
Mina let out a low growl.
They reached their room and opened the door—to find one bed.
One. Big. Bed.
Mina froze.
Minseo didn't skip a beat. "Cozy."
"This is a horror movie," she said.
"I'll take the floor if you want."
"No," she sighed. "I'm not cruel. We'll make a pillow barrier."
"As long as it's not emotional."
She threw a couch cushion at him.
Later that night, as the welcome dinner buzzed around them with overexcited cousins and an aunt still occasionally staring through her wine glass like a sniper, Mina leaned close to Minseo and whispered, "This is already spiraling."
He smiled.
"Good," he said. "That means we're doing it right."