The Fake Boyfriend

Chapter 5

"I might really kiss you, and then your mama will catch us red-handed."

The threat, though playful, was the last straw for Lisa. "Aaaaarrghhhhh!!!" she screamed, the sound piercing the air. Mingyu staggered back, caught off guard by her sudden outburst. "Yah, ajusshi, jinjja jeongsin nagan geo aniya?!" she demanded in her most practiced angry tone.

Lisa's breathing was ragged, her effort to push him away had been both necessary and cathartic. Her body was betraying her—he was too close, and she could feel her resolve crumbling under the weight of his presence. She was not going to let him get inside her head just because he was attractive and intriguing.

Not today, Satan. She was not raised to be a weak woman, and she was thoroughly annoyed. "You! I don't care if you're older than me, but you shouldn't trust anyone just because they've been acting nice! Clearly, Eunseo's teacher was just an irresponsible person looking to get close to you by doing you a favor!" Lisa huffed, planting a hand on her hip and another on her forehead, clearly stressed by the situation.

Mingyu watched her with a calm demeanor, almost as if he found her outburst amusing. She was ranting and raving like a nagging wife, but he seemed unfazed.

"Can I call you then?" he asked casually, interrupting her tirade.

"What?"

"If I can't pick up Eunseo from school, can I call you to help?"

"Me? Why me?"

Mingyu shrugged nonchalantly, a smirk playing on his lips. "You seemed fitting. And I think Eunseo has taken a liking to you."

Lisa's annoyance was palpable, but she was caught off guard by his casual offer.

"I'll be making dinner. Come if you want. Eunseo wants to play with you." He said decisively before turning on his heel and walking away. Lisa watched him retreat to his apartment, the door left ajar, a silent invitation hanging in the air.

Lisa raised her brow, as if she'll go there, it's like walking in a Lion's den there. Except she's like Daniel.

After dinner, Lisa found herself being gently pulled along by Eunseo, who seemed to be buzzing with energy despite the late hour. The little girl's voice echoed down the hallway as she tugged on Lisa's hand, her words a mix of excitement and curiosity. "Wawisa eonnie~ look!" she chirped, pointing to a painting on the wall, then quickly shifting her attention to something else. "Wawisa eonnie~ what is this?" Her insistence on calling Lisa by a famous name brought a small smile to Lisa's lips, especially when Eunseo's father had already clarified that she wasn't the model or heiress. But Eunseo's grin said it all—she preferred her own version of the story.

Mingyu watched from a distance, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the situation. He knew his daughter well enough to recognize when she was smitten, and it was clear that Lisa had won Eunseo over completely. A certain memory flashed in his mind, causing him to look away, burying it deep within.

Despite her own fatigue and the lingering annoyance from earlier, Lisa found herself smiling as Eunseo led her into the bedroom. There, the girl proudly displayed her collection of toys, her eyes sparkling as she introduced each one. "This is Anna, and there's Yeoli, and this is Eunseo's favorite—meet Somi," she said with a giggle, squeezing the big pink bear plushie with both arms. "Somi always sleeps with Eunseo. Somi mani mani mani joahaeyo."

Lisa knelt down beside her, her smile softening. "Jinjja? Won't your other toys get jealous of Somi?" she asked, her tone light and playful.

Eunseo shook her head with a seriousness that only a child could muster. "No, they understand," she replied with absolute certainty.

Before Lisa could respond, Mingyu's voice came from the doorway, calm and composed. "Eunseoyah, time to put on your pajamas." His tone was gentle but firm.

Lisa glanced at him, and suddenly felt heat rush to her face. She quickly looked away, unused to seeing him in this light. Sure, she had seen him tend to his child before, but she hadn't realized how hands-on he was with Eunseo's needs. She regretted ever accusing him of being a Casanova and obnoxious.

Eunseo looked back at her father and then up at Lisa, her eyes pleading. "I want Wawisa to do it, Papa."

Upon hearing this, Lisa and Mingyu exchanged a glance, an unspoken conversation passing between them as they both tried to figure out how to respond to the little girl's request.

"We're disturbing Lalisa," Mingyu finally said, his voice gentle but firm. "She already bathed you. Let Papa do it."

Hearing him say 'Lalisa' flustered her—was he actually agreeing that she did look like the famous model and heiress? She stole a glance at him, A, mwoya! Does that mean I'm his type?

"No!" Eunseo protested, clutching Lisa's hand tighter.

Oh my god! What was she thinking?!
Thankfully, Eunseo was a great distraction from her annoyingly attractive father.

Sensing the tension between the two stubborn beings, Lisa knelt to meet Eunseo's eye level and gently brushed a stray hair from her face. "How about this: let Papa help you with your pajamas, and I'll dry your hair. Does that sound good?"

Eunseo considered the offer for a moment, her brows furrowed in thought. Then she nodded, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "Okay!"

Mingyu approached, his steps measured and deliberate. He leaned in close to Lisa, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "You don't have to do this. She'll keep bothering you," His words were practical, but there was a subtle undercurrent of concern.

Lisa met his gaze, her eyes warm but firm. "It's fine, really, I've got nothing else to do tonight,"

Mingyu arched an eyebrow slightly. "Don't you have studying to do?"

Lisa shot him a look. "I'll handle it tomorrow. Give me a break," she retorted, clicking her tongue in mock annoyance.

As Mingyu settled beside his daughter, Lisa went to grab the hair dryer. Together, they helped Eunseo get ready for bed, the process smooth and almost instinctual, as if they had done this a hundred times before. Lisa blushed at the thought—were they actually playing house, like Jihyo had suggested? But she didn't have any clue on why Eunseo's mother wasn't around.

Once Eunseo was in her pajamas, Mingyu asked if she wanted some milk. She nodded eagerly, pulling Lisa onto the bed beside her before her father could even turn toward the kitchen.

As the door closed behind Mingyu, the room fell into a quiet hush. Eunseo turned to Lisa, her expression suddenly serious. She reached out, her small fingers brushing through Lisa's long hair, and leaned in close, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Wawisa eonnie, nae eomma-ga doeeo jullae?"

Huhhh... her mind carefully processed the words. Lisa is sure she understood that Korean, but why is not processing completely in her head.

Eunseo's words hung in the air, delicate and heavy all at once. Yep, she heard the little girl correct and with the realization, Lisa felt her breath catch, her heart fluttering with the weight of the innocent question. She smiled, though it was tinged with a touch of awkwardness, unsure how to answer a question so simple yet so profound.

Ha. Ha. Ha! Where is her dad anyway?!

"I don't want to interfere, but someone gave me this." Lisa slid the calling card across the table toward Mingyu. They had just finished putting Eunseo to bed, and Mingyu had invited her to stay for a cup of tea. Lisa had been intrigued watching him prepare the tea—how he carefully selected herbs from jars, placed them in a strainer, and poured hot water into a clear pot. He even asked if she preferred milk or lemon with her tea. Lisa was surprised by his meticulous, almost ceremonial movements, so different from his usual casual demeanor when she saw him smoking or drinking beer on the balcony.

Well, there's a fact that he has a child and he need to kept his apartment clean and organized, perhaps to avoid questions, as Lisa had noticed Eunseo's curiosity.

Mingyu stared at the card but made no move to pick it up. Lisa raised an eyebrow, her irritation evident. "He said he's the biological father."

"I am Eunseo's father," Mingyu stated firmly, as though there was no room for argument. Lisa shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling a bit awkward. She was just delivering a messageー for Pete's sake! That's not her fault, nor her idea at all!

"Where's her mother, by the way?" Lisa asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Mingyu looked at her as though she had asked an unusual question. Was it a sensitive topic? Lisa began to panic, waving her hand dismissively. "You don't need to answer that."

"It's late. You should go home." Mingyu's dismissal was clear as he stood up. Lisa stared at him in surprise—was he really rushing her out this quickly? She hadn't even had a chance to taste her tea, which smelled wonderful!

"W-wait!" Lisa reached for her tea in a rush, attempting to drink it quickly. She fumbled, spilling the hot liquid. "Ouch! It's so hot!" She had burned her tongue.

"Shit!" Without missing a beat, Mingyu moved swiftly, grabbing a glass of cool water and coming to her side. He lifted her chin to check for additional burns, his brow furrowed with a hint of― is that concern?

"You're such a child. Anyone with sense wouldn't gulp down hot tea like that." He muttered, still looking at face and his hand on her chin. Lisa's puppy doe eyes turned into slits, pushing him away but Mingyu didn't budge. He used his thumb to open her mouth and Lisa protested with a groan, but eventually she also showed the tip of her tongue.

Mingyu's gaze went down, as he calmly inspected her burn. Lisa can feel her cheeks heating up. "Drink this. I'll get some ice cube." He finally let her go and handed her the glass.

She did what he said, while watching him go to the fridge to take an ice cube, he then gave it to her shortly, and instructed her to suck it while he prepare a saltwater to soothe the burn and not get irritated. "You seem to know what you're doing," Lisa remarked, taking out the ice cube from her mouth. Mingyu didn't respond.

"Rinse your mouth with this," he instructed, handing her the saltwater. Lisa hesitated, but Mingyu's patience wore thin. He took her hand and guided it to the glass.

"You don't need to be so rude! I'll leave after this!" Lisa huffed, turning to head for the bathroom.

Confirmed—Mingyu had some serious issues, Lisa thought with a shake of her head. After rinsing her mouth, she returned to the kitchen, only to find Mingyu tossing the calling card into the trash.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, it helps," Lisa replied.

"I'll make you tea another time. For now, avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods and drinks until your tongue heals."

Lisa nodded. "I should get going."

"Let me walk you out," Mingyu offered.

As much as she appreciates the chivalry, being around this man has completely drained her. Lisa's pretty sure she's burned through every last emotion in just a few exhausting hours.

"You don't have to; my place is right next door." Despite her protests, Mingyu walked her to the door. Oh... had he been always like this?

"Thanks again for today. I'll definitely repay you," Mingyu said as they reached the outside of his apartment. Lisa sighed, feeling it wasn't necessary to make a fuss. She was about to respond when a familiar voice cut through the night air, surprising them both.

"Lisa?! What are you doing in his apartment? It's past 10!"

"Mama! Wh-why are you outside?" Lisa laughed awkwardly, her nerves frayed.

"What is your relationship with this man?! The neighbors are talking, Mija!"

Lisa scowled, dripping with disdain. Ugh, she knew it—everyone in this building is a backstabbing gossip, and they can all rot in hell. Wait, scratch that... she's one of them. Lisa rolled her eyes. Get a grip, you're in deep shit, estúpida!

"Ma! Lower your voice! The walls are thin, the neighbors will hear you!" Lisa hissed, putting a finger to her lips.

"¡No me importa!" her mother snapped.

"Mama, please!"

"Is he your boyfriend?!"

"Yes." ー WHO. THE. HELL. JUST. SAID. THAT?!!

Lisa's head spun toward Mingyu so fast, she was surprised it didn't fly right off. He was just standing there, looking as casual as ever, like he hadn't just set her life on fire. She blinked at him, completely dumbfounded. What?! Did she hear that right? Seriously, was today the day everyone decided to drive her to the brink of insanity?

"¿¡Qué?!"

Oh, fantastic! Her mama! Why, oh why, did he have to open his big, dumb mouth? He could've just stood there like a mannequin and kept his silence, but no, Mr. Hero Complex had to chime in. And now, of all times, her face was heating up. Seriously, Lisa? You pick now to blush? When your mother looks like she's about to smack you upside the head with that toto bag stuffed with canned foods, jamón, and chorizos?

And look at him, just standing there with that nonchalant look, as if he hadn't just blown up her entire day. Oh, she was going to lose it.