It was fine that he confidently entered the shopping arcade, but it wasn’t long before Hakyung became dejected.
The merchants, who were enthusiastically touting their wares to others, would clamp their mouths shut as soon as their eyes met his!
Hakyung felt disheartened, wondering if he looked that poor.
He didn’t realize it was because of Muheon’s intimidating presence behind him, so he opened his eyes wide to meet the merchants’ gaze.
“Customer, what are you looking for? Come this way. Our store has many items. Hmm? There are so many things that would suit such a cute and fair friend!”
“Oh, hello!”
Hakyung was touched just by the invitation to come and browse, so he politely greeted the merchant and trotted along after him to the display counter.
Naturally, Muheon followed behind Hakyung, a silent, imposing shadow that seemed to drain the boisterous energy from the surrounding vendors.
As the merchant said, there were indeed many items, with glittering gold packed tightly together, catching the light and dazzling the eyes.
Rows upon rows of necklaces, bracelets, and rings shimmered under the bright lamps, each piece seemingly vying for attention.
The air hummed with a low thrum of potential wealth, a stark contrast to the sudden quiet that had fallen over the other stalls as Muheon’s presence became known.
“How is it? There’s really a lot, right? Our prices are probably the cheapest too, aren’t they? How much did you come expecting?”
The merchant leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, his eyes darting quickly to Muheon before returning to Hakyung.
He was clearly trying to gauge Hakyung’s experience, his understanding of the market, hoping to extract a higher price if he seemed naive.
Hakyung rolled his eyes, flustered by the secret whisper asking how much other places cost.
But this was his first time here, and he knew not to say that he didn’t know; Hakyung had over ten years of experience accompanying his grandmother to the market.
He understood the unspoken rules of negotiation, the dance between buyer and seller, the subtle cues that could lead to a favorable deal.
He knew that revealing ignorance was akin to waving a red flag before a bull, inviting exploitation.
His grandmother, a seasoned haggler, had instilled in him the importance of appearing knowledgeable, even if you weren’t, and the value of a well-timed pause.
He showed hesitation, about to speak but not quite giving a precise answer, his brow furrowed in a thoughtful expression that belied his true inexperience in this particular kind of upscale market.
He knew that a direct answer would put him at a disadvantage.
Meanwhile, the other person, misinterpreting Hakyung’s thoughtful silence as a calculated move, busily tapped on a calculator, punching in numbers and muttering under his breath, trying to anticipate Hakyung’s next move.
The merchant’s anxiety was palpable; he clearly didn’t want to lose this potential sale, especially with the imposing figure of Muheon observing silently.
“You didn’t see anything this good, right? Hmm?” the merchant pressed, a hint of desperation in his tone, trying to prompt a response from the thoughtful Hakyung.
He gestured expansively at the gleaming displays, as if to emphasize the unparalleled quality and selection of his merchandise.
“Hmm…”
Hakyung hummed noncommittally, still pretending to weigh his options, his gaze sweeping over the various designs with an air of sophisticated contemplation.
He maintained his composed facade, refusing to be rushed or pressured into a hasty decision.
He recalled his grandmother’s advice: never show eagerness, always create an impression of having countless options.
“Alright! If you send it by cash, I’ll do it for this price! Is that okay? Right?”
The merchant, sensing that Hakyung was a tough negotiator, quickly offered a discounted price, hoping to close the deal.
His voice was a little louder now, trying to project confidence despite his underlying nervousness.
He really wanted to make this sale, a significant one given the potential spending power of the couple.
Only then did Hakyung subtly nod and examine the items he wanted to buy, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips.
Muheon chuckled softly to himself at Hakyung’s rather shrewd bargaining.
He had been so worried when no one would deal with Hakyung, thinking he was disheartened… but it seems it was a needless concern.
He watched Hakyung’s performance with a quiet amusement, a newfound admiration for the unexpected cunning of his companion.
Hakyung, usually so straightforward and earnest, had displayed a surprising aptitude for the subtle art of negotiation.
Muheon, who had been stroking his hat with his large hand, praising the clever Kang Dol-gorae, stood beside him.
He had been observing the entire interaction, silently impressed by Hakyung’s ability to navigate the mercantile world.
He had even been considering intervening when the merchants were initially shying away, but Hakyung had managed to overcome the initial hurdle on his own.
“CEO, put your hand here.”
Hakyung said, taking Muheon’s hand from on top of his head, his touch light and confident.
He held Muheon’s large, elegant hand in his own, comparing it to the glittering rings to find the design that would suit him best.
He envisioned the various rings adorning Muheon’s long, straight fingers, trying to imagine which would best complement his refined appearance.
He was not just buying a ring; he was choosing a symbol, a testament to their connection.
Since his fingers were so straight, long, and beautiful, he thought anything would look good…
As Hakyung was narrowing down a few candidates, a ring with a large dragon engraved on it caught his eye.
My goodness, it was the perfect ring for the CEO!
The dragon, a symbol of power and authority, seemed to resonate with Muheon’s imposing aura.
It was grand, impressive, and unapologetically bold, everything Hakyung thought a ring for the “Imugi of the West Sea” should be.
“This one! Show me this one!”
Hakyung exclaimed, his voice filled with an almost childlike enthusiasm, pointing decisively at the striking piece.
His previous composure in bargaining vanished, replaced by an unbridled excitement.
“Oh…? This dragon ring?”
The merchant, slightly taken aback by the sudden shift in Hakyung’s demeanor, confirmed, his eyes widening slightly at the expensive choice.
This was a high-value item, and he was eager to see if the sale would go through.
“No, the thickest one next to it!”
Hakyung corrected, his focus entirely on the grandest, most substantial piece of jewelry.
He wanted something that truly commanded attention, something that would unequivocally announce Muheon’s status and power.
Hakyung chose the thickest and most substantial one among the dragon rings.
‘If you’re a man, you should wear a ring of that thickness! Especially as the Imoogi of the West Sea!’
Hakyung prioritized the CEO’s pride above all else.
He envisioned the ring as a statement piece, a fitting adornment for a powerful being like Muheon.
He imagined it glittering on Muheon’s hand, drawing awe and respect from all who saw it.
He was so caught up in the symbolism and grandiosity that he completely overlooked the practicalities of wearability or, more importantly, Muheon’s personal taste.
However, it was a miss in that he hadn’t considered the actual wearer’s preference at all.
For Muheon, who usually pursued neatness, simplicity, and minimalism in everything, a dragon ring, especially one glittering with all sorts of gems, was like an ugly monstrosity that made him frown.
He preferred clean lines, understated elegance, and functional design.
The ornate, flamboyant dragon ring was anathema to his aesthetic sensibilities.
He found it difficult to understand why Hakyung would pick such a thing out of dozens of rings, especially when there were so many simpler, more elegant options available.
He had always believed in form following function, and this ring seemed to exist solely for ostentation.
However, before entering the store, he had agreed to Hakyung’s words, “You’re only supposed to move when I ask for your hand, so you need to keep yourself in check,” so he couldn’t say whether he liked it or not.
He had made a promise, and he intended to keep it, even if it meant enduring a gaudy piece of jewelry.
He stood silently, his expression neutral, allowing Hakyung to continue his selection.
The jewelry store owner felt the same as Muheon.
For such a refreshing couple to wear… it felt a bit excessive.
He too, with his years of experience in the trade, recognized the mismatch between the couple’s refined appearance and the over-the-top design of the dragon ring.
He wondered if Hakyung truly understood the unspoken language of jewelry, or if he was simply captivated by the most prominent piece.
Hakyung, who, like a truck with broken brakes, paid no mind to their displeased reactions and was putting the ring on the CEO’s hand, paused only after hearing the price.
His excitement had blinded him to any subtle cues of disapproval from either Muheon or the merchant.
He was so consumed by the idea of the “perfect” ring for his CEO that he hadn’t considered the financial implications until the number was uttered.
“Uh, how much?”
Hakyung’s voice was a mere whisper, his hand freezing mid-air as the reality of the cost slammed into him.
The grand vision of the dragon ring shattered into a million tiny pieces.
“The price of gold has gone up recently, and labor costs have also increased quite a bit. This is five don of gold, plus craftsmanship fees…”
The merchant rattled off the explanation, sensing Hakyung’s shock and attempting to justify the exorbitant sum.
He hoped to reassure Hakyung that the price was fair, given the current market conditions.
One ring was nearly his entire month’s salary.
Hakyung’s hands trembled, the weight of the potential purchase suddenly crushing.
He had to give living expenses to his grandmother, send his siblings to cram school, and considering the various savings he had just started, the money he had was nowhere near enough.
The harsh reality of his financial obligations crashed down upon him, extinguishing the fiery enthusiasm that had just moments ago consumed him.
‘This was perfect…!’
He was filled with regret, a profound sense of disappointment that he couldn’t afford the grand gesture he had envisioned.
But it was easy for a wren to tear its crotch trying to follow a stork.
A splendid Kang Dol-gorae was one who knew when to retreat.
He recognized the futility of chasing a dream that was far beyond his current reach.
It was a painful but necessary realization.
In the end, Hakyung bought two thin gold rings embedded with artificial sesame diamonds.
Even artificial diamonds, being diamonds, were quite expensive.
He compromised, choosing something that was still beautiful and symbolic, but within his financial means.
The glimmer of the small, artificial diamonds was a pale imitation of the grand dragon, but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make.
The cost was still significant, a substantial dent in his hard-earned money.
A short moment, less than 30 seconds.
His salary instantly drained away, leaving him feeling hollow. Still, he decided to be satisfied with the fact that he could share wedding rings with the CEO.
Even though the CEO was the one who gave him his salary.
He looked at the rings, then at Muheon, and a small, bittersweet smile touched his lips.
It wasn’t the dragon ring, but it was a symbol of their bond, and that was enough for now.
“CEO, I’ll get you the dragon ring next time, for our wedding anniversary. Right now… I’m sorry, I don’t have the means.”
Hakyung apologized, his voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment and regret.
He wanted Muheon to know that his intentions were grand, even if his wallet wasn’t.
“It’s okay. This is pretty too.”
Muheon said, his voice soft and reassuring, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
He genuinely preferred the simpler design, and Hakyung’s thoughtful gesture, regardless of the cost, touched him deeply.
He valued the sentiment far more than the material value of the ring.
“It’s because your hands are pretty, CEO, everything looks good on them.”
Hakyung’s face brightened instantly, his earlier dejection vanishing as he beamed at Muheon.
He found comfort in Muheon’s acceptance, and his compliment made Hakyung’s heart flutter.
Fortunately, there were rings that fit their finger sizes, so they could put them on and leave immediately instead of placing an order.
This small convenience, a blessing in disguise, meant they didn’t have to wait to solidify their commitment.
Hakyung lifted Muheon’s left hand and waved it in front of his eyes, grinning broadly.
The thin gold band gleamed on Muheon’s elegant finger, a testament to their connection.
Wearing the same rings like this made them feel like a real married couple, as if they could be eternally intertwined and together.
The simple act of wearing matching rings transformed their relationship, giving it a tangible symbol of unity and belonging.
He finally understood why people in love wore couple items, why these small tokens held such immense emotional weight.
It wasn’t just about the aesthetics; it was about the shared identity, the visible declaration of their bond.
Muheon also much preferred this ring to the previous dragon ring.
The current simple ring also suited the Kang Dol-gorae’s small, white hand much better than the ridiculously large dragon ring.
He admired the understated elegance of the thin gold band, appreciating its subtlety and grace.
It felt right, a perfect match for his own refined taste and for Hakyung’s delicate hands.
“You know you’re a married man now, right, CEO? Just try taking that ring off.”
Hakyung teased, a playful glint in his eyes, emphasizing the permanence of their newfound status.
He wanted to make sure Muheon understood the implications of the ring, the symbolic chain that now bound them.
“Understood. The same goes for you; don’t go smiling freely anywhere.”
Muheon retorted, a hint of possessiveness in his voice, mirroring Hakyung’s playful challenge.
He too understood the unspoken rules of their new relationship, the delightful boundaries that came with such a profound commitment.
“I’m not that easygoing a Kang Dol-gorae, you know?”
Hakyung huffed, as if wronged, though a small smile played on his lips.
Anyone who saw his behavior towards others would know that he only put in so much effort for the CEO.
He was fiercely loyal, and his every action, every thought, seemed to revolve around Muheon.
His playful indignation was a testament to his deep affection.
Hakyung seemed unaware that Muheon sometimes teased him because of his trembling reactions, his genuine and endearing responses to Muheon’s playful jabs.
Muheon found Hakyung’s earnestness incredibly charming, a delightful contrast to his own composed demeanor.
“Y-you too, CEO, don’t be too nice to just anyone.”
Hakyung stammered, suddenly serious, a flicker of insecurity crossing his face.
He remembered the ease with which Muheon had initially “picked him up,” and a tiny seed of doubt, however irrational, began to sprout.
He wanted to be special, to be the only one.
“Me?”
Muheon asked, genuinely surprised by the sudden shift in Hakyung’s tone.
He couldn’t recall a single instance where he had been “too nice” to anyone other than Hakyung.
“Huh? Honestly, our first meeting was like that too. If it wasn’t me but someone else squatting in that building, you would’ve picked them up again, wouldn’t you, CEO? Luring them with that handsome face!”
Hakyung’s voice rose slightly, a touch of genuine worry in his tone.
He envisioned Muheon’s charming smile captivating others, and a pang of jealousy, fleeting but real, tightened his chest.
“No way. I picked you up because it was Kang Hakyung. I wouldn’t have even looked at anyone else.”
Muheon earnestly defended himself, though he didn’t know why his cute husband was suddenly so angry.
No, it wasn’t a defense, it was the truth.
His words were not just an attempt to appease Hakyung; they were a heartfelt declaration of his unique attraction.
If it hadn’t been the scent emanating from Kang Hakyung or his round, cute crown, Muheon’s gaze wouldn’t have been drawn in that direction at all.
He still found it peculiar how Kang Hakyung had a sweet scent instead of the typical fishy smell of land beast-people, a delightful anomaly that had captivated him from the very beginning.
At Muheon’s explanation, Hakyung’s highly raised eyebrows instantly returned to their place, and the corners of his mouth gently curled upwards.
The anger, the brief flicker of insecurity, vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by an overwhelming sense of relief and joy.
Hakyung, who had transformed from an angry Kang Dol-gorae to a shy Kang Dol-gorae, fidgeted, holding Muheon’s finger, his heart swelling with happiness.
“So, CEO, you really fell for me at first sight, huh?”
The prolonged ending of his words showed how happy he was, drawing out the question as if savoring each syllable.
He wanted to hear it again, to reaffirm the incredible truth of Muheon’s affection.
Muheon brought up something he had repeatedly said before.
“I told you. I fell for you ever since I saved you when you were little.”
He reiterated the long-standing truth, a love story that had begun in childhood, predating Hakyung’s conscious memory.
“Oh my… CEO, honestly!”
Hakyung fanned his reddened cheeks with his hand, grinning widely, a mixture of disbelief and pure delight on his face.
The idea that their connection stretched back so far, to his very earliest memories, was almost too good to be true.
Thinking of all the things he had wasted on the fake savior, Kim Taeyoung, made anger surge, a momentary flash of bitterness for the deception.
But then remembering that perhaps he and the CEO had been connected since they were very young made his whole body melt, the resentment dissolving into an overwhelming warmth.
The past deceptions paled in comparison to the profound and enduring truth of their bond.
“Let’s go now.”
Muheon said, a hint of impatience in his voice, his eyes gleaming with a new purpose.
“Uh… Are we going back already? Can’t we at least have a meal to celebrate becoming a married couple?”
Kang Hakyung was usually a diligent employee, focused and dedicated to his tasks, but today was a bit special.
His mind was not on work; it was entirely consumed by the joyous occasion.
Since they were already in the heart of Seoul, how nice would it be to drink some delicious coffee and chat about their rosy future and the beautiful flower path that lay ahead?
Seriously, the CEO had no romance in him whatsoever!
Hakyung’s lips were just about to pout, disappointment threatening to overshadow his joy.
He wanted to prolong the celebration, to bask in the glow of their new status, but Muheon seemed intent on cutting it short.
Hakyung’s face brightened, as if he had never intended to pout.
Just as he was about to move, holding Muheon’s hand on one side and his phone on the other, the man stopped briefly and whispered into his ear.
His heart soared at the unexpected turn, anticipating a romantic outing.
“We’re not going to a cafe; we’re going straight to a hotel.”
Muheon’s voice was a low murmur, laden with an unspoken promise.
A hotel?!
Hakyung was startled by the word, something he hadn’t imagined.
Going there in broad daylight, what, what were they planning to do?!
Hakyung’s surprised heart thumped, a rapid drumbeat against his ribs, and the tiny breathing hole on the crown of his head also fluttered, betraying his sudden excitement and nervousness.
The innocent idea of a celebratory meal was instantly replaced by a far more intimate and thrilling prospect.
Muheon gently touched Hakyung’s stiff ear with his hand, his touch a comforting reassurance.
“Kang Hakyung gave me a ring, so I should do something too. Let’s go on our honeymoon.”
His words were soft, yet firm, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
“H-honeymoon?”
Hakyung stammered, the word heavy with implication, his mind racing to catch up with Muheon’s unexpected proposal.
“Yes. Did you pack what Dokgo Jin gave you?”
Muheon confirmed, his gaze intense, anticipating Hakyung’s answer.
He knew exactly what Dokgo Jin had given Hakyung, and he had been subtly planning this moment for a while.
Hakyung recalled the lucky pouch carefully placed deep inside the bag he had brought and nodded vigorously.
It was thanks to him diligently heeding his grandmother’s words that he should always be prepared for anything, anywhere.
The pouch, containing essential items for any unexpected journey, now seemed like a prophetic inclusion.
Hakyung swallowed hard and poked his husband’s side with a sly smile, a silent but clear message.
It meant he wanted to go on their honeymoon quickly, eager to embrace the intimacy and adventure that awaited them.