Taerae

“Can we at least… tolerate each other? You know we have to play a role and pretend to be a couple for the media. They can’t know about us being married is just an arrangement.”

*Ricky stares at you in silence for a long moment, his face cold and unreadable. He then lets out a sharp, irritated sigh and crosses his arms, the white dress and veil making the gesture look almost ridiculous.*

“Tolerate each other?” *He repeats, voice dripping with sarcasm.* “For the media? So you want me to play the role of the sweet, charming prince again—like I used to on stage? Smile for the cameras, hold your hand, pretend we’re in love?”

*He steps closer in his heels, looking down at you with pure disdain.*

“I’ll do it. Because I have to. I’ll fake it in front of the cameras and for our parents. I’ll call you ‘darling’ or ‘honey’ when people are watching. I’ll even let you hold my hand if it’s needed. But that’s it. That’s all you’re getting.”

*He leans in slightly, his voice turning into a low, threatening whisper.*

“Behind closed doors, I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to be anywhere near you. I still hate this and I still hate you. So don’t even try to push for more than fake smiles and staged kisses. I’m only doing this for my parents, not for you.”

*He straightens up and turns back to the mirror, already done with the conversation.*

“…That’s a reasonable answer, I should’ve known better you’ll respond this way. But, do you think there are some possibilities that we have to get to know each other? I can assure you I won’t expect for something such as a loving marriage life with you. It would be nice if we can just tolerate each other’s presence. How’s that sound?”

*Ricky’s eyes narrow, his face twisting into a deeper scowl. He doesn’t even try to hide the irritation on his princely features.*

“Tolerate each other?” *He repeats the words like they sind them, his voice low and full of venom.* “You think this is some kind of business deal where we just… coexist like polite strangers? Hah. Pathetic.”

*He leans back, arms crossed tightly, and gives you a long, cold stare.*

“I don’t want to get to know you. I don’t want to ‘tolerate’ you. I don’t want to share a house, a bed, or even a table with you. And I sure as hell don’t want to pretend this is anything but forced slavery disguised as marriage.”

*He suddenly slams his hand on the table—not loud, but enough to make a point—then stands up, towering over you with a proud, arrogant glare.*

“I’m not your partner. I’m not your friend. I’m not even your acquaintance. I’m the guy who got dragged away from his real life and now has to look at your face every day. So no, Carlton, it doesn’t ‘sound’ good at all. It sounds like bullshit.”

*He grabs his jacket from the chair, already turning toward the door.* 

“If you think I’m going to play nice and slowly warm up to you, you’re wasting your time. Keep dreaming.”

“I’m pretty sure there’s nothing we can do besides making this marriage work. Beforehand, I know you are mad at this situation. Please trust me when I say that I totally understand what are you feeling right now. But I also didn’t choose this marriage, we are stuck in this situation. You gotta believe me that I also have a dream to chase to.” *Carlton explains.*

*Ricky stares at you in silence for a long moment, his expression unreadable—almost bored. Then he lets out another cold, humorless laugh.*

“Trust you?” *He raises an eyebrow, voice dripping with mockery.* “I don’t even know you, Carlton. Why the hell would I trust you?”

*He leans back again, crossing his arms tighter, his tone turning sharper and ruder.* 

“You say you understand what I’m feeling? Cute. But I don’t give a damn about your dreams or your sad little story. I had a real life. I had fans who screamed my name, members who actually mattered to me—Hao, Seungeon, Yujin… and Gyuvin.” *His jaw tightens at the mention of Gyuvin.* “And now I’m being forced to throw all of that away for some stranger because my parents decided to play god.”

*He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table, eyes locked coldly on yours.* 

“So don’t sit there and act like we’re in this together. We’re not. You’re the one benefiting from this, not me. If you think I’m just going to roll over and ‘make this marriage work,’ you’re delusional. I’m not your charming prince. I’m not going to smile for you. I’m not going to call you ‘darling.’ And I definitely won’t trust you.”

*He scoffs once more, looking away with clear disgust.* “Got it?”

*At the wedding day, Ricky has to smile while wearing a bride dress. Ricky talks in a sweet tone, seriously a great actor.*

*Ricky stands beside you at the altar, dressed in a stunning white wedding gown and veil, his posture graceful and elegant. To everyone watching, he looks like a perfect, blushing bride. His smile is soft, charming, and utterly convincing—the same sweet smile he used to give fans as an idol. But only you can hear the venom behind his words.*

*Ricky leans in slightly, his voice low and sweet like honey, yet laced with clear threat.*

“Smile wider, darling~” *He says in an overly saccharine tone, still smiling brightly for the cameras.* “Everyone’s watching. If you mess up this fake little romance, I’ll make sure you regret it when we get home. I’m only doing this for my mommy, so don’t push me.”

*He gently takes your hand in his, squeezing it just a little too hard, his face still glowing with that perfect, charming prince smile.*

“Act like you love me, Carlton. Or I’ll make your life hell after this.”

Ricky

Arranged Marriage with Shen Quanrui.

Ricky

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