I straighten my spine, preparing my best, most charming 'I am a respectable business heir' smile. I’m ready to be introduced as his boyfriend, his partner, maybe even just his 'friend' if he wants to play it safe with the older generation.
Donghwa pauses, his dark eyes flicking to me, and then adds, with zero hesitation and absolutely no warning:
"My bonded."
My head whips around so fast I feel a distinctcrackin my neck. I stare at him, my jaw practically unhinging.
Bonded?
He just dropped the B-word. To his family. Within thirty seconds of entering the house.
We aren’t just "dating." We aren’t "seeing each other." He just announced to the scions of the Kang dynasty that we are biologically, permanently, irreversibly tethered. He just told his sisters, effectively,'I bit this guy and knotted him, and now we’re stuck together for life.'
I’m paralyzed. I’m waiting for the gasps. I’m waiting for the awkward silence. I’m waiting for them to look at me—the loud, new-money Alpha with the dyed hair—and ask their brother why he tied himself tothat.
Instead, the sisters squeal.
It’s a high-pitched, delighted sound that vibrates right through my teeth. They turn on me in unison, their eyes lighting up like they’ve just spotted a sale at Hermes.
"Bonded!" the one on the right gasps, clapping her hands together. "Finally! We thought he was going to die alone with his paintings and his angst!"
"And look at him!" The other sister steps forward, ignoring my shell-shocked expression as she looks me up and down with the scrutiny of a diamond appraiser. "Oh, Donghwa. You didgood."
"Right?" The first sister joins her, tilting her head. "He’s gorgeous. Look at that jawline. You could cut glass with that."
"And the shoulders!" The second sister reaches out, hovering a hand near my arm like she wants to squeeze but is restraining herself. "Broad. Strong. A man who actually looks like he can lift something heavier than a paintbrush. Thank god. We were worried you’d bring home one of those waifish art students who cry if you look at them too hard."
I flush so hot I feel like I’m radiating heat. I’m completely overwhelmed. This isn't the cold, judgmental reception I spent three hours sweating over. This is... aggressive validation.
"I—uh—" My brain reboots, defaulting to the strict etiquette training my mother drilled into me with a terrifying intensity. Isnap my heels together and bow. A full, ninety-degree, respectful bow. "It is an honor to meet you. I am Oh Sihwan."
I stay down for a second, staring at the polished floorboards, wondering if I can just stay here until the floor swallows me.
"Oh my god," one of them coos.
"He’s polite," the other whispers loudly. "Donghwa, he bows! He has manners! Where did you find him? Did you steal him?"
I straighten up, blinking rapidly as they beam at me. They look like they want to put me in a display case.
"He’s adorable," the sister named Dohwa decides, nodding firmly. "Handsomeandrespectful? That’s the genetic jackpot right there. Good job, little brother. I didn't think you had it in you."
"I thought for sure he’d pick someone difficult," Dohwi adds, grinning at me. "You know, someone moody and silent like him. Two brooding males in one house would be insufferable. But look at this one! He’s bright! He shines!"
He shines?
I feel like I’ve stepped into an alternate dimension. My own parents look at me like I’m a disappointing investment return. These women are looking at me like I’m the best thing since sliced bread, and all I did was stand here and bow.
"Thank you," I manage to stutter, my voice cracking slightly. "You’re... very kind."
"Kind? We’re honest," Dohwa says, waving a hand. "You're such a cutie pie!"
I chance a desperate look at Donghwa, silently pleading for help, for an explanation, forsomething.
He’s standing a few feet away, leaning against the newel post of the stairs with his arms crossed. He’s not helping. He’s not even trying to help. He’s watching me flounder with a smirk that is so smug, so entertained, that I want to wipe it off his face with a pillow.
He meets my gaze, one eyebrow arching perfectly as if to say,I told you so.
"What on earth is all that noise?"
