Mina could not believe it. Her father was planning a wedding between her and Hwang! How could he do this to her! Did she not have a say in this? What if she did not want to get married? Mina silently fumed, walking to her family dojang. All her life, everything had been dictated for her, always being told what to do. And she hated it. Mina was too independent by nature, she did not like being stifled. She knew her father had the best of intentions, but she never liked being forced to do anything – especially marriage. If she was to spend the rest of her life with someone, she should be the one to decide whom she should marry, and nobody else. It was her decision, and hers alone. Couldn’t her father see that? She sighs, entering the dojang. Plus, her father had chosen Hwang. Not that she had anything against him. He was the most noble and hardworking of all men, plus he was really good-looking as well. She just did not like the thought of someone else telling her what to do, even if it was her father, who she loved fiercely. Forcing her into marriage…

Mina suddenly freezes. Standing in the middle of the dojang was Hwang, wrapping protective tape around his arms. He was clad in green silk jeogori with a dragon print over a white paji. On his head he wore a orange headband, his dark brown hair stylized straight up. Mina’s heart pounded. Hwang looked so handsome…maybe too handsome. He glanced at her, his dark eyes lighting up. Mina could not help but blush. She was not immune to the fact that she was attracted to him. But that did not mean she wanted to marry him! Those two things were not always mutual.

With a piece of tape in his mouth, Hwang seemed to be having trouble getting the last bit of it wrapped around his arm. Mina silently walks up towards him, taking the piece of tape from his mouth. She carefully, but securely, ties the last bit of tape around his arm, very aware of his smoldering eyes upon her, feeling his warm breath. She swore her heart was going to burst right out of her chest. He places a hand on hers.

“Thank you, little Mina.”

Mina keeps her head down, too afraid to look into his eyes. He cups her chin, bringing her gaze toward his. He looked so serious…so seriously handsome. He leans in, his lips brushing softly against hers. Mina gasps, feeling his gentle caress. Her eyes close as he deepens the kiss. Oh, how sweet it was! She moans, becoming thoroughly lost. Then, without warning, she breaks the kiss.

“I have to go,” she stammers, running out of the dojang, leaving a bewildered Hwang, gazing at her retreating back.

Mina stands outside, breathing deeply. She closes her eyes, remembering the kiss, the feel of his lips still lingering. It was the most terrifying and wonderful feeling in the world, his mouth upon hers. She knew she was in trouble now. She did not want to get married, she was just too damn proud. And yet her heart sang when he touched her…touching her with his hand…with his mouth. She opens her eyes, staring up at the sky. She did not know what to do. Her mind wanted one thing, her heart and body another. She sighs. She was falling for Hwang, falling for him hard. Eventually, she would have to face that. She hoped she would be ready. That was all she could do. She took one last look at the dojang where her future husband was inside, before heading home.