Future Me and My Love

The following days at Wang Hotels were a whirlwind of preparations. The grand reopening of their flagship hotel was approaching fast, and every department was running at full speed. For Lee, it was both a relief and a burden—keeping herself busy meant less time for intrusive thoughts about Gen.

But avoidance only worked when the person in question wasn't making a habit of crossing her path.

Gen, being the hotel's executive chef, had every reason to be around. Whether it was menu discussions, kitchen logistics, or food tastings, she was always there—smirking, teasing, and acting like their last conversation hadn't rattled Lee to her core.

Lee hated it.

She hated how easily Gen moved on, how unaffected she seemed, as if none of this—the tension, the stolen glances, the unspoken words—mattered to her.

But that wasn't true, was it?

Because if Gen didn't care, she wouldn't be looking at Lee like that.

Like she was waiting for something.

An Unexpected Encounter

Late one evening, after yet another exhausting day, Lee finally retreated to the rooftop of Wang Hotels. The city skyline stretched endlessly before her, lights flickering like distant stars. She needed air. Space. Anything to clear her mind.

She wasn't expecting company.

"You always did have a thing for rooftops."

Lee stiffened at the familiar voice. She turned to find Gen leaning casually against the railing, a cigarette hanging loosely between her fingers. She wasn't smoking it, just idly twirling it between her fingers.

"You're not supposed to be here," Lee said, folding her arms.

Gen shrugged. "Neither are you. But here we are."

Lee exhaled slowly, turning back to the skyline. "What do you want?"

Gen didn't answer right away. Instead, she walked over and stood beside Lee, resting her arms on the railing.

"You slapped me," Gen finally said. "And then pretended like it didn't mean anything."

Lee's fingers tightened around her arms. "I don't want to talk about that."

Gen chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Of course you don't."

Silence stretched between them, filled only by the distant hum of the city below.

"You're really going to marry him?" Gen asked, her voice quieter this time.

Lee closed her eyes for a brief moment. "Yes."

"Why?"

Lee swallowed. "Because it's what's expected of me."

Gen scoffed. "Since when do you care about expectations?"

Lee turned sharply, her patience snapping. "Since always, Gen! I'm the heir to Wang Hotels. My mother—"

Gen cut her off. "Your mother isn't the one getting married."

Lee's breath caught.

Gen took a slow step closer. "You don't love him, do you?"

Lee turned away. "It doesn't matter."

Gen let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Wow. You're really gonna lie to yourself until the end, huh?"

Lee clenched her fists. "What do you want me to say, Gen? That I have feelings for you? That I—" She stopped herself, her throat tightening.

Gen's expression softened. "Lee."

Lee shook her head, stepping back. "It doesn't matter what I feel. This is my life. My responsibility."

Gen watched her for a long moment before sighing. "Fine."

Lee blinked, surprised by the easy acceptance. "Fine?"

Gen gave her a small smile, but there was something sad in it. "Yeah. If that's your decision, I won't stop you."

Lee didn't know why that hurt.

Gen turned to leave but hesitated. "Just one last thing."

Lee looked at her warily. "What?"

Gen took another step forward, closing the distance between them. Her gaze was intense, searching. Then, in a move so subtle yet electrifying, she reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from Lee's face.

Lee froze.

"I'll stop," Gen said, her voice almost a whisper. "I'll leave you alone. But before I do… just tell me one thing."

Lee swallowed hard. "What?"

"Look me in the eye," Gen murmured, "and tell me you feel nothing."

Lee opened her mouth—but no words came out.

Her heart was pounding, her hands trembling at her sides.

She couldn't say it.

Because it would be a lie.

And Gen knew it.

A slow smirk tugged at Gen's lips. "Thought so."

Without another word, Gen stepped back and walked away, disappearing down the rooftop stairs.

Lee stood there, her pulse roaring in her ears, her chest aching with something she couldn't name.

Or maybe she could.

She just wasn't ready to face it yet.