Page 57 of Gumiho Kiss
“On the contrary, I believe I’m focused on exactly the right thing.The goblin has beaten you twice, yet both times, you’ve managed to get away.Why is that?”He snapped his fingers.“Mr.Park.”
Chin Sun started to protest, but Min Joon held up his hand.“I’m not saying I doubt your abilities.The first time the goblin overpowered you, you were already injured.The second time, you didn’t have your bead.I’ve seen what you’re capable of, Chin Sun-ah.I’m willing to bet that if you were at your full strength, you could take that monster down.”
“But I’m not.”
“Andthat’s where it comes back to Mr.Park.If you want to defeat the goblin, you’re going to need every weapon you’ve got.”
Chin Sun turned away, something unpleasant pressing on her chest.“I’ve tried to get my bead back.You know that.”
“I do.And I know how much is at stake.That’s why I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help you.Even if it means I lose my job.”
Chin Sun shifted around with a look of surprise.Surely he couldn’t mean that.
But Min Joon’s face held such sincerity, tears of gratitude stung her eyes.
“Here’s what I’m thinking: I’ll call him in to ask him some questions about what he witnessed at the merchant’s house last night.You’ll be waiting just outside.I’ll knock him out when he’s not looking, and then you can sneak in and kiss him.You’ll get your bead back, and your reputation will still be spotless.”He grinned like he was so proud of what he’d come up with, but his mouth was too tight, his smile too broad.
Chin Sun shook her head.“Thank you, my friend, but I can’t ask you to do that.I know how much this position means to you.”
“But—”
She shook her head again, resolve flooding her veins in the wake of his unwavering loyalty.She wouldn’t allow him to sacrifice himself, not for her.A plan began to form in her mind.It was terribly risky, but with Min Joon about to jump into the flames to save her, she couldn’t afford to wait any longer.
Especially when there were only seven days left until the bead absorbed the last of Hyun Soo’s lifeforce.
“This is my problem to fix,” she stated.“I’ve tried using subterfuge, and that hasn’t gotten me anywhere.It’s time for a more direct approach.”
Min Joon covered his mouth, eyes wide with disbelief.“You don’t mean you’re going to just do it openly?”
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
“But what about Kang Dol Sam?”
“I’m going to call off the betrothal.My uncle will be upset, but it can’t be helped.Mr.Park is a good man, too good to keep such a betrayal from his friend, and I won’t delude myself into thinking Kang Dol Sam could still want me after he finds out what I’ve done.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?”
“Yeh, it’s for the best.With time, perhaps my reputation will recover enough that someone will be willing to marry me, and my cousins will find good matches for themselves.”
“Wait, you’re not going to tell Mr.Park you’re a gumiho though, right?”
Chin Sun scowled.“I don’t have a death wish, Kim Min Joon.”
Her friend let out a chuckle, but it was a dull, lifeless sound.“So, whatareyou going to tell him?”
“I ...”Chin Sun cringed.She hadn’t thought that far ahead, but there was only one thing she could say besides the truth about her bead.“I’ll just tell him I have feelings for him.”She shrugged like it was no big deal, but inside, her heart was hammering against her ribs, demanding to be heard.
Min Joon crossed his arms.“Do you think you can lie that convincingly?I know you’re good at acting, but that’s—Chin Sun?What’s wrong?”
She tilted her head to the side, then felt what he must have already noticed on her eyelashes: tears.
She sniffled, hating her body for betraying her like this.She was supposed to be strong, to show no weaknesses, but when it came to Park Hyun Soo, she became as emotional as any other lovestruck maiden.
Min Joon still waited for an answer, his forehead creased in concern.
Chin Sun licked her lips and gave him a wan, self-deprecating smile.“Who’s to say it’s a lie?”
His jaw fell open.“What?Lee Chin Sun, are you serious?”
