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Hearts for Hire

Amidst towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology, artist Han A-ri and corporate executive Lee Eun-tae find themselves entangled in a contractual union to fulfill their respective needs – financial stability for A-ri and companionship for Eun-tae. As they navigate this uncharted territory, societal divisions between practicality and love loom large. With the guidance of a sophisticated agency, A-ri and Eun-tae must navigate a delicate balance between their contractual obligations and the stirrings of genuine emotions, challenging their beliefs and blurring the lines between personal and pragmatic. In a city torn between tradition and innovation, "Hearts for Hire" explores the intricacies of human connections and the pursuit of authentic love amidst a world of contracts. (R18) Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, events and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and his only. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Sexual acts are also depicted in the story. Update: A chapter a day Site: https://akikure.carrd.co/

Aki_Kure · Urban
Not enough ratings
116 Chs

Escaping Together 

A-ri and Eun-tae decided to embark on a thrilling adventure to reinforce their bond and trust in each other. They opted for a date that would require teamwork, communication, and a deep level of trust. What better way to challenge themselves than an escape room?

Before embarking on their adventure, Eun-tae and A-ri had a conversation. Eun-tae couldn't help but bring up the subject, his concerns about Hyun-ki still lingering in his mind.

"Are you sure you don't have a class with Hyun-ki today?" he inquired, a trace of unease in his voice.

"I promise, no class today. I wanted this day to be just about us, Eun-tae. Na-yeon helped me plan everything," A-ri met his gaze, her eyes filled with understanding.

Eun-tae's expression softened, and he realized that he needed to put his trust in A-ri. He smiled, relieved to hear her reassurance. Their date was a chance to let go of the paranoia and mistrust that had clouded their recent days and rekindle the love and trust that had always been at the core of their relationship.

As they set off on their date, the shift from paranoia to love was already underway, with a renewed sense of trust guiding their steps. The love that had brought them together and held them through their contract marriage was now stronger than ever. They were ready to face the challenges that lay ahead, united and trusting in each other.

Their excitement was undeniable. A-ri had been looking forward to this adventure all week. As they approached the counter, she greeted the staff with infectious enthusiasm, proudly showing how she had booked the activity in advance. Eun-tae watched her, appreciating her passion for the day they had planned together.

Their anticipation only grew as they listened intently to the staff's instructions. The escape room, known as "The Enchanted Heist," had garnered a reputation for its mind-bending puzzles, and they were eager to put their problem-solving skills to the test. A-ri's eyes sparkled with determination, and Eun-tae couldn't help but smile as they entered the room.

The door clicked shut behind them, enveloping them in an atmosphere of mystery and adventure. Their hands brushed against each other as they examined the room's enigmas and clues, feeling the thrill of the challenge drawing them closer.

"The Enchanted Heist," A-ri whispered with excitement, glancing around the dimly lit room. "I've heard this one is tough, but we can do it, right?"

"Absolutely. We make a great team, always," Eun-tae smiled, his eyes filled with determination as he tried his best to match A-ri's enthusiasm.

The initial clue was cryptic, a riddle that hinted at a hidden compartment behind a painting. Eun-tae's eyes met A-ri's, and they exchanged a nod before working together to investigate the painting. With delicate movements, they managed to reveal a small safe behind it.

"It's like we're in a real-life adventure," A-ri marvelled as they uncovered the hidden safe. "I'm so glad we're doing this."

"Me too, A-ri. We should have done more things like this," Eun-tae couldn't help but agree, the thrill of the challenge making the day even more special.

As they delved deeper into the escape room, the challenges grew more complex. Clues were hidden in unexpected places — beneath a chessboard, behind a row of dusty books, and even etched into the wooden floorboards. They pieced together codes, opened locks, and solved riddles.

The clock on the wall was a constant reminder of the time ticking away, adding to the intensity of the experience. With every puzzle they conquered, a sense of accomplishment and trust in each other's abilities grew. A-ri knew that she could rely on Eun-tae to see things she might miss, and Eun-tae was impressed by A-ri's intuition and creativity.

"Look at this," Eun-tae exclaimed as he uncovered another hidden message. "I wouldn't have seen it without you."

A-ri beamed with joy as they continued to work together, and the thrill of the challenge solidified their trust in each other.

In one particularly challenging moment, they came across a puzzle that required teamwork. Two separate sections of the room needed to be manipulated simultaneously to reveal a crucial clue. As they coordinated their movements, their fingers brushed, and their eyes met. A-ri couldn't help but smile.

"We do make a great team, don't we?"

"Of course, A-ri. I couldn't imagine doing this with anyone else," Eun-tae grinned back, his eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and affection.

At last, in the heart of the escape room, they uncovered the final clue that would lead them to freedom. With the key in hand, they approached the door. A sense of exhilaration washed over them as they unlocked it, and the door swung open, revealing the sunlight outside.

As they stepped into the fresh air, victorious and brimming with newfound unity, they locked eyes. A-ri knew that the challenges in the escape room had strengthened their bond.

"Just like in there, we can conquer anything together."

"We're unstoppable," Eun-tae nodded in agreement, squeezing her hand.

Their escape room date had indeed rekindled their trust in each other. They left the facility feeling more connected than ever. No obstacle was insurmountable as long as they trusted and supported each other. Their love was an unbreakable bond, ready to conquer any challenge life might throw their way.

After successfully conquering "The Enchanted Heist" escape room, A-ri and Eun-tae emerge victorious, their hearts still racing from the adventure. They decided to continue their date with a visit to a quaint little café they had heard about, known for its delectable desserts.

The café had a cosy ambience, with soft jazz music playing in the background. A-ri and Eun-tae chose a corner table by the window. Sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the small bouquet of fresh flowers adorning their table.

They ordered a variety of desserts to share, indulging in a rich chocolate cake, a delicate strawberry shortcake, and a colourful fruit tart. A-ri's eyes sparkled with delight as they sampled each treat, savouring the sweet flavours that filled their mouths.

As they enjoyed their desserts, they engaged in light-hearted conversation. Eun-tae couldn't help but smile as A-ri recounted their escape room adventure, her enthusiasm and laughter filling the air. They reminisced about the puzzles they had solved, the rush they had felt, and the sense of accomplishment that still lingered.

"You were amazing in there," Eun-tae said, his eyes fixed on A-ri. "Your creativity and intuition shone through."

"Well, you were the one who noticed all those hidden clues. We made a great team," A-ri blushed, feeling the warmth of his praise.

Their connection felt stronger than ever as they laughed and shared stories over dessert. The café was nearly empty, allowing them to focus solely on each other. The worries and anxieties of the past few weeks seemed like distant memories.

As they finished the last bite of fruit tart and sipped their coffees, A-ri gazed into Eun-tae's eyes. The atmosphere was charged with affection, and her heart swelled with love.

"I want you to know that there's no one in my life except you," A-ri said earnestly. "What we have is real, and nothing will change that."

"A-ri, I trust you completely. I love you," Eun-tae reached across the table, taking her hand in his.

Their fingers interlocked, sealing their promise to one another. At that moment, over dessert in a cosy café, A-ri and Eun-tae affirmed their love and commitment, their bond stronger than any doubts or uncertainties that had previously clouded their hearts.

The world outside disappeared as they shared a sweet, meaningful kiss, relishing the taste of their love and the joy of a date that had brought them closer than ever.

As the afternoon sun bathed the café in a golden glow, A-ri and Eun-tae lingered over their coffee, content in each other's company. The serenity of the moment allowed them to reflect on their journey together.

"You know, Eun-tae, I never imagined that our contract marriage would lead to all of this," A-ri traced the rim of her coffee cup with her fingertip, lost in thought.

"Nor did I. I thought it would be a simple arrangement, but it turned into something so much more," Eun-tae chuckled softly, his eyes filled with affection.

Their relationship had evolved from a contractual agreement into a deep and genuine love that neither had anticipated. They had navigated the complexities of their contract and overcome challenges, emerging stronger and more committed to each other.

"I remember the beginning when we were both unsure about this whole thing. I worried about my art, and you worried about your job. We were like two strangers, bound by a contract," A-ri continued.

"It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? We've come a long way since then," Eun-tae nodded, a nostalgic smile on his face.

Their journey had been marked by moments of doubt and uncertainty, but they had always found their way back to each other. The escape room adventure was just another testament to their trust and love, a reminder of the strong bond they had built.

"Eun-tae, I want you to know that I cherish what we have. You mean everything to me, and I promise to be honest and open with you, no matter what," A-ri took a deep breath, her gaze locked with Eun-tae's.

"A-ri, you're my everything too. I trust you completely, and I'll always be there for you, no matter what challenges we face," Eun-tae's heart swelled with love as he responded,

In that intimate café, bathed in the glow of their shared affection, they reaffirmed their love and commitment. Their journey had been a rollercoaster, but it had led them to this beautiful moment of unity.

As they prepared to leave the café, A-ri and Eun-tae were ready to face the world together, hand in hand. Their love had weathered the storms of uncertainty and emerged even stronger. They were bound not by a contract but by their deep, unwavering love for each other, and they knew that nothing could ever change that.

Walking out into the world, they looked forward to the adventures that lay ahead, confident in their love and their ability to conquer whatever challenges life might bring.