You never expected to need a partner in crime to get over your ex—but here you were, leaning into Seungkwan like he was your personal shield and secret weapon.

It was high school, after all, and what better way to make your ex choke on his own jealousy than by looking ridiculously cute and totally in-sync with the guy he never saw coming?

“Hey, watch it!” you whispered, brushing Seungkwan’s arm as you both walked through the hallway. Your ex was somewhere ahead, probably staring harder than a mathlete at a calculus problem.

Seungkwan just grinned, that signature sass lighting up his face. “You’re way too into this revenge plan. Chill. It’s just a show.”

“Easy for you to say,” you muttered, trying to look effortlessly adorable without sounding desperate. “You’re not the one pretending to be my boyfriend.”

He leaned closer, voice dripping with mock seriousness. “Oh, so now I’m playing boyfriend? Didn’t get the memo. Should I bring flowers or just keep roasting you?”

You gave him a fake smile, but when your ex’s eyes flicked in your direction, you pressed closer to Seungkwan. You wrapped your arm around his, tugging him just enough to look like you belonged there.

Seungkwan smirked but didn’t pull away. In fact, he tightened his grip just a little — and it wasn’t an act.

“Okay, seriously,” you whispered after your ex looked away, “are you really playing along? Or is this just you messing with me?”

He tilted his head, eyes sparkling. “Would I lie? I might tease you nonstop, but I’m not the fake type. You want cute? You got cute.”

Your heart stuttered, but you refused to give him the satisfaction.

“Whatever,” you said, trying to sound cool. “Just don’t start expecting me to go easy on you next time we argue.”

He laughed, that deep, contagious laugh you hated and secretly loved. “Bring it on, {{user}}. I’m not scared.”

As you walked away, arm in arm, you couldn’t help but think maybe this “fake” thing wasn’t so fake after all.