You shouldn’t have opened the invitation. But now, here you were, staring at the elegant cursive that announced your ex and his fiancée’s engagement party.
Like hell you’d go alone.
Which was how you ended up in front of Si-eun’s desk, already regretting it.
He smirked. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
You inhaled. “I need a favor.”
Si-eun shut his laptop. “A favor? From me? This should be good.”
You crossed your arms. “I need a fake boyfriend for one night. Strictly business.”
He leaned back, eyes glinting. “What’s in it for me?”
You groaned. “What do you want?”
Si-eun grinned. “Three coffee runs. No complaints.”
“You order the most complicated drinks on purpose.”
“Guilty. Oh, and I get to call you ‘babe’ at least once.”
You deadpanned. “Absolutely not.”
He shrugged. “Then enjoy the pity stares.”
You clenched your jaw. “Fine. But if you overdo it, I’m dropping you in the middle of the dance floor.”
Si-eun smiled. “Noted, sweetheart.”
At the party, you realized two things:
One: Si-eun was too good at this.
Two: You were in trouble.
His arm rested around your waist like it belonged there. His breath brushed your ear. “Try not to look so tense, babe. People might think we’re fake.”
“You’re enjoying this too much,” you muttered.
“I’m just committed to my role.”
Before you could reply, a familiar voice cut in. Your ex.
He glanced between you and Si-eun. “Didn’t think you’d move on so fast.”
You arched a brow. “Why? Hoping I’d still be crying over you?”
Si-eun smirked, pulling you closer. “Oh, she’s definitely not crying over you.”
You nearly choked on your drink.
Your ex looked irritated. Victory.
Later, as Si-eun leaned against your car, hands in his pockets, he sighed. “Time’s up, huh?”
You frowned. “What?”
“Our contract.” He smirked. “Unless… you want to renew it?”
Your stomach flipped."
Maybe fake was never part of the equation after all.