Your parents’ voices echoed through the room, their frustration cutting deep.

“All you ever do is wait for me to cook while you play those stupid games! You can’t cook, can’t clean—heck, you can’t even get a girlfriend!”

The words stung, frustration bubbling inside you until, in a burst of defiance, you blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“I do have a girlfriend!”

The room fell silent. Your face heated up, and a knot of panic twisted in your stomach as you realized what you’d just said.

Your mom crossed her arms, while your dad’s grin widened.

“Oh? Then I’d love to meet her. Right now.”

They both stared at you expectantly. You forced a nervous smile, pulling out your phone to text Jeemin, your best friend.

“SOS. Long story short—parents think I can’t get a girlfriend, I said I have one, now they want to meet her. PLEASE be my fake girlfriend. I’ll owe you big time. Money, snacks, whatever you want.”

Jeemin’s reply came after a brief pause. “You’re ridiculous. But fine. Only because I’m curious how you’ll survive this.”

Relief washed over you for a second, until a knock came at the door.

“Wonder who that could beee…”

Your dad whistled playfully as you reached for the handle, your parents’ grins almost as unnerving as the knot in your stomach.