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Chapter Text

The faint hum of the café's espresso machine mixed with the hushed tones of casual conversations. Kim Mingyu, hidden behind oversized sunglasses and a low-brimmed hat, occupied a corner seat, anxiously waiting for his daily iced coffee. "I should’ve just brewed it at home," he thought, but it didn't taste the same. The comforting routine of the café, and the familiar surroundings, was his solace in the chaos that had become his life.

"I can't believe he'd knock up a girl and is still keeping quiet about it! No one has seen him since the news came out a week ago," one of the ahjummas remarked, the words cutting through Mingyu's thoughts like a dagger. He pulled up his face mask, readjusted his sunglasses, and tugged his hat lower, desperately attempting to shield himself from prying eyes and unwanted attention.

As the grandmas continued their gossip, Mingyu sank further into his seat, awaiting his escape with the anticipated arrival of his coffee. The weight of embarrassment settled over him, a burden he hadn't signed up for. "What's taking so long with my coffee?" he muttered, determined to escape the judgmental glances and speculative whispers.

It wasn't the rumors that bothered him – he was secure in his identity. Mingyu knew he was gay, a fact he had embraced since his high school days in an all-boys school. But the public didn't know that. He had worked tirelessly in the acting industry for the past eight years, quickly becoming the heartthrob actor he is today. Now, facing false accusations and a scandal that threatened to tarnish his carefully crafted image, Mingyu felt the need to hide his true self more than ever.

The day the news broke out – "Heartthrob actor Kim Mingyu, 26, gets beauty influencer Han Ahreum, 23, pregnant!" – his agency instructed him to keep quiet and stay out of the public eye while they figured out a solution. Mingyu, bewildered and angered by the baseless allegations, had never met this girl in his life. The only interaction they had was over Instagram DMs, where she asked him out on a date and he simply replied, "lol no thanks." If only he had known that rejecting her would lead to this mess.

Mingyu's iced coffee finally arrived, a beacon of normalcy in the midst of chaos. He grabbed it, nearly running out of the café, away from the speculative whispers of the gossiping grandmas.

Once outside, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from his agency. "Hello?" he answered, hopeful for a resolution.

"Yes, Mingyu, we might have a solution here if you want to hear us out. We think this is the best shot we have," Seungcheol, the CEO of SVT Entertainment, spoke with an air of authority.

"Anything," Mingyu replied, his voice laced with desperation.

"Come by the office in an hour."

As he hung up, relief mingled with nervous anticipation. Could this finally be the end of the nightmare? On his way home, he thought about the stalled production of the romance drama he was supposed to star in. It was supposed to start filming this week, but the news had forced a halt. JiHoon, the director, reassured him that he was still part of the project, provided he cleared his name.

JiHoon and Mingyu's friendship traced back to their college days in acting school. JiHoon, a year older, had a mature outlook on his future, while Mingyu, fresh out of high school, had a more naive desire for fame. The bond they formed during those four years endured, and JiHoon fought passionately with the producers to keep Mingyu in the project.

Back home, Mingyu dressed carefully, applying a touch of makeup to conceal the stress etched on his face. The familiar incognito combination of facemask, sunglasses, and hat completed his ensemble, a shield against the prying eyes of the media.

As he waited for his manager, Jeonghan, on the sofa, he scrolled through his phone, finding another damaging news article claiming the fictional pregnancy had reached three months. Frustration surged within him. If only he could expose the lies without jeopardizing his dream of an international acting career.

The temptation to post the DM rejection conversation swirled in his mind, but he hesitated. Would it be enough to clear his name, or would it just fan the flames further?

His thoughts were interrupted by a call from Jeonghan, "Come down to the garage."

---

"Do you know what Seungcheol wants to propose at the meeting?" Mingyu asked as he peeled off his stuffy disguise in the back of the blacked-out van.

Jeonghan gave him a weak smile, "I do, but I'm not sure if you're going to like it."

Mingyu shot his head between the driver and passenger seat, locking eyes with Jeonghan, "Why? Is it something bad? Do I have to do some press conference and put my head down in front of media stations and apologize?"

Jeonghan's gaze shifted from the road to Mingyu's concerned face, "Don't worry, Mingyu. Seungcheol is always making decisions that are best for his clients, especially you."

SVT Entertainment had humble beginnings, starting as a small office in the basement of a rundown building with Mingyu as the only actor. Seungcheol and Mingyu had met in a club in Itaewon eight years ago, with Mingyu fresh out of acting school and Seungcheol aspiring to start an entertainment agency.

"How did you know I want to be an actor!" Mingyu had exclaimed in the crowded bathroom of the club, a few soju bottles deep into the night.

"You know, I've always wanted to start an entertainment company… How about you be my first client!" Seungcheol had suggested with a gummy smile.

"Ok!" Mingyu had agreed, the night taking an unexpected turn that would shape their destinies.

Jeonghan was right; Seungcheol had always prioritized Mingyu's future and opinions. He never pushed Mingyu to do anything he didn't want to do, and whenever Mingyu wanted something, Seungcheol tried his best to make it happen. They had built a bond by working long hours to make a name for themselves in the industry all those years ago.

---

Mingyu entered the agency's conference room, expecting to find only his management. To his surprise, another figure sat there – Jeon Wonwoo, the voice that accompanied him through sleepless nights and anxious moments.

Frozen in place, Mingyu's eyes widened as he recognized the familiar face from countless playlists. "Jeon Wonwoo? What are you doing here?" he stammered, confusion etched on his face.

Wonwoo looked equally startled, his usually calm demeanor faltering for a moment. The air in the room shifted as Wonwoo looked away from Mingyu, his cheeks reddening. Seungcheol coughed, bringing the attention back to the matter at hand. "Why don't you take a seat, Mingyu? We have some things to discuss."

Mingyu furrowed his eyebrows at Seungcheol, silently asking for an explanation, to which Seungcheol replied with a look that said, "Sit down and let me explain." The agency representatives began to outline their plans. "We've been strategizing on how to counteract the rumors," one of them explained, glancing between Mingyu and Wonwoo. "And we believe a high-profile fake relationship might be the solution."

Mingyu's eyebrows furrowed, "Fake relationship?"

"Yes," another representative chimed in, "It's a common strategy in the entertainment industry to divert attention. Wonwoo, you're facing contract termination due to low chart performance. This could be a win-win situation for both of you. Mingyu's scandal gets overturned, and Wonwoo's career gets a boost."

Wonwoo nodded, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. Mingyu hesitated, glancing between the agency executives and Wonwoo. The proposal hung in the air, and for a moment, the room was filled with silent contemplation.

Seungcheol saw the hesitation on Mingyu's face, “We don’t have to continue with this plan if you don’t like it Mingyu.” He bit his lips together before continuing, “But you are going to have to give us time to come up with another solution which is going to worsen the rumors more.”

Finally, Mingyu took a deep breath and said, "Let's do it."

The agency representatives exchanged glances, satisfied with Mingyu's agreement. They began to delve into the details of the plan, discussing public appearances, social media posts, and how to create a narrative that would capture the public's imagination.

Seungcheol made sure to keep his eye on Mingyu the entirety of the meeting to make sure his #1 actor and friend was truly okay with the proposition. Meanwhile, Mingyu was trying to get a look at Wonwoo. He couldn’t believe that Wonwoo would be in such a bad position in his career that he would agree to be in a fake gay relationship with someone he didn’t even know. Wait, did Wonwoo even know who Mingyu was? How is coming out as gay going to help clear his name? Wouldn't it make matters worse?

Mingyu's mind raced as he listened, realizing the enormity of what they were about to undertake. Wonwoo absorbed the information with a calm demeanor that betrayed little emotion. Mingyu has so many questions he wants to ask Wonwoo.

Wonwoo must’ve felt Mingyu staring into Wonwoo’s soul because he turned to look at Mingyu and was startled when his intuition was true. They made eye contact for a brief second before Wonwoo quickly looked away, back to the representatives who were talking about the game plan. During that brief second, however, Mingyu felt the wind get knocked out of his lungs. Jeon Wonwoo was really in front of him, sitting in a meeting about fake dating, when Mingyu has had a celebrity crush on Wonwoo ever since he debuted with the song A Thought on an Autumn Night.

As the meeting progressed, the trio – Mingyu, Wonwoo, and the agency representative – left the conference room. Mingyu stole a glance at Wonwoo, who remained stoic. They were about to embark on a journey that blurred the lines between reality and fiction, their lives intertwined by the demands of an industry that demanded sacrifice.

Chapter Text

“Wonwoo-ya, please take a seat.” The CEO of Gose Industries, Joshua Hong, gestured to the seat across his desk. 

Wonwoo nervously made his way towards the CEO while fixing the glasses on his face. The room suddenly became hot for Wonwoo. There’s a reason the CEO had called him to the office personally and he could guess the reason why.

Joshua gave Wonwoo a small smile, noticing how nervous the artist was, “I called you in here privately because I have respect for you Wonwoo. Do you know why I called you in here?”

Wonwoo’s heart sank, “Is it because my last album didn’t sell too well?” Joshua tilted his head in agreement and Wonwoo dropped his head in shame. He tried really hard with the album, but Wonwoo knew it wasn’t the best he could have done. His previous albums performed very well on the charts, but maybe his fans noticed how repetitive his music has become. 

Wonwoo can’t keep writing about a made-up relationship that he’s never been in before. He’s never even dated a girl in general, yet somehow his music has leaned towards romance. What does Wonwoo know about romance? 

Joshua patted Wonwoo’s arm, “I really like you Wonwoo and this is why I called you in here privately. I really hate to say this to you, but it’s bad. The charts are bad, the album sales are bad, the album Wonwoo, was your worst one yet.” Wonwoo grimaced, “We have to do something to get you more noticed in the music industry. You’re already a solo singer competing with K-pop idol groups which is hard in itself, but you have to stand out more.”

Wonwoo knew debuting as a solo artist in the Korean music industry would be hard, but he loved writing and creating his own music. He knew how to dance, but he wanted the freedom of releasing music that he is proud of. Or was proud of… Wonwoo doesn’t know when his music started to become about a made-up romance, but as he’s never been in a relationship himself, he has fully run out of ideas on what to write music about. 

He could always change genre but he’s already developed a fanbase of romantic ballet lovers. He doesn’t want to disappoint them by completely switching genres and quite frankly, Wonwoo doesn’t even know which genre he’d change to anyway. 

Wonwoo sighed, “I know CEO Hong, I know and I’m really sorry. I’ll do my best on the next one I promise.” An empty promise that Wonwoo didn’t even know he could fulfill himself.

“Wonwoo-ya. I can protect you from investors of this company this time around, but I can’t promise that you won’t get dropped from the label if this next album performs poorly.” Wonwoo’s eyes widened at Joshua, who also let out a sigh, “They’ve been on my back about terminating your contract because they think we’re wasting resources.” 

Wonwoo stood up from his chair, No. This can’t be happening. “I’ll do anything CEO Hong, please. I worked so hard to be a singer, please don’t terminate my contract. I’ll go on variety shows! I’ll go to more events! Please-”

Joshua stood up and patted Wonwoo on the shoulder. He looked at Wonwoo with soft eyes, “Wonwoo-ya,” he cut off the rambling singer, “I know you’d do anything. I know more than anyone how hard you’ve worked to make a name for yourself in this industry. That’s why I protected you from the investors this time. Please, take a seat. I might have a proposition for you that would help you boost your career.” 

Wonwoo felt weak at the knees so he grabbed a seat. His world came crashing down on him and he simply felt numb. He knew his promoting skills were below average; he went on a couple of variety shows trying to promote a couple of his albums in the past, but his anxiety had gotten the better of him lately and he stopped appearing in promotions altogether. 

“I think you should start dating.” 

What? Wonwoo looked at Joshua with his eyebrows scrunched in confusion but eyes wide with surprise, “What do you mean? Where would I even find someone to date?” It’s not that Wonwoo didn’t find anyone attractive. Working in the Korean music industry, Wonwoo’s met plenty of attractive singers and idols, but he’s never become close enough to any of them other than getting their numbers and having false promises of eating together sometimes. 

Joshua started compiling a small stack of papers from his desk and shuffled them neatly before he handed it to Wonwoo, “I mean, make the public think you’re in a relationship. A gay relationship. That would stir up the media and with today’s day and age we don’t have any openly gay artists in this industry.” 

Wonwoo looked at the stack of papers with the headline, Heartthrob actor Kim Mingyu, 26, gets beauty influencer pregnant! Wonwoo flips through the next couple of pages with similar titles, Kim Mingyu ignoring his baby mama! Kim Mingyu’s fans send trucks to the agency demanding he gets blacklisted! Kim Mingyu loses 100k followers on Instagram amidst pregnancy scandal! 

Joshua continues, “This is Kim Mingyu. He’s been an actor for 8 years and recently got the title of #1 K-drama Heartthrob until this scandal broke out. His agency is claiming that the rumors are false and asking us for help in clearing his name. He’s under SVT Entertainment and the CEO is one of my closest friends, so I agreed.”

“Agreed to what?” Wonwoo asked while continuing to flip through the articles. If these articles are false, this poor guy is getting berated by the public for nothing, Wonwoo can’t help but feel bad for the guy, Why would anyone even create a rumor like this? 

“For you and Mingyu to date in the public eye.” 

Wonwoo stared at his CEO and blinked a couple of times before speaking, “You can’t be serious.” Wonwoo took off his glasses and began cleaning them because he must be hearing things wrong.

Joshua shook his head, “I am serious Wonwoo. Mingyu needs to be seen in public, in a committed relationship, to prove the news articles wrong. It’s even better in his case if he’s in a relationship with a man to show the public that he’s not out there getting girls pregnant.” Wonwoo opens his mouth to say What does that have to do with me? But Joshua beats him to it, “And for you, it would help you gain some experience being in a relationship, even if it’s fake, to help you with your next album. I know you’re creative enough to do it and I know that you’ve run out of ideas with this previous album. Your fans would see you in a new relationship and be expecting a great next album.”

Wonwoo can’t help but think that his CEO is right. This experience would help in creating his next album, he can’t argue there, but fake dating someone he doesn’t even know?! His heart began to race and he could feel his anxiety starting to consume him. The CEO’s room started to feel smaller and he felt like the people outside the glass windows were whispering about him, about his failure as a solo artist. 

He gets jolted back to reality as Joshua drops a file in front of Wonwoo, “I figured that you’ve never watched Mingyu’s dramas or any of his interviews so I compiled everything we know about him in this file.” Wonwoo stares at the blue folder labeled, Actor: Kim Mingyu, Age: 26, Label: SVT Entertainment, “Look through it, study it; you have to know everything about him by the end of the day because tomorrow you’re going to a meeting at SVT Entertainment to meet him.” 

Tomorrow? Wonwoo flips open the first page and it’s a headshot of Kim Mingyu with his resume attached. Oh, he’s a pretty good-looking dude. Wonwoo blushes but shakes his head free from the thought, “Why so soon?” 

Joshua sighs and loosens the tie around his neck, like he feels relaxed that Wonwoo hasn’t said no to the plan, “It’s been about 3 weeks since the scandal broke out and Seungcheol, I mean CEO Choi, is feeling agitated about the situation. He wants his talent’s name cleared as soon as possible and I’m sure Mingyu is feeling the same way.” 

“How are you so sure that the rumors are false?” Wonwoo asks suspiciously, “He could be lying for all we know and trying to bury the poor girl while she’s pregnant with his kid.” 

Joshua lets out a laugh and leans back in his chair while waving his hand which dismisses Wonwoo’s accusation, “No I believe CEO Choi. Like I said, we’re good friends. And besides, Mingyu is gay.” 

Oh. “He doesn’t look gay,” without knowing, Wonwoo said his thoughts out loud and he smacked his hand over his mouth, surprised at his own words. 

Joshua laughs again and raises an eyebrow at Wonwoo, “Wonwoo-ya it’s 2024, you can’t be saying that.” Joshua fixes himself on his chair, taking a more serious posture by folding his fingers together and resting them on top of his desk, “And besides, aren’t you gay yourself? How can you not tell?”

With his cheeks feeling hot Wonwoo quickly looks away from his CEO, not confirming or denying his question. Wonwoo never openly said he was gay or straight, but he did catch himself being more interested in the male K-pop idol performances than the girls. He’s never been in a relationship that would help him confirm his sexuality. 

Wonwoo quickly stands up from his chair and grabs Mingyu’s file, wrapping it close to his chest, “I’ll be sure to learn everything there is to know about Kim Mingyu and be prepared for tomorrow’s meeting. Thank you for this opportunity, CEO Hong. If you don’t mind, I will excuse myself now.” He quickly makes his way out without looking at his CEO, face still red with embarrassment. Wonwoo was 27 years old with no dating experience and unsure about his sexuality, how pathetic, Wonwoo thinks to himself. 

“Let me know how the meeting goes!” Joshua shouts out to Wonwoo before he leaves the door of his office without looking back.

In a daze, Wonwoo walked away, pondering the unexpected turn his career had taken.

As he stepped into the corridor, the sterile overhead lights casting a clinical glow, Wonwoo couldn't shake the feeling that his world was about to change in ways he could never have imagined. The weight of Mingyu's file pressed against his chest, a tangible reminder of the journey he was about to embark on. He ventured into the company's bustling hallway, where the hum of office activity surrounded him like a distant melody. Wonwoo navigated the maze of cubicles and conference rooms, lost in his thoughts. The eyes of passing colleagues seemed to linger on him, perhaps curious about the closed-door meeting with the CEO.

The elevator doors slid open, and Wonwoo stepped into the confined space. The soft ping of the elevator indicated his descent, but his mind ascended into a whirlwind of contemplation. This proposition – a staged relationship, a dance of illusions – hung in the air like an unresolved chord in his life's symphony.

As he exited the building, a gust of wind swept through the streets, carrying the fragrance of street food and distant traffic. Wonwoo adjusted his scarf, shielding himself from both the winter chill and the impending storm that now brewed within him.

The drive home was a silent one, the city lights flickering like stars against the canvas of the night. Wonwoo's mind replayed the conversation with CEO Hong, and the echo of Mingyu's name resonated in his thoughts. Tomorrow, he would step into the realm of actors and entangle his fate with a stranger named Kim Mingyu.

Upon reaching his apartment, Wonwoo unlocked the door with a sigh. The familiar scent of solitude welcomed him. The soft glow of his desk lamp illuminated the room, casting shadows on the sheets of music scattered across his workspace. The room, once a sanctuary for his creative musings, now felt like a stage where the spotlight of uncertainty shone upon him.

Wonwoo placed Mingyu's file on the desk, the weight of its significance settling alongside the unanswered questions that lingered in his mind. He gazed out of the window, where the cityscape unfolded like a tapestry of dreams and aspirations.

With a heavy heart, he sank into the chair, fingers brushing against the keys of his piano. The soft melody that emerged was not a composition from his albums but a tentative prelude to the unforeseen duet that awaited him with Kim Mingyu – a dance of fabricated notes in the symphony of their intertwined destinies.

Chapter Text

Mingyu walked a step behind Wonwoo, trailing the duo like a shadow. The soft murmur of hushed voices between Wonwoo and his representative, Lee Chan, created an intimate bubble that Mingyu didn't dare to penetrate. His mind was a whirlwind of disbelief and nervous anticipation. 

Fake relationship with Jeon Wonwoo?  

Mingyu couldn’t tell if this was fate or if the universe was just making fun of him. His heart drummed against his ribs, the rhythm echoing the uncertainty of the situation. Keeping his gaze fixed on the floor, Mingyu tugged his mask further up his nose as he kept his gaze on the floor. He’s gotten so used to making himself small and blending into the public these past few weeks and now he’s about to announce to the world that he was in a committed relationship with a man, and not just any man – a singer celebrated for his love songs. 

That’s right… Wonwoo was a singer known for creating the best love songs… About women. Or so Mingyu assumed; Wonwoo never put specific details about who he was singing about but the titles of his last couple of tracks seemed like he knew a thing or two about dating women. 

Lost in his contemplation, Mingyu barely registered the van they were approaching. The abrupt reality hit him, and the prospect of standing beside Wonwoo, feigning a connection, sent shivers down his spine. 

As they boarded the van, Chan's voice broke through Mingyu's thoughts, "Alright, Mingyu-sshi, Wonwoo is about to go to a fan meeting. It's a small venue with about 300 seats. You need to come with us."

"Already?" Mingyu's voice betrayed his surprise. "I-I don't think I'm ready yet!" The abruptness of the situation left him flustered. He and Wonwoo haven’t even spoken a word to each other but they’re supposed to be in love?

"Don't worry," Chan reassured with a soft smile, "you don't have to do or say anything. Just stand behind the stage, visible enough for the fans. We're creating the image of a 'secret relationship being softly launched.' You just have to stand there and smile at Wonwoo occasionally. Can you do that?"

The pressure intensified, and Mingyu sought support from Wonwoo, whose attention seemed fixated on the passing garage walls. Mingyu’s heart sank, “Does Wonwoo even want to do this?” Wonwoo turned his head and their eyes met. Mingyu’s heart skipped a beat as Wonwoo nodded his head but his eyes looked sad. “Hi my name is Kim Mingyu and I am an actor.” He stuck his hand out to Wonwoo. 

Wonwoo looked at him with confusion before looking at Mingyu’s hand and reaching over to give it a small shake, “Yes, I know. I was given your file yesterday. My CEO told me the rundown of both of our situations and why this ‘relationship’ would benefit us.” Wonwoo said carefully.

A file? Mingyu didn’t get a file? Not that he needed one but a heads up would have been nice. Mingyu noticed that their hands were still clasped together before he coughed and quickly let go, “You don’t have to answer me if you think I’m being rude, but why would this relationship benefit you?”

Wonwoo let out a slightly bitter laugh, “You’re not being rude. It’s only fair since I’ve read all of the articles regarding your scandal.” Mingyu’s face reddened and the car suddenly felt hot. He wanted to open a window, “I’m not sure if you know me, you probably don’t, but my name is Jeon Wonwoo and I’m a solo artist. My songs are usually about relationships but my last album didn’t do so well…” Wonwoo’s voice got quieter like he was ashamed to speak out loud about his situation, “My agency is threatening to drop my contract if I don’t get my sales higher for the next album. Being in a relationship might gain some public interest in my next album.” 

“No way!” Mingyu claimed a little louder than he intended which startles Wonwoo. He felt a blush creep up to his cheeks as he stated in an appropriate level voice, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” He scratched the back of his head, “But I thought your last album was amazing! I have it in my playlist, see!” Mingyu quickly pulled out his phone and shoved it in Wonwoo’s face. 

Wonwoo’s eyes widened and looked back and forth between Mingyu and his phone. Mingyu was listening to Wonwoo’s newest title track “Dreams, Books, Power and Walls” before he got to the meeting to calm himself down. 

Mingyu put his phone back into his sweater pocket, “Sure this song isn’t your typical genre of love songs but this song felt so personal and I related to it so much. The pressure of growing up, feeling powerless and overlooked.” Mingyu’s eyes twinkled. He felt comforted by Wonwoo’s lyrics for this track and was his favorite song by Wonwoo by far. The lyrics made him feel like he was not alone in the struggle of transitioning into the adult world in the eyes of the public.

Wonwoo gaped at Mingyu, speechless for a couple of seconds before he said in a soft voice, “You listen to my music?” 

The smile that was on Mingyu’s face faltered, “I’m sorry, was I being too much of a crazy fan? It’s just that I’ve been listening to your music since you debuted and loved every single track you’ve ever made.” Mingyu looked at Wonwoo to see if he’s weirded out. To be fair, Mingyu’s encountered plenty of crazy fans but now Wonwoo is stuck in a car with one.

Wonwoo gave him a small laugh, to which Mingyu wanted to hear over and over again, “No, no it’s okay. I was just surprised that’s all. I think my previous album had around 120,000 in sales so I wasn’t sure if you knew me or not.” 

Mingyu grabbed Wonwoo’s arm and gave it a small shake, “Hyung- Can I call you hyung?” Wonwoo nods, “I’ve been listening to you since you debuted with A Thought on an Autumn Night. I fell in love with your lyrics because they were so personal and gentle.” Mingyu noticed Wonwoo starting to blush and look away. Mingyu wanted to touch his face but instead kept his hands to himself, “Sure, your other albums went towards love songs but your debut song was real and raw I was so relieved to listen to Dreams, Books, Power, and Walls.” 

Wonwoo let out a bitter laugh which he covered with a tight-lipped smile, “Well I’m glad there was someone out there that enjoyed it. The rest of the world seems to be more interested in my love songs.” 

Mingyu bit his lip and sank back into his chair, “Right…” That’s what made Wonwoo get stuck in this situation in the first place. 

Wonwoo shook his head, “It’s alright. That’s why we’re doing this yeah? I’ll probably get some inspiration out of this situation we’re in.” He gave a weak chuckle before looking out the window once more. 

Mingyu turned his attention back to Representative Chan, “So you said I just have to stand behind the curtain and watch Wonwoo at his fan meeting?” 

Chan nodded, “Yes, and try to look like you’re in love with him. You’re an actor so I’m sure it’ll come easily to you.” 

I don’t think I even have to act.

—---

Mingyu had taken a seat on the sofa in the waiting room as Wonwoo got ready for his fan meeting. A team of stylists and makeup artists surrounded Wonwoo, blocking Mingyu from seeing how he looked. Mingyu peeked up from his phone every once in a while, hoping to catch a glance.

“Ok, it’s time for you to change, Wonwoo,” one of the stylists called out. Mingyu quickly shut off his phone and looked up at Wonwoo from the mirror. His breath hitched as he saw Wonwoo without his glasses, with an orangey eyeshadow that made his eyes sharper, and hair styled with his bangs pushed to the side, exposing his forehead. Mingyu caught Wonwoo staring back at him from the mirror, which made him cough and quickly look away.

Mingyu continued to look at the floor as Wonwoo got up to get changed for his event, and the other people in the room began wrapping up. Mingyu had seen a couple of Wonwoo’s concert clips on YouTube whenever he had free time, but they were all shot from afar. He was a fan of Wonwoo’s music, but he never got the chance to look at Wonwoo’s fanpages that showed how beautiful he truly was.

“Mingyu,” Chan called out from the hallway, “It’s time.” Mingyu shot up from the sofa, scrambling to gather his belongings, and began putting his facemask over his ears. “You don’t need that. The fans have to see your face, remember?”

Right. Mingyu had gotten used to hiding from the public, and it had become a habit for him to hide his identity whenever he stepped out of his privacy. Would he finally be free from the shame he felt for showing his face in public?

He followed Chan through the corridors of the venue and backstage at the event. Mingyu heard the bustling voices of fangirls waiting for the artist to appear get closer and closer until he stopped alongside Chan right behind the right stage curtain.

“We checked out all of the seats beforehand to see which angle had the best view of you. The people on the left side can all see you, and some people in the middle as well. The right side can’t see you at all, but that’s okay. This is supposed to look like you’re here secretly supporting your boyfriend.”

Mingyu nodded as Chan explained what was going to happen at the fan meeting, but he stopped listening as Wonwoo began to walk backstage. Mingyu felt as if his breath was taken away as they locked eyes. Wonwoo was dressed in the typical "boyfriend material" outfit, but it just looked better on him. Like he fit the role.

Wonwoo approached Mingyu with a smile, “Sorry, I probably look ridiculous to you right now. It’s what the fans like.”

The fans always know their stuff.

Mingyu returned the smile, “No, you look great.” Mingyu could see Wonwoo’s soft blush even in the dimmed light setting.

Chan coughs, letting his presence be known between the two, “As I was saying, Mingyu, the event is 2.5 hours. You don’t have to be here for the entire time, but just long enough that the people in the crowd recognize who you are. Hopefully, they get some pics as well.”

Mingyu’s eyes widened over to Wonwoo, “2.5 hours? By yourself? Don’t you get exhausted?”

Wonwoo smiled and waved his hand in dismissal, “I do, but this is what I love doing. Even more than concerts because fan meetings feel more personal, and I get to talk to my supporters.”

Mingyu looked at Wonwoo with admiration. He was glad Wonwoo truly loved his job and his fans. Mingyu became a fan of Wonwoo just from his music and lyrics, but he was relieved to see that his favorite artist was a good person too. It’s hard to find such passionate and admirable people in their field.

“Ok, Wonwoo, it’s time for you to get going.” Chan patted Wonwoo on the arm as he pointed his head in the direction of Wonwoo’s manager, who was tapping the invisible watch on his wrist. Wonwoo nodded and started his vocal warm-ups while readjusting his earpiece. He gets handed his signature yellow microphone by his staff. Mingyu watched with twinkling eyes as he saw Wonwoo transform from an awkward and quiet man to someone with a bright smile and confidence. The scream from the crowd got louder as the MC of the event announced Wonwoo’s name, and Wonwoo made his way onto the stage. Mingyu couldn’t help but also cheer as Wonwoo greeted his fans with waves and a smile big enough to hide Wonwoo’s eyes.

—---

Mingyu watched at Wonwoo greeted himself and thanked his fans for coming out to the event. Wonwoo announced to the crowd that he was going to start by singing his most popular song, A Thought on an Autumn Night. Mingyu’s eyes widened as he scrambled to find which pocket his phone was in without taking his eyes off Wonwoo. He had to get this on video. He was finally watching his favorite singer sing the song that brought him comfort when he needed it most. 

Mingyu pressed record as he listened to Wonwoo begin to sing. He started to sway with the music as he felt the lyrics touch his soul like it did the first time he ever stumbled across it on his evening walk. He found the song during a time in his life when he wanted to give up everything and go back home. The city of Seoul felt too big and Mingyu felt too small. He missed his family and was always exhausted doing audition after audition and failing every one of them. Then, he listened to this song that told him it is okay to cherish the memories he has and the people he misses, but also recognize that the present also has beauty in it, so to hold on to those memories as they will become dear. 

Mingyu let out a quiet laugh from his nose as he realized that the memories of his struggle were now a precious moment in his life that shaped him to be the person he is today. He continued to watch Wonwoo perform through his most loved songs, forgetting all of his stress and worries as he felt Wonwoo’s soft voice course through his body. 

Mingyu’s smile dropped as he saw from his peripheral vision. The people in the crowd began pointing in his direction with scrunched eyebrows and angry glances. Wonwoo’s fans know that Mingyu is there and they don’t like it. 

Mingyu's anxiety heightened as the hostile glances from Wonwoo's fans intensified. The warmth of the venue seemed to turn chilly, and he instinctively took a step backward, as if preparing to retreat from the unexpected scrutiny.

His heart raced, and for a moment, the lyrics of Wonwoo's empowering songs felt like a distant echo drowned out by the disapproving whispers around him. He stopped recording, his fingers fumbling with the phone, now heavy with a sense of intrusion. Was he ruining Wonwoo's fan meeting? The notion haunted him.

Chan's voice, a whisper of reassurance, barely registered against the rhythmic pounding in Mingyu's ears. "Mingyu, you can't leave now. You can't look guilty. You didn't do anything wrong, remember? This is your chance to prove that to the public."

Forcing himself to take deep breaths, Mingyu tried to anchor his thoughts. "I'm not guilty. I didn't do anything wrong." He repeated the mantra silently, though a persistent unease lingered. It wasn't about the scandal or the fabricated relationship – it was the feeling that Wonwoo's fan meeting had inadvertently become about him.

Determined to salvage the situation, Mingyu composed himself.. "I'm not guilty. I didn't do anything wrong," he reiterated, steadying himself. The dilemma of being a public figure weighed heavily on him – the scrutiny, the judgments, and the constant fear of disappointing others.

As the MC announced the continuation of the fan meeting, Mingyu took a hesitant step forward. His eyes were drawn back to Wonwoo, the focal point of the event, who sang with such captivating charm and charisma that had the audience entranced. Mingyu swallowed what felt like his anxiety and resisted the urge to hide. He was determined to face the collective gaze of Wonwoo's fans, even if it meant enduring disapproving stares.

With a deep breath, Mingyu lifted his head and forced a smile. The fans, sensing his presence, directed various degrees of displeasure his way. Yet, Mingyu stood his ground, the resolve in his eyes softening the initial hostility from some in the crowd.

The event unfolded, and Mingyu gradually embraced the role he had unintentionally acquired. As Wonwoo continued to serenade the audience, Mingyu positioned himself to be visible, occasionally glancing toward the singer with a carefully calibrated smile. The challenge wasn't merely about playing the part of a supportive partner; it was about demonstrating resilience in the face of unwarranted criticism.

Throughout the fan meeting, Mingyu navigated the delicate balance between not stealing Wonwoo's spotlight and affirming his presence as part of the orchestrated narrative. The weight of judgment gradually lessened as some fans, perhaps begrudgingly, accepted the notion of Mingyu being there to support Wonwoo.

—--

When the fan meeting concluded, and Wonwoo bowed to thunderous applause, Mingyu allowed himself a moment of relief. The strain in his shoulders eased, and he exchanged a brief nod with Chan. The battle against the skeptical glances had been fought if not entirely won.

As Wonwoo walked off the stage he approached Mingyu with a bright smile on his face. Mingyu’s breath caught in his throat as he saw how good Wonwoo looked even after being in the spotlight for the entirety of the fan meeting. In the midst of the bustling surroundings, Wonwoo's captivating presence stole Mingyu's attention entirely. Mingyu found himself lost in the magnetic allure of Wonwoo's appearance as the world became a blur around him.

As Wonwoo spoke, his words became a mere murmur, drowned out by Mingyu's admiration. The details of the conversation faded, and Mingyu struggled to focus on anything other than the sheer beauty that held him captive.

Shaking his head, Mingyu reluctantly returned to reality. The imaginary spotlight that had momentarily lit Wonwoo faded, and Mingyu blinked, realizing he had momentarily lost track of their conversation. "Sorry, what was that? I couldn't hear you because of the crowd."

Wonwoo chuckled, oblivious to Mingyu's lie, "I asked if you were able to enjoy the event. I'm surprised you were here the entire time. It was quite long."

"Of course, I was here the entire time, Hyung!" Mingyu exclaimed, a genuine enthusiasm coloring his words, "I told you I was a fan even before we met today!"

A blush crept onto Wonwoo's cheeks, a familiar reaction from their previous exchange of compliments. Mingyu made a mental note to sprinkle more compliments in Wonwoo's direction. "R-Right. I'm glad you enjoyed it," Wonwoo stammered, his gaze drifting to the ground, "I-I should get going. You know, to change... and stuff... Then we can go home!" Suddenly, Wonwoo shot his head up, "Yeah! Change and go home. I'll go do that," and with that, he abruptly left Mingyu, practically sprinting toward the corridors of the venue.

Mingyu chuckled, shaking his head in amused disbelief. "Oh, I'm in trouble."

Chapter Text

“Actor, Kim Mingyu, Spotted at Solo-Artist, Jeon Wonwoo’s Fan Meeting Amidst Scandal!” Joshua announced as he projected the article onto the screen. In the meeting room at Gose Industries, Wonwoo, Mingyu, Jeonghan, Chan, and Moon Junhui, Wonwoo’s manager, were all seated, their attention focused on the unfolding news.

Mingyu glanced around the room, sensing a heaviness in the air. Wonwoo took a sip of water, a subtle telltale sign of his nervousness. "This is good, right?" Mingyu ventured, breaking the silence. He noticed Wonwoo's nervous habit and couldn't help but comment, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yes, Mingyu, that was the plan!" Joshua chimed in. "Now we just have to figure out what the next step is."

Joshua turned to Representative Chan, seeking guidance. "We can’t just outright say that they’re dating. It would look like a fake cover-up for his scandal."

Chan nodded in agreement, "They will continue to remain ‘hidden’ until the public speculates themselves that they are in a relationship. We are going to take this slow and steady."

Wonwoo, clearly anxious about the timeline, interjected, "Slow and steady? I don’t have slow and steady. My album is supposed to be released in 3 months, and I don’t have a single song ready for it!"

Mingyu echoed Wonwoo's concern, "I don’t have time for slow and steady either. I’m supposed to start filming for a new drama next month."

Chan clicked his tongue disapprovingly, "Do you think I don’t know that? But as CEO Hong said, we can’t just release that you guys are dating all of a sudden. Slow and steady means that for the next couple of weeks, you guys will be going out on dates every day, and slowly, day by day, people will start to recognize you two."

Mingyu sank back into his seat, uncertainty written on his face. Would the public 'forgive' him so soon? He leaned over to Jeonghan and whispered, "What does Seungcheol think about this?"

Jeonghan responded in a hushed tone, "He’s going with whatever CEO Hong thinks is best."

Mingyu leaned back, eyeing Wonwoo, who was already staring at him. Their sudden eye contact startled them both, prompting them to look away quickly.

Joshua flipped to the next page of the presentation, revealing images of the bustling streets of Myeongdong. Chan stood up, adjusting his tie, "I was thinking, the next date should be in Myeongdong." He detailed the plan, pointing out various couple spots where Mingyu and Wonwoo could take pictures separately. The intention was that fans on the streets would notice them, and take pictures from afar, and online fans would match the images, realizing they were together.

“You guys will be by yourselves this time,” Chan added, giving Mingyu a careful look. Mingyu nodded and smiled, overcoming the anxiety that had plagued him during Wonwoo’s fan meeting.

"When is the date?" Wonwoo asked, his stoic face revealing little emotion.

“Tonight!” Chan exclaimed with a bright smile. “It’s a Thursday, so there won’t be as much of a crowd, but just enough to get you two noticed. You won't be going to the shops to get ready; that would make the date look staged. Just go home and wear whatever you have.”

——-

He was supposed to wear whatever. Mingyu’s face reddened as Wonwoo approached him with crescent eyes, his smile hidden by the face mask. The bustling streets of Myeongdong, a dazzling spectacle of neon lights and the distant hum of city life, faded into a blur as that imaginary spotlight once again shined on Wonwoo.

Wonwoo, in a stylish ensemble featuring a pristine white hoodie under a chic tan long coat and simple blue jeans, stood out as a beacon of brightness compared to Mingyu’s all-black hoodie, jean jacket, and pants combo. Stopping in front of Mingyu, Wonwoo couldn't help but comment, giving a small laugh, “What’s with the dark look?”

Mingyu cursed the face mask that concealed Wonwoo’s smile before playfully shooting back, “What’s with the perfect boyfriend look?” A subtle tint of pink crept above Wonwoo’s mask, a detail Mingyu couldn't help but notice with a smile. Mingyu chuckled and grabbed Wonwoo’s hand, leading the way toward the inner part of the city. “Where should we go, hyung? I’ve never been here before. It’s always too crowded for me.”

Wonwoo trailed alongside Mingyu, their hands laced together, as they navigated the vibrant streets. “I don’t know. I’ve never been here either… I don’t really like crowded places too.” Mingyu turned his head to look down at Wonwoo, who kept his gaze on the floor. “Well! We’re just going to have to wander around until we find something fun! How about a cafe?”

Wonwoo looked up at Mingyu, scrunching his nose, “I don’t like coffee that much.” His comment brought Mingyu to a halt in the middle of the street, dragging Wonwoo backward. “You don’t like coffee?! It’s the best thing ever!”

Wonwoo shrugged, “I’ll have it occasionally, but it’s late now. I won’t be able to sleep.” Mingyu took a mental note of that before weaving through the crowd. “Ok, no problem! Are you hungry? How about we stop at one of these street vendors?”

In a small voice, Wonwoo admitted, “I’ve never had street food before.” Mingyu stopped again, tugging Wonwoo back, who let out a surprised huff. “What?! They’re also the best!”

Wonwoo laughed, “Is everything the best for you?” Mingyu playfully swatted his free hand, “Noooo. Some things are bad like roller coasters, bugs, or anything taller than me. But trust me! Street food is good!”

Wonwoo chuckled, “Ok, I believe you. I’ve always wanted to try it. How about some tteokbokki?” The brightest smile appeared on Mingyu’s face as he dragged a laughing Wonwoo to the closest tteokbokki stand they could find. Steam wafted from the food, enticing Mingyu's senses. It had been a long time since he was able to enjoy street food in public.

Mingyu eyed the fishcakes resting in a pot next to the tteokbokki, swallowing the saliva that built up in his mouth. He turned to Wonwoo, who looked at the food in amazement, “Should we get 2 orders of the tteokbokki and fish cake soup?”

Wonwoo shook his head, “I’m not gonna have the fish cake soup. I’m not a big fan of seafood.” Mingyu gasped, “But seafood’s the be-“ They were so different from each other.

Wonwoo interrupted Mingyu, “Best? You’re not gonna be able to convince me on this one, Mingyu.” Wonwoo smiled behind his mask, “I’ll just take the tteokbokki.” They paid for their food, and Mingyu felt a pang of regret as they had to let go of their hands to hold the food. He cursed at his past self for suggesting street food, leaving him with fish cake soup in his hand rather than Wonwoo’s hand.

They made their way towards a seemingly emptier side road and crouched along a closed shop. Mingyu was about to dig into his food when he realized his facemask prevented him from doing so. “Hey, hyung? Would you mind pulling down my mask for me? My hands are full?” Mingyu raised his hands to show that they were both occupied.

Wonwoo stammered, “Y-Yeah sure,” before reaching over and pulling Mingyu’s mask below his chin. Mingyu flashed Wonwoo a canine smile that made his eyes disappear before taking a swig of his soup. “Ahhhh this is it, Wonwoo-hyung! I can’t believe you don’t like this!” Wonwoo was still looking at Mingyu in awe.

Wonwoo gave a quivering smile as he cleared his throat, “I don’t know; I’ve just never liked seafood growing up. I tried it again recently, and the smell made me gag. It reminded me of when my parents used to hide fish in my rice, trying to get me to eat more seafood.”

Mingyu laughed as he took a bite from his tteokbokki, “That’s so cute. I can imagine little Wonwoo-hyung crying that fish is hiding in his food.” Wonwoo looked back over at Mingyu, and his gaze stopped at his lips. Wonwoo pulled a tissue out of his pocket and reached over to wipe Mingyu’s mouth, “You have a little…” Mingyu’s smile froze along with his breathing as Wonwoo wiped the sauce lingering on the corner of his mouth.

Wonwoo smiled as he folded the napkin away and pulled down his mask, ready to eat his dish. Mingyu, however, couldn’t stop staring at Wonwoo while still having food in his mouth. His heart was beating too fast for him to even think about swallowing, fearing that it would come back up out of sheer nervousness.

Oh Jean Wonwoo, I think you stole my heart.

——

Mingyu flopped down on his cozy sofa, utterly exhausted yet still buzzing with excitement from the date. He covered his eyes with one arm, sinking into the cushions as he replayed every detail of their date in his head.

As the night went on, Mingyu discovered just how different he and Wonwoo were. Wonwoo was more into low-key evenings, preferring to stay in, write, listen to music, play video games, and catch up on his favorite YouTube subscriptions. He tended to forget to eat, often resorting to ordering takeout. Mingyu, on the other hand, despised the emptiness of being home alone. He loved cooking on his own and, despite his hectic schedule, always made time for a homemade meal. His ideal moments involved hanging out with friends like Seungcheol and Jeonghan, or movies and TV shows whenever he had the time. He liked watching his colleagues and learning from their expressions in each scenario.

Yet, amidst these differences, Mingyu found an unexpected comfort when he was with Wonwoo. It was as if their differences faded away, and Mingyu felt like he could genuinely be himself. Beyond connecting with Wonwoo's lyrics, there was a connection with the person behind the artist, even if their interests didn't align perfectly.

His thoughts were interrupted by a notification ping on his phone. Mingyu, hoping for a text from Wonwoo, was met with an Instagram message from Han Ahreum instead.

"Are you and Jean Wonwoo dating…?"

The message was accompanied by a link to an article titled “Jeon Wonwoo and Kim Mingyu Spotted in Myeongdong!” A vivid photo of them strolling hand in hand and savoring tanghulu captured the essence of the night.

A grin stretched across Mingyu's face as he marveled at the candid shot. He remembered Wonwoo’s jaw dropped at the first bite of the tanghulu but continued to eat it anyway before saying it was way too sweet for him. 

Mingyu was so happy during the date that he didn’t realize that the public had taken notice of them and snapped pictures. With a content sigh, he lay back on the couch, scrolling through the moments captured by Wonwoo. Laughter, stolen glances, and shared joy filled each frame. "These turned out great," he mumbled to the empty room. "Wish we had one together."

In the process, he stumbled upon the candid snaps he managed to take of Wonwoo. These weren't the carefully curated ones for social media but raw, unfiltered moments when Wonwoo was lost in his own world.

Zooming in on a photo of Wonwoo exploring cartoon character keychains, Mingyu became entranced by the details. Wonwoo's side profile, adorned with glasses and a face mask, held a unique charm that made Mingyu lose track of time.

Sighing once more, he closed the photo, letting his mind linger on those intimate moments. Mingyu figured that since there was already a news article about their date, he decided it was the perfect moment to share his favorite photos of the night. With the news already out there, he selected his best shots, hit upload, and powered off his phone, leaving the room tingling with anticipation for what the morning would unveil.

—---

A week later, Chan entered the Gose meeting room, his face lighting up. "It’s working! The public is starting to wonder if Mingyu and Wonwoo are dating!"

The familiar team of Mingyu, Jeonghan, Wonwoo, Jun, and Joshua occupied their seats, deep into their daily grind of strategizing. Articles about Mingyu and Wonwoo's public dates were multiplying, each adding a layer to the speculations. The duo, caught holding hands and standing closer than just friends, triggered a buzz. Restaurants witnessed them side by side, breaking the norm of sitting across from each other.

In the midst of it all, Mingyu couldn't shake the guilt every time he entered the meeting room. He was genuinely enjoying his time with Wonwoo, sharing bits of their lives. Wonwoo became more than just a contracted companion; he evolved into Mingyu's best friend, someone who knew him inside out. Mingyu felt a magnetic pull to Wonwoo's comforting warmth, often finding himself sharing more than he should.

"Wonwoo-sshi, you’ve been invited to a radio show to talk about your next mini-album," Joshua declared, leaning in with curiosity, "Speaking of, do you have any songs ready for the album?" Mingyu observed Wonwoo's nervous swallow.

"Y-Yes, I have some songs written. I can play them for you after the meeting," Wonwoo replied hesitantly.

Joshua grinned and clapped his hands. "Perfect! I can’t wait to hear them! I’ve got to go, but Jun and Chan, update me later!"

Eager to be part of the music experience, Mingyu asked, "Can I join?"

"No!" Wonwoo's sudden snap made Mingyu's excitement drop. Wonwoo, realizing his abruptness, blushed and awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. "I mean, you can listen to it when the album comes out! Ha.. ha.."

Mingyu, disappointed, mumbled, "Oh… Ok…" Hurt lingered in his eyes. He thought their connection was strong enough for a private listen, but apparently not.

Wonwoo bit his lip, sensing Mingyu's disappointment. "I’m sorry, Mingyu. I promise I’ll show you my new music if Joshua approves. Some of them are not good, though."

Avoiding eye contact, Mingyu forced a tight-lipped smile. The tension lingered as Chan redirected the focus to business.

"As CEO Hong said, Wonwoo-sshi, you’re going on a radio show tomorrow morning to talk about your new album," Chan announced, handing out a packet of interview questions. Mingyu's heart raced as he read a particularly delicate one: "Who’s the inspiration for your next album?"

The scripted response chilled him, "I think you’re trying to ask me about the articles that have come out recently about me. For now, I’ll just say no comment." Mingyu couldn’t imagine such a cold-hearted response coming from Wonwoo, but he understood what this industry would do to a person if they showed any signs of anxiousness. 

Looking at Wonwoo, Mingyu felt a pang of empathy. It had been years since Wonwoo appeared on a radio show, and Mingyu wished he could be there to support him.

"Can I go with you, Wonwoo?" Mingyu asked, voicing his thoughts the second it came in.

Wonwoo, taken aback, stammered, "Huh?" Mingyu explained, "I’ll be there to support you! And us showing up together would show the radio host that the rumors might be true! We could officially go public!" Mingyu’s eyes shifted around the room, hoping everyone believed his excuse of being tired of hiding. In reality, Mingyu just wanted to make sure Wonwoo was okay.

Chan, after initial surprise, agreed to let them go together, but with a condition. Wonwoo must stick to the script. The mystery of their relationship would persist until Wonwoo unveiled the name of his title track, a reveal Chan assured would happen within the next week.

—--

“You’ve been invited to the premiere of that new movie Lee JiHoon directed tomorrow!” Seungcheol exclaimed with a bright smile as Mingyu and Jeonghan returned to SVT Entertainment to discuss their plan to attend the radio show with Wonwoo. Mingyu entered Seungcheol’s office with an initial excitement that faded with the unexpected news. 

“You should be happy! Why aren’t you happy? This is a sign that the public is starting to forgive you!” Seungcheol slapped Mingyu across the arm, puzzled by his friend's sudden shift in mood.

Mingyu slumped onto the sofa, curling into a ball and grabbing fistfuls of his hair. Closing his eyes, he let out a groan, desperately wishing it was all a dream. Tomorrow was meant to be about supporting Wonwoo, ensuring he remained calm and reassured before and after the radio show.

“Why is he like this?” Seungcheol nudged his boyfriend on the arm.

Jeonghan sighed, making his way over to the sofa and lifting Mingyu's legs to make room. “He promised Wonwoo that he would go to his radio show with him tomorrow.”

“Now why did he do that?” Seungcheol inquired, puzzled by Mingyu’s unexpected commitment. He scooted himself under Mingyu's head, which now rested on his lap.

Jeonghan gently stroked Mingyu's scrunched-up form. “I think he likes Wonwoo-sshi. Actually likes him, more than a friend or companion in their fake relationship.”

Mingyu groaned once more, expressing his frustration. “I want to go to the radio show.”

Seungcheol delivered a swift slap to the back of Mingyu's head. “Idiot, you have to go to the premiere. You can’t keep hiding from the media, especially with your drama filming in a couple of weeks.”

“But why so suddenly? I thought the public wanted nothing to do with me!” Mingyu exclaimed, rubbing the back of his head.

“That was until a few days ago when more and more pictures of you and Wonwoo on dates came out,” Seungcheol explained. “Haven’t you been reading the news? The comments from netizens are all shifting towards your support.”

Jeonghan displayed the most recent article on his phone, capturing their date at a cat cafe. Mingyu's heart clenched as he saw himself looking at Wonwoo with adoration while Wonwoo petted the cats. Jeonghan then scrolled to the comments which read, “They look so in love! I hope they’re dating!”, “There’s no way Kim Mingyu got a girl pregnant when he’s dating a man!”, “Wonwoo-oppa would never date a man that got a girl pregnant! That just proves that the rumors were false!” Each comment had thousands of likes, showing that other people agreed. 

As Jeonghan put away his phone, Mingyu curled into a ball once more and cried, “But Wonwoooo- I promised I’d be thereeee.”

Seungcheol sighed, attempting to bring reason into the emotional turmoil. “Mingyu, you can’t let your career go for this guy. I don’t want to be the one to say this, but you guys are in a fake relationship, remember?” Mingyu froze at Seungcheol’s whisper, “What if he doesn’t feel the same about you, Mingyu? He could just be committed to the role since his career was on the line.”

Mingyu shot himself up, a glare directed at Seungcheol. “Don’t you think I know that?” He despised being reminded that their dates might mean nothing to Wonwoo when it meant everything to him. He resented the fact that if they weren’t in trouble, they probably wouldn’t have met at all. Mingyu would have continued to admire Wonwoo’s music, and Wonwoo would have lived without knowing him.

Seungcheol patted Mingyu on the back before standing up to walk back to his desk. “You’re going to the premiere tomorrow, Mingyu. That’s that. You guys can leave now.”

—---

I’m ere at the pre mier, goof luck at the radio shiw

Thanks Mingyu. Good luck at your premier :) 

Sorruy I coudln’t come :( How ar eyou feeling?

Nervous, but I think I’ll be okay. My manager, Jun, is taking good care of me. Don’t worry :)

Ok.. I ahev to go walk the caprt now. I’ll try to listen to the radio show whne I can!

Go enjoy the movie! I have to go too, the show is about to start.

Mingyu sighed and handed his phone to Jeonghan. He still regrets not being able to attend the radio show with Wonwoo tonight. As Jeonghan held the device, Mingyu took a moment to fix his hair once more and readjust his suit. The anticipation built as a security guard approached his door, opening it for him. The second the door began to swing open, a frenzy of camera flashes erupted, capturing every moment of Mingyu's entrance. Reporters and media outlets screamed his name, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony.

With a bright smile, Mingyu lifted his arm, posing for the cameras. He strategically positioned himself in all directions, ensuring that each media outlet had its own set of pictures. The carpet awaited him, and Mingyu gracefully made his way down, surrounded by other celebrities being interviewed by individual reporters.

Amidst the flashing lights, Mingyu couldn't help but reminisce about the thrill of being bombarded by camera flashes. He reveled in having his picture taken and fans calling out his name. Memories of eight years ago flooded back, a time when he was just starting, dreaming of recognition in the acting industry.

Approaching the Kpop Craze reporter, Mingyu wore a smile, ready for his first interview since the scandal. "Kim Mingyu-sshi!" the interviewer greeted with enthusiasm. "It’s been a while since we’ve seen you! How are you?" She handed Mingyu his own microphone, ensuring his voice cut through the crowd.

“I’m doing well, thank you for asking. I’m excited to be here tonight to support my friend, JiHoon as well as my colleagues who’ve worked hard during this movie.” Mingyu had his media responses in check. 8 years in the industry, he was a veteran at this. 

The interviewer, with a twinkle in her eye, mentioned Wonwoo's absence, “It’s a shame Wonwoo-sshi couldn’t be here tonight with you!” She eyes Mingyu to see his reaction to the sudden mention of Wonwoo’s name, but Mingyu had expected it. 

Maintaining his composure, Mingyu tilted his head and he replied, "Why would he be here? He’s a singer, not an actor." 

The interviewer’s race reddens and she becomes flustered, “I’m just saying, we’ve been seeing you two hang out a lot recently! It seemed like more than just a hang out between friends.” She egged on, hoping to get a reaction out of him.

Chuckling, Mingyu shared the scripted response Chan had given him, "Yes, we’ve been hanging out. He has a radio show tonight, so please go listen to support him, everyone! I’m going to get going now!" Mingyu waved to the camera, smoothly transitioning to the next reporter who probed into the same flurry of questions about Wonwoo.

Oh boy, this is going to be a long night. I just want to go see Wonwoo…

Finally, off the carpet, Mingyu met Jeonghan by the theater entrance, signaling for his phone. Jeonghan sighed, retrieving it from his pocket. Mingyu quickly turned on the live video broadcast of the radio station, to see Wonwoo sitting and smiling, talking to the radio host while music played in the background. 

Mingyu sighed in relief, like a weight had just been lifted off of him as Wonwoo looked calm and collected.

"Alright, we’re back with Wonwoo-sshi here at Z1400. Wonwoo-sshi, I heard that you’re coming out with a new mini-album! Is there anything that you could spoil for us?" the radio host inquired.

Wonwoo, prepared for the question, responded with a smile, "All I can say is that my debut fans will be very happy to hear this album." 

The radio host laughed, “Debut fans? I can assume that the album is going to be about love… Probably feels a lot more personal than your last couple of albums… Can I ask if you have someone that inspired you this time around?”

Wonwoo shook his head, “I see that you’re trying to ask me about the recent articles that have come out about me. I have no comments.” Wonwoo laughed in an attempt to keep the mood up.

“Oh common, it’s inspired by the actor, Kim Mingyu isn’t it? Why can’t you tell us? Everybody knows you guys are dating. You’re holding hands, going on dates, taking pictures with each other. No friends do that. How did you guys meet?” 

Mingyu’s eyes widened as the radio host went off script. His eyebrows furrowed with anger as he saw Wonwoo’s smile dropped and looked to the side nervously, probably at Jun, in confusion. “Wonwoo-sshi, you can just tell us! Are you and Kim Mingyu dating? Is he your inspiration for your next album?” Wonwoo shifted in his seat and started to take sips out of the water bottle provided for him. Mingyu's heart sank. Wonwoo was anxious. "Wonwoo-sshi? Can you please say something? Remember we are live, we shouldn't be having quiet pauses. People would think we're off-air! So tell us, are you and Kim Mingyu dating? Wonwoo-sshi? We're all sure that you guys are, so just admit it, Wonwoo-sshi!" 

Mingyu peeled his eyes off the screen to look at Jeonghan who was also looking at Mingyu in surprise. ‘What the fuck?’ He mouthed to Jeonghan who could only offer a shrug as a response. They both turned their heads back to the phone as Wonwoo shyly spoke into the microphone,

“Yes. We are.”

Chapter Text

Mingyu had to leave the movie premiere as soon as it started as the reporters began to bombard the event with questions about Mingyu and Wonwoo rather than the movie. Mingyu profusely apologized to JiHoon, to which the older man nodded in understanding. 

Jeonghan had Jun on speaker the second the pair got into the car. “Junhui-sshi, what’s happening? Why did Wonwoo announce their relationship? We agreed to announce it later.” Jeonghan spoke with urgency as he attempted to maneuver around the paparazzi and reporters that surrounded their car. He cursed and honked at them to get out of the way.

Mingyu bit his lip as he continued to watch the live stream which now had a million viewers. The radio host seemed ecstatic to get such exclusive news on his show. Wonwoo was looking around nervously, putting a weak smile on his face as the reporter and he were having a conversation. The audio was muted as Wonwoo’s song played in the background for a break. 

Jun sighed through the phone, “I don’t know. Wonwoo just said it on his own. I think his anxiety got the better of him when that bastard radio host went off script and bombarded him with questions about Mingyu.” 

Mingyu watched as people came into the radio room and whispered something in Wonwoo’s ear before Wonwoo stood up and bowed to the host before leaving. Mingyu looked up from the phone as Jun spoke, “We’re leaving now. We got orders from Joshua to come back to the agency. You guys should come too.” 

Jeonghan sighed, “Alright, I’ll let our CEO know.” 

—--

Wonwoo kept his head down as Joshua yelled, “What was that Wonwoo? We had a plan! Now your radio show got cut off before you could talk about your album and Mingyu had to leave his movie premiere early!”

Mingyu fidgeted in his seat as he wanted to reach out to Wonwoo and hold his hand, asking if he was okay. He didn’t mind leaving the premiere early. He was more worried about how Wonwoo was doing after being attacked with questions he clearly did not want to answer. Mingyu swore he was going to kill the radio host if they ever met. 

“I-I don’t know. I’m so sorry,” Wonwoo whimpered, his voice wavering as tears threatened to fall. Mingyu wanted to cry as Wonwoo looked up at him with wet eyes, “I’m sorry Mingyu. I-I know you were supposed to enjoy the premiere and have a chance to clear up your name with the media, and-and I ruined it! I ruined your chance, I’m so sorry.” 

Mingyu burst out of his seat. He didn’t understand why Wonwoo was so upset, “It’s not your fault so don’t apologize. It’s that bastard radio guy’s fault. He’s the unprofessional that went off script just to pressure you into answering his questions. He shouldn’t have done that.” A single tear rolled down Wonwoo’s face. Mingyu wanted to wipe it away, “The reporters at the premiere didn’t even ask about the scandal. They just wanted to know about you too, so I didn’t even get a chance to clear my name anyway.” Mingyu reassured as Wonwoo continued to search his eyes, trying to see if he was telling the truth. 

Wonwoo wiped away his tears and looked away in shame. 

Chan frantically burst through the door of Joshua’s office, looking panicked, “Guys, it’s not good. Mingyu is being accused of cheating on his pregnant girlfriend now.” Mingyu and Jeonghan simultaneously groaned as Wonwoo looked like he wanted to disappear from the world. 

The radio show only happened an hour ago, yet the news spread like wildfire. Screen captures of Wonwoo announcing their relationship and Mingyu at the movie premiere, avoiding questions about Wonwoo were put side by side with the headlines, “Actor, Kim Mingyu Embarrassed to Admit Relationship with Singer, Jeon Wonwoo.” “Kim Mingyu Get Into a Relationship, Leaving Pregnant Influencer, Han Ahreum, Alone to Raise Their Child.” 

The comments were flooded with angry fans, accusing Mingyu of abandoning his unborn child, saying Mingyu probably hadn’t made an announcement claiming that the scandal was false because he wanted her to have an abortion. The other comments that were not outrightly hating Mingyu were Wonwoo’s fans telling him he could do better than a man who would not admit their relationship to the public. 

Wonwoo buried his head into his hands as sniffles and tears escaped out of him, “I’m so sorry.”

Jeonghan clicked his tongue between his teeth in annoyance, “Stop crying. Crying won’t fix this.” Mingyu punched Jeonghan on the leg under the table as he flashed his manager a glare. Jeonghan punched Mingyu’s leg as he glared back. “What can we do about this, Representative Chan?”

Chan ran his hand through his hair in frustration, “The only thing I can think of is a press conference. Things have gotten too out of hand during our silence. The media is running all sorts of assumptions about Mingyu.”

MIngyu continued to keep his eyes on Wonwoo, who kept his head down as Joshua groaned, “Alright, set one up for tomorrow. The sooner the better.” Joshua turned his attention to Jeonghan, “I’ll talk to Seungcheol about the press conference, but you should let him know too.” Jeonghan nodded as he patted Mingyu on the back, signaling him that it was time to go. 

Mingyu shrugged away Jeonghan’s hand and stood up, making his way towards Wonwoo. Mingyu needed to talk to him, to make sure the older one was okay. He grabbed Wonwoo’s arm and tugged him out of his chair. Wonwoo looked up in surprise and Mingyu’s heart crumbled as he saw the state he was in. Wonwoo’s eyes were rimmed with red from him wiping away his tears, lips red from biting the skin out of anxiety. Mingyu dragged him out of his seat and out of the office. The workers on the floor burst into whispers as Mingyu marched through the floor, holding Wonwoo’s wrist, and towards the stairs of the fire escape. 

The second the door to the fire escape closed and echoed through the stairs, Wonwoo tore his arm away from Mingyu’s grasp. Mingyu turned around to face the older man, “Are you okay?” He crouched as his eyes scanned Wonwoo's face, trying to get a better look at the man. He had to make sure Wonwoo was okay.

Wonwoo looked up with wet eyes, “Why? Why are you asking if I’m okay? Why is that the first thing you want to ask me? Why aren’t you yelling at me for fucking up your career?” Wonwoo punched Mingyu on the chest with each question, voice getting weaker. “Why aren’t you yelling at me that I fucked up everything? I should have kept my mouth shut. You were able to keep quiet at the premiere, why couldn’t I do that too?” Tears began to fall as Wonwoo continued to weakly punch Mingyu.

Mingyu felt his eyes water at the sight of him. He pulled Wonwoo into a hug and rested his head on top of Wonwoo’s, arms wrapped around his head, shielding Wonwoo from the world around them. 

Wonwoo whispered into Mingyu’s chest, “Why are you so nice to me?” 

—-

The press conference loomed ahead at SVT Entertainment, carefully orchestrated by Seungcheol to ensure trusted staff and selected media outlets were present. Teams worked diligently to compile evidence supporting Mingyu's innocence in the scandal involving Han Ahreum and fabricated proof of Mingyu's longstanding relationship with Wonwoo.

Dressed in a sleek navy suit with a neatly tied tie, Mingyu anxiously paced around Seungcheol's office, awaiting confirmation that the press conference had commenced. Despite his experience attending conferences for drama promotions, facing one centered on a scandal rattled his nerves. Chan and Seungcheol had briefed him on the script, but Mingyu worried about the potential curveballs the reporters might throw.

Truthfully, Mingyu had only exchanged one rejection DM with Han Ahreum and had no prior knowledge of her. The fabricated narrative that he had to remember was that Mingyu and Wonwoo had been dating for five months, meeting at an awards show a year ago, with Mingyu claiming to be a longtime fan of Wonwoo.

Amidst the anxiety, Mingyu's mind drifted to the first time he saw Wonwoo in person—which actually was an awards show last December for Korean movies and dramas. Wonwoo was in attendance for an OST he sang for a drama while Mingyu was nominated for his highly rated drama. Nominated for Best Actor in a Romantic Comedy, Mingyu found himself captivated by Wonwoo's laughter and smiles at a nearby table with his colleagues BooSeokSoon and Choi Vernon. The singer's genuine joy had nearly made Mingyu miss his nomination announcement. As Mingyu went up to the stage to accept his award, he scanned the crowd to look for Wonwoo, who clapped for him with a smile. This was the first time Mingyu saw that shining beam around Wonwoo. Mingyu’s breath stuttered at the smile as he peeled his eyes away to look at the camera and give his speech. He thanked his lucky stars that he was able to remember it. 

Lost in his reminiscence, Mingyu was startled by Wonwoo's entrance into Seungcheol's office. Wonwoo, head down and hands fidgeting nervously, elicited a protective response from Mingyu. Mingyu’s eyes softened at the scene before dragging Wonwoo’s arm until Wonwoo was standing in front of him. Mingyu placed a gentle hand under Wonwoo’s chin and lifted his face. He scanned the singer’s eyes which were filled with fear and anxiety. Mingyu pressed his lips into a thin line before pulling Wonwoo into a hug, his head resting on top of the older’s and Wonwoo’s face buried into his chest. “Don’t worry, everything is going to be okay. Our teams have everything under control. I will do the talking okay? You don’t have to be worried about anything. I got you.” Mingyu reassured as he pet the back of Wonwoo’s head. 

“I feel like I’m going to mess something up again.” Wonwoo shivered under Mingyu’s arms.

“If you do, then I have your back. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do that at the radio show.” 

Wonwoo shook his head and peeked his head up above Mingyu’s arms, “No, I should have been more careful. I’m sorry.”

Mingyu let out a small laugh, “We’re gonna be here all day if you’re going to keep apologizing Wonwoo. I told you, it’s not your fault. I’ll say it a thousand times if that’s what it takes for you to stop blaming yourself.” 

Wonwoo gave a weak smile and whispered, “Okay” before Chan knocked on the door. 

They separated from the hug and fixed their suit and ties. Chan peeked his head into the office before giving them a sympathetic look, “They’re ready.” 

—-

“Hello everyone, my name is Kim Mingyu, and I am an actor under SVT Entertainment. I know there have been some rumors that have spread about me, but I am sitting here today to clear up any false accusations and misunderstandings.” Mingyu bowed gracefully before the press, a symphony of camera clicks and flashes capturing every moment, filling the room with the energy of anticipation.

Wonwoo and Representative Chan followed suit, offering their introductions and bows as the cameras continued their relentless dance of clicks. Chan, taking control, provided the press with a rundown of the permissible topics – Mingyu’s scandal, the relationship between Mingyu and Wonwoo, and Wonwoo’s upcoming album.

Multiple reporters eagerly shot up their arms, wanting to be the first to ask their questions. “Hello, I am Park Sookyeong from Nodi News. Why have you not commented on Han AhReum’s pregnancy? Are you neglecting your role as a future father?”

Mingyu took a moment, inhaling deeply. This was his chance to set the record straight. “I am not neglecting my role as a ‘future father’ because I am not one. I have never met Han AhReum-sshi. We have only talked once over Instagram DMs.” He gestured toward Chan, who efficiently displayed the screenshot of their brief conversation on the projector. “As you can see here, our only interaction was her asking me out on a date, and I declined. The next time she contacted me was to confirm if I was in a relationship with Wonwoo-sshi when the articles first came out. We have not spoken since.”

Murmurs and whispers swept through the room as the reporters absorbed this revelation. “Hello, I am Han Yoobin from Horangie Weekly. Are you saying Han AhReum is faking her pregnancy?”

“I am simply stating that I am not a future father. I am not aware if she is pregnant or not. If she is, I wish her and her baby good health.” Mingyu answered with the practiced precision he had honed with Seungcheol and Jeonghan. He refused to fall into another scandal by inadvertently slandering someone else’s name.

“You mentioned Han AhReum was curious if you and Jeon Wonwoo were in a relationship. Can you verify if you and Jeon Wonwoo are romantically involved?”

Mingyu turned his gaze to Wonwoo, finding the older man already looking back at him. Softening his eyes with a small smile, Mingyu gently clasped Wonwoo’s trembling hand. “Yes, we are.” The cameras erupted in a symphony of clicks, capturing a precious moment between the two men, sharing the vulnerability of coming out to the media.

“Wonwoo-sshi, this all seems too good to be true. Mingyu-sshi has a scandal, and you are coming out with a new album. This relationship seems like a stunt for the media to promote yourselves. What can you say about this speculation?”

Mingyu held onto Wonwoo’s hand more firmly, a silent reassurance. Wonwoo looked down at their intertwined hands and back at the press, offering a soft smile. “It may seem like we are in a fake relationship, but to me, to us, it’s very real. Kim Mingyu is the first person I have ever loved and has made me feel loved.” Mingyu maintained his gaze on Wonwoo, attempting to keep his heart from pounding too loudly. He knew Wonwoo was lying to maintain their fabricated narrative, but oh God he wished it were the truth.

“Wonwoo-sshi, you are saying he’s the first person you have ever loved. What about your previous music? They were all about love, so you must have thought about someone while writing your lyrics. Who were they about?”

Wonwoo shook his head, a calm smile on his face. “I never wrote about anyone. I simply watched the world around me, observing couples in the streets, and created my own story.” The crowd murmured, not entirely satisfied with Wonwoo’s response that he had never dated anyone before.

Mingyu maintained his smile, giving Wonwoo’s hand another reassuring squeeze as a flood of questions about their relationship poured in. Together, they navigated the storm, standing united, each having the other’s back as they faced the mass of press questions.

Chapter Text

Wonwoo had begun recording for his new album today and although Mingyu wanted to visit the recording session, he refrained from asking. He was reminded after their daily morning meetings, that they were in a fake relationship. He pushed his curiosity aside as he had no right to ask to attend Wonwoo’s recording session. He could listen to the album when it came out like everybody else, and that killed him inside. He didn’t want to be like everybody else to Wonwoo, but that’s what they agreed on. 

Mingyu sighed and turned on the TV, having no other plans for the day. He had changed into a baggy t-shirt and shorts the moment he got home. He planned to take a relaxing day, trying to get his mind off of Wonwoo. The sounds of the TV did not register in his brain as he picked a random channel to leave on in the background. 

I wonder how the recording session is going. Is Wonwoo eating well today? Mingyu spaced out.

He let out a groan and shook his head. What’s it to him if Wonwoo’s eating or not? Wonwoo is a grown man who can take care of himself. 

Annoyed, Mingyu shut off the TV and picked up the script for his new drama that lay on the coffee table. After the press conference a couple of days ago, JiHoon announced that Mingyu was allowed back on the project and reading sessions would begin next week. 

He began flipping through his lines that were already highlighted thanks to Jeonghan. Should I text him? Ask him to meet up today? Chan didn’t specify any dates today but I really want to see him… Mingyu’s hands stopped as the lines on his script were not registering in his brain either. 

MMingyu's script slid from his hands as he contemplated messaging Wonwoo. He groaned, tossing his script back onto the coffee table and pulling out his phone. Hovering over his chatroom with Wonwoo, he bit his lip and started typing, “Hey! How are you doing?” Deleting it, he tried again, “Hey! Are you free to meet up tonig-“ Delete.

Mingyu groaned once more, tossing his phone away, feeling embarrassed. He did just fine when he was hiding by himself from the media before he met Wonwoo. He had so many hobbies that he could catch up on. But why is it now that none of them sound interesting and all he wants to do is spend time with Wonwoo? Mingyu slapped his forehead with his palm and collapsed onto his back until he heard a chat notification from his phone. 

He scrambled back up and dove to the other side of the sofa to retrieve it, hoping it was a text from Wonwoo. Did Wonwoo finish recording? Mingyu’s heart raced as he opened the messaging app once more. 

It was a text, from Wonwoo. 

Mingyu beamed with joy as he opened the chatroom. The text from Wonwoo read, “Hey, are you doing anything this afternoon?”

Mingyu squealed with joy while cradling his phone to his chest. He froze as he realized he let out a squeal. A squeal. He coughed before releasing his phone from his chest and typed back, “No, I’m not. Wha ts up?” 

His heart raced as he saw the three dots appear from the other end. Wonwoo replied, “Would you be free to meet me after I finish recording? I should be done around 9pm?” 

“YES!” Mingyu shouted as he jumped up from the sofa and ran around his coffee table with a bright smile. He jumped back onto his sofa and typed back, “Sure” and paused before adding, “U wont be too ti rred? W e can meet tomrow if you are” 

Mingyu brought his thumb to his mouth and started biting at his nails. He wanted to see Wonwoo but his health came first. Wonwoo replied back, “I won’t be tired :)” and sent his address.

Mingyu’s jaw dropped. Wonwoo sent his address. Not the address of the studio, not Gose Industries, not a random cafe. Wonwoo’s home. Mingyu turned off his phone and brought his hands to his face, hiding the blushing mess he had become. 

——

Mingyu, standing in front of Wonwoo’s apartment building, clutched a bouquet of sunflowers, painstakingly chosen to mirror the radiant glow that seemed to accompany Wonwoo wherever he went. Despite spending an hour deciding on the perfect flowers, he still felt uncertain about his choice. An internal debate about whether sunflowers were truly Wonwoo’s favorite battled in his mind. Eventually, he settled on them, convinced by the bright and uplifting vibe they exuded.

He approached Wonwoo’s apartment door with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The sound of clattering behind the door heightened his anxiety. When Wonwoo finally opened the door, Mingyu’s breath hitched. Wonwoo, with wet hair and glasses perched on his slightly flushed face, wore a casual striped t-shirt and grey sweatpants. Mingyu marveled at the sight before him.

Wonwoo noticed the flowers and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Come in,” he invited, opening the door wider. Mingyu obediently followed, making sure to remove his shoes at the entrance. “What’s with the flowers?” Wonwoo inquired, leading them into his living room. 

Mingyu nearly tripped over his own feet before stammering, “Oh uh. They’re for you!” He held them out to Wonwoo as the older took a seat on his sofa. 

Wonwoo chuckled, “I figured but what are they for?” 

Feeling the warmth rise to his cheeks, Mingyu explained, “I couldn’t show up empty-handed… And I got them to congratulate you on starting your new album.” He was glad for the excuse, as it softened the awkwardness of bringing flowers. Why did Wonwoo make him so nervous? Mingyu was sure Wonwoo could hear his heartbeat considering how loud they drummed in his ear. 

“Thanks, Mingyu, I mean it.” Wonwoo stood up to take the flowers from Mingyu. Their fingers brushed against each other as Wonwoo took the flowers out of his hands. “Don’t just stand there, make yourself comfortable!” Wonwoo called out before leaving to get a vase for the flowers. 

Mingyu jumped as he looked around his surroundings. Wonwoo’s place was smaller than his but felt more like a home. Mingyu’s furniture was all black, picked out by Jeonghan and Seungcheol when he first moved in. Mingyu’s apartment lacked color in contrast to Wonwoo’s. Wonwoo had his awards displayed in a glass case next to his TV. His sofa was an inviting blue loveseat on the opposite side of the wall, decorated with stuffed cat dolls that his fans had given him. Mingyu peeked his head towards the direction Wonwoo had walked in, to find a cozy dining area and kitchen. Down the hall had 2 rooms, both with the doors closed, and by the entryway was a bathroom and another closed door which Mingyu figured was another bedroom. 

Mingyu took a seat on the sofa and noticed picture frames on top of the side tables next to him. It was pictures of Wonwoo and what seemed to be his family, smiling brightly at the camera. Mingyu couldn’t help but smile back. 

Mingyu called out to Wonwoo who remained in the kitchen, filling his vase with water, “Wonwoo-hyung! Did you eat?” It was well past dinnertime, but Wonwoo had recorded all day. Mingyu worried if he ate dinner or not.

“No!” Wonwoo called back, “Didn’t have time!” 

Mingyu shot up from his response, b-lining towards the kitchen to clarify, “No as in you didn’t eat dinner or no as in you didn’t eat today?” He made it to the kitchen when Wonwoo shut off the water and turned around with a smile, holding the vase of flowers. Mingyu chuckled to himself as Wonwoo’s smile was somehow brighter than the sunflowers. 

Wonwoo brought the vase over to his dining table and set it right in the middle, “I didn’t eat dinner. I came straight home the second my producer said I was done.” 

Mingyu shook his head, “You have to eat something. Let me cook for you!” 

Wonwoo turned to look at Mingyu with a slightly opened jaw, “You don’t have to cook for me, we can just order something.”

Mingyu shook his head again, “Nooo. Ordering out is not good for you! Or do you not trust me? Remember, I told you I cook for myself every day!”

With a chuckle Wonwoo made his way to his fridge before opening it to show Mingyu the bare emptiness of its contents, “It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s that I don’t have any ingredients to make a meal out of.” 

Looking into the fridge, Mingyu’s shoulders sagged. There really was nothing in his fridge other than some eggs, minced garlic, wilted scallions, and a couple of condiments. Then, an idea popped into Mingyu’s head, “Do you have any ramen?” Wonwoo blushed, prompting Mingyu to clarify, “Not like that, Hyung! I make really good ramen. Jeonghan and Seungcheol come over all the time just to eat it.”

Amused by Mingyu’s enthusiasm, Wonwoo retrieved packs of Shin Ramen from the cabinet, chuckling, “I always have ramen at home. It’s the one thing I can actually make.” Mingyu eagerly grabbed the packs, declaring, “Take a seat, Wonwoo. I’ll have these ready in no time.”

——

Mingyu smiled with his hands perched up under his chin as he watched Wonwoo eat the ramen he prepared. “Seriously Kim Mingyu. How did you make this so good? It’s completely different from the instructions on the package.” Mingyu had already eaten dinner before arriving, and watching Wonwoo enjoy his cooking made him fuller with happiness. 

Mingyu snorted, “Of course, it’s different from the instructions on the package Hyung. And the recipe is my secret. You’re just going to have to call me over whenever you want it again.” 

Wonwoo nodded into his bowl, slurping up the remainder noodles, “You’re going to be here often then.” 

Mingyu squeezed his eyes in adoration as he passed over a napkin to Wonwoo to wipe his mouth after finishing his bowl. Wonwoo wiped his mouth before gathering together the remnants of what he had eaten and making a move to stand up. Mingyu grabbed his shoulder to push him back down into his seat and stood up, taking the bowl and utensils out of Wonwoo’s hands. “I’ll clean up Hyung. You had a long day.” Wonwoo shook his head and reached to take the dishes back, earning a stern look from Mingyu, “You need to rest. I got it, don’t worry.”

“I can’t make my guest clean up in my own house Mingyu.” Wonwoo attempted to stand again, which Mingyu glared in response. 

“I swear if you help me clean I’m not coming over to cook for you anymore.” Mingyu gave a playful frown, showing Wonwoo that he didn’t mean it but he really wished Wonwoo would sit still. 

Wonwoo threw his arms up in surrender, “Well I can’t have that happening, can I?” The frown on Mingyu’s face quickly turned into a smile as he put on gloves and began washing the dishes he had created while cooking. 

After he was done, he took a seat back at the dining table where Wonwoo had set a cup of tea for the two of them. He thanked Wonwoo before taking a sip and a silence lulled over them. Mingyu sighed in contempt as he still couldn’t believe he was at Jeon Wonwoo’s house, and that he had just cooked for him. He took another sip before he glanced over at Wonwoo who began to nervously fidget with the cup handle. 

Concerned, Mingyu frowned and asked, “Are you okay? Did you want to talk about something?” Surprised, Wonwoo looked up, stammering, “Huh? Oh um. I’m okay, nothing's wrong...” His voice trailed off before he took a deep breath, closing his eyes. “Do you want to hear my new song?”

Mingyu's eyes widened with surprise. "Are you kidding me?! Of course! I mean, I’d love to!” he almost shouted in excitement, quickly lowering his voice. “I thought you didn’t want me to hear it until it officially came out.”

Wonwoo, sighing, admitted, “No, I wanted you to hear it. It’s just… I’m embarrassed.” He nervously fidgeted with his fingers, prompting Mingyu to reach over and stop him. “Why are you embarrassed?” Mingyu asked, placing his hands on top of Wonwoo’s. 

Wonwoo, looking back up, explained hesitantly, “Because this time, it’s about you. Or at least I wrote the song thinking about you.” Mingyu froze, hand still resting on Wonwoo, and eyes locked with his. Wonwoo nervously looked away as he stuttered, “N-nevermind. You don’t have to listen to it. I won’t release the song. I’ll just-“

In an instant, Mingyu jumped to his feet, knocking the chair over, “No! I’ll listen to it. I want to listen to it. Sorry, I was just surprised you wrote a song about me, that’s all. I’ve been a fan for so long, I never thought this would happen to me.” Mingyu managed to create an excuse, but deep down, he was simply ecstatic and overwhelmed. He froze because he was so ecstatic that Wonwoo had written a song about him that he wanted to either shout in joy or cry, he was just busy trying to suppress both reactions and calm himself down. 

“O-Ok…” Wonwoo stood up with his head still down with embarrassment. Mingyu cursed at himself for freezing and worrying Wonwoo. He had to learn how to control his emotions around him better. 

Wonwoo led them to one of the closed bedroom doors, which he opened to reveal a home studio with soundproof foam all along the walls, a computer setup with a microphone booth beside it as well as a piano and guitar. He pulled out the computer chair, motioning for Mingyu to sit, to which he gladly obliged. Wonwoo made his way to the piano and opened the key covers. Mingyu watched as Wonwoo stared at the piano keys in front of him for a couple of seconds before standing back up, “You know what, never mind. I don’t remember the song.” He laughed weakly, starting to back away from the piano. 

Mingyu rushed out of his seat and stopped Wonwoo from moving any further, “Please Hyung, I want to hear the song.” Wonwoo dropped his head and turned away from Mingyu. Mingyu pulled the elder into a hug, snuggling his head on top of Wonwoo’s, “Ok. It’s okay Hyung. You don’t have to play it.” Mingyu’s heart clenched, “You don’t even have to release it. I’ll be here whenever you decide you want to play it for me again, okay?” He whispered into the strands of Wonwoo’s hair. He wanted to kiss the top of his head. 

Wonwoo, for the first time, hugged Mingyu back. Their hearts beat faster and louder, and they stayed like that for a while before Wonwoo pulled away with a slight grin. “Okay, I’m ready.” 

Mingyu returned that smile and made his way back into his seat. He patiently watched as Wonwoo sat back down at the piano and rested his fingers against the top of the keys. “This is titled, I will be your shining star,” Wonwoo stated shyly as he took a deep breath before beginning to play a slow, but light melody of keys. 

Mingyu’s breath hitched as Wonwoo began to softly sing,

All of our moments
When heart-rendering tears forms
I’ll stay somewhere close enough to reach you anytime
On particularly rough days, I’ll hug you so you don’t feel lonely anymore
I’ll keep you in my embrace forever
Even if the world turns away from you and everyone lets you down
I’ll be by your side through rain or shine

I’ll become a bright star and shine on you, every day
Even when it’s dark and you’re fearful of what’s ahead
I’ll always protect you
I’ll hug you when the world hurts you, every day
With the tender breeze and warm sunlight
I’ll protect you every day

I’ll accompany you through all your moments
Precious dreams filled solely for you
I’ll become a bright star and shine on you, every day
Even when it’s dark and you’re fearful of what’s ahead
I’ll always protect you
When the world hurts you, I’ll hug you, every day
With the tender breeze and warm sunlight
I’ll protect you

Along the path that you’re walking on
I’ll become a constellation of stars and shine on you
I’ll shine of you beautifully and dazzlingly, every day
Even as time goes by
I’ll always love you
I’ll shine only on you forever, everyday
For a long, long time and even at the end of time
I’ll love you, every day

As the final chord faded out, Mingyu felt an unknown tear roll down his face as he whispered, “I love you Jeon Wonwoo.” Wonwoo's song warmed his heart, as his beautiful lyrics replayed in his mind. No one had ever made Mingyu feel as loved and protected as he did at this moment, and he had to let out his feelings. Wonwoo had been the one to agree to help him out during the scandal when he didn't have to. Wonwoo had come out as gay to the public to protect Mingyu from the nasty articles about him. Wonwoo had embraced the shining beam that surrounded him every time Mingyu had laid eyes on him.

Shocked at the confession, Wonwoo quickly snapped his head over at Mingyu, mouth open agape, “What?”

Mingyu brushed away eyes and tears with the sleeve of his sweater, “I love you so much. And I know we’re in a fake relationship but I couldn’t stop myself from falling in love with you.” Mingyu blurted out his confession, emotions feeling raw after Wonwoo’s song, “I could sound crazy to you, but I think I’ll regret it if I don’t tell you now. I love you Jeon Wonwoo.” Mingyu searched Wonwoo’s face for any reaction to his confession. His heart raced with nervousness as to which emotion Wonwoo would release.

Wonwoo’s face crinkled into a smile, eyes disappearing with happiness, “I love you, Kim Mingyu.”

Chapter Text

After their mutual confessions of love, Mingyu and Wonwoo sat in a momentary stunned silence, their hearts beating loudly in the quiet room. The piano's melody lingered in the air, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Wonwoo was the first to break the silence, his small smile evolving into a warm, genuine expression. "Mingyu," he said softly, "I never expected this, but I'm glad it happened." He reached out, taking Mingyu's hand in his, their fingers intertwining.

Mingyu's eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and relief. "I was so scared to tell you," he admitted, "but I couldn't keep it to myself any longer."

Wonwoo leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Mingyu's forehead. "I'm glad you did.” Wonwoo backed away from the kiss and Mingyu watched as Wonwoo licked his lips.

Wonwoo chuckled in embarrassment and turned his head to hide his blush from his sudden actions. Mingyu grabbed his hands before he could move any further and stood up with determination, “Can I kiss you right now, Hyung?” Might kept his eyes locked on Wonwoo’s lips. They were a shade of pink like a cat’s nose. A subtle gasp had escaped Wonwoo’s lips as surprise painted his features. A second of silence lingered over them before Wonwoo bit his lips and nodded.

The air crackled with tension as Mingyu's question lingered between them, "Can I kiss you?" Wonwoo's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Mingyu could almost hear the rapid beat of his own heart.

Wonwoo's lips parted slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected question. Mingyu could sense a mixture of emotions playing on his face – surprise, curiosity, and a hint of vulnerability. The room was filled with an unspoken anticipation as they locked eyes.

After a brief pause, Wonwoo's features softened, and a shy smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Yes," he whispered, the word hanging in the air like a promise.

Encouraged by the response, Mingyu closed the distance between them. The room was charged with an electric energy as their lips finally met, a gentle and tender connection that spoke volumes. The world outside seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the sweet sensation of the first kiss.

As they pulled away, Mingyu couldn't contain the grin on his face. "I love you too, Jeon Wonwoo," Mingyu whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet room. Wonwoo's eyes sparkled with happiness, and Mingyu couldn't resist leaning in for another soft kiss, savoring the warmth and connection between them.

Their lips met once more, but this time, Mingyu's hands found their way to Wonwoo's cheeks. Cupping his face tenderly, Mingyu deepened the kiss, pouring all the love and longing he felt into that moment. Wonwoo responded with equal passion, their hearts beating in unison.

As they finally parted, both slightly breathless, Mingyu looked into Wonwoo's eyes. "I've been waiting to do that for so long," Mingyu admitted, his thumb gently caressing Wonwoo's cheek.

Wonwoo chuckled, a beautiful melody that resonated in the room. "Me too," he confessed, leaning his forehead against Mingyu's.

——

As the evening progressed, they decided to take a spontaneous stroll through the quiet streets outside, holding hands and sharing stories. Mingyu, still a bit overwhelmed, found comfort in the simplicity of Wonwoo's presence. He still couldn’t believe Wonwoo had loved him back. Mingyu had thought he would be single for the rest of his life, yearning after Wonwoo’s heart.

As they walked, Mingyu asked about the inspiration for Wonwoo’s song, to which the elder replied, “The lyrics came to me the day of the press conference.” Wonwoo looked up to the sky as he thought back to the day, nose and cheeks pink from the cold, “I was just so determined that day that I was going to protect you from the media slander. I swore I was going to do or say whatever it took to clear your name.” Wonwoo looked back to the ground, voice quivering at the memory, “They said such horrible, horrible stuff about you, Mingyu, even the general public.”

Mingyu looked over at Wonwoo with a gentle smile. His heart clenched at the thought of Wonwoo fighting his anxiety while questions were thrown at him during the press conference. He was so proud of Wonwoo for being so strong.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Mingyu gently nudged Wonwoo on the shoulder as they continued to mindlessly walk around the neighborhood, “How did you know that I saw you as a bright shining star?”

Wonwoo chuckled beside him, “You had that look in your eyes that told me.”

Mingyu stopped in his tracks, pulling Wonwoo back with him, “Wha- No I do not!”

“You did too! How else would I come up with the lyrics?” Wonwoo giggled as he reached his other hand to flick a strand of hair out of Mingyu’s face, “You’ve had that look since the first time we saw each other.”

“At the awards show.” Mingyu and Wonwoo said at the same time, instilling a gentle laugh between the two.

Mingyu whined, “Wait, you noticed the way I looked at you from then?” They proceeded to walk in the direction of nowhere, enjoying each other’s company, taking a trip down memory lane.

Nodding beside him, Wonwoo snuggled closer into Mingyu’s arm as a cold breeze blew by, “How could I not? You went up to the stage to accept your award and looked directly at me like you had discovered diamonds.”

Mingyu laughed, thinking about how he must’ve looked to everyone else in the audience if Wonwoo had noticed his gaze.

The night brought them to a park, where they found a secluded bench beneath a canopy of stars. Wonwoo pulled out his phone, playing a soft acoustic version of his new song that he had recorded, as per Mingyu’s request to hear it again. They sat close, shoulder to shoulder, lost in the music and each other's company.

Under the moonlit sky, surrounded by the melody Wonwoo had composed for Mingyu, Mingyu closed his eyes, feeling the happiest he’s ever been. He couldn't help but feel grateful for the unpredictable turns that led him to this moment — sitting beside the person he loved, embraced by the gentle chords of a song that would forever be a testament to their unique connection.

Wonwoo broke the silence, his voice carrying a soft melody as he said, "You know, Mingyu, this song is more than just music. It's a piece of my heart, and I'm sharing it with you."

Mingyu looked into Wonwoo's eyes, a profound understanding passing between them. "And I'm honored to be a part of it. Your music has a way of reaching deep into my soul."

Wonwoo's smile widened, and he playfully nudged Mingyu. "Maybe you'll inspire more songs in the future."

Mingyu chuckled, "If it means I get to hear more beautiful melodies from you, I'm all for it."

—-

“What’s this?” Chan asked as he pulled up an article of Wonwoo and Mingyu out on their walk the night before, “We didn’t have anything scheduled for you two since the press conference.”

Wonwoo cleared his throat, looking at Mingyu before addressing Chan. "Uh, we just wanted some fresh air. You know, after the recording session," Wonwoo explained, attempting to sound casual.

Chan raised an eyebrow, glancing between the two. "Fresh air? You're not holding hands for a casual stroll in the park. The media is going wild over this. What's really going on?"

Mingyu, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement, decided to step in. "We, um, we just wanted to spend some time together outside of work," he confessed, his eyes flickering back to Wonwoo, who gave him an encouraging nod.

Chan studied them for a moment before sighing, clearly not entirely convinced, “We've got an interview scheduled for both of you tomorrow. It's a joint feature for a popular magazine. They want to delve into your personal lives a bit more, so be prepared for some personal questions. Keep it light, but make it interesting."

As Chan continued discussing the upcoming interview, Mingyu exchanged a subtle glance with Wonwoo. The unspoken connection between them lingered, a secret they would continue to navigate in the spotlight.

The meeting with Chan stretched on, filling their afternoon with discussions about promotions, upcoming events, and strategies to maintain the fake relationship facade.

As the meeting concluded, Mingyu and Wonwoo found themselves back in the familiar company car, heading to their respective homes.

Silence hung in the air for a moment before Wonwoo broke it. "Well, that went better than expected," he remarked, a playful smile playing on his lips.

Mingyu chuckled, intertwining his fingers with Wonwoo's. "Yeah, I guess we're getting good at this. But Chan is right. We need to be careful."

Wonwoo squeezed Mingyu's hand reassuringly. "We will. We'll figure it out together."

As the car pulled up to Mingyu's apartment building, Wonwoo leaned in for a quick, chaste kiss. "See you tomorrow for the interview?" he asked, his eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and fondness.

Mingyu grinned. "Count on it."

With a final exchange of glances, Mingyu stepped out of the car, watching it drive away before heading inside, thoughts swirling about the complexities of their newfound love story in the limelight.

——

Mingyu and Wonwoo for VIVI Magazine

MG: “Even when I’m busy and tired with work, I receive a lot of positive energy from Wonwoo-hyung who is calm, as if it’s a feeling like, “I’m thankful for your existence.”

WW: “I also feel the same way”

MG: “There would be times when Wonwoo-hyung would cook for the both of us. It’s nice because it saves us from the trouble of getting food delivered. That ramen that Wonwoo-hyung makes is really delicious.”

WW: “It’s not up to the level of calling it cooking (laughs)

WW: “Mingyu and I get along really well”

MG: “Because the two of us usually talk a lot in the first place”

WW: “He’s a reliable/reassuring existence that puts me at ease just by being with him together. Thank you always.”

MG: “I’d exactly say the same words to you. Thank you always”

WW: “Thank you for the love that has never made me feel lonely!”

Chapter Text

Mingyu let out a sigh of contempt as he plopped himself onto the sofa in Seungcheol’s office, Jeonghan following suit. He had been smiling all week thinking of Wonwoo and the heartfelt moments they shared at Wonwoo’s apartment.

Sat at his desk, Seungcheol gave the actor a confused look before taking off his glasses, “What’s gotten you in such a good mood?”

Mingyu looked over to his boss and waved his arm in dismissal, “Why wouldn’t I be happy? My name's cleared from the media, I’m back on Jihoon’s drama and I’ve been getting back into work again! Everything’s fantastic!” He and Wonwoo had decided to keep their real relationship a secret from their companies, deciding that they could announce they were together when the contract ended. However, Mingyu truly had been excited to get back into work. He had stayed up countless hours at night, after spending time with Wonwoo the last couple of days, memorizing his lines and getting ready for the reading sessions with the entire cast.

Seungcheol gave him a tired smile in return, “You’re right. I’m so glad everything is back on track. That was quite the mess we had to clean up.” Jeonghan had told Mingyu about how Seungcheol spent hours yelling at reporters the day the scandal broke out. He had tossed stuff off of his desk in frustration and went home that night in a drunken state, crying to his boyfriend about how he was a failure in protecting Mingyu, and how he let his best friend down. Seungcheol had never told Mingyu any of this, and Jeonghan advised Mingyu not to mention it until he brought it up himself.

Jeonghan patted Mingyu on the leg with a soft smile as Mingyu blinked away the thankful tears that had formed in his eyes.

“Kim Mingyu!!” An ear-piercing shriek yelled from the hallways outside of Seungcheol’s office. The three turned their heads to the door as a woman shoved it open, looking between the three before landing her rage-filled eyes. "Kim Mingyu! I'm going to sue you for everything you have!" she declared, her voice carrying a mix of fury and entitlement. Employees from the floor rushed into the room, panting as they attempted to drag her away, her wild eyes darting between them. Mingyu studied her face and tilted his head as she looked familiar. Ah… Han Ahreum. “You think you can just make me look like a fool to the public? I have 300,000 followers on Instagram! Who do you think you are?” She screamed, eyes getting crazier by the second as she clawed through the men restraining her. Mingyu couldn’t help but scoff at the sight.

Jeonghan rose to his feet, positioning himself between Mingyu and the agitated woman. Meanwhile, Seungcheol urgently summoned security through his buzzer. Ahreum continued to thrash in the arms of the workers, her accusations growing more absurd.

"This would have all been avoided if you just went on that date with me! 'Lol no thanks'?! Are you kidding me? Do you know how many men would sell everything they had just to go on a date with me? 'LOL NO THANKS?!'" she spat out, her disdain evident. Mingyu sighed and rolled his eyes, having no desire to engage with someone who had tried to sabotage his career.

"And now what?" Ahreum sneered, her tone dripping with malice. "Now you're gay? Dating that nobody Jeon Wonwoo? You could've had it all with me."

The moment Wonwoo’s name left Ahreum’s lips, a flash of anger flickered in Mingyu’s eyes, and in a blink of an eye, he pushed through Jeonghan, closing the distance until he was merely inches away from Ahreum’s face. His eyes, normally warm and inviting, were now dark with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. The room fell silent as Mingyu, towering over her, locked eyes with the woman, “Keep. His. Name. Out. Of. Your. Mouth,” Mingyu enunciated each word, his voice low and laced with a dangerous edge. The air crackled with tension as he held Ahreum’s gaze, unyielding and firm.

“Fucking fags.” Ahreum spat. Mingyu turned his face as her spit landed on his cheek and clenched his teeth, restraining himself from causing any more trouble. He let out a slow but heated breath as he raised his sleeve to wipe off the venomous liquid.

Security personnel, having arrived in response to Seuncheol’s call, moved in to escort Ahreum out of the office. Mingyu stepped back, allowing them to take over, his eyes never leaving her until she was out of sight.

The room remained tense even after Ahreum’s departure. Mingyu, still seething with anger, turned to Jeonghan and Seungcheol, his darkened eyes slowly returning to their usual warmth. Breaking the silence between the three of them Mingyu smiled, “I think it’s time to go home now.”

—-

As darkness settled outside, Jeonghan dropped Mingyu off at his place, leaving Seungcheol determined to pursue legal action against Ahreum and her company for assault and harassment. Mingyu, worn out and disheartened, simply sighed and nodded before departing from the office, simply exhausted from the dramatics that occurred.

Dragging his feet through the entryway of his house, Mingyu was greeted by the cold embrace of ceramic tiles surrounding his empty apartment. A heavy sigh echoed in the hollow space, a stark reminder of the cold and solitude that permeated his living space. Running his hands through his hair, Mingyu attempted to shake off the unsettling events of the afternoon clouding his mind as he headed towards the refrigerator. Suppressing his appetite, tainted by the nauseating encounter with Han Ahreum, he grabbed a bottle of tea.

Moving toward the balcony, Mingyu took a swig from his drink upon opening the doors. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply as the cold January air brushed against his face. Stepping outside, he gazed up at the stars scattered across the night sky. Inhaling once more, Mingyu felt the stress gradually dissipate from his body. "I wonder what Wonwoo’s doing," he whispered into the darkness, his breath forming a visible steam in the cold air.

As Mingyu lowered his gaze to retrieve his phone from his pocket, he spotted a figure that resembled Wonwoo standing outside his apartment. Squinting to confirm the identity, he questioned whether it was truly Wonwoo or if his yearning for him was playing tricks on his mind.

The figure hesitated, glancing between the apartment and the street, contemplating whether to enter. Curious, Mingyu grabbed his phone and dialed Wonwoo’s number. The figure jumped at the ringtone, eyes fixated on the caller ID before answering.

“H-Hello?” Wonwoo’s voice resonated in Mingyu’s ears, instantly transforming the cold surroundings into a warm embrace.

Smiling, Mingyu asked, “What are you doing outside of my place?” A giggle escaped him as the figure turned its head in his direction, eyes searching for him. “Look more to the left.”

“Oh… Hi…” Wonwoo mumbled into the phone as their eyes met.

Mingyu released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “Did you want to come up?” Wonwoo nodded. “Okay, I’ll ring you up.”

Mingyu looked into the bathroom mirror, making sure he wasn’t too disheveled after rubbing his head all day from the stress. He stumbled out of the bathroom, tripping over his own feet as he ran to the door for Wonwoo. His feet glided across the slipperiness of the ceramic tiles until his hands stopped himself from crashing into the front door. With a musical ding, Mingyu opened the door to see Wonwoo with red cheeks from standing out in the cold. Mingyu frowning at the sight, dragged Wonwoo into the heated apartment.

With the door closing behind them, Mingyu placed his hands on top of Wonwoo’s cold cheeks. The elder let out a silent gasp at the sudden touch.

Mingyu frowned, concern etching his features. "Is everything okay? How long were you standing out there?"

The cold stiffness of Wonwoo's cheeks thawed into a warm flush as he gently brushed off Mingyu’s hands. "I wasn’t there for long... But are you okay?"

Guiding them towards the plush sofa, Mingyu casually shrugged, masking the day's unpleasant encounter. "I’m fine." He didn’t want to burden Wonwoo with the details of his run-in with Han Ahreum. Protecting Wonwoo from unnecessary stress became Mingyu’s silent commitment.

Seated on the luxurious black leather, a furrow adorned Wonwoo’s forehead as he clasped Mingyu’s hands in his, eyes reflecting genuine concern. “Jun filled me in on what happened. I rushed over as soon as I finished recording.”

A sigh escaped Mingyu. Of course, their respective agencies had already exchanged notes about their encounter. The mere thought of Ahreum spewing venom about Wonwoo fueled Mingyu's anger once again, his eyebrows twitching with pent-up frustration.

“Hey, it’s okay. Everything will be okay,” Wonwoo reassured, enveloping Mingyu in a comforting hug. Mingyu nestled his face into the crook of Wont’s neck, inhaling the familiar scent of warm vanilla. The fragrance, a blend of warmth and sweetness, covered Mingyu in a reassuring embrace. Lost in the soothing aroma, Mingyu's tense shoulders gradually eased. Wonwoo continued to run gentle fingers through Mingyu’s hair, an unspoken promise of support lingering in the tender gesture.

As Mingyu reluctantly pulled away from the comfort of Wonwoo's embrace, he confessed, “I just didn’t want you to stress out about her again.”

Clicking his tongue, Wonwoo's expression shifted to a gentle frown. “We’re in this together, Mingyu. You have to let me know about these things, okay? You don’t know how worried I was about you.”

Mingyu playfully nudged his shoulder against Wonwoo’s, a teasing smile on his lips. “How worried?”

“Cut it out,” Wonwoo replied with a playful shove, his eyes twinkling, “I’m serious. I almost ran out of the recording studio, but I had to finish recording the song today.”

With a wave, Mingyu dismissed the heavy topic of the day. He no longer wanted to dwell on the unpleasant events, choosing instead to focus on Wonwoo. “How’s the album coming along, by the way?” He adjusted his position on the sofa, lying on his back, his head finding a comfortable spot in Wonwoo’s lap.

Mingyu’s eyes fluttered shut as Wonwoo gently brushed a few stray strands of hair away. “It’s going well,” Wonwoo replied, a smile playing on his lips. “I should be done in about a week or two. Then, I’ll be starting practices and rehearsals for promotions.”

Mingyu listened with closed eyes, Wonwoo’s melodic voice becoming a soothing backdrop. The scent of warm vanilla, coupled with Wonwoo’s presence, enveloped Mingyu in a tranquil cocoon. In that moment, he could easily drift into a comfortable sleep.

“Sounds like you’re going to be busy. I’m so proud of you,” Mingyu murmured, his smile evident even with his eyes closed. A comfortable silence settled between them until Mingyu's eyes shot open, the sensation of Wonwoo's lips brushing against his awakening him from the brink of sleep.

Wonwoo looked down, his face mere inches away, a playful smile gracing his features. “Don’t fall asleep on me.”

Mingyu's heart clenched in happiness, a surge of emotions flooding him like a wave of warmth. In that moment, he felt an unparalleled joy, a happiness that surpassed any he had experienced before. Wonwoo, with his mere presence, had effortlessly dispelled all the stress that had burdened Mingyu throughout the day.

Pushing himself up off Wonwoo's lap, Mingyu gracefully kneeled in front of him. With gentle reverence, he cupped Wonwoo's cheek, his touch tender and affectionate. The room seemed to hold its breath as Mingyu, guided by an indescribable impulse, leaned in and captured Wonwoo's lips in a kiss.

It was a kiss that transcended the physical act, weaving an intangible thread that connected their souls. In that brief, profound moment, Mingyu felt a heartfelt sense of belonging, as if the once-empty and cold apartment had transformed into a haven of warmth and love. Mingyu pulled away for a brief second, whispering, “You make me so happy Jeon Wonwoo,” before capturing his lips again.