Ignite || CSC [on hold]

Facade

After a long day at the law firm, I found myself back in the comfort of my apartment, contemplating the unusual turn of events that had unfolded. The proposal Seungcheol presented had potential advantages for me. With my ex persistently encroaching on my personal space, a fake relationship might serve as the perfect deterrent. A boyfriend, even a pretend one, could be the shield I needed to discourage unwanted attention. It seemed like a strategic move, a win-win situation where I gained protection from the incessant pestering of my ex, and Seungcheol found a solution to his predicament.

The next day, as anticipated, Seungcheol called, and we arranged to meet at his office to discuss the contract in detail. Walking into the sleek surroundings of SVT Entertainment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation mixed with curiosity. Seungcheol welcomed me into his office, and soon, we found ourselves engrossed in the specifics of the contract.

Both of us carefully reviewed the terms, emphasizing the importance of discretion and maintaining a facade of a genuine couple in public. The rules were clear – no probing into each other's personal lives, respect for personal boundaries, and a commitment to portraying a convincing couple for the prying eyes of the media. As we inked our signatures on the contract, I couldn't shake off the surreal feeling of entering into this orchestrated partnership.

Seungcheol, with a stern yet composed demeanor, assured me that he understood the gravity of our agreement. With the formalities concluded, we bid each other goodbye, and I left his office, wondering how this charade would unfold.

Later that evening, just as the city lights began to illuminate the skyline, Seungcheol called. His deep voice resonated through the phone as he announced, "I'll be taking you out to dinner. Be ready."

Perplexed, I questioned, "Why would you do that? Isn't the contract enough?"

Seungcheol's response was a reminder of the necessity to make our arrangement appear genuine. "Remember, we have to catch the media's attention. We have to make this look real."

Understanding the rationale behind his words, I agreed to the plan, acknowledging the intricate dance we were about to perform. He informed me that he would pick me up at eight, offering to fetch me either from my office or my home. Opting for the latter, I sent him the address of my apartment, preparing for an evening that seemed to blur the lines between fiction and reality.

As the appointed hour approached, I found myself putting extra effort into my appearance, contemplating the peculiar circumstances that led me to this point. Dressed in an outfit carefully selected to match the façade of a blossoming romance, I awaited Seungcheol's arrival, uncertain of the twists and turns that awaited us on this orchestrated journey.

Seungcheol arrived promptly, his demeanor carrying the air of someone accustomed to such high-profile encounters. As we stepped into the glamorous restaurant, eyes turned, whispers floated, and cameras discreetly clicked, capturing the presence of the CEO and his supposed girlfriend. The pressure to maintain the illusion of a genuine couple heightened in the public eye.

Seated at a table adorned with flickering candles and elegant decor, an awkward silence settled between us. It was a challenge to act like a couple when, in reality, we were strangers thrust into an orchestrated partnership. Sensing the palpable tension, I decided to break the ice.

"So, here we are," I remarked, a half-smile playing on my lips. "Any suggestions on how to navigate this situation?"

Seungcheol, maintaining a composed exterior, replied, "I suppose we need to engage in conversation. Act like a couple, right?"

I nodded in agreement. "But considering we barely know each other, it might get awkward if we just sit here and stare. How about we play a game? Something like '10 Questions' to make it more natural?"

Seungcheol raised an eyebrow, a subtle hint of skepticism in his expression. "10 Questions? That sounds a bit... childish, doesn't it?"

I chuckled. "Perhaps, but it's better than sitting in silence, right? Do you have a better idea?"

He paused, contemplating, before conceding, "Fair point. Okay, let's give it a try."

The waiter approached to take our orders, and I couldn't help but notice the discreet glances from nearby tables. The hushed conversations and intrigued stares only added to the challenge of our public charade.

Once the waiter retreated with our orders, I took the lead. "Alright, I'll start. What's the most spontaneous thing you've ever done?"

Seungcheol considered the question, his eyes reflecting a momentary lapse into introspection. "Spontaneous? Well, once, I booked a last-minute flight to a random destination just because I felt like it."

I raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "Really? That's not what I would expect from a CEO. Where did you go?"

A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Busan. I wanted to experience the city without any plans or expectations. It turned out to be quite an adventure."

I couldn't help but smile at the irony of the situation. "Well, that was definitely something I did not expect."

As we navigated through questions about favorite books, and travel adventures, a subtle rapport began to emerge.

However, as we approached the fifth question, an unspoken tension began to simmer beneath the surface. The atmosphere grew charged, a silent acknowledgment that our scripted reality was tiptoeing into uncharted territory.

Seungcheol, maintaining a measured composure, posed the sixth question. "If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?"

The seemingly innocuous inquiry hung in the air, casting a shadow over our conversation. I hesitated, the weight of the question palpable. "That's a loaded one," I remarked, my gaze meeting his in a silent stare.

A pause lingered, the unspoken tension growing more pronounced. It was as if the facade I had carefully crafted was beginning to crack, revealing fragments of my authentic selves beneath the surface.

Just as the silence threatened to linger too long, the waiter intervened, bringing our dinner and effectively breaking the building tension. With a polite smile, he wished us an enjoyable meal and retreated, leaving us in the wake of interrupted intimacy.

With that momentary detour, we redirected the conversation to safer shores. I guess Seungcheol noticed that I was uncomfortable with the question so he did not push me to answer it; rather he ask another question so that it won't be awkward between us. Talking about our jobs, interests, and hobbies, we found common ground that alleviated the lingering tension.

As we left the establishment, the night air felt less strained. The decision to be friends, declared silently through our interactions, had an immediate impact. Contrary to my initial perception, Seungcheol unveiled a warmer side of his personality beneath his icy exterior. It became evident that our partnership, albeit a fabricated one, could transcend the confines of formality.

He gallantly offered to drive me home, and during the journey, he casually mentioned the impending meeting with his mother. "You'll meet my mother at the end of this week. I'll explain everything, so don't stress about it tonight. Get some rest. I'm sure you're tired."

His words held a certain sincerity, and I found myself appreciating the unexpected consideration. The demeanor that had initially seemed distant softened, and a sense of relief settled within me. The car pulled up in front of my apartment building, and I bid him goodbye, genuinely grateful for the newfound camaraderie.

Entering my apartment, I reflected on the evening's events. The intricate dance between reality and the facade of our arrangement intrigued me. As I prepared for a night's rest, the prospect of meeting Seungcheol's mother loomed on the horizon. Little did I know that the chapters of our fake relationship were only beginning.