Decoy Girlfriend

2: Resentment

Yuna sat nervously in the sleek, modern office of Sky's management company, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The walls were adorned with posters of Sky's hit singles and sold-out concerts, a constant reminder of the magnitude of the world she was about to step into. She had been briefed by her manager, but nothing could prepare her for the whirlwind that awaited.

The door swung open, and Sky entered, followed by Mr. Kim. Sky's expression was stony, his jaw set in a hard line. He barely glanced at Yuna before taking a seat across from her.

"Sky, Yuna," Mr. Kim began, trying to inject some warmth into the tense atmosphere. "Thank you both for being here. This arrangement is crucial for both your careers."

Sky cut him off, his eyes fixed on Yuna with a mixture of disdain and suspicion. "Let's get one thing straight," he said coldly. "I'm not doing this because I want to. This is a necessity, not a choice. I don't trust you, and I don't like this situation."

Yuna's heart sank. She had expected hostility, but the bluntness of his words still stung. She straightened her back, determined not to let his attitude deter her. "I understand, Sky. I'm just here to do my job."

Sky snorted, leaning back in his chair. "Your job? Your job is to pretend to be my girlfriend. This is your big break, isn't it? Use me to catapult yourself to fame?"

Yuna felt a flush of anger but forced herself to stay calm. "I'm not here to use anyone."

Mr. Kim intervened, sensing the rising tension. "Alright, let's focus on the plan. We need to establish a believable timeline for your relationship. Public appearances, social media posts, and a few strategically leaked photos should do the trick."

Sky's eyes remained cold, but he nodded curtly. "Fine. Just tell me where I need to be and what I need to do."

Yuna matched his nod, though her heart was heavy. "I'll follow your lead."

The meeting continued with Mr. Kim outlining the details, but Sky's attitude remained unchanged. He answered in monosyllables, his body language radiating disdain. Yuna made notes, mentally preparing herself for the challenges ahead.

After the meeting, Sky stood up abruptly, avoiding eye contact with Yuna. "I have rehearsals. I'm sure you can find your own way out."

Yuna watched him leave, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. She knew this was an impossible situation, but Sky's outright hostility made it even harder. As she left the office, she resolved to stay professional and prove her worth, no matter how coldly he treated her.

Over the next few days, the plan was set in motion. Their first public appearance as a couple was at a charity event, a perfect opportunity to introduce the new relationship under positive circumstances. Sky arrived at the venue first, looking every bit the star in a tailored suit. He waited in the lobby, his expression a mask of indifference.

When Yuna arrived, she was greeted by flashing cameras and murmurs from the press. She felt the weight of their scrutiny but pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. She spotted Sky and walked over, her heart pounding.

"Hi, Sky," she said softly, forcing a smile. "Ready?"

Sky glanced at her, his eyes cold. "Just follow my lead," he muttered, offering his arm. Yuna took it, their first physical contact feeling awkward and forced.

Inside, they navigated the event with practiced ease. Sky's cold demeanor didn't waver, but Yuna played her part, smiling for the cameras and engaging in polite conversation. Every time she glanced at Sky, she saw the resentment simmering beneath his composed exterior.

As the evening wore on, Yuna excused herself to get some air. She found a quiet balcony, grateful for a moment of solitude. She leaned against the railing, taking deep breaths to calm her nerves.

"Escaping already?"

Sky's voice startled her. She turned to find him standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

"Just needed a break," Yuna admitted. "This is... harder than I thought."

Sky sighed, stepping out onto the balcony. "I didn't ask for this. My life was complicated enough without adding a fake relationship."

Yuna met his gaze, her eyes sincere. "I didn't ask for this either, Sky. I'm just trying to make the best of a difficult situation. I still don't get why you would need a fake girlfriend for."

Sky studied her for a moment, then looked away. "Just remember, this is a business arrangement. Nothing more."

Yuna nodded, hiding her disappointment. "I understand."

As they returned to the event, the weight of their unspoken words hung heavily between them. They posed for more photos, each smile more strained than the last. Yuna knew winning over the public was only part of the battle; the real challenge was navigating the resentment and hostility that threatened to derail their fragile arrangement.

Back in her apartment that night, Yuna reviewed the photos from the event. The headlines were already spinning their narrative: "K-Pop's New Power Couple: Sky and Yuna Spark Romance Rumors!" She knew this was only the beginning of a long and arduous journey.

Meanwhile, Sky sat in his own apartment, staring at his phone. He scrolled through the photos, his expression darkening with each one. The sight of him with Yuna, smiling for the cameras, felt like a betrayal of everything he valued.

He tossed his phone aside, burying his face in his hands. This charade might protect Ji-eun, but at what cost? He couldn't shake the feeling that their plan was spiraling out of control, dragging them all down with it.

As the night deepened, both Sky and Yuna lay awake in their respective beds, grappling with their doubts and fears. The road ahead was uncertain, but they were bound by a shared goal—to survive the storm and emerge unscathed.

But for now, they had to play their parts, no matter how painful or difficult. The world was watching, and there was no turning back.