Decoy Girlfriend

6: Unveiling the Past

The days turned into weeks, and Yuna found herself spending more and more time with Sky. Their public appearances continued, but it was the quieter moments away from the cameras that began to shift the dynamics between them. Despite the tumultuous start, Sky was starting to see Yuna in a new light, appreciating her authenticity and strength, especially in contrast to Ji-eun's overbearing nature.

One afternoon, after a particularly exhausting day of rehearsals and interviews, Sky and Yuna decided to take a break at a secluded café. It was one of those rare moments where they could be themselves without the scrutiny of the public eye.

As they settled into a cozy corner, Yuna looked around the café with a sense of nostalgia. "This place feels familiar," she said softly, her eyes scanning the room.

Sky glanced at her, intrigued. "You've been here before?"

Yuna nodded slowly, a distant look in her eyes. "A long time ago. I used to come here with my family when I was younger."

Sky's curiosity was piqued, but he didn't press further. Instead, he found himself watching Yuna more closely, noticing the small quirks and mannerisms that made her unique. There was something comforting about her presence, a genuine warmth that contrasted sharply with Ji-eun's demanding and often manipulative behavior.

Over the following weeks, more memories began to surface for Yuna. Small things—a certain song on the radio, the scent of a particular dish, even the way Sky laughed—triggered flashes of her past. One evening, as they sat in Sky's apartment reviewing the schedule for the next few days, Yuna noticed a familiar melody playing softly in the background.

"Do you know this song?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Sky paused, listening. "Yeah, it's an old favorite. I used to listen to it all the time."

Yuna smiled, a memory surfacing. "I remember hearing it at a party years ago. It was one of my favorite songs too."

Sky raised an eyebrow. "Really? What party?"

Yuna hesitated, trying to recall the details. "It was a birthday party for a friend of mine. We were just kids, but I remember meeting a boy there who loved this song too."

Sky looked at her, surprised. "Your first love?"

Yuna shrugged, a bit embarrassed. "Maybe... it was just a crush. That boy was kind and funny, and you remind me of him sometimes."

As they continued to spend time together, more familiar traits and shared memories began to emerge. Yuna's resilience and sincerity were increasingly apparent, and Sky found himself drawn to her authenticity. She handled the public scrutiny with grace, never once complaining or faltering in her role.

One evening, after another long day, Sky and Yuna decided to take a walk through a quiet park. The cool night air was refreshing, and they strolled along the winding paths, talking about everything and nothing.

Sky smiled, "You've been incredible through all of this, Yuna. I don't think I've said that enough. I really appreciate everything you've done."

Yuna smiled softly. "Thank you, Sky. It means a lot to hear that."

As they walked, Sky found himself opening up to Yuna in ways he hadn't with anyone else. He shared stories about his childhood, his struggles with fame, and his hopes for the future. Yuna listened attentively, her empathy and understanding shining through.

Meanwhile, Ji-eun's bitterness continued to fester. Her attempts to undermine Yuna had only strengthened the bond between Sky and his fake girlfriend. The public backlash had diminished somewhat, but her jealousy remained as potent as ever. She couldn't stand the thought of losing Sky, and her desperation grew with each passing day.

One night, unable to contain her jealousy any longer, Ji-eun called Sky. Her voice was tense, bordering on hysteria. "Sky, I can't do this anymore. I need to see you."

Sky sighed, the familiar weight of her demands settling on his shoulders. "Ji-eun, we talked about this. It's too risky right now."

"I don't care!" she snapped. "I miss you, Sky. I can't stand seeing you with her."

Sky's patience was wearing thin. "This isn't just about you, Ji-eun. We need to think about the bigger picture."

Ji-eun's voice softened, a note of desperation creeping in. "Please, Sky. Just for a little while."

Sky relented, knowing that refusing her would only lead to more drama. "Alright. But it has to be quick and discreet."

As he ended the call, Sky couldn't shake the growing realization that his relationship with Ji-eun was more toxic than he had ever admitted. Her jealousy and demands were suffocating, in stark contrast to Yuna's supportive and understanding nature.