If This Isn't Love

50: MARCH 2019 - Make It Look Real

As they posed beneath the lush floral arch, Youngsoon playfully scolded Seokjin, "Seokjin, you're not smiling at the camera!" The serene outdoor setting, carefully chosen by Youngsoon for their engagement photo shoot, had little impact on Seokjin's somber mood. He had been grumbling throughout the preparations – wardrobe, hair, makeup – every step of the way. The entire charade was a waste of time.

After his fraught conversation with Taehyung two days ago, Seokjin had decided to continue with the charade just long enough to give his cousin time to devise a solution. However, being close to Youngsoon felt like more trouble than it was worth. It would take a hell of an idea to solve this problem.

The photographer's rapid-fire instructions brought him back to the moment and only seemed to exacerbate his frustration. He shot the photographer a puzzled glance before turning away with a dismissive click of his tongue.

Youngsoon noticed her fiancé's growing irritation and intervened quickly. "Sorry, Daeho," she said apologetically. "My fiancé has been away in America for many years, and some of these Korean expressions are unfamiliar to him." Her gaze settled back on Seokjin's face. "He'd like to take a photo of us with our arms around each other."

Seokjin's irritation flared, but he bit back his retort, his jaw clenched in a silent scowl. He was well aware that he was expected to play along with the farce and pretend that their impending nuptials were genuine. He had to give Youngsoon credit – her acting skills were impressive enough to fool anyone. Her convincing display of affection and devotion had even started to make him wonder if she truly believed their engagement was real.

She sensed his reluctance to comply, and before he could protest, she swiftly wrapped her arms around his, draping them over her shoulders. "If you don't make this look convincing, it will break Taehyung's heart," she warned, her eyes locked on his, "and I'll tell him it's all your fault." Her voice was low and even, but her words were laced with a subtle threat.

Seokjin raised an eyebrow, his expression incredulous. "If you keep pushing me, more than just Tae's heart will be broken," he warned. "I'm trying to be accommodating here. Don't read anything into it. This is supposed to be a pretend scene, but your behavior is bordering on obsessive. Stop playing the cliche nagging wife." He tightened his grip around the back of her neck, his fingers applying gentle pressure.

Youngsoon winced at the unexpected hold, but Seokjin's gaze never wavered. "How's that?" he asked the photographer, his tone neutral. "Is that close enough?" The woman struggled against him, her eyes flashing with annoyance, but Seokjin held her fast.

"That's...enough," she hissed, her voice strained. "I'll tell my father."

Seokjin' smirked as he surveyed the pose, his gaze lingering on Youngsoon's stiff posture. "Well, this has been great," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He glared at the perplexed photographer, who was no doubt struggling to keep a straight face. "Let's wrap this up, shall we? We've been at it for two hours. I'm sure you have some decent shots by now."

The photographer nodded hastily, gulping in agreement, and called his staff to pack away the equipment and props. Seokjin waited until the trio around them was distracted before turning to Youngsoon.

"I don't appreciate being threatened, Youngsoon," he said, his voice low and even, but laced with a hint of annoyance. "I'm doing this as a favor to you and Taehyung. If you keep acting like a lunatic, I'll treat you like one." His eyes narrowed as he leaned in closer. "And don't even get me started on your father."

Youngsoon's eyes flashed with defiance, but Seokjin cut her off before she could respond. "I don't care what your father will say," he interrupted, his tone cold and detached. "I'm two millimeters away from exposing this entire farce. By this time next week, I'll be back home, and you'll be with Tae or someone else. And honestly? I'm starting to lose interest."