Boyfriends-In-Law | Jayhoon [Ongoing]

5.1: Have to Act WHAT?

Sunghoon sat at the usual cafe, nervously sipping his drink while trying to avoid eye contact with his friends, Sunoo and Shuhua. They both stared at him wide-eyed, as if he’d just confessed being an alien. Then, in unison, they practically shouted, causing heads to turn their way.

“YOU HAVE TO ACT LIKE WHAT NOW?” 

Sunghoon shrunk into his chair, looking embarrassed as a few people turned their heads at Shuhua’s outburst. “Can you keep it down?” he muttered, cheeks flushing. “I have to act... gay.”

Shuhua’s eyes widened even more, if that was even possible, while Sunoo was already squealing like it was the best news he’d heard all week. “Oh my god, this is amazing!! I can’t believe this is happening,” Sunoo almost jumped out of his seat.

“Lower your voice!” Sunghoon hissed, shrinking further into his hoodie like a turtle retreating into its shell.

But Sunoo wasn’t having it. He slapped the table, causing the drinks to wobble. “This is literally a plot twist! You and Jay? Acting as boyfriends? Sunghoon, this is, like, every fanfic I’ve ever read coming to life!”

“Please don’t say that,” Sunghoon groaned, burying his face in his hands.

Shuhua was still in shock, her mouth wide open as if Sunghoon had just confessed to a heinous crime. “Act gay? With Jay? You mean Min Ryung’s other ex-boyfriend Jay?” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, like a mother catching her child in a lie.

Sunghoon nodded slowly, already regretting this entire conversation. “Yup… that Jay.”

Shuhua leaned back, crossing her arms like she was interrogating him. “How does this even make sense? Since when do someone's exes turn into fake boyfriends? I raised you better than this!"

Sunghoon looked at her, baffled. “You didn’t raise me at all.”

“Hush, child, mama's talking,” Shuhua said dramatically, throwing a hand up like she was shushing him. “I’ve been watching over you like a hawk since you started school. This is on me, clearly. Where did I go wrong? Soobin's gonna kill me.”

Sunghoon narrowed his eyes, "I'm pretty sure he's not gonna throw hands on a senior..."

Sunoo clapped his hands together, practically bouncing in his seat. “This is like a real-life K-drama! I'm living for the fake relationship trope!"

Sunghoon groaned, “It’s not like that, Sunoo. It’s just to clear my name.”

Shuhua, on the other hand, eyed him suspiciously. “Wait, hold on. Back up. Who came up with this genius plan?”

Sunghoon sighed, already feeling tired. “Jake.”

Shuhua squinted, clearly confused. “Jake? Who the heck is Jake now? I swear, I can’t keep up with your drama anymore. First Min Ryung, now fake boyfriends? I need a flowchart.”

Sunghoon let out a small groan. “Jake… he's an Australian friend of Jay. Who's basically kinda smart in creative decision making skills.”

Shuhua blinked, realization dawning on her face. "You even found an australian in this task?!"

Sunghoon rolled his eyes, "You're acting like you're not a foreigner youself!"

Shuhua leaned back in her chair, clearing her throat. “So let me get this straight— or, you know, not straight. You’re going to fake-date Jay, who, by the way, was also Min Ryung’s ex. That doesn’t feel awkward to you?”

Sunghoon groaned. “Trust me, I know how weird it sounds. But Jake’s convinced it’s the best plan.”

Shuhua continued, nodding thoughtfully. “I kinda respect this Jay guy. He seems decent. Still, fake dating a man? You’re in for a ride.”