Fake Love : K-Pop romance [ English ]

Chapter 3.1

Terrified, I took a deep breath while approaching the restaurant. If I could, I would turn around and drop this role immediately, but I couldn't. I was stuck, forcing my feet to keep moving forward, carefully dodging people as I made my way through the bustling streets. It was early evening, and the area was lively. People were leaving work, meeting up with friends or colleagues to dine, drink, or take part in activities like karaoke or video games. Establishments in big cities like Seoul closed late.

My trembling hand rested on the restaurant door handle as I tried to steady my heartbeat and my breathing. It had been a long, exhausting day, filled with persistent doubts, and now I found myself in this improbable situation: playing the role of the girlfriend of a globally known idol. Shaking my head, I counted to three and pushed the door open, on the verge of panic. Get out! My inner voice screamed, setting off alarms in my mind. Heat rushed through my body at lightning speed.

"Good evening, Miss. Do you have a reservation?"

A well-dressed man in a black suit greeted me with a courteous smile. His gentle approach reassured me for a brief moment. With a lump in my throat, I managed to say, "I'm here for..." I searched my mind for the name Madame Han had given me. "... Mr. Min!"

The host nodded and gestured for me to follow him.

To calm myself and shake off my nerves, I focused on the walls covered with dark wood panels and paintings. The sound of my footsteps was muted, absorbed by the deep red carpet that perfectly matched the chairs in the establishment. As I continued across the room, my attention was drawn to the soft lighting that cast a warm, inviting glow over everything.

"Miss?"

I returned my gaze to the host, looked over his shoulder, and froze. A cold sweat trickled down my back as I saw the figure sitting just beyond him. It was him—Eliel. Handsome, magnetic... irresistible. While I stood there, silent, frozen, Eliel watched me with his deep, intense black eyes, subtly accented with makeup. The host was talking, but I couldn't hear a thing. The buzzing in my ears drowned out all other sounds around me.

When the host stepped aside, Eliel rose courteously. I couldn't help but notice the restrained expression on his face, his fine and elegant features revealing little emotion. My gaze lingered on him for a few seconds. His body was partially concealed beneath a beige leather jacket and wide jeans. I caught his slight nervousness in the way he adjusted the sleeves of his jacket and then ran a hand over the back of his neck.

"Good evening. I'm sorry to be causing you so much trouble," he said in a soft, almost hesitant voice, his gaze filled with apology.

It took me a few seconds to respond. I hadn't expected to meet someone so charming and considerate. A bit flustered, I shook my head and tried to sound casual, though my voice betrayed me.

"It's no big deal. I adapt quickly to all kinds of roles."

A shy smile spread across his lips, giving him a boyish look. My eyes drifted to his strong, well-defined jawline.

"Please, don't be nervous," Eliel said quietly. "I'm more nervous than you are. Take a seat; let's order something to eat and chat a bit. Does that sound good?"

His attempt to put me at ease was touching. I nodded and took a seat across from him.