Fake Love : K-Pop romance [ English ]

Chapter 3.3

As we started dining, we began with light topics, like the weather and Seoul's notorious traffic. These small talk moments helped ease the tension of this unusual first meeting. At that moment, I knew the agency's plan was already in motion. The fake paparazzi were around, somewhere inside or outside the restaurant. I had to make an effort to appear as natural as possible, aware that every smile, every gesture, would be scrutinized in the tabloids hitting the stands by tomorrow. My behavior would be analyzed by millions of fans—and not just fans.

Soon, our conversation shifted to more personal matters. He insisted we switch to a casual tone, and he was the first to ask questions, eager to get to know me.

"Have you always dreamed of being an actress since you were little?"

I set down my chopsticks, took a light breath as memories of my journey surfaced.

"I've always loved romantic movies and shows. As a child, I'd spend hours in my room creating imaginary scenarios. I'm naturally a dreamer, and I have a romantic soul. For the past two years, I've been going from audition to audition, but... I haven't been lucky enough to land a role yet. I've gone through so many castings, and each time it's the same response: I'm either not this or not that. It's tough. I almost gave up today, and then this completely bizarre role fell into my lap."

With his wine glass in hand, Eliel listened attentively. His gaze had shifted, becoming more serious. He bit his lip nervously before asking,

"I hope it pays well! You can help your family and maybe even save up."

A pang of sadness tightened my chest. I didn't really want to open up, but I knew he had to get to know me too. A heavy silence fell between us. I turned my face to our reflection in the window.

"I don't have any family left," I said softly, feeling nostalgic. "My grandmother raised me for years, but she left this world almost two years ago. She always encouraged me to do what I loved."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you sad."

I shifted my gaze from the window to Eliel, who was looking at me with genuine sympathy, as if he wished he could ease my sorrow.

"It's okay," I reassured him with a slightly forced smile. "I just want to make my family proud of me, wherever they are now. And these are things you should know about me."

He nodded with a compassionate expression, then took another bite of his meal. A curious urge prompted me to ask him in return,

"And you? How did you become an idol?"

My question didn't seem to bother him.

"I'm from Sokcho. I've loved music since I was little. I remember wanting to learn music theory, but my parents—especially my father—had very strict expectations for my future. They imagined I'd be a doctor or a lawyer. I come from a modest family."

As he recounted his life story, his face revealed all the tension he carried. He'd spent much of his teenage years trying to please his parents. Secretly, he would scribble down thousands of lyrics in notebooks. He never gave up on his dream, much to his parents' dismay.

"I used to perform on small stages in my hometown while balancing school. That time was crazy!"

Eliel shook his head with a genuine laugh, and I smiled, captivated by his story.

"... Then at eighteen, after a huge argument with my dad, I packed my things and left for Seoul, causing a lot of pain for my mom."

A strange shadow briefly darkened his face, only to disappear almost immediately.

"The early days were really tough. Some days I could afford two meals, and other days, I barely had enough for one. I worked odd jobs and attended auditions. I was never in the first selection because I was a terrible dancer. An idol has to be able to do everything—sing, rap, dance... I nearly gave up until the day I entered a TV show produced by DM Entertainment. The rest is history."

Eliel had been chosen by the public to join Duskfire. He had to work harder than the other members to reach a good level in dancing. Today, he excelled in every area. He was a global star, a sought-after figure for countless brands—a star among stars.

"What's your relationship with your parents like now?" I asked, folding my arms on the table.

With a thoughtful look, he lifted his face halfway to the ceiling, brushing his tongue over his lips as he pondered. I couldn't help but stare at his mouth for a few seconds before forcing myself to look away, trying to keep my focus. Staying grounded in this man's presence was a challenge. I couldn't wait for the evening to end.

"These days, things are much better between us. My father and I are able to communicate well. He's proud. I'm grateful for everything my parents have done for me. They're good people."

After several glasses of wine, I felt lighter. So did Eliel. We shared memories and moments that had shaped our lives. He seemed genuinely interested in what I was telling him, even though I knew deep down that he was playing a role just as much as I was. It was fake. Everything was fake.