perfect actors|| hyunlix ❀

Chapter 51

 I woke up with a single thought running through my mind: Step 1: Deal with Mrs. Lee. Check. Step 2: Keep a close eye on HyunLix. Time to start.

I stretched lazily in bed, my brain buzzing with my next move. I had no choice but to push Hyunjin and Felix into the deep end of this mess to get them to stop pretending and face whatever feelings they had for each other. If this plan worked, I'd finally be able to leave this story behind.

After a quick shower, I went over my plan while eating breakfast. My mind raced with ideas. If I made things challenging for them, they'd either bond or break apart. And if they broke apart? Well, I'd come up with a backup plan.

After running a few errands and dressing sharply to fit my no-nonsense attitude, I made my way to their apartment. I could feel the tension building in me, but it wasn't nerves—it was excitement. If this couple thought they could pretend forever, they clearly hadn't met me.

When I arrived at their door, I didn't bother knocking. Time to push some buttons. I twisted the knob and stepped in as casually as if I owned the place.

The scene was so annoyingly picturesque that I wanted to laugh. A candlelit table, plates of food neatly arranged, and Hyunjin and Felix sitting there, looking like the world's most perfectly curated couple. It was almost too good to be true.

"Wow," I said, dragging out the word. "Such a romantic date... Hmm, Hyun, aren't you allergic to coriander?"

Felix glanced at me, his expression flickering between irritation and worry. "He is," he said firmly, "but I'm considerate enough to remove it as an ingredient for him." His voice was calm, but I noticed the way his hand tightened slightly on his fork.

Hyunjin shot Felix a look—probably to stop him from engaging further—but he didn't say a word.

I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture before they could protest. Click. Their confused faces froze on my screen, and I had to resist the urge to laugh.

"Look," I began, my tone sharp and direct, "I do not know what your relationship is." My eyes darted between the two of them, lingering on Felix just long enough to make him squirm. "I'm talking to both of you, but especially you, Felix. I'm sure this is just a facade."

Hyunjin's glare could've melted ice. "And?" he said, his voice low and dangerous. "We don't care about what you think is real or fake. You're here at this hour just to tell us this?"

I smirked, my confidence unwavering. "Darling, shut up and let me continue," I said with a roll of my eyes. Hyunjin scoffed, clearly trying to hold himself back from snapping at me.

"Like I was saying," I continued, pacing slightly around the apartment, "the research shows your habits and how you might not be a couple. All these little things you've been doing? Clearly for popularity. I hate to ruin some plans, so..." I paused, letting my words sink in. "The challenge is at 5 p.m. tomorrow. I hope you don't chicken out."

Felix's face was a mix of irritation and confusion, while Hyunjin looked ready to throw me out. Perfect. This was going exactly as planned.

"Oh, and one more thing," I said, glancing at Hyunjin with a sly grin. "See you soon, Hyun. And maybe Felix."

I waved dramatically, turned on my heel, and walked out of their apartment with a sense of accomplishment.

As I stepped into the hallway, I let out a deep breath. This was part of the plan. I wasn't doing this to ruin their lives—I was doing this to push them. They needed to face their feelings, confront their issues, and come out stronger on the other side.

I went back home and plopped onto my bed, pulling out my notebook.

Step 1: Deal with Mrs. Lee. Check.
Step 2: Keep a close eye on HyunLix, in progress.
Step 3: Be their friend. Tricky, but manageable.
Step 4: Avoid all obstacles. Easier said than done.

I flipped my pen between my fingers, staring at the page. Tomorrow would be interesting, to say the least. Hyunjin and Felix didn't know it yet, but this challenge would push them right where they needed to be—into each other's arms, for real this time.

Satisfied with my progress, I closed the notebook and let my head hit the pillow. I'd done enough scheming for one day. Tomorrow, the real fun would begin.