Jin+Jungkook

We're actors

I can't stand the man before me. He's arrogant, conceited, self-absorbed, uptight, careless, and someone without empathy. This man had no conscious. It's all because he was born into money, a life already filled with riches and luxuries even before birth. Privilege.

Not only does he have riches but fame too. He is the very well-known actor in films and television series; who models on the side. There's no one in this country who doesn't know him. It's possible that he is the most loved by the public. His grandeur stature is what people love about him and hate about him too. There's always love and hate. Yet, I don't believe he deserves to be admired.

Then, why am I standing here?

Business. It's always a simple matter, where both of us are benefiting from the terms and conditions. It's an offer I can't refuse and he knows it too. The smirk on his face couldn't be faked, he really had pleasure having been right. My insides twist and turn, knowing that I can't change a thing. I'll have to be  beside this man for a number of years; when we haven't gotten along once.

Him and I, it had to be a joke. As people working in the industry we never crossed paths except twice. Both time had been...they had been confrontational. Today hadn't been any different. In only a few minutes, it was clear to see he thought he was better and didn't consider me any threat to his career. Not like I wanted his spot, I just wanted to prove my talent and not be handed anything on a silver plate.

Once, he had belittled my humble beginnings and now I was supposed to help him out of trouble. I'll admit he's helping me out of a scandal too; perhaps, the reason I've been more tame than our previous meetings. Today proved to be a better conversation between us. Initially, it was due to my shock. I never expected him to come to me with such a proposal. He always ignored my presence and even denied my proposal a few days ago. What had changed?

"Aren't you going to say anything? Let me tell you, you're in a mess which could potentially could harm me— if you do what you threatened. And I have prove that you're lying. So, you want to save your lover from the backlash? He will suffer due to the scandal both of you got into. A married man with an actor, can you see the headlines? The reporters won't hesitate to tear you apart."

"They love you, today, Kim SeokJin. You're the nation's pride. The one who's most likely to win an Oscar for his performance in this year's blockbuster. I know, what it's like, when they try to tear you to pieces. It won't be pretty. So you have a choice to make and make it soon." He was so sure of himself and spoke with fervor. The man was right; no matter how much he irritated me, he was right.

Recently, I had gained recognition for my work and made a name for myself. My name, my face was slowly being recognized by the public. After three years of hard work, I managed to make something of myself. It wasn't because I had money or a good company backing me but because I was a talented, and "promising" actor. I did this myself. All do I could make this man, before me, eat his words, make him see I would amount to great things. Now, my career depended on accepting his offer.

"You want me to marry you? You rejected to confirm the rumors and now I have to accept a marriage deal? It makes no sense. I don't know anything. You know my reasons for it all. Could I know why I'm helping you?

"You don't seem like the kind to ask for these kind of favors. Plus, you hate me or dislike me. You know, I'm in a tight spot here. You're making an offer I can't refuse."

Why am I asking for answers? I don't really need any. I would do this, even if he didn't provide any information. I wasn't in a position to deny such a request. I had to make a statement on those pictures released a few days ago. The longer I waited the harder it would be to try to clean up this mess— for the public to believe whatever lie I came up with. He was giving me a reason to come out clean without even a scratch or a speck of dust to my name. My clean and square-cut image would remain intact.

"Look, you're not my first choice either. I need to get married because of my father. I don't want to get into too many details but being with you will be safe. Plus, that picture could fairly be the two of us. Which for my family and public, it means I've known you for a while and we've been dating secretly." A very logical response. No wonder people adored him, there was nothing to oppose when speaking to him.

"You've known me, since the very beginning. You refused to work with me. Remember? I was no one." I scoffed. The memory was engraved in my mind; the reason I was determined to make my name a household name and become a worldwide icon.

"Better! They won't even know when we started to see each other. I really don't care. I need a quick marriage. Think about it and let me know." He sets down his business card and a few bills.

"I'll pay for it." I handed him back his money. The last thing I need is for him to make me feel less again.

I'm thankful, he takes it back because I really don't want to feel stupid like I did four years ago. He puts the money in his bag. I set down the money on the table before standing up to follow behind him. This seems to be a reoccurring pattern, me trailing behind.

The quaint restaurant was a great setting for us to talk things through. There was barely anyone there and a place where we couldn't make a scene but we could also start confirming our relationship. He was smart. He's not as stupid as I thought.

Knowing he had some sense, I was more inclined to accept the offer without hesitation.

"Alright, let's fake all of this— make them believe it's too real to be fake. We have the world watching and this may be our biggest project yet. One of the biggest roles in my career," I said.

This was all to protect my love. I had to put my best effort to make this the most authentic and realistic aspect in my life. My marriage to this man was to become my reality for the next few years. I had to put up with him, It didn't matter if I disliked him.

"Then, let's release a statement tomorrow. Let's tease our fans, they'll eat it up." He takes his phone out and takes a picture of himself and then a picture of me. It's clear to see it's the same background.

"Post the picture later tonight. I'll text you the picture. I have a press conference tomorrow, it'll be a good way to start hinting our relationship. Now, you can be there or not." He pinched my cheek and moved me around like some child. I grabbed his hand and kissed the palm of it. Let's start getting use to it.

"I'll be there. And I'm sure someone just snapped a photo of us because you can't truly ever be incognito. You wear high end clothes, expensive accessories, and bring your car; you scream for attention. Goodbye, my love." I kissed his forehead before walking him to his car. I had to remember this would put me in the center of all things. The small act of affection was merely to annoy him and play it safe. I knew, I succeeded in annoying him by the way he slammed the car door.

I was saved and so was my lover. His reputation wouldn't be tarnished but I had to put a stop to whatever we have going on. I can't continue to sneak around with a married man. It's not like we did anything but the pictures had been suggestive of more. I could sleep in peace when the egotistical man confirms we are saying. I owe him, and that's why I'm reciprocating my gratitude by marrying him. I'm getting married and I haven't even told my parents. They are going to freak, when they hear about this. Specially, my mom who loves this guy. There's a lot of explaining to do but I can't tell anyone the truth. This is only between us. This is going to be difficult but not impossible.

February 15, 2019
This is one of the ideas I have planned for a full story— which I told you about. Just kinda wrote this to see the reaction. I'll probably also be writing one for the other ideas.

I still plan on finishing my other stories and unfinished one-shots before starting anything new.