After rehearsal, Haneul gulped down a bottle of water in the lounge. The door slammed open—Taeo walked in. They locked eyes, both clearly refusing to speak first, like kids playing chicken.
“Why were you staring at me like that earlier?” Haneul finally broke the silence. Taeo shrugged.
“You looked like someone in armor for a second.”
Haneul tried not to laugh. “And you were acting like a medieval knight, about to duel me with a sword.”
The tension was thick, but… oddly, it made her heart race. Just then, Sujin, Haneul’s teammate, burst in and sized up the atmosphere.
“What’s going on here? Are you guys dating or something? You two are always together lately!”
Haneul nearly spit out her water, and Taeo blushed hard. “No way! We were just talking about the rehearsal!”
Sujin grinned. “But, Haneul, your expression during the stage with Taeo was so… suspicious. Don’t tell me you like him for real?”
Neither Haneul nor Taeo could answer. Fortunately—or not—their manager walked in with news about next week’s stage.
“You two have to act as a fake couple next week. Lots of hand-holding and eye contact, so get ready.”
Both: “WHAT?!” Then a quick glance at each other.
Sujin clapped with delight. “Whoa, are you two going to become a real couple now? Haneul, are you jealous?”
Haneul glanced at Taeo, who was also staring at her, his face strangely serious. Something electric passed between them.
Outside, other trainees started whispering, and rumors spread like wildfire. Haneul and Taeo heaved a synchronized sigh.
“So… we really have to act like a couple?” Haneul whispered. Taeo gave her a wry smile.
“Looks like you’ll have to practice more. You’re the worst at acting.”
Haneul shot him a look. Suddenly, Taeo’s hand brushed against hers. Both jerked away, their hearts racing.
The room went quiet. Their hearts pounded loud. Next week, they’d have to act as a fake couple—could they really pull it off?