✓ TOO REAL TO DENY | SUNGHOON

12 - Hesitant Emotions

SUNGHOON'S POV

Never in my mind, I thought that the same woman I stumbled upon would become my fake girlfriend. Never in my mind, I thought I'd even agree on such an absurd idea. But I do, and now I'm starting to wonder if fate has a twisted sense of humor.

I thought I wouldn't see her again but when I met her in the neighborhood late at night and she kissed me and asked me to be her fake boyfriend, I was taken aback. It was unexpected, and for a moment, I forgot about the pain that still lingered from Seoyoung's confession earlier in the day. There was something intriguing about this woman, about how she was awkward and shy and still managed to make such a bold move.

A strange thought crossed my mind – maybe this could be my revenge, a way to show Seoyoung that I could move on, that I could find someone else even if it was just for show.

Y/N is the kind of woman who's calm and reserved. She has beautiful eyes that seem to hold a world of secrets and cheeks that easily blush at the slightest compliment. She has shoulder-length, slightly curled hair in the color of honey, cascading down in soft waves that frame her face delicately. The way the moonlight catches in her hair makes it shimmer, almost ethereal. It's the kind of hair that invites fingers to run through it, a thought I quickly push away, reminding myself that we're just acting. 

There's a subtle scent of lavender that follows her and every time she smiles, it feels like the world becomes a better place. She's not beautiful like Seoyoung, but she still holds a unique charm that draws people in. From the way she avoids my eyes when we're alone to the way she fidgets with the hem of her skirt, there's an innocence about her that I, for some reason, want to protect. 

As I lean against the wall and talk to a friend on the phone while at work, I spot her stepping inside the marketing department along with her coworker who almost seems like she's dragging her. I quickly avert my gaze because I don't really know what I'm supposed to feel. Am I supposed to act like I don't know her, or would she like me to act as her boyfriend even here? 

"Jay, I'll call you later," I tell my friend over the phone and hang up only to look back at Y/N and find Jake, one of my coworkers, hugging her. The sight catches me off guard and I don't understand why my stomach drops the way it does. Even her eyes are so bright and the smile on her lips is one I haven't seen before. Why do I feel so... unsettled?

"Sunghoon?" Before I realize it, Jake calls my name and I gulp. He must have noticed me staring, and now, I'm left with no choice but to approach them. "This is Park Sunghoon. He's a great graphic designer. Oh, and this is Lee Y/N, she's my classmate from high school. She works downstairs." 

I know her, I know a lot about her. I know that she's a new intern and I know that she's still anxious about meeting new people and having to socialize with them. I know she was never in a relationship and I know she had a friend who makes her insecurities more apparent than they should be. Yet, at this moment, I'm supposed to know nothing at all. 

"Hello," I extend my hand and she stares at it for a couple of seconds before hesitantly reaching out to shake it. She looks a bit flustered, her cheeks tinged with a light shade of pink, but her hand is so warm all I want to do is hold onto it a little longer. However, I maintain the façade, offering a friendly smile and releasing her hand. "It's nice to meet you." 

"Likewise," I watch as she quickly looks away as if she cannot maintain eye contact for too long.

"Y/N is going to give a presentation for your team in a few weeks. Please make sure to cheer her on!" Her coworker, or friend or whatever, says and I can almost feel the anxiety radiating from her. "She's very stressed about it, but now that Jake is here and you guys were classmates, I'm pretty sure she'll feel more at ease, right?"

"She's always been like this. She hates presentations but she ends up being amazing at them. Remember when you had to go on stage at the school assembly, Y/N?" Jake continues, nudging her playfully, and I really don't know how to explain the feelings inside of me. Why am I bothered by the fact that Jake knows more about Y/N than I do? I mean it's only logical, he knew her way before I stepped into her life. But for some reason, the discomfort lingers. 

"Yeah, that was ages ago. I thought I was going to pass out." Her voice makes me smile involuntarily. It's softer, more genuine than when we're alone and she's playing the part of my fake girlfriend. There's a warmth in her eyes, a flicker of nostalgia, as she recalls that memory and my heart warms up a little. I can't help but wonder what other memories she holds, what other moments shaped her into the person she is now.

"Well, you aced it, as always," Jake compliments her, and she chuckles nervously, running a hand through her hair. It's a small gesture that catches my attention. "But seriously, don't stress too much about the presentation. You've got this."

"Thank you, Jake. I feel less stressed knowing that you're here." I almost scoff out loud, but I clear my throat and look away. Their conversation goes on for a few more minutes while I pretend to be so interested in the messages on my phone that I can't spare a moment to join in. The casual banter between Y/N and Jake feels like an intrusion, a reminder that there's a part of her life I don't know, and perhaps, will never fully understand.

"We should go back to work, see you later." I hear her friend say and the two walk away before I steal a quick glance at Y/N and realize she's looking too. Our eyes lock for a brief moment and she looks away before I even realize if there is any emotion in her gaze. The encounter leaves me with strange feelings—curiosity, jealousy, and a hint of frustration. Why do I care so much about how she interacts with other people?

I spend the whole day busying myself with work while trying to ignore my family's calls that never seem to end. They must be aware that Seoyoung and I broke our engagement and the last thing I want to hear is them telling me to still go after her because she's the heir of one the most influential groups, including us. I never wanted to marry her for status or wealth, and the mere thought of returning to that suffocating arrangement churns my stomach. I am not going to after someone who doesn't love me, no matter what my family thinks, and I'm not going to live the life they're expecting me to live. 

My mind keeps drifting back to Y/N, and it's both frustrating and confusing. She's just a temporary solution, a part of a plan to save my reputation and make Seoyoung realize I'm not desperate for her love. And yet, here I am, unable to shake off the images of her soft smile and the warmth in her eyes when she talked to Jake.

As the workday comes to an end, I find myself walking out of the building at the same time as Y/N. She's still avoiding my eyes when I make my way towards her. "Y/N," I call out gently, causing her to look up, her eyes meeting mine briefly before she quickly diverts her gaze. She's fidgeting with the strap of her bag while we stand on the sidewalk. The evening air is crisp, and the city lights begin to illuminate the streets as darkness settles in. "Do you want to have dinner... with me?" 

She looks up and locks her eyes with mine, her lips slowly forming a hesitant smile. And my heart skips a beat.