Let's Play Pretend - Chapter 3
Title: Let's Play Pretend - Chapter 3
Genre: Romance, fluff, slight angst
Pairing: YunJae
Rating: PG-13; (NC-17 overall)
Summary: Jung Yunho finds himself stuck in a fake relationship with another man when he is very much straight and is secretly dating a very famous actress.
[ Chapter 3 ]
Let The Games Begin
Two days after the article was leaked, Yunho had originally thought it would simmer down by now, but to his complete disappointment, it had only gotten worse. It seemed that everyone was still making a big fuss about it. They knew something was up, and they were not going to take a ‘she and I are just friends’ for an answer. It was sickening to know that most people really are just meddlesome in nature.
Yunho had started to become desperate. He needed to come up with something fast before his girlfriend goes ballistic. So when he received a call from his bestfriend, Park Yoochun, saying that he could help, Yunho rushed to his apartment without a second thought.
“Never have I been so pissed to see my face in a cover of a magazine, or on TV, for that matter.” He grumbled, glaring at the muted television that was currently showing images of him running away from the herd of paparazzi.
They did everything they could to refute the dating rumor but the reporters would have none of it.
“Ah, that interview was a futile attempt, I see.” Yoochun cleared his throat, getting Yunho’s attention who was sipping at his wine with calculated indifference.
“Have you thought of another way?” asked Yunho, propping his legs up at the expensive coffee table.
Yoochun flicked the remote, turning off the wide screen. He then sat at the sofa a few feet away in case their little talk didn’t go well.
”Okay, listen, I have a proposition to make.” After giving much thought to Jaejoong’s idea, Yoochun was starting to believe it might actually work. Of course he was concerned for his friend, in fact, the worry was eating away at him.
Yunho straightened his back, looking interested. He was out of ideas so he was ready to take anything at this rate.
“You're not going to like it, though.” Yoochun was a bit nervous. He’d make sure to make Jaejoong pay if Yunho killed him for suggesting this-if he did make it out alive.
“I'll take whatever you can give,” Yunho shrugged. “What is it?”
“I know this sounds stupid,” Yoochun started. “But why not pretend to be in a relationship with someone else?”
“Yoochun, I know you’re trying to help, but isn’t that too overplayed?” he sighed. “People aren’t stupid. They won’t believe that kind of scheme anymore.”
“True, that’s why… I’m thinking, maybe,” Yoochun stuttered nervously. He then gasped for a huge amount of air before continuing in one breath.
“Maybe if you pretend to date a guy, it might help take the heat off both of you. And since it’s a guy you’re pretending to date,” Yoochun emphasized. “He won’t really be a threat in your relationship. So I’m sure she wouldn’t mind? After all, you’re doing this for her.”
Yoochun spoke so fast that Yunho had a hard time processing what he was trying to say. He wasn’t sure he heard his friend correctly.
“For a second there, I thought you wanted me to date a guy,” Yunho chuckled awkwardly.
“Um,” Yoochun fidgeted on the couch, bracing himself for the inevitable. “That’s kind of… what I said.”
He’d take anything… except this one. Yunho’s back stiffened at Yoochun’s bold declaration. He lowered his legs off the table before carefully placing the glass atop of it.
“Are you seriously asking me to date another man?” he nearly hissed, eyes growing dimmer each second.
Yoochun nodded meekly.
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Yunho’s temper started to rise. He was horrified. ”How could you even think I’d agree to that sort of arrangement? I’m not gay!”
“Will you calm down? I’m not saying you are!” Yoochun cursed mentally. “Look, I’m only trying to help.” He really was going to make Jaejoong pay for this.
“And you think dating a guy would solve the problem?” Yunho hissed. “It will only complicate things, Yoochun. I can’t believe you’re even considering this.”
“Wait, before you completely reject the idea, think about it a little.” Yoochun said calmly, hoping it would placate Yunho’s anger.
“If you really want to stop the rumor from spreading, then letting others think you're gay will completely throw them off guard,” Yoochun explained carefully. “We’ll destroy the rumor by stirring a much bigger controversy.”
Yunho pondered about it, faint wrinkles on his forehead showing a little. “No, I’m not comfortable with this. It’s going to be difficult. No.” He shook his head at the absurdity.
“It’s not like you’ll have to do things with him. It’s just for show, Yunho.” He encouraged, feeling slightly guilty for manipulating his friend like this. “It’s a brilliant idea. Trust me, it will work.”
“No. It’s just wrong, okay?” Yunho snapped.
“Wrong?” Yoochun narrowed his eyes. “You think being gay is wrong?”
“No, I don’t mean it like that-” Yunho felt the decency to feel embarrassed of what he’d just insinuated. “Just… I can’t be gay all of a sudden after all those girls I’ve-look, I have a reputation to keep!”
“Yunho, it’s only for a while until the rumor is completely buried. Besides,” Yoochun paused, trying to remember the exact words Jaejoong told him to say.
When he was certain he was on the right track, he then continued in a monotonous voice, sounding so terribly rehearsed.
“It won’t really take a genius to make sense of the situation when she finally decides to reveal your relationship to the public,” Yoochun recited. “I mean, all secrets come out eventually. Soon, everyone will know you were only faking it and that you’re not really… you know.”
“Well, if you put it that way…” Yunho reconsidered, but then alarm bells started going off his head. “Wait, I’m not doing this pretend thing with you, right? Because that’d be so weird, man.”
“Lord no! How incestuous!” Yoochun shivered, at the disturbing thought. Even it was just pretend, he couldn’t picture himself with Yunho like that. Never.
“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation,” Yunho grimaced. “So, how are we going to do this again? You think there’s someone decent enough to play the part? I don't really want to end up getting blackmailed.”
“Oh,” Yoochun grinned. “You don't have to worry about that.”
Yunho listened in incredulity as Yoochun explained things to him. He didn’t know if he should feel insulted that Yoochun have already talked to a friend about this before consulting him, or if he should feel relieved that someone was actually willing to help them with this outrageous plan.
“Yeah, he’s pretty cool about the idea.” Yoochun scoffed inwardly, because 'pretty cool’ was downplaying how Jaejoong really acted - more like 'batshit crazy excited' about it. Goodness, the man tortured him for hours!
They were still in a deep conversation when a loud bang interrupted the on-going debate between the two men. But before one could react, a familiar voice joined them from the living room entrance.
“I’m not late, am I?” he giggled. “Tell me I just made a grand entrance!”
Yunho’s eyes shot to where a chirpy Jaejoong was perched against a bar stool near the kitchen counter.
“What is he doing here?” Yunho’s eyes remained on Jaejoong, corners of his lips twitching in a snarl.
The room became silent, air suddenly becoming tense. Yoochun’s eyes looked pleading, while Jaejoong remained nonchalant and looked on with an amused expression.
A choked sound disrupted the stillness when Yunho finally caught on what was happening. It only took one look at the stupid grin on Jaejoong's face, and it was enough to give light to everything. His jaw dropped, eyes bulged threatening to fall out of its sockets.
“There’s no way in hell I’m dating Kim Jaejoong!” he yelled, getting off the couch in disbelief. “I have no time for this,” and then stormed out.
Yoochun noticed the frozen look on Jaejoong's face, he really felt sorry for the guy. He wanted to tell him I told you so, but decided it was not the time to rub it in the other’s face. What surprised him though was when he noticed Jaejoong breaking into a huge grin with a dazed expression.
“What are you smiling about?” Yoochun asked, confused. “He didn’t want to do it.”
“Did you hear, Chunnie?” Jaejoong’s voice was airy, sounding love-struck. “Yunho said my name!” he squeaked, before letting out a scandalous squeal that disturbed the silence of the apartment.
All Yoochun could do was watch in bewilderment as Jaejoong flail about in the air before flinging himself down on the huge couch.
He facepalmed.
You know what, forget that he said sorry for this one foolish friend. Now he felt extremely sorry for Yunho.
***
“Hey, Yunho! Wait up!” Jaejoong called, trying to catch up as Yunho continued to walk faster. Even after Yunho declined the proposed idea last night, Jaejoong just wasn’t ready to give up just yet.
Yunho did an abrupt turn which Jaejoong didn’t really see coming as he was still running toward Yunho. He stopped a step too late, bumping into the taller man and making their foreheads bump against each other.
“Ow! Watch it, will you?” Yunho hissed, feeling the slight thump.
“Oh sorry,” Jaejoong panted, rubbing a red patch of skin.
“What do you want?”
“Are you sure you really don’t want to-?” Jaejoong said.
“I'm pretty sure I was clear on that,” Yunho said sternly. “Now please go away, I don't want them getting the wrong idea.”
Yunho regarded the flock of paparazzi outside the glass door, waiting for him to come out. Each one was holding a camera, hoping to get an exclusive.
“Ah,” Jaejoong chuckled. “I see what's going on here. You’re scared.”
“What in the world are you talking about?” Yunho scowled. He looked intimidating, but Jaejoong was already used to this sight of a grumpy Yunho.
“I know why you don’t want to do it,” Jaejoong reasoned, a small smile tugging on his lips. “…scared you'll fall for me, Yunho-yah?”
Jaejoong was almost positive there was steam erupting atop of Yunho’s head. His face was even turning red as he spluttered for words. Now, a flustered Yunho was what he didn’t see often, he thought. And so, deciding to play with the other a little more, Jaejoong continued to tease.
“You know what, that's totally understandable. I don’t mind really, I'm more than okay with that happening,” he grinned.
“Don’t you ever get tired of doing this?” Yunho shook his head, voice lowered, and sounded really deep. He then cornered a stunned Jaejoong to a wall.
“Listen here, Kim. If there's one thing I'm truly sure of, is that I can never fall for someone like you.”
As Jaejoong listened intently, he felt something inside him snap and break into tiny bits of pieces. He’d always known how Yunho felt about him and that he could never see Jaejoong that way. But why was it still painful to hear? It didn’t suppose to hurt.
Yunho was also shocked at his own words, that he almost… almost looked apologetic. But Jaejoong was really pushing him to his limits, and he knew it must be done.
Jaejoong bit his lip, willing his confidence to stay in check. He may already be broken in the inside, but he wasn't going to crumble.
Jaejoong smiled, getting back his composure. “Life is full of surprises, Yunho-yah,” he whispered softly. He needed to finish what he’d started. Not now that he was set on making Yunho his even for just for a little while.
“…and you happen to be standing in front of one.”
Jaejoong indeed was one surprise that shook Yunho to the core. Especially at that exact moment when he was grabbed by the neck, and felt those cursed lips settled on his.
Realizing what was happening, Yunho pulled back in an instant looking horror stricken and then pushed Jaejoong away in reflex. To make matters worse, the sound of camera shutters started going off everywhere.
“What the hell did you just do?!” Yunho roared in both shock and anger. He shielded his face from the frantic cameras, at the same time dragging Jaejoong by the arm to a concealed area.
“Oops, I think they saw.” Jaejoong grinned. “Looks like you don’t have a choice now.”
Yunho helplessly watched as Jaejoong ran off to the nearest elevator, leaving him exposed to the curious gaze of spectators.
“Jaejoong!” Yunho yelled, sounding murderous. “You get back here this instant!”
But all he got was a hearty laugh and a tongue snuck out at him. “I’ll see you later, boyfriend!” Jaejoong yelled back, still laughing as he tried to outrun the furious Yunho.
Part 4 >>
A/N: Yahoo, let the games begin! :D
I don’t have a beta so I’m sorry if there are mistakes, grammatical error, and stuff. My english is bad. I’ll try to read and edit it again tomorrow because it’s late and I badly need to sleep now. Please leave comments and tell me what you think! Thanks a lot! J
PS. I’ll give a name to the secret girlfriend on the next update maybe? I wanted to make her a nameless character at first, but I realized I have to give her an identity. It’s kinda needed in some scenes in the later chapters. So any name suggestions? If I see a something I like, then I might actually use it. You’ll know if your gets chosen. ^^,
Genre: Romance, fluff, slight angst
Pairing: YunJae
Rating: PG-13; (NC-17 overall)
Summary: Jung Yunho finds himself stuck in a fake relationship with another man when he is very much straight and is secretly dating a very famous actress.
[ Chapter 3 ]
Let The Games Begin
Two days after the article was leaked, Yunho had originally thought it would simmer down by now, but to his complete disappointment, it had only gotten worse. It seemed that everyone was still making a big fuss about it. They knew something was up, and they were not going to take a ‘she and I are just friends’ for an answer. It was sickening to know that most people really are just meddlesome in nature.
Yunho had started to become desperate. He needed to come up with something fast before his girlfriend goes ballistic. So when he received a call from his bestfriend, Park Yoochun, saying that he could help, Yunho rushed to his apartment without a second thought.
“Never have I been so pissed to see my face in a cover of a magazine, or on TV, for that matter.” He grumbled, glaring at the muted television that was currently showing images of him running away from the herd of paparazzi.
They did everything they could to refute the dating rumor but the reporters would have none of it.
“Ah, that interview was a futile attempt, I see.” Yoochun cleared his throat, getting Yunho’s attention who was sipping at his wine with calculated indifference.
“Have you thought of another way?” asked Yunho, propping his legs up at the expensive coffee table.
Yoochun flicked the remote, turning off the wide screen. He then sat at the sofa a few feet away in case their little talk didn’t go well.
”Okay, listen, I have a proposition to make.” After giving much thought to Jaejoong’s idea, Yoochun was starting to believe it might actually work. Of course he was concerned for his friend, in fact, the worry was eating away at him.
Yunho straightened his back, looking interested. He was out of ideas so he was ready to take anything at this rate.
“You're not going to like it, though.” Yoochun was a bit nervous. He’d make sure to make Jaejoong pay if Yunho killed him for suggesting this-if he did make it out alive.
“I'll take whatever you can give,” Yunho shrugged. “What is it?”
“I know this sounds stupid,” Yoochun started. “But why not pretend to be in a relationship with someone else?”
“Yoochun, I know you’re trying to help, but isn’t that too overplayed?” he sighed. “People aren’t stupid. They won’t believe that kind of scheme anymore.”
“True, that’s why… I’m thinking, maybe,” Yoochun stuttered nervously. He then gasped for a huge amount of air before continuing in one breath.
“Maybe if you pretend to date a guy, it might help take the heat off both of you. And since it’s a guy you’re pretending to date,” Yoochun emphasized. “He won’t really be a threat in your relationship. So I’m sure she wouldn’t mind? After all, you’re doing this for her.”
Yoochun spoke so fast that Yunho had a hard time processing what he was trying to say. He wasn’t sure he heard his friend correctly.
“For a second there, I thought you wanted me to date a guy,” Yunho chuckled awkwardly.
“Um,” Yoochun fidgeted on the couch, bracing himself for the inevitable. “That’s kind of… what I said.”
He’d take anything… except this one. Yunho’s back stiffened at Yoochun’s bold declaration. He lowered his legs off the table before carefully placing the glass atop of it.
“Are you seriously asking me to date another man?” he nearly hissed, eyes growing dimmer each second.
Yoochun nodded meekly.
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Yunho’s temper started to rise. He was horrified. ”How could you even think I’d agree to that sort of arrangement? I’m not gay!”
“Will you calm down? I’m not saying you are!” Yoochun cursed mentally. “Look, I’m only trying to help.” He really was going to make Jaejoong pay for this.
“And you think dating a guy would solve the problem?” Yunho hissed. “It will only complicate things, Yoochun. I can’t believe you’re even considering this.”
“Wait, before you completely reject the idea, think about it a little.” Yoochun said calmly, hoping it would placate Yunho’s anger.
“If you really want to stop the rumor from spreading, then letting others think you're gay will completely throw them off guard,” Yoochun explained carefully. “We’ll destroy the rumor by stirring a much bigger controversy.”
Yunho pondered about it, faint wrinkles on his forehead showing a little. “No, I’m not comfortable with this. It’s going to be difficult. No.” He shook his head at the absurdity.
“It’s not like you’ll have to do things with him. It’s just for show, Yunho.” He encouraged, feeling slightly guilty for manipulating his friend like this. “It’s a brilliant idea. Trust me, it will work.”
“No. It’s just wrong, okay?” Yunho snapped.
“Wrong?” Yoochun narrowed his eyes. “You think being gay is wrong?”
“No, I don’t mean it like that-” Yunho felt the decency to feel embarrassed of what he’d just insinuated. “Just… I can’t be gay all of a sudden after all those girls I’ve-look, I have a reputation to keep!”
“Yunho, it’s only for a while until the rumor is completely buried. Besides,” Yoochun paused, trying to remember the exact words Jaejoong told him to say.
When he was certain he was on the right track, he then continued in a monotonous voice, sounding so terribly rehearsed.
“It won’t really take a genius to make sense of the situation when she finally decides to reveal your relationship to the public,” Yoochun recited. “I mean, all secrets come out eventually. Soon, everyone will know you were only faking it and that you’re not really… you know.”
“Well, if you put it that way…” Yunho reconsidered, but then alarm bells started going off his head. “Wait, I’m not doing this pretend thing with you, right? Because that’d be so weird, man.”
“Lord no! How incestuous!” Yoochun shivered, at the disturbing thought. Even it was just pretend, he couldn’t picture himself with Yunho like that. Never.
“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation,” Yunho grimaced. “So, how are we going to do this again? You think there’s someone decent enough to play the part? I don't really want to end up getting blackmailed.”
“Oh,” Yoochun grinned. “You don't have to worry about that.”
Yunho listened in incredulity as Yoochun explained things to him. He didn’t know if he should feel insulted that Yoochun have already talked to a friend about this before consulting him, or if he should feel relieved that someone was actually willing to help them with this outrageous plan.
“Yeah, he’s pretty cool about the idea.” Yoochun scoffed inwardly, because 'pretty cool’ was downplaying how Jaejoong really acted - more like 'batshit crazy excited' about it. Goodness, the man tortured him for hours!
They were still in a deep conversation when a loud bang interrupted the on-going debate between the two men. But before one could react, a familiar voice joined them from the living room entrance.
“I’m not late, am I?” he giggled. “Tell me I just made a grand entrance!”
Yunho’s eyes shot to where a chirpy Jaejoong was perched against a bar stool near the kitchen counter.
“What is he doing here?” Yunho’s eyes remained on Jaejoong, corners of his lips twitching in a snarl.
The room became silent, air suddenly becoming tense. Yoochun’s eyes looked pleading, while Jaejoong remained nonchalant and looked on with an amused expression.
A choked sound disrupted the stillness when Yunho finally caught on what was happening. It only took one look at the stupid grin on Jaejoong's face, and it was enough to give light to everything. His jaw dropped, eyes bulged threatening to fall out of its sockets.
“There’s no way in hell I’m dating Kim Jaejoong!” he yelled, getting off the couch in disbelief. “I have no time for this,” and then stormed out.
Yoochun noticed the frozen look on Jaejoong's face, he really felt sorry for the guy. He wanted to tell him I told you so, but decided it was not the time to rub it in the other’s face. What surprised him though was when he noticed Jaejoong breaking into a huge grin with a dazed expression.
“What are you smiling about?” Yoochun asked, confused. “He didn’t want to do it.”
“Did you hear, Chunnie?” Jaejoong’s voice was airy, sounding love-struck. “Yunho said my name!” he squeaked, before letting out a scandalous squeal that disturbed the silence of the apartment.
All Yoochun could do was watch in bewilderment as Jaejoong flail about in the air before flinging himself down on the huge couch.
He facepalmed.
You know what, forget that he said sorry for this one foolish friend. Now he felt extremely sorry for Yunho.
***
“Hey, Yunho! Wait up!” Jaejoong called, trying to catch up as Yunho continued to walk faster. Even after Yunho declined the proposed idea last night, Jaejoong just wasn’t ready to give up just yet.
Yunho did an abrupt turn which Jaejoong didn’t really see coming as he was still running toward Yunho. He stopped a step too late, bumping into the taller man and making their foreheads bump against each other.
“Ow! Watch it, will you?” Yunho hissed, feeling the slight thump.
“Oh sorry,” Jaejoong panted, rubbing a red patch of skin.
“What do you want?”
“Are you sure you really don’t want to-?” Jaejoong said.
“I'm pretty sure I was clear on that,” Yunho said sternly. “Now please go away, I don't want them getting the wrong idea.”
Yunho regarded the flock of paparazzi outside the glass door, waiting for him to come out. Each one was holding a camera, hoping to get an exclusive.
“Ah,” Jaejoong chuckled. “I see what's going on here. You’re scared.”
“What in the world are you talking about?” Yunho scowled. He looked intimidating, but Jaejoong was already used to this sight of a grumpy Yunho.
“I know why you don’t want to do it,” Jaejoong reasoned, a small smile tugging on his lips. “…scared you'll fall for me, Yunho-yah?”
Jaejoong was almost positive there was steam erupting atop of Yunho’s head. His face was even turning red as he spluttered for words. Now, a flustered Yunho was what he didn’t see often, he thought. And so, deciding to play with the other a little more, Jaejoong continued to tease.
“You know what, that's totally understandable. I don’t mind really, I'm more than okay with that happening,” he grinned.
“Don’t you ever get tired of doing this?” Yunho shook his head, voice lowered, and sounded really deep. He then cornered a stunned Jaejoong to a wall.
“Listen here, Kim. If there's one thing I'm truly sure of, is that I can never fall for someone like you.”
As Jaejoong listened intently, he felt something inside him snap and break into tiny bits of pieces. He’d always known how Yunho felt about him and that he could never see Jaejoong that way. But why was it still painful to hear? It didn’t suppose to hurt.
Yunho was also shocked at his own words, that he almost… almost looked apologetic. But Jaejoong was really pushing him to his limits, and he knew it must be done.
Jaejoong bit his lip, willing his confidence to stay in check. He may already be broken in the inside, but he wasn't going to crumble.
Jaejoong smiled, getting back his composure. “Life is full of surprises, Yunho-yah,” he whispered softly. He needed to finish what he’d started. Not now that he was set on making Yunho his even for just for a little while.
“…and you happen to be standing in front of one.”
Jaejoong indeed was one surprise that shook Yunho to the core. Especially at that exact moment when he was grabbed by the neck, and felt those cursed lips settled on his.
Realizing what was happening, Yunho pulled back in an instant looking horror stricken and then pushed Jaejoong away in reflex. To make matters worse, the sound of camera shutters started going off everywhere.
“What the hell did you just do?!” Yunho roared in both shock and anger. He shielded his face from the frantic cameras, at the same time dragging Jaejoong by the arm to a concealed area.
“Oops, I think they saw.” Jaejoong grinned. “Looks like you don’t have a choice now.”
Yunho helplessly watched as Jaejoong ran off to the nearest elevator, leaving him exposed to the curious gaze of spectators.
“Jaejoong!” Yunho yelled, sounding murderous. “You get back here this instant!”
But all he got was a hearty laugh and a tongue snuck out at him. “I’ll see you later, boyfriend!” Jaejoong yelled back, still laughing as he tried to outrun the furious Yunho.
Part 4 >>
A/N: Yahoo, let the games begin! :D
I don’t have a beta so I’m sorry if there are mistakes, grammatical error, and stuff. My english is bad. I’ll try to read and edit it again tomorrow because it’s late and I badly need to sleep now. Please leave comments and tell me what you think! Thanks a lot! J
PS. I’ll give a name to the secret girlfriend on the next update maybe? I wanted to make her a nameless character at first, but I realized I have to give her an identity. It’s kinda needed in some scenes in the later chapters. So any name suggestions? If I see a something I like, then I might actually use it. You’ll know if your gets chosen. ^^,