Chapter Text
The moment Hyunjin and Han entered Seungmin’s house, they were met with the overwhelming warmth of his family. Mrs. Kim greeted them with an exaggerated hug, as though she hadn’t seen them in ages, despite it only being a few days since their last visit. Seungmin’s dad, a tall and imposing man, ruffled Hyunjin’s hair like he was a little kid, all while grinning from ear to ear.
“Ah, Hyunjin! Han ! Always so charming!” Mrs. Kim said, as if they were long-lost family.
Han, who was used to this by now, smirked. “It’s the omega charm, mrs Kim. You’d know if you weren’t so busy pretending to be scary all the time.”
“Let me be the scary one, Han,” Seungmin groaned from behind them, but even he couldn’t suppress his smile at the way his parents treated his friends. “Stop embarrassing me.”
Hyunjin only giggled, his usual shyness dissipating in the presence of Seungmin’s loving family. It was clear that they cared deeply for each other, and the love they showed made Hyunjin feel at home. He could see why Seungmin was so grounded. The affection that flowed so naturally between them made him smile.
Once the greetings and teasing subsided, they made their way upstairs to Seungmin’s personal floor, a space that felt entirely separate from the rest of the house. Seungmin had designed it himself, so it had all the markers of his personality—clean, minimalistic, but with a sense of comfort that made it feel lived in.
“I swear, your place is like a weird mix between a law office and a secret lair,” Han said, rolling his eyes at the neatly organized bookshelf full of law textbooks. He flicked one open and pretended to read a random page. “Do you actually read these?”
Seungmin shot him a pointed look. “I do, actually. Unlike you, who’s probably just here to steal snacks.”
“Not true! I read! I’m the most cultured one here.” Han dramatically flopped onto the couch, his legs spread out in a way that only Han could manage, without a care in the world. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve watched documentaries? I’m practically a scholar.”
“I’m sure.” Seungmin’s voice was dripping with sarcasm. “Go ahead and look at your snacks, I’ll just be over here studying international law.”
The two of them bantered back and forth, but Hyunjin just smiled, amused by their dynamic. He was used to being the quiet one, the one who stayed in the background, but it was nice to watch Han and Seungmin clash in their usual ways. It made him feel like he wasn’t the only one trying to blend in.
After some back and forth, they finally got to the topic they had been dancing around all evening. Seungmin, who had been quiet for a while, spoke up, his voice slightly more serious than usual.
“You know,” he began, glancing at Han before meeting Hyunjin’s eyes. “Chris is new here, right?”
Hyunjin nodded. “Yeah, I know he’s still trying to get used to everything.”
Han snorted, leaning back in his seat. “He’s still figuring out how to not look like an awkward tourist when he goes outside. He doesn't know many people...”
Hyunjin furrowed his brows, sensing there was more to this. “But he’s been here for a while now. I thought he had made some friends by now.”
Seungmin shook his head, leaning back against the wall, his hands stuffed into his pockets. “It’s not that simple. He’s... trying to blend in, but it's not as easy as he thought. He struggles, you know? I mean, being a doctor is impressive, sure, but it doesn't automatically give him the social connections he needs here.”
“Yeah,” Han added with a grin, “he’s kind of like a deer in the headlights. I think he’s still trying to figure out if he should say ‘G’day mate’ or ‘Hello’ when he meets people. It's adorable.”
Hyunjin couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Chris trying to adjust to life in a new country. He could see it, the awkward yet endearing charm that Chris carried with him. Hyunjin felt a sudden urge to help him, but he wasn’t sure how. He knew Chris was trying, but he also knew that blending into a new culture could be a lot harder than people gave credit for.
Seungmin looked at Han, his eyes narrowing. “I’m just saying, if we can help him make some connections, maybe it would make things easier for him... you know, get him settled in.”
Han tilted his head, watching Seungmin thoughtfully. “I see where you’re going with this. But… how do we help him? We don’t even know what he wants to do here long-term.”
“I think it’s more about making him feel comfortable here,” Seungmin replied, his voice a little quieter. “Maybe the socializing can help. He’s got the doctor thing down, but maybe he just needs more friends, more people around him.”
Hyunjin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his mind beginning to wander. The mention of Chris’s need for connections made him think of his own struggles to balance his life and the expectations of others. He knew that he, too, needed to open up and form more meaningful relationships. But could he really help Chris find his place here?
The conversation lingered in the air, a delicate balance of unspoken thoughts. Han, noticing the quiet moment, grinned.
“Okay, enough serious talk,” Han said, throwing a cushion at Seungmin. “Let’s grab some snacks and find out if Chris is actually capable of socializing outside of being a doctor.”
Seungmin’s grin was wry, though he didn’t argue. “Fine, but you’re buying me books, Han. You said you were ‘cultured,’ so you should show us.”
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After Seungmin's housekeeper brought in plates of food and snacks, the atmosphere shifted to one of comfort and casual chatter. Seungmin’s family had a knack for making everything feel warm, and even the house’s crisp, clean lines felt softer with the hum of laughter filling the space.
Hyunjin dug into a plate of fried rice with a smile. He was surrounded by his closest friends—Han, Seungmin, and the comfort of Seungmin's family—and for once, his mind felt clear, like a brief moment of peace amid the chaos that was his life.
“So, Hyunjin,” Han started, glancing at him over a bowl of chips, “how’s the wedding planning going? You’ve been talking about it non-stop lately, so you must have a ton to share.”
Hyunjin put down his chopsticks, wiping his mouth. “Oh, the preparations are… definitely moving along. Yeji has been... very hands-on with everything. I swear, she’s the one picking every flower petal in the arrangement. I don’t think the decorators have had a chance to breathe without her input.” Hyunjin’s lips twitched as he shook his head. “I mean, it’s great that she’s so passionate about it, but I think the whole team is kind of on edge from how much she wants to change every single detail.”
Seungmin snorted, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. “I can totally see that. Yeji noona would be the type to want to change the entire theme at the last minute. The most beautiful wedding in history? Well, it’s not perfect unless she’s added her personal touch.” He grinned and added, “But hey, at least you won’t have to worry about any of that stuff, right? You don't need to arrange anything. You’re just the handsome little omega brother of that family.”
Hyunjin smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, I’m mostly just there to show up on the day of and smile pretty. As for the ceremony, it’s going to be a mix of traditional and modern—yea, we’re having a huge guest list. Yeji insisted on inviting almost the whole family and their extended circles. Even the distant relatives I haven’t seen in ages. I thought I might escape that part of it, but...” He sighed dramatically, “It looks like I’m about to meet some new family members I didn’t even know existed.”
Han, who had been munching on a snack, paused and raised an eyebrow. “Wait, distant relatives? How many of those do you have? I feel like your family tree could rival the biggest old-school royal families in history.”
Hyunjin snickered. “Well, I wouldn’t call them royal, but we do have quite the extended network. My family thinks it’s important for ‘family unity.’ It’s a bit much, but it’s important to them .” He shifted his attention back to his plate. “Honestly, I’m just worried about who’s going to catch her bouquet and how awkward that’s going to be.”
“Knowing Yeji, it’ll probably be one of your sisters,” Seungmin teased, earning a glare from Hyunjin.
“Absolutely not,” Hyunjin replied quickly. “My sisters have no interest in catching it. Besides, they’re all already married, so I guess I’m safe there.” He grinned. “Though, now that I think about it, I should definitely wear a good luck charm, just in case.”
Han leaned forward, his face scrunched in thought. “Is there anything you need help with? You’ve got your hands full with everything, so if you need a backup wedding planner—”
“I’m good, Han,” Hyunjin interrupted, grinning at his friend. “But thanks for offering. I think they will manage. It’s just the big day, right? It’ll all be worth it when it’s over.”
The conversation shifted to other random topics. Han and Seungmin started bickering over which K-pop group had the best comeback this year, with Han passionately defending his choice while Seungmin rolled his eyes. Hyunjin couldn’t help but laugh at their antics.
At one point, Seungmin turned to him with a thoughtful look, setting down his glass of juice. “But seriously, Hyunjin,” Seungmin began, “we know Yeji’s wedding is keeping you busy, but have you thought about—well—the fake date?”
The question made Hyunjin freeze mid-bite, the sudden shift in conversation catching him off guard. He glanced at Seungmin and then at Han, who had stopped bickering and was now giving him a look that could only be described as knowing. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly wiped his mouth before responding.
“What do you mean? You know I’ve been busy with everything, and—”
“I mean…” Han trailed off with a teasing smile. “You know that a fake date is still something you need, right? I mean, you’re going to be surrounded by your entire family, with all those distant relatives at the wedding. And we both know how they can get when they see you not attached to someone.”
Hyunjin swallowed, feeling the weight of Han’s words. He had, of course, thought about it—he’d thought about it a lot, especially after the awkwardness of his ex showing up at the charity event. He hadn’t known how to handle it then, and he still wasn’t sure now. Hyunjin wasn’t against the idea of a fake date, but the thought of using someone … well, it was complicated. He didn’t want to drag anyone into his personal drama.
“Do you really think it’s necessary?” Hyunjin finally asked, his voice small. He fiddled with the edge of his napkin, unsure whether he was more worried about his family’s judgment or what using someone would mean for their relationship.
“Well, let’s be real,” Seungmin said, leaning forward. “Your family is going to be on your case the entire time. Yeji might let it slide, but the rest of them? I can already see the questions coming. Who’s Hyunjin dating? When are you getting married, Hyunjin? You are the only Hwang child left for marriage now ...All that.” He paused, glancing at Han, who nodded in agreement. “You need someone to help distract them. ”
“But…” Hyunjin trailed off, not sure what else to say. He wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea, but he could see their point. Maybe it would make things easier. He glanced at Han for support.
Han, ever the drama lover, leaned back with a shrug. “I mean, yeah, it’s a bit weird, but you’re a chaebol omega, and everyone’s always going to have expectations. Why not make it easy for yourself?”
Hyunjin let out a small sigh, unsure how to respond. This whole situation had become more complicated than he had ever expected.
“I’ll think about it,” he said finally, his voice quiet.
“Well, you don’t have to think too hard about it,” Han said with a grin. “You know we’ve got your back.” He raised his cup of juice as if to toast to their plan. “Just remember, no more running away from your own problems, Hyunjin. Fake date or not, you deserve a little peace.”
Seungmin looked at Han, his smile faint but approving. “It’s not just about peace. It’s about keeping everything under control. ”
“Yeah,” Hyunjin said softly. “Maybe you’re right.”
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After sunset , they decided to go on a walk .
As the night air settled around them, the three friends wandered through the quiet streets, their footsteps echoing softly against the pavement. The cool breeze brushed through Hyunjin's hair, and he clung to Seungmin's arm like a child clutching their favorite blanket. His body felt relaxed, and for once, his thoughts weren’t consumed by wedding preparations or family expectations. He just wanted to enjoy this peaceful moment with Han and Seungmin. Han, as usual, was a ball of energy, skipping along and occasionally darting in front of them to strike exaggerated poses or point out random details on their path.
"Look at that dog!" Han said suddenly, pointing at a puppy walking by with its owner. "Such a cutie! Jinnie, if you ever need someone to keep you company, I could totally be your personal puppy walker."
Seungmin rolled his eyes at Han’s antics but kept his arm around Hyunjin as they continued walking. "You’re already his personal drama king," Seungmin muttered under his breath.
Hyunjin, snuggled close to Seungmin’s side, couldn't help but laugh. He loved these little moments—their lighthearted conversations and the comfort they found in each other’s presence.
"Well, Jinnie," Han suddenly broke into their easy rhythm, his voice sounding unusually serious for once. "I wanted to add just one more thing."
Hyunjin looked up at Han, blinking in confusion. "Huh? What is it?"
Han’s mischievous grin returned. "Since you said you’d think about the fake date, how about Chris?"
Hyunjin blinked again, more confused than ever. "Huh... Huh? What do you mean, Chris?"
Seungmin, who had been quietly watching the exchange, jumped in. "Yeah, why don’t you just ask him? He’s new in the country and we know he doesn’t know many people. It’s not like he has anything else going on."
"Exactly," Han said, snapping his fingers as if it were the simplest idea in the world. "Plus, he could use the connections. You get a date for the night, and he gets some nice introductions into the right circles. It’s a win-win."
Hyunjin’s brows furrowed as he processed Han’s words. "But... He's a doctor. Why would he agree to this? Why would he want to be rented for this sort of thing?"
Seungmin chuckled softly. "Not necessarily renting. Think of it more like... a mutually beneficial arrangement. You get to attend your sister's wedding without all the awkward questions, and Chris gets exposure, a bit of social clout. People are always looking for connections, Hyunjin. You’re not the only one in need of them."
Hyunjin wasn’t convinced. "But Chris doesn’t need this type of exposure, does he? I mean, he’s a doctor, for crying out loud. He’s got his career already."
Han shook his head. "Yeah, but in this world, it’s all about who you know. And what better way to network than through a big family event like Yeji’s wedding at the Hwang's?"
Seungmin added thoughtfully, "You also don’t have to worry about emotional drama. Chris isn’t your ex. He’s just... well, he’s Chris. It would be a temporary arrangement. No strings attached."
"But—" Hyunjin started to protest, but then he stopped, his mind working overtime. He glanced up at Seungmin and Han. They both looked at him with those expectant, knowing eyes that always had his best interest at heart. Maybe this wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all.
He sighed, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "I’ll think about it," he said finally. "I just need to figure out how to ask him. I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable or like he’s being dragged into some... weird situation."
Han grinned and nudged him playfully. "See? You’re overthinking it, Jinnie. Just ask him! He’s Changbin's friend, right? It’ll be fine."
"Yeah, and besides," Seungmin said with a smirk, "if it goes horribly, you’ve got us to bail you out."
The rest of the walk was filled with more casual conversation, the usual banter and teasing that Hyunjin had grown accustomed to. They passed the quiet night together, the occasional bursts of laughter and easy chatter the perfect backdrop to their thoughts, still lingering on the question of Chris and the fake date.
By the time they reached Seungmin’s house, the moon was high in the sky, and the streets had grown quieter, with only the occasional car passing by. They said their goodbyes in front of Seungmin’s door, and Hyunjin waved as he made his way back home with Han.
At his family’s mansion, Hyunjin walked into his room, the familiar silence greeting him as he closed the door behind him. He changed into comfortable clothes and flopped down onto his huge bed, the soft sheets enveloping him in a cocoon of warmth. His thoughts swirled around in his head, replaying the conversation from earlier.
Chris. The doctor. Changbin's friend. Hyunjin’s chest tightened as he stared at the ceiling, imagining what it would be like to ask him about the fake date. The thought felt awkward, uncomfortable even. But maybe it was necessary. Maybe it was the only way to keep things under control, to avoid those questions from his family and to protect himself from the unwanted attention.
But does Chris even want to be involved in this? Hyunjin wondered as he closed his eyes.
He knew it was going to be an awkward conversation. He could already feel the hesitation building in his chest. But if there was a chance that this could make everything easier, could keep his family from making his life even more complicated, maybe it would be worth it. He had to at least try.
Sighing deeply, Hyunjin rolled onto his side, grabbing his phone from the nightstand. He scrolled through his contacts until he found Chris’s name. His finger hovered over the message icon for a moment before he sighed again and put the phone down.
It was still too early for this. He’d wait until tomorrow, when his mind wasn’t so cluttered.
One step at a time.
Hyunjin closed his eyes, trying to push away the anxiety that had started to creep in. Tomorrow, he would figure it out. Tonight, though, he needed rest.
Tomorrow was soon enough.