Work Text:
“You’re an actor, right?”
Jeonghan knitted his eyebrows as the older man asked him. “Yeah, and?” He looked around the hall, thinking it was kind of weird for this guy to ask him about his job whilst sticking his face inches away from Jeonghan’s.
“Let’s talk somewhere else,” He said as he grabbed Jeonghan’s wrist, then pulling him away from the crowd-y venue up to a VIP lounge found at the top floor.
They stood in silence as they reached the rooftop. Jeonghan took his chance to get a good look at the stranger, his hair was obviously dyed in midnight black, as his gray roots were showing over his scalp. He assumed that the guy was in his late 30’s as he looked to his features, long eyelashes, thick brows, sharp nose and thin but rosy red lips. His face seemed to lean onto the western side.
“I need you to do me a favor,” He trails, as Jeonghan looks up at him. “I will pay you 10 million won to be my fake husband.” Wha…WHAT!? He immediately froze, eyes wide as he stares at him in disbelief. “I… uh… I don’t even know… who you are…”
“And you’re asking me to marry you!?” The guy was startled as Jeonghan suddenly raised his voice. “Hey, it’s not like we’re going to be married, like, real married. You’re just going to pretend as my husband until I inherit my father’s position.” He explains, sighing as Jeonghan frowns. “What position? Where are you from? Who are you!?”
Vernon, yeah that’s his name, explained everything to Jeonghan; he’s currently the Vice President of an electronics company that is owned by his family, and that his family is planning to arrange a wedding for him and the next heir of another family’s empire. “Why don’t you just marry her? Then when you get to your CEO position just file a divorce and live your life as a single man again,” Jeonghan commented, “Easy Peasy.”
“It’s not that easy, I just hoped that girl they’re gonna tie me with isn’t interested with this setup either, but then, as soon as she met me she’s suddenly possessive and too eager to marry me,” Vernon replied, “And as soon as I file a divorce she and her family will do everything to change my mind.”
“So marrying me, pretending to be your husband, and then divorcing me after you take over the company is a better idea?” Jeonghan asks, as Vernon sighs and nods, “That’s the only solution me and my Secretary thought of. If this fails then I will leave the country.”
Jeonghan tsks, sitting onto the couch behind him, thinking about Vernon’s favor. “Well, let’s go back to your offer, is ten million won final?” “Yeah, you can also do your own conditions about the setup. I’ll comply if it won’t affect our cover-up.” Jeonghan makes a face, “How long is this entire fake marriage thing gonna last?” Vernon hums, “Depends on how long will it take for my father to sign the will and pass me the company. Maybe six months to a year.”
“Then ten million wouldn’t be enough.” Jeonghan says, “How much do you want then?”
‘Fifteen? Wait… nevermind, this guy’s probably rich as fuck.’ “I can do twenty,” Vernon’s eyes widened, “Twenty million won.” Jeonghan says, winking at Vernon whose looking at him in disbelief. “Wha—” “I’ll do everything you’ll ask me to do, Vernon-ssi, if you’ll pay me a good amount of talent fee.” Vernon looks away, probably thinking about Jeonghan’s deal. Twenty million is a big price, but it would take his own freedom if he chose to get married to someone else.
“Fine.” Vernon replied as Jeonghan perks up at him, smirking slyly. “So it’s a deal?”, “Yeah, it’s a deal.” And they shook hands.
“By the way, I’m Yoon Jeonghan, I’m still a rookie actor but I already got four ‘Best New Actor’ and ‘Best Supporting Actor’ awards in three years I’ve been in the industry, so rest assured I’m going to nail my new role as your husband.”
—
The first few months with Vernon—I mean Hansol was… exhilarating, for Jeonghan. Vernon's gentle and bossy at the same time, he had to learn English, table manners and etiquettes, even pretending to be a son of a businessman. But there were perks, of course, he gets to eat, shit, and sleep in a mansion that has an elevator, yes, a whole-ass elevator. Although the maids were kind of mean and loves to give a stink eye when Jeonghan and Vernon does PDA, he didn't really care, he gets pampered, and he’s earning tons of money from it.
But there were people that’s bumming him out, like Vernon’s annoying Secretary, he forgot the name but he’s sure his name was Seungkwan. He’s bossy whenever Vernon’s not around, and he’s nosy as hell, Jeonghan still could remember that one time Seungkwan asked him about those dating rumors with him and another rookie actress he was paired with once in a movie. And of course, as soon as Vernon got the news he immediately nagged Jeonghan about not being discreet and not stirring up issues during their cover-up.
And there is Vernon’s annoying aunt, who likes to visit the mansion every week just to look down at Jeonghan and threatening him that she’ll dig up and expose his issues if he won’t dump Vernon. He’s not afraid of getting his name dirtied, as he and his agency will immediately do an action against it, and there’s nothing to be scared of as he wasn’t involved in major scandals, anyways.
They already talked about the wedding, and both of them agreed that it should happen as soon as they possibly can. So Vernon immediately asked Seungkwan to hire the best organizers in the country, and after a few meetings and setbacks, the wedding is going to happen two months from now.
“How did Sir Choi asked you to be his proxy?” Seungkwan asked, he and Jeonghan went to a clothing store for the customized suit, and Jeonghan looked good in his all-white suit, along with a pair of black leather shoes and a black necktie. “What do you mean by that?” “How did you guys met?”
Seungkwan follows Jeonghan, as he looked around the other suits and gowns displayed at the boutique. “We were both invited to an engagement party, it was my agency’s CEO and his wife, so I assume Hansol is one of his acquaintances.” Jeonghan replied. “And then he suddenly walked up to you and asked you to be his husband?” Seungkwan chuckled, Jeonghan smiled, “You could say that thing exactly happened,” The younger looked at Jeonghan with wide eyes, “Wait really?”
“He suddenly asked me if I’m an actor and brought me to the VIP lounge, then there he asked me a favor to pretend as his husband.” Jeonghan said, saying in a low voice as he leaned towards Seungkwan’s ear, “He also offered me that he’ll pay me twenty million won.” Jeonghan added, pulling away from Seungkwan.
“Oh…” Seungkwan chuckles looking away, “You went in for the money, right?”
Jeonghan shrugs, “Well, it’s worth more than my monthly salary, so why would I decline?” “You have a point.” Seungkwan replied, “But it might be a not-so-easy job to you, though.” Jeonghan frowns at him, “Why?”
“Are you sure you won’t fall in love for someone easily?” Seungkwan asks, as Jeonghan scoffs, “I’m not that kind of person, Seungkwan-ssi.” Seungkwan squints his eyes on Jeonghan, “Do you really? Could you swear you’re not going to fall in love for Sir Choi while doing this marriage thing?” “Well he’s not exactly my type, so you could count on me with that one.” Jeonghan winks, leaving Seungkwan back to the fitting rooms.
Is he really sure, though?
—
Two months was a short amount of time, amidst the reactions of the public when the marriage was announced, Jeonghan and Hansol decided to still do the plan. It’s now or never.
It was nerve-wracking for Jeonghan, although he’s not really marrying the man beside him as they face the altar, he was so conscious with all the cameras around him, which is exactly unusual for Jeonghan and his unbothered behavior. He was so close to combusting and rushing out of the church when the vowing part was over, although it looked and felt like reciting lines for a shoot, Jeonghan absolutely and definitely saw the look in Hansol’s eyes when they stared at each other as he told his vow to Jeonghan.
“You looked nervous,” Hansol whispers to Jeonghan, as they danced under the spotlight, Jeonghan felt a little embarrassed, they’re doing a waltz in front of a lot of people. “I’m not.” Jeonghan replies sternly, “Your red ears earlier at the church said otherwise,” Hansol smirks, turning Jeonghan slowly, and then dipping him down and pulling him up. “I was embarrassed, I had to recite those overly-cheesy lines in front of many people, and then kiss you after.” Jeonghan makes a face as Hansol giggles. “Was Seungkwan as good scriptwriter though? He wrote those vows the night before.”
Jeonghan hums, thinking about it, “Well he did a great job, maybe if he just removed some lines that are too romantic for my taste it would’ve been better.” He says as they both erupt in laughter. The music eventually stopped and Jeonghan was brought back to his senses when he heard the shouts and claps from the crowd, staring at Hansol’s eyes almost felt like hypnotizing, at least for Jeonghan.
The reception ended with Hansol and Jeonghan going back to their mansion, but as Jeonghan was about to enter his room, Hansol stops him, “Wha—” “Can you stay in our room?” “Our room?” Jeonghan snorts, closing the door as he faces Hansol. “Just this once, so that everyone here wouldn’t be suspecting about us,”
“Don’t worry, I’ll sleep on my couch, I promise.” Hansol added, as they enter the room that was two times bigger than Jeonghan’s. “It’s our room, why the fuck you’re going to sleep on the couch?” Jeonghan asks, sitting on the edge of their queen-sized bed. “Well, you might feel uncomfortable,” Hansol says as he fiddles with the hem of his shirt, “Don’t get me wrong though, I don’t snore, I don’t sleepwalk or cling onto you. It’s just… maybe you’re not into sharing a bed with someone.”
He’s so cute, Jeonghan thinks, but he immediately shook it off. “I’m good with sharing a bed with others, my sister and I used to share a room before so, it’s fine, don’t stress yourself about it.” Jeonghan snorted. “Are you sure?” Hansol asks, “Yes I’m fine, I’m your husband for fuck’s sake why would I be uncomfortable with it?” Oh shoot, Jeonghan immediately looked away as Hansol clears his throat, the tip of his ears reddening.
“I mean, fake husband, you’re my fake husband, we should get used to this.” Jeonghan stood up and walked towards the bathroom that was connected with the master bedroom. “I… uh… I’m gonna change into my pajamas.” Jeonghan mumbles as he exits the bedroom.
As soon as he closes the door, Jeonghan rushed to the sink and washed his face. “What was I thinking?” He whispers to himself, shaking his head. This is all just an act, why is he feeling giddy and nervous about it?
—
In the terms and conditions Jeonghan wrote in the contract, he told Hansol that despite being married, he should continue his acting career, and Hansol let him. As Jeonghan received the new script for the new movie, he read and practiced the lines with the help of Hansol’s personal chef, Mingyu.
“Oh right… it has a lot of kissing scenes,” Jeonghan mumbles, flipping through the pages of his script, Mingyu scoffs, “Is Sir Choi okay with that?”
Jeonghan looked up to him, I forgot he’s my husband for a second, “Well he’s fine with it, it’s just a part of my job anyways, besides we kissed a lot than the amount of kisses this project required.” It’s a lie, the first and last time they kissed was at the wedding. Although Jeonghan thinks Hansol must be a good kisser.
Jeonghan clears his throat, “Let’s just do the important lines, then we’re done.” Mingyu nods as he stands up from the kitchen counter, “Okay, let’s do it.”
Listen, Hansol is completely fine with Jeonghan’s gigs and his job in general, because everything about their relationship is solely fake, and he’s not the jealous type of person. And he has no idea why he’s feeling a little icky scrolling through tweets from the fans who ship Jeonghan and his new female lead.
“Why are you even reading all of that?” Jihoon, his producer friend, asks. “You’re just stressing yourself.”
He adds as Hansol puts down his phone. “I don’t know either, I’m just looking up to the updates of his new series then I found some people thinking they’re cute or they might be dating. It’s kind of irritating.” It might be a lie, or it might be true, it’s bumming him out despite the fact that their marriage is supposed to have no feelings attached to it.
Jihoon hums, leaning back onto his leather couch, “That won’t last, they know you and Jeonghan-hyung are married.” Right, they’re freaking married, he should trust Jeonghan that he wouldn’t do anything that would ruin it. But something in Hansol’s mind tells him to confront Jeonghan and straight up tell him he should stop flirting with his female lead too much.
He suddenly remembered Seungkwan’s advice the night before his wedding;
‘Sir, if you think you’re feeling something… deep, for Jeonghan-hyung, tell me right away. We can’t dictate our feelings, so if I can’t stop you from falling then I should at least… prepare you for the worst in case he dumps you.’
He opens his phone, and went through his messages. ‘Seungkwan-ah, we need to talk later, see me at the office in 6 pm.’
—
Five months, since Jeonghan and Hansol arranged their fake marriage. There were changes, Jeonghan and Seungkwan miraculously got along with each other, Hansol and Jeonghan’s family reconciled after a few misunderstandings. Hansol’s aunt finally stopped bugging Jeonghan, she probably fell for the act.
They, of course, got closer as time goes by. Jeonghan would sleep in their shared master bedroom beside Hansol, and even if he wakes up on Hansol’s forearm, it didn’t feel like a big deal, or should it even be? Hansol would also send flowers or random gifts to Jeonghan whenever he’s done shooting, and in return, Jeonghan would visit him in his office, bringing a packed lunch with him.
One night, after Jeonghan finished his photoshoot for a magazine cover, he saw Hansol waiting for him outside the studio. “What are you doing here?” Jeonghan asked, smiling at the older whose busy at staring at him, “Well, I wanted to look like a responsible husband to you, so instead of Chan, I’m the one fetching you tonight.” Jeonghan bit the inside of his cheeks to avoid the smile creeping up on his face.
“And… I wanted to tell you something.” Hansol says, then sticks out an arm to Jeonghan, “Shall we?” “Okay.” Hansol smiles as he opens the car’s door for Jeonghan.
“I got it,” Jeonghan looked at Hansol, confused. “Dad finally signed the will, I’m going to be the next President, Jeonghan-ah.” Hansol said with a wide smile, Jeonghan raises his brows, “Ah, congratulations, Sol-ah, I’m glad you finally got the position.” He says, putting up the most genuine smile he could plaster. He knows this entire thing with Hansol would eventually end, anyway, but he didn’t expect it was going to be this early.
Especially when he’s now feeling something for the latter.
So he did the best thing he could even think of, running to his best friend, and his soul mate, Joshua. It was a ten-minute car ride from the mansion, so going to his house wasn’t a hassle.
“You’re telling me… you and Vernon arranged a fake wedding for him to escape his family’s plan for him to marry another girl until he inherits his father’s company, in exchange for twenty million won, and now he got the position, and you’re falling in love with him and you can’t let him go?” Joshua asked, Jeonghan nodded as he slumped onto the younger’s bed. “I don’t know what to do, Joshuji, I don’t want him to know that I’m already having stupid feelings for him yet I don’t want to end this setup and just be with him, even if it’s an act.”
Joshua sighs, sitting on the bed beside Jeonghan. “But you need to tell him, you can’t hold in your feelings for Vernon, because it would be hard for you to move on once you two get divorced.” He advices, slowly stroking his hair, Jeonghan inhales sharply then lets out a wail, “Of all people! Why does he need to be the one I fell in love with!?” Jeonghan whined, looking at Joshua with glassy eyes. Joshua continued to comfort his sobbing friend, “Everything will be alright, just tell him all of this, I’m sure he can understand,” “I heard he’s a good person.” Joshua adds, making Jeonghan wail once again.
“Ah shit, I’m sorry about that.” Jeonghan shook his head, “No need to apologize, Joshuji, it’s my fault, I wouldn’t be like this if only I declined his favor.”
“Don’t say that, just look on the bright side, you’re getting the twenty million won.” Joshua chuckles as Jeonghan glares at him but breaking into a smile after, “You’re right, it would be a waste of a blessing if I rejected his offer, it’s better like this. A broken heart but a full bank account.” Jeonghan says. It’s better than nothing, right?
—
Jeonghan gained all of the courage he could get, he already prepared himself for the rejection by draining his tears watching melodramas.
So, he thinks, the divorce and Hansol’s rejection wouldn’t hurt him badly.
He waited for Hansol to come home in their mansion, it’s been a week since Hansol became the newest President-slash-CEO-slash-Director of their company.
And that means Hansol is busy filing for the divorce, but the latter hasn’t been talking about it yet.
As soon as he saw the black BMW stopping in the front terrace, Jeonghan braced himself, and got out of his own bedroom and walked downstairs. “Oh, Hannie-ya,” Hansol smiles as he walks up to Jeonghan and kissed his cheek, the younger was startled as he stepped back. “Hansol,” He inhales then exhales, “We need to talk.”
Hansol arches his brows, before muttering an oh okay, then followed Jeonghan as they walked inside the elevator to the rooftop.
“Are you okay?” Hansol asks Jeonghan, who looked back at him, “Yeah, I’m fine.” Jeonghan shows a small smile. “I will be straight-forward to you, Hansol,” He mutters, looking directly to his eyes, “I thought I’m never gonna fall in love over a fake act like this,” Hansol’s eyes widen a bit, he felt his heartbeat raise.
“But I think I do, I think I’m really falling for you.” Jeonghan confesses, despite his bravado and his calm demeanor, he felt like jumping off the rooftop. He never felt this much nervousness in his life. Hansol, on the other hand, stood silent, almost speechless. It made Jeonghan think irrationally.
‘Why is he staring like that? Was that bad? Was I too blunt?’ Jeonghan asks himself, stepping away from Hansol, whose staring at him with wide eyes. ‘Or is he disgusted? Is he finally going to bring up the divorce?
I shouldn’t have did this, this is so awkward, he doesn—’ Jeonghan’s thoughts were interrupted as Hansol held his waist, “You’re gonna fall off to the ground, stop walking away from me,” He mumbled, Jeonghan felt the chills go down his spine with how Hansol looked at him. It sparked a little bit of hope in him.
“And whatever you’re thinking right now, they’re all wrong.” Hansol says, smiling gently at Jeonghan, “Wha—” “I’m not going to file a divorce for us.” Jeonghan’s eyes widens, staring at Hansol whose now red as a tomato. “Because I love you, Yoon Jeonghan.”
Jeonghan gasps, then snorts as he looked away from Hansol, “God, I’ve been thinking that you’ll reject me since last week!”
Hansol smiles at him then pulls him closer, “I’ve been also thinking of that, Seungkwan told me I’m not your type.” Hansol says as he pouts his lips, making Jeonghan frown and laugh at him, “Haha, I thought that too, but I guess times have changed, because you’re definitely the one I’ve been finding.” Hansol scoffed at him, laughing. “You said in our reception that Seungkwan’s words were too cheesy for your taste, but now you seemed to be a lot more cheesy than him.”
Jeonghan smacked his arm before sulking at him, “Yah, don’t say that, I’m just used to saying that all the time in dramas.” “Whatever you say, Hannie,” Hansol replies, then suddenly kissing the younger’s forehead.
“Will you go out with me tomorrow?” Jeonghan snorts at Hansol’s question, “I’m literally your husband for almost six months, why would I decline that?” “Right, you’re my husband yet we never kissed since our wedding.” Hansol replies, as Jeonghan looked up to him, “What do you want a kiss?” He makes a kissy face to Hansol, but got startled when Hansol ducks down, kissing him.
It was just a peck on the lips, “One more?” Jeonghan asks, looking at Hansol with puppy eyes, the older chuckles, then letting go of Jeonghan’s waist and holding his chin, as he leans forward for a more proper kiss.
Jeonghan’s lips felt soft, just like their first kiss in the altar. Hansol thanked the heavens above for finally giving him the chance to kiss the same soft lips everyday.