In Love and War (ksj)
tags: idol!au, fake dating trope, enemies-to-lovers
status: Ongoing (1/3)
It was that kind of Friday night (more like Saturday morning). You drank two shots too many, stayed on the dancefloor one minute too long, before the floor started spinning on your feet, or maybe you were.
Or maybe it's the number on your suite's door
Or your keycard's the one's floating
Or maybe the key slot's pulling a prank on you, avoiding your aim as you slam the damn card in.
You stumbled, the knob swinging down like magic.
"I'm never gonna drink again," you grumbled. A recurring resolution that floats in your mind which would be gone and forgotten as soon as you dive in your bed for the night.
Part 1
Having projects in LA is much more fun. You get to party and run around without scrutinizing eyes. Although you do miss the coldness of Seoul, the sun and the smell of weed in random corners of Hollywood is like an adventure in your backyard.
Your manager might kill you tomorrow, but you're quite sure that the alcohol will wear off by the time you board the plane back home. Or maybe not. That would make sleep easier to come though.
After the fashion week in New York, 4 weeks were spent in the west coast for several shoots and shows. You'll fly back home and do projects again for a month before going to Dubai, then Paris, for runway shows.
You never found modelling glamourous. When you were starting, you spent a whole day waiting in line just for you to walk for less than 5 seconds. Most times you get to wait out in the cold or in a humid heat, just for you to get snubbed and scrutinized for being too meaty, too thin, too tall, not small enough, not a blank canvas, too sharp, too soft.
You learned to not take those snide comments and backhanded compliments too seriously. Over time.
You got to be confident in your bare skin and embrace each curve and freckle and stretchmark. If you only knew how confidence could boost your presence, you could've worked on it when you were just starting.
Cold air grazed against your exposed skin. In contrast to LA's hot weather, their air-condition is freezingly too much. You squirmed and took refuge in the warmth of your duvet and pillow. It's odd and warmer than you're used to but you're not complaining. The blanket have somehow wounded around your body, cocooning you in a warm embrace.
"Happy birthday!!!"
Shouts and cheers jolted you awake, but it shortly ended up in screams of horror and surprise as you relayed frantic glances to different pairs of eyes.
"Turn the live off!"
"Jin hyung! We agreed on behaving!"
"How many saw that?"
"Who the heck are you?!"
"I don't know! Why are you in my room?!" you defensively replied. "Who are you, people?!" you freaked out.
"They're my members! And that's our camera director!"
"Oh my god my head's aching," you groaned and bent forward, cradling your pounding head in your arms.
It was then when you recognized the familiar faces you just saw. Everyone knows them.
You sighed when you realized you were still in your tank top and underwear.
"Who sent you here?" Jin asked, perplexed, his arms were folded against his chest in a defensive stance. You took offense at his action, making you scoff.
"This is my room. I know I'm getting quite an attention in the runway scene but you... you..."
you couldn't continue the accusation you were formulating because heck, why would he, a global star, would sneak his way into your suite, unless,
"You're a pervert stalker!"
He gasped and his brows furrowed. You could almost see smoke puffing out of his ears as his face flushed with red fury.
"You're in my suite! You're the pervert stalker!" he shouted back.
A stout man then stormed in the room, his eyes alarmed. "What's happening here? Who are you? Seize her!" he shouted orders after tall men in black filed in.
"What would you do to me? Back off! I'll sue you!"
The man replied, "You should've known better before pulling this kind of stunt to my artist. You'll go to jail."
You shook your head and frustration seeped through you at how you felt misunderstood and ganged up on. You further backed away from one of them reaching out to you. "Call my manager! I'm not some freak psycho who's after any of you. I'm famous too, you know!"
You're not the kind of person who uses her fame, but it was a cornering situation you desperately need to get out of.
"If you touch me, I'll sue you for harassment."
"You entered his suite without permission."
"This is my room!" you insisted. But now you weren't so sure as you were hammered drunk last night.
---
You were now seated on the couch as you fidget nervously. It was then cleared out that you got the wrong suite and that the door was held open early in the morning for their surprise to Jin. That explains the headache and groggy state you're in, barely getting any sleep.
Their manager pretty much yelled at the ridiculous stunt and fired the staff in charge right there and then.
"Y/n!" your head whipped up at the sight of your manager rushing in through the door. You looked up at her and couldn't hold back the tears you've been holding.
"Ms. Seo!" you uttered and ran up to her, hugging her as you seek refuge in her arms.
"What happened?"
"My father happened. If he'd just let me stay in his hotel and didn't belittle my job too much, I could've avoided this. And Alex! He bought so much drinks for me!"
"Who's Alex?" she asked back, confused.
"The friend I made last night."
"Y/n!" she reprimanded.
"He was nice! And then... and then..."
"Your talent got into my suite. She was too drunk to notice," Jin cut you off.
You whirled towards him and said, "You could've woken me up. Or something,"
"You're not the only one who's been busy and tired. Luckier you, you got to party."
His manager then stepped in, knowing how bad tempered he can be. "I figured you saw the video already. It was live so despite us taking it down, his fans still got a snip of it."
Both of your managers got into a conversation disregarding the two of you as if you were children. They were like parents calmly talking about the situation, understanding each other's statements. While you threw Jin a heated stare, he only shook his head out of utter disappointment.
The whole situation is not pleasant to you either, but Jin's expression is out of this world. His ice-cold glare sent shivers down your spine, making you do nothing but avert from his killer gaze.
You buried your face in your hands out of regret. You somehow knew your partying habit would get you into trouble sooner or later, but you've been very careful. It's just that you thought that once you're out of the party scene, you're deemed safe.
"- we will be talking to our lawyer about this, so I couldn't make any promises."
"Either way, you should cooperate with our investigation if you're not hiding anything."
"We're not. We'll agree to it as long as this is settled legally and you have a warrant."
"She trespassed!"
"It was an accident. An honest mistake on her part. She was..." Ms. Seo sighed in shame, before saying, "intoxicated. Isn't that obvious? She didn't mean any harm. Mr. Kim isn't hurt. Anyone isn't."
"Do you know what this has caused my artist's reputation?"
"So does mine. She wouldn't have slipped in if the door was locked."
"So you're really going there?"
"I told you we'll cooperate but with legal safeguards to protect us."
A ring have cut through the intense bullets flying to and fro across the room.
It was your phone.
Dad calling...
Shoot.
You flinched. You couldn't even dare to press the red button and just kept staring on the screen.
"Y/n," you glanced up at Ms. Seo with teary eyes, asking for her to take it on your behalf. She shook her head and urged you to take it.
With a sigh, you picked up the call and closed your eyes as you brace yourself.
"Dad?"
"Is it true?" his voice sounded menacing.
You held in your breath and stalled, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"You know I don't take bullshits. I've let you on your own and this is how you repay me? I don't care who you sleep with but at least have some decency to not get caught and bring shame to the family!"
"It's not like that. It was an accident. I didn't," you let out an exhausted breath. "My manager and I will fix this. Don't worry."
"The damage has been done. People have traced who you are. Do you know you're being painted as a rebel heiress? Your pictures with models and few personalities, partying, are all over the internet and the news. Now, the public are even scrutinizing us, your parents."
"Is your manager in the room?" he asked after a beat.
"Yes."
"Put me on speaker."
"But dad, this isn't the right time. We have other people in the room," you replied, meeting the eyes of everyone who seemed to be listening to the call. A staff barged in and talked to Jin's manager, showing him something on the tablet.
"Other people involved in this matter you mean?"
"Yes."
"Better. Put me on speaker. Now."
"Sir," Ms. Seo greeted once you've put it on the coffee table.
"I'll compensate for everything my daughter has caused. Money is not an issue here. Cancel all her contracts from this point on and my legal team will help you with the penalties. Y/n will fly back here to Seoul."
"Dad!"
"I already told you to not join the circus, Y/n. I won't let anyone slander this family. This is your last straw. You burned it. Now, go back here,"
The line ended, leaving you all speechless.
--
It has been a month since you were flown back to Seoul. The wound was still all painful and bitter for losing the momentum you've had in the fashion world. In a snap, your father has proved how he could end your career anytime he wants.
On top of compensation, a threat to pull out of the current deals they had currently with the band were laid out on the table unless their management will not release any single statement for the matter.
The surprising part is that, everything in your life was laid out there. Out for the world to read. You became more famous, in three-folds, than you've been ever before. Soon, some stories were spun up how you and Jin met. Someone have caught a picture of the both of you in a museum, coincidentally. They even got a wind of how the scandal affected your career and that your influential family have paid millions to protect you.
Soon after, your father released a statement on your behalf. That you have done nothing wrong and you've been nothing but being independent on your own. The recent events have pushed him to step in and save you from scrutinizing eyes.
When he was asked on his thoughts about your nonexistent relationship with the idol, he stated, "My daughter's recovering from the whole fiasco. I have nothing to say about the rumors."
Then again, because of a vague statement, the whole situation was being painted as a Shakespeare piece. A star-crossed lovers. Your father being painted as a good-natured villain, while you, a rebel turned into a princess who was swept off her feet by a prince.
It was a well-cooked slow burn love story now for the media and for the fans of both sides. An orchestrated piece where hints and bits were dropped off for anyone to connect the dots.
And now you're here, in a meeting room with Jin who's calmer than before. A pitying gaze on his eyes which annoyed the hell out of you.
You couldn't help but scoff.
Tables have turned in more ways than one.
"The PR stunt was slow but effective. Making it organic and believable for everyone." Jin's manager spoke up.
You on the other hand, has been on the blind side of things.
"I thought everyone was paid off. Why are we having this meeting?" you turned to Ms. Seo.
She looked at you and said, "Your father and I have settled everything. We're now on the second phase of the plan. They also agreed to this."
"What's happening?" you asked in utter confusion.
"We're writing a romance movie. So you could get back to your modelling and Jin would be painted in a better light. The damage has been done the moment you were broadcasted on live. We just tipped the opinion of the public to the pastured side," she explained.
--
"This is ridiculous!" you declared after the walkthrough. "You agreed to this?!" you snapped at Jin, who was just silent all throughout the meeting.
--
You flew to Paris a day after that under some hideous disguise so no one could recognize. After settling in, you got ready for the first take. A natural look. You took a morning stroll through the winding streets, heading to a bakery before walking back to your place. You walked slow towards the rented apartment, your face bare and gracefully pale to sell off the movie script everyone wrote.
Beep. Shutter.
And the first scene was set.
--
"Pictures would be published a day later so you'd be safe. By the time they got a wind of the situation, you guys are both back here in Seoul. Taking the second sequence," the PR adviser discussed as he peeled off the storyboard.
--
Seokjin's looking at you at an arm's length distance before grabbing your hand. His hands are cold and pale from the city's harsh breeze.
"I can't believe we're doing this," you whispered, your scarf now covering almost half your face. Your outfit was straight out of a hallmark movie while he's wearing a ridiculous oversized pink sweater and khaki shorts. "And your outfit, seriously?"
He pursed his lips and pulled you towards him, gently. He then whispered to your ear, "Don't make me laugh. I was supposed to be in disguise when meeting you."
"You're attracting attention to yourself by being hideous," you retorted as you felt his hug tighten, his head burying on your shoulder.
Beep. Shutter.
"That's the point," he hoarsely replied.
You sighed. "I'm sorry. I know this is tiring. We could just..."
Seokjin shook his head. "It's okay. I'm sorry for putting your career in jeopardy."
"It's my fault. Don't be sorry. I got you in so much trouble."
"It's no one's fault," he settled.
You let out a sigh against his chest.
Then he spoke, "You should push me away. I chased after you, but you're done, remember?"
"This is ridiculous."
"You've said that for a hundredth time. Now do your part, Juliet," he replied in a teasing tone.
You gulped and couldn't help but chuckle, in response, Jin tucked your head in. "Don't laugh, you're making me laugh. We'll blow this up. Really, you're such a bad actress," he said through gritted teeth while fighting a smile off his face.
With that you pushed him away with a glare.
"I'm a freaking model. I can act," you reprimanded him, raising an eyebrow in a challenge.
He tilted his head to the side, "Not like that, be heart broken."
He reached again for your hand but this time you spat it away.
"Fine," you turned around and ran towards the building, hiding your face as if you're sobbing, but in reality, the whole scenario's sending you to madness.
With all the relentless shutters you've heard since the scene, you only hoped a couple of them would look convincing.
--
"Your boyfriend's here," Ms. Seo announced while you were getting your makeup ready for a shoot. Deals started pouring in right after the release of your heartbreaking pictures. As a strategy, the most unassuming gig was picked. A coffee commercial.
You turned to your manager with wide eyes as the staff pretended to hear nothing. Your makeup artist paused a bit before pretending on powdering your face as a touch up.
"We broke up. What are you talking about?" you carefully treaded, earning silenced gasps from your stylist to the floor manager and even the photographer who were suddenly in your perimeter.
Ms. Seo shrugged and left the studio. You saw Seokjin walking in in his crisp white shirt and slacks, his hair slicked back and looking handsome as ever.
"Everyone out! Be back and we'll start in 15!" someone announced, sending you in utter confusion.
You watched him as he made his way towards you. Neither of you spoke as you waited for the last person to leave the room.
Once the studio doors clicked shut, you uttered, "We're not scheduled to shoot in two days,"
Seokjin shrugged, his hands tucked behind him.
"The team thought we need a follow up. We couldn't just make up all of a sudden with all the pushing and swatting done in Paris."
You chuckled, "You told me to push you away."
"I did."
You sighed in exasperation and decided to move on. Walking up to him you crossed your arms against your chest. "So what do I need to do?"
He brought flowers and handed it to you, saying, "There're cameras across the window, you just have to accept these and be photographed."
You rolled your eyes and stepped to him, handing out your hand to accept the flowers.
He raised a brow and said, "Closer,"
You took a step closer and gently grabbed the bouquet from him. A lingering hold to let the moment be captured.
Then you turned away, back to a spot covered by the wall. He stood there by the window, staring at you.
"How's everything so far?"
You nodded back and replied, "Good. Let me know if I need to do anything for you. I owe you for cooperating to this ridiculous plan."
Jin let out a bitter chuckle, "It's for my image too. This is a lot of work, but it's the best way to get out of this situation."
"If it's of any comfort to you, my branding soared, for being a real adult. Whatever that means," he added.
You nodded in understanding, "So we'll just squeeze the lemonade out of this."
He laughed at the comparison you used, but nodded in agreement. "Yes. I'll consider this as an acting gig. You should too. For your portfolio."
You chuckled back and nodded, "Okay, thank you, Jin."
--
You briskly walked to Jin's car at the end of your appointment for that day. You're now on the second sequence, a scene where Jin is driving you home, stopping for a quick dinner along the way.
You huffed as you pulled his car door shut.
"Hi," you greeted, untangling your thick red scarf from your neck.
"Ready?" he asked as you buckle in. You looked around and remarked, "Wow, this car isn't really tinted huh."
He laughed. "It's for my safety. In case you'd do anything bad to me."
"As if," you retorted and chuckled back.
You were both advised to be careful as the traction of your story has been picked up by different news agencies. Along with your hired photographers, real paparazzis are now out there to get you both.
"Assume as if you're really sneaking away. Just get on the spots we told you so our team can have clear shots," Ms. Seo reminded on the phone, minutes before the stage.
Few minutes later of battling through the city, he parked the car on the riverside. As he pulled the handbrake, you asked, "I thought we're having dinner."
"Yeah, but too many people. I prepared ahead here," he replied before taking off and opening the trunk.
You followed with curiosity and laughed when you found camping pots and utensils and a few packs of ramen. Then he revealed a plate of jokbal tightly packed.
Your mouth watered at the sight and turned to him in glee. "Oh my god," you told him with a grin.
He stared at you for a while and didn't say anything. So you proceeded, "This is amazing, Jin! I like it," you informed him before digging for the water bottles and the portable kettle. Beyond you are the trees, the hood facing the empty parking lot.
"Where do we go?" you asked after securing the bottles and kettle.
Jin stuttered, blinking, before saying, "Just here," he replied in a rasp.
"Oh, okay," you agreed right away seating on the trunk and opening the bottle of water then pouring it in the kettle.
You looked around and through the dimly lit forest park. You turned to him as you wait for the water to boil, "I haven't seen any photographers though, you sure we didn't lose them?" you asked as you watch him take a seat beside you.
"They're around somewhere. I'm sure. They have to hide well so it won't be too obvious," he replied, his voice sounding stressed. With a concerned look, you asked, "Is everything alright?"
He bit his lip and nodded, "Yeah, just tired."
You stood up and went in front of him. With your arms wide open, you told him, "You can recharge. I give hugs for free."
Jin chuckled and shook his head as his gaze wandered on your face. There was something in his eyes you didn't used to see and you attributed that to his exhaustion. He must've a busier schedule and this is an additional work for him.
He wrapped a hand around your waist, then pulled you closer to him, resting his chin on your shoulder. You automatically hugged him back, giving the back of his head a gentle caress.
You settled between his thighs as you sighed out a hum. "This is nice," you muttered.
"It is."
Shutter.
--
"From thereon, we'll let the issue die down. We will circulate a story on your breakup after a month." the PR head finished, turning to everyone.
"Questions?"
--
The stunt was a success and despite you having both supporters and haters, the scandal winded down into a much positive note. Offers came back according to Ms. Seo. Which is why you're in Dubai for an editorial shoot.
You thought everything was over when your father have paid off everyone. You didn't even know he'd go through pins and needles to clear your name. May it be for the sake of your family's reputation or you as his daughter, you didn't go further to distinguish. On a family dinner, when you informed him you'll be flying out of the country for your projects, he didn't comment much about it. Well aside from a threat of you going to parties.
Slumping down the couch, you reached for your phone. You posted a photo of the sunset in the desert to update your followers before heading for bed as you have an early flight to Paris tomorrow.
--
You woke up to a notification.
From: Kim Seokjin
Don't I look handsome?
You chuckled at the message and the selfie he sent. He has cucumbers covering his eyes and his hair was up in pigtails. You took note of how unfair his plump lips looked even without filter.
Typing in, Very., you replied.
Not long after, he messaged back,
When are you coming back?
In two weeks
I'll treat you to a meal.
We'd broken up by then, though?
Ouch.
You laughed at his reply as you get ready for the flight. You and Jin have formed a friendship over the situation. It wasn't that difficult. He's dorky and kind though you thought he was really a snob at first. Which was fair considering how you've almost ruined everything for him.
--
No official statement on the confirmation of your relationship was published, however news articles have released news on your breakup due to your busy schedules. You took off from social media for three days as everyone bombarded you with questions, cheer ups, and hate messages.
It was a cold morning, so you opted to stay in your apartment instead of heading out. Besides, cameras would still be hot on your tail since it's been less than a month since the breakup news.
"And now, exhale as you crunch up, tucking your navel in," the soothing voice of the instructor and your ragged breath were the prominent sound in the four-walled space.
"You know it's coming, now, hold it," she added further after a bit.
You grunted and pushed yourself despite the burn on your upper mid. With a laser focus on the wall, you huffed down as the doorbell rang.
With labored breath you wiped your forehead, turned on your stomach and lifted up in a cobra position to give the sore muscle a nice stretch.
The doorbell rang once again.
You hurried towards the door, expecting Ms. Seo, only to be surprised when faced with Jin's equally surprised face.
He tried his best not to look down, though your red-flushed face and sweaty look made his mind haywired. You were equally comprehending as to what he's doing at your door in broad daylight until you remembered proposing to eat in your apartment instead for safety reasons.
You slapped your forehead, making him also flinch out of a trance you barely noticed. "Shit, I completely forgot. Come in," you rambled as you opened the door wide open for him.
He didn't move an inch, his ears red, as he put a hand on the back of his neck. "I could visit another day, you must've been busy. It's alrigh-"
"No, no! I was just finishing my workout. I'm done now," you countered as you take a step forward only then to realize how you inappropriately dressed you are.
"Please come in, I'll just change my clothes,"
Jin swallowed down his nerve and you feel like you've put him in an uncomfortable situation. Pursing your lips, you said, "Look, I'm genuinely inviting you in and admitting that it's utterly stupid of me to forget. Why don't you use my kitchen for those takeouts while I change? I'll be back in a jiffy."
In a resolve, he decidedly nodded and walked himself in. You turned your back on him to lead the way to the kitchen.
"The dishes are in this cupboard, cups are on this side," you opened cabinets one by one to show him. You turned to another counter and pulled a drawer open around your hip, "Utensils are here,"
"Y/n," he sternly called for your attention.
Whipping your head to his direction in inquiry, your round curious eyes almost lashed something in his gut. "I'll help myself. Go get changed,"
"Oh, yeah right. Okay!"
You scurried to your bedroom to put over a loose shirt, its size meant to be big to even hang past your hips. You squeezed into black tight shorts right after.
Walking back to the kitchen, you saw him silently unpacking the food he brought. It was just the unclicking of tupperwares, soft tuds of the containers as he laid it all down the counter with much practiced ease.
"Hey," you greeted as you darted out right beside him.
He gasped in surprise but before you could tease him about being jumpy, he let out a light chuckle.
"I just brought a few," he diverted, going back to his unpacking. You could see the egg rolls generously sprinkled by spring onions and carrots, the kimchi slices were stacked neatly, the picked yellow radish where cut in nice squares, and your mouth watered at the sight of spicy-red octopus legs.
You swore you almost caught yourself drooling.
Jin's eyes widened a fraction as he held your gaze, your eyes were twinkling with wonder and amusement.
He nodded and teasingly voiced out, "Ah, food is your weakness I see,"
You feigned a sad face and said, "People who feed me are my weakness,"
Red painted his neck and ears at your unknowing attempt at flirting.
"Oh, come on," he called out. "I brought soda to pair these with," he diverted, once again. You scowled and replied, "Boo, I have soju and beer here."
Not waiting for his reply, you headed to the fridge and fished out two of each drink from your stash. You set the drinks on the island and navigated to the cupboards for glasses.
"Do you drink?" you asked, but still preparing for two without his answer.
"I- yeah,"
The beer bottles clinked and popped as you expertly opened one using the other. Pulling the drawer out, you fished for a spoon and used that to the other bottle.
You seethed as you watched and mixed somaek on two glasses at the same time. Pouring out the soju first, your gaze were laser focused on the glasses' imaginary lines. The soju bottles clinked on the marble as you placed them aside.
You then poured the beer next, both bottles filled the glasses up with a fizz.
You grinned as you finished both drinks, topping of your mixing with strong taps of spoon on each, mixing the drink with a fascinating swirl.
Handing the somaek to Jin, you raised your glass to him and drank as you cheered, bringing the plate of octopus legs with you to the living room.
Sitting down on the floor by the couch, you waited for Jin to settle down as he transferred the dishes to the coffee table.
Once he was sat down across from you, you started your interview, "How was it back there in your company?"
His forehead scrunched, before saying, "What do you mean?"
"The breakup. I mean, our breakup. I haven't opened my phone because notifactions kept on coming. I thought of changing my number after to keep it from exploding."
Jin let out a silent 'Ah' before replying, "The staff knows the real story, so only the agency is the most peaceful place out there."
You nodded in understanding. Lucky him. The most safe place for you is the 20 meter perimeter around your building. "How did you get here by the way? The basement?"
He nodded as he started munching on the food.
"Hang on, do you want rice?" you offered, but didn't wait anyway for his reply as you stood up to get bowls.
6 notes
·
View notes