#markson

He took that as a sign to come in and take a seat beside her at the conference table, studying her with an amused glint in his eyes.

Jackson had an energy about him that felt both effortless and intentional, like he was used to making people feel at ease.

And right now, that energy was focused entirely on her.

He grinned. “Finally. I was starting to think you were a myth.”

Y/N tilted her head. “Me?” she pointed at herself. And this was Jackson Wang saying this mind you.

Jackson chuckled. “Jinyoung’s ‘girlfriend’—” he made air quotes.

She relaxed as it appears he as well knew the situation and she didn’t have to act. She smiled.

“—and yet, I’ve never met you. Suspicious, don’t you think?”

Y/N smirked. “Mhm, you should take that up with him.”

“Oh, trust me, I will,” Jackson said easily. Then, he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. 

“So, tell me. What’s it like dating him? Does he send you good morning texts? Buy you overpriced coffee? Or is he as emotionally stunted as I’ve always suspected?”

“I’ve been dying to ask you the same questions” Y/N replied, folding her hands ontop the table.

They both laughed.

Jinyoung hadn’t meant to stop.

He had been passing by, heading toward his own meeting, when he heard the sound of laughter—her laughter. It was the first time he had heard it in what felt like forever.

And then, he heard him.

Jackson.

Jinyoung’s jaw tightened as he stood just out of sight, listening. The way Jackson was teasing her, the way she was responding—it wasn’t anything serious. Nothing out of line.

But it was more than she had done with him in weeks.

Jinyoung’s grip on his phone tightened.

It wasn’t jealousy. Not exactly. He didn’t care who she talked to. She could flirt with Jackson all she wanted—hell, maybe it was even good for the illusion if people saw her interacting with his friends, it would make their relationship look more real.

That was the logical way to see it.

So why did he hate the idea?

Before he could stop himself, he took a step closer—just in time to see Y/N exiting the room.

She was still smiling slightly, her posture relaxed, unaware of the way Jinyoung was standing just a few feet away.

And then— he could see her visibly tense when she noticed he was standing there.

He froze, feeling as though he was caught.

Quickly she wiped away that surprised expression she had off her face and proceeded to walk right past him without acknowledging him.

Like he wasn’t even there.

Jinyoung exhaled sharply, turning his gaze toward the conference room where Jackson still sat, hands in his pockets, leaned back in the chair.

Jinyoung stepped inside.

Jackson barely looked up as Jinyoung entered, but his smirk deepened. “Ah, there he is. Right on cue.”

Jinyoung closed the door behind him, voice even. “What are you doing?”

Jackson raised an eyebrow. “Talking. Chatting. Socializing. You should try it sometime.”

Jinyoung didn’t take the bait. Instead, he leveled him with a steady gaze. “With her?”

Jackson let out a small laugh, “Whats wrong with her?”

Jinyoung stared at him with that serious expression he always had.

“What?” Jackson asked confused.

Jinyoung didn’t answer right away.

Because the truth was, he wasn’t sure himself.

Jackson tilted his head.

Jinyoung exhaled slowly, forcing his expression into neutrality. “Listen just - don’t - talk to her” 

Jackson furrowed his eyebrows. “Damn you really don’t like her do you?”

Jinyoung didn’t reply.

Jackson's shock expression turned into more of a smirk.

“Oh its the opposite I see” Jackson nodded confident in his discovery.

Jinyoung scoffed. “No, it's because this will be over in 6 months and I don’t want you to get attached” he explained.

“I see” Jackson mumbled before getting up from the chair and walking over to Jinyoung, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“In that case you should really take your own advice” Jackson advised, looking Jinyoung in the eyes sincerely before walking away to leave him to himself.

____________________________________________________________

Y/N sat in the quiet of her apartment, the city lights flickering through the window like distant stars. The late evening was calm, but her mind raced. The past few days had been a whirlwind of confusion, disappointment, and irritation, and nothing felt quite right. Between the tension with Jinyoung, the fallout from the premiere, and the constant media scrutiny, she wasn’t sure where to start or what to feel.

All she knew was after a long day she was ready to sit down and enjoy her ramen.

But just as she brought the food to her mouth, already blowing on it ready to consume,  a sharp knock at the door broke her from her thoughts, causing her to jump. She hadn’t been expecting anyone. 

She looked to the door slightly confused and startled.

Hesitantly she stood up, and dragged herself to her door. She opened the door ever so slightly to reveal Jinyoung. 

And suddenly she lost her appetite.

She hadn’t seen him in a while, not since the premiere, and the tension between them hadn’t been resolved. 

His signature calm expression greeted her, though something about the way he stood in the hallway made it clear he had something on his mind.

"Hi," Jinyoung said softly.

Y/N stared at him for a moment, blinking. He wore a black shirt and jeans, his hair looking extra fluffy today.

Now why did he have to show up - let alone looking like that?

“What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.

Jinyoung shifted his weight, slipping his hands into his pockets. “We should talk.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow. Those words always sounded negative, but especially coming out of his mouth.

Now he wanted to talk? Did he want to end the contract? … And was that a good thing or a bad thing?

“Can I come in?” he asked.

For a moment, she considered saying no. But after awhile, she sighed, stepping aside to let him in. Jinyoung walked in without hesitation, taking the opportunity to glance around her apartment. He had never been here before.

Suddenly she felt self-conscious as if the smallness of her space somehow revealed something about her he wasn’t supposed to see.

She shut the door behind her and leaned against it quietly.

Jinyoung took his time to take everything in before turning to face her fully.

“Do you want to sit?” he asked, motioning his hand to the couch behind him. He asked but it wasn’t really a question.

Y/N sighed, and slowly sat down on one end of the couch, and Jinyoung the other.

Y/N crossed her arms, looking anywhere but Jinyoung as for him to speak first.

“Jackson.” he stated simply.

Y/N widened her eyes. She had expected something—anything—but that.

Y/N blinked. “Excuse me?”

His gaze was sharp but his voice cool. “You and Jackson. You seemed pretty friendly today.”

Y/N let out a sharp, incredulous laugh. “So? He came up to me, why am I introuble?” she questioned offended.

Jinyoung didn’t say anything.

“So I can’t talk to you or anyone for that matter is that it?” she scoffed, waiting for a response.

Jinyoung’s jaw tightened. “Y/N-”

“Last I checked, you were the one on a date the other night.” She added.

Jinyoung barely reacted. “First of all, it was not a date, secondly, that was different.”

Y/N’s eyes narrowed. “Different how?”

He hesitated—just for a second. And that was all the proof she needed.

“Oh my god,” she muttered, pressing her fingers to her temple. 

“So, let me get this straight. You can go on dates-”

“-I just said it wasn’t a date-”

“But if I so much as laugh at something Jackson says, suddenly it’s a problem?” Y/N proceeded.

Jinyoung exhaled through his nose, clearly frustrated. “It’s not the same thing.”

“It is exactly the same thing.”

“It’s not,” he said, voice lower this time.

Y/N scoffed. “Why? Because it was Jackson?”

Jinyoung’s crossed his arms. “I don’t honestly care who you talk to.”

“Then why are you here?” Y/N shot back.

Jinyoung opened his mouth but nothing came out at first. “He’s my coworker Y/N!” Jinyoung protested.

“You’ve been using that line a lot lately havent you?” Y/N asked jaded.

The air between them was thick.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and looked down frustrated. 

Then, quieter this time, he finally spoke. “I just don’t want complications.”

Y/N let out a humorless laugh. “Right. And Jackson is a complication, but your little date the other night? That was totally fine?”

Jinyoung continued to pinch his nose and remain in silence.

“I didn’t come here to argue with you” he stated.

“Then what did you come here for I’m confused?” she asked.

Jinyoung looked up and met her eyes for a moment, seeing she was equally as frustrated.

“You know what? This conversation isn't going anywhere and I’m tired of talking in circles” Y/N announced as she got up from her seat, but before she could take another step, Jinyoung grabbed her hand.

Not roughly. Not forcefully. Just enough to make her stop. And she did.

His fingers were warm against her skin, his gaze burning into hers like he was searching for something, but her face didn’t dare to turn to look at him.

“Don’t walk away from me, we’re having a conversation” he said calmly.

Y/N turned around to look at him, her mouth opening as she was about to say something in response… that was until another knock echoed at the door, interrupting the tension-filled moment.

They both furrowed their eyebrows at each other in confusion before saying anything more.

“On second thought, nevermind” Jinyoung said, dropping her hand and looking away.

Y/N looked over her shoulder at the door.

“You should go answer that. Who could it be at this time of night, your real boyfriend?” Jinyoung sighed, laying his arm on the back of the couch.

“You mean Jackson?” Y/N replied sarcastically.

Jinyoung glared at her. “Or maybe its my other coworker” Jinyoung teased.

Y/N narrowed her eyes at him annoyed. A light smirk tugged on Jinyoung’s mouth at her reaction.

They stared at each other for a moment until another knock could be heard at the door.

“Let’s find out” Jinyoung suggested playfully, nodding his head towards the door.

“Don’t move” Y/N ordered before turning around and walking to the door.

When she opened it, there stood her landlady, clipboard in hand, wearing a polite smile that seemed just a little too stiff.

"Good evening, Y/N," the landlady greeted her. "Oh- Ms. Lee… what brings you here at this time of night?"

"I just wanted to give you a small reminder about the rent increase for next month," she said, and then for some reason she glanced past Y/N.

Then, Y/N felt what she assumed Ms.Lee was looking at.

She felt a presence directly behind her, and out of the corner of her eye she could she Jinyoung rest his arm on the frame of the door.

Y/N sighed already knowing where this was going.

“Oh- Y/N - I didn’t know you had company!” The land lady blushed.  

Y/N looked over her shoulder to see what her mind had already pictured, Jinyoung standing directly behind her with a polite smile.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to this handsome genetlemen?” The landlady raised her eyebrows to Y/N.

Y/N stiffened. 

“Oh he’s n-” “I’m her boyfriend, Jinyoung” Jinyoung interrupted Y/N, giving a slight bow to the landlady. 

Y/N snapped her attention to Jinyoung who had that innocent prince charming look he had with everyone but her. Y/N furrowed her eyebrows in disbelief. Jinyoung in turn gave her a smile.

The landlady laughed eagerly, bringing the attention back to her.

“How lucky you are Y/N! He’s so handsome!” she smiled. “I’m Ms.Lee, Y/N’s landlady! I haven’t see you around - have you two just recently started dating?” she inquired.

Y/N froze, looking to Jinyoung.

“No actually we’ve been together for a while now, right honey? How long would you say?” Jinyoung asked to Y/N.

Honey?????

“Uh- a few month-” Y/N mumbled under her breath.

“Now that I think about it why don’t you let me come over more often? You’re not ashamed of me are you?” Jinyoung teased.

Y/N passed a glare towards him.

“Of course not! She probably had you locked up so you don’t see the light of day!” the landlady chimed in. Then she turned to Y/N and mouthed ‘ h-e  i-s  s-o  h-a-n-d-s-o-m-e ! ’ shielded by her hand.

“Uh- so about the -” Y/N tried to redirect the conversation.

“Are you an actor by chance? You look so familiar…” the land lady asked Jinyoung puzzled.

He smiled about himself as if he was trying to be shy. “Well actually -” he began before Y/N spoke over him.

“We we’re just about to go to bed - is there anything you need Ms.Lee?” Y/N asked readily, interuppting the two. Ms.Lee focused back on Y/N collecting herself.

“Oh I see. Well I just wanted to confirm if you’ll be able to pay or-"

“Can I ask what you’re referring to?” Jinyoung asked the landlady, causing Y/N to wince.

“Y/N you haven’t told your boyfriend? Starting next month the rent is going to be raised so we can do some renovations on the building, build that rooftop deck I know Y/N has been begging me for !” she nudged Y/N shoulder. “Maybe if we raise it next year we could even afford a hottub!” she added with a laugh.

Jinyoung smiled. “A rooftop you say?” Jinyoung questioned, looking to Y/N.

Y/N pressed her lips together as if to stop herself from speaking. 

“Luckily for my Y/N—” Jinyoung began.

My Y/N?

“—my apartment has a rooftop deck and a swimming pool. Y/N and I will be moving in together soon, so she won’t be a bother to you for much longer.” He said completely serious, his hand resting now on Y/N’s shoulder.

Excuse me?

“Oh really!?” The landlady perked up, her eyes darting between the two of them, clearly flustered.

Y/N snapped her head toward Jinyoung, but he was already motioning to his ring finger at the land lady before flashing that crescent-eyed smile at Y/N. She nearly choked.

“Things are getting quite serious! How lucky you are, Y/N!” the landlady gushed.

Y/N and Jinyoung stood there, fake smiles locked in place.

“Well then, I’ll let you lovebirds be! Just make sure I get the rent by next week!” she chirped, turning to leave, but before she could take a step, Jinyoung spoke up.

“Actually you can have it now.” His voice was calm, steady—authoritative, even.

Y/N whipped her head back to him, eyes narrowing. “Jinyoung—” she whispered sharply.

He ignored her, casually reaching into his back pocket and pulling out his wallet.

Y/N stared at him in disbelief. He didn’t even ask how much it was—just pulled out a wad of won and handed it over like it was nothing - not saying anymore.

The landlady took the money, barely hiding her eagerness, then turned to Y/N with a knowing smile. “Cute and generous.” the land lady commented.

Y/N’s face burned as she practically skipped down the hallway.

The second the door shut, Y/N spun around flustered.

“What the hell was that?!”

Jinyoung turned back to making himself comfortable on her couch, barely sparing her a glance.

“She was nice,” he remarked idly, surveying her apartment. 

“‘Honey??’ ‘My Y/N?’” she squeaked.

“What - do you prefer something else? Baby?” he suggested, a kinda of smirk coming to his lips. “She’s kind of demanding, though. Who badgers their tenant about rent at 10 p.m.?” he remarked to himself.

“Move in together?” Y/N repeated.

All Jinyoung did was sigh in response. “Can we focus on one thing at a time?” Jinyoung sighed as if he was annoyed.

“But—”

“Sit down,” he said simply, nodding toward the couch beside him.

She hesitated, still processing the thirty things that had just happened. But eventually, dazed, she sat beside him, studying his face.

Jinyoung sat with his arms crossed, his legs neatly crossed, looking at everything in the room except her.

Then, quietly—

“I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

Y/N’s expression shifted.

Jinyoung’s eyes wandered for a moment before finally meeting hers.

“I thought about what you said at the premiere,” he continued, voice softer now. “And you were right.”

She tilted her head, silently urging him to go on.

“I do know what you’re going through… and I’m sorry I’ve been so short with you. If that made you feel alone in this, that wasn’t my intention.” He sighed. “I just didn’t want to make things any more confusing.”

Y/N swallowed. “Confusing how?”

Jinyoung hesitated, then admitted, “I should’ve told you about the dinner. And I should’ve checked in on you. I guess… I didn’t want you to get caught up in something beyond what you signed up for. I didn’t want to leave any room for real feelings to develop on both sides”

Her breath hitched slightly.

‘On both sides’????? Wouldn’t that imply he’s concerned he could like her?

“But I also see how being as cold as I was isn’t helping either,” he continued.

Y/N cleared her throat as to clear her mind. 

“...I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have yelled at you at the premiere. I should’ve handled that better.”

“It’s okay, your approach worked too” he admitted.

They both shared a laugh - lightening the mood.

“So… does this mean you don’t want to end the contract?” Y/N asked, unsure.

“No… do you?” he titled his head.

Did she?

“Well no…not if things change.” she sighed. “The only way I can see myself lasting for 6 months is if we atleast try to get along” Y/N looked to Jinyoung.

“Which means…?” he wondered aloud.

“Ya know… talk… outside of when we’re in public. Be cordial. Who knows, maybe we can even be friends” Y/N suggested. “Otherwise I’m gonna have to quit this half way through and get sued… and Jinyoung… I don’t wanna get sued”.

Jinyoung nodded in agreement.

“Mhm… if we’re going to keep doing this—and actually try to be — friends — we need some ground rules.” Jinyoung asserted.

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “Rules?”

“Yes” Jinyoung nodded.

“Like what?” Y/N asked.

“We should go on three dates,” he stated plainly.

Y/N blinked. “Okay…?”

“Like, real ones - not for publicity,” he clarified. “They wouldn’t be romantic it would be just to get to know each other.” he looked up at her.

“Okay.” Y/N agreed.

“And I get to pick them.”

Y/N nodded. “Anything else?”

“No befriending Jackson.”

“Exc-”

“None of the members, actually.”

Y/N gaped at him. “Why?”

“Because these are my terms.” he said while staring at her blankly.

She groaned.

 “Fine. But no unnecessary dinners with coworkers.”

Jinyoung’s lips pressed together. “Y/N—”

“No unnecessary anything with other coworkers aside from me actually… and those are my terms.” Her voice left no room for argument.

They stared at each other for a moment before he stuck out his hand.

“To make it official,” he said.

Y/N reached out—only for Jinyoung to pull his hand back at the last second.

Y/N looked at him confused.

“And one more thing.” he mentioned.

She rolled her eyes. What now?

“We can’t like each other.” His voice was steady, but something about the way he said it made her heart drop. 

“Understand?” he clarified, completely serious.

Her fingers curled inwards slightly. 

Shaking his hand would mean she truly had to push down whatever flicker of hope she was feeling in her chest if she wanted this to work.

And so she took his hand and shook it.

In doing so, they paused, their eyes meeting as their hands locked, something unspoken lingering in the air.

Then, finally, they let go.

Y/N cleared her throat to alienate the awkwardness and looked away. “… So what was that about moving in?” Y/N mumbled.

Jinyoung smirked. “Did you hear the part I said about the rooftop deck?”

-> Chapter 10

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