CH4

He stared blankly, lost in thought.

The white wall seemed far more appealing compared to his manager's droning voice gnawing at his ears.

For the hundredth time, he was reminded to stay in his apartment to avoid obsessive fans.

Then came the talk about his postponed schedule…

His new album, which would also be delayed…

Jisung twisted in frustration—he had worked so hard for this.

"This time will be a break for you," his manager said.

"Can't we just release the album on schedule?" Jisung asked hopefully.

"But that would clash with your honeymoon," the other objected.

"I don't want my damn honeymoon!" he snapped angrily.

"Discuss it with your partner," his manager suggested.

"This is hell itself!" Jisung shouted again, burying his head between his knees.

The other placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke gently. "Hani."

"You need to give your fans some time to process the news.

For now, just focus on the wedding and everything related to it."

He added enthusiastically, "After that, we'll come up with a plan to bring your popularity back—bigger than ever!"

"I hope you have a lovely wedding," he said, but got no response.

Jisung sat motionless, lifeless.

"Hani?" his manager called, receiving only a vague hum in return.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, but Jisung only shook his head in silence.

"You're not thinking of running away, are you?" his manager inquired.

Jisung's heart skipped several beats.

That was exactly what he was thinking.

A way to escape this mess.

His manager's voice turned serious. "Think about what your father would do.

His reputation is everything to him. I can't even imagine what he'd do if you tried to tarnish it."

Jisung sighed heavily, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on him.

He rubbed his temples fiercely as if wrestling with a headache.

His manager's words were frustratingly logical.

He had worked with Jisung's father before becoming his manager—he knew him well.

"Refusing won't change anything. At least try to get to know him… He…"

His manager continued talking about his so-called fiancé, but Jisung barely listened.

Eventually, the man left, warning him again not to leave his apartment.

Jisung, now bored of staring at the wall, pressed a button, letting music fill the room.

He closed his eyes and let the melody take over.

For a moment, he was in a different world—a world where he danced and sang to his own rhythm.

Then his phone rang, shattering the illusion.

He picked it up to see Felix calling.

"My soon-to-be-married friend!" Felix's voice boomed through the speaker.

"Noooooo," Jisung wailed dramatically, making his friend jump.

"God, what's wrong with you?" Felix asked, the concern evident in his tone.

And just like that, Jisung broke his promise to his manager and was now in his car.

"So, what about all those stories of you falling in love and whatnot?"

"Felix, I was with three different guys just this week.

What love are you talking about?"

The blue-haired man shrugged. "

How would I know? I thought it was one of those secrets you keep from me."

Jisung frowned. "Is this your way of making me feel guilty?"

Felix replied seriously, "No, but don't blame me. I don't even know your real name."

Jisung scoffed. "And what would you do with my name?"

Felix cut to the chase. "Tell me about your wedding."

Jisung sighed. "It's just an arranged marriage. That's all I know."

Felix pressed on. "What does he look like? What does he do? Anything?"

Jisung glanced around, puffing his cheeks before admitting with an embarrassed smile, "I don't know. I never asked."

Then he added, "Actually, Manager Choi said something about a doctor… or a dentist?"

He scratched his forehead. "Ugh, I don't remember."

"Try to find out. Maybe you'll change your mind," Felix suggested.

Jisung perked up. "You know what? That's a great idea."

Then he grinned. "I'll talk to him. Maybe he'll change his mind."

Felix raised a brow, laughing. "That's not what I meant!"

"Whatever. Take me to him," Jisung said, fastening his seatbelt.

It didn't take long to get the address from his manager, and Felix, ever the loyal friend, drove him there without hesitation.

"That's the building. Third floor," Jisung muttered, alternating his gaze between his phone and the building across the street.

"I'll wait here," Felix informed him.

Jisung stepped out and entered the building, making his way up to the designated floor.

He glanced around randomly. The clinic was filled with patients, all lost in their own worlds.

He approached the receptionist and scribbled on a small note to avoid unnecessary attention:

'I'm somewhat famous, so I can't show my face. I just need five minutes with the doctor. I'll pay whatever it costs.'

The receptionist read it, then smiled. "Of course, I'll inform the doctor first."

She knocked on the door before stepping inside. "He's here. Should I let him in?"

The doctor barely looked up from his computer as he nodded.

Jisung entered quietly, his eyes scanning the office before landing on the man sitting at the desk.

Black hair, sharp features, large eyes.

Handsome, one could say.

The long white coat, round glasses.

The doctor returned his gaze with a calm, unreadable expression.

"Please, have a seat," he welcomed him.

Jisung took the chair to the right of the desk.

"So, what's your condition?" the doctor asked.

Jisung hesitated, his gaze landing on the nameplate.

'Lee Minho.'

"Don't you recognize me?" Jisung asked.

Minho replied without a second's doubt, "Should I?"

Jisung furrowed his brows, realizing how difficult this would be.

What world did this guy live in?

With a sigh, he muttered, "I'm Hani. And no, I'm not here for my teeth."

He added bluntly, "Apparently, you're supposed to be my husband or something."

Minho blinked, then smiled warmly. "Oh, hello, husband." He even winked.

Jisung's eyes widened.

This guy was… way too calm.

How was he supposed to convince him?

"Why would you agree to marry someone you've never even seen?" Jisung asked bluntly.

"Well, I see you now. And you're quite handsome," Minho replied smoothly.

Jisung rolled his eyes dramatically. "Are you joking?"

"You shouldn't agree to this."

"You don't know anything about me."

"I can't be in a committed relationship."

"I only have fleeting encounters."

Jisung threw out each statement as harshly as possible, hoping to push Minho away.

But the doctor remained unfazed, staring at him with that same calm expression.

"Is this dialogue from 'Business Proposal'?" he asked dryly.

Jisung gasped. "No! I'm serious!"

"I am not fit to be a husband.

I cannot be loyal.

I sleep with a different man every time.

I'm always busy."

The doctor shook his head, removed his glasses, and set them on the desk.

His comforting demeanor and calm gaze faded.

It was as if he had transformed into a completely different person.

"Hani Jisung," he spoke, his patience running thin.

Jisung, stunned by the sudden shift, stared at him in silence.

"I know you're nervous because this will affect your life and your popularity, but..."

"No, Minho, you don't—"

Minho interrupted, his voice serious.

"Show some proper respect, Jisung. I'm two years older than you."

Jisung nodded submissively, his fingers fidgeting around each other in his lap.

The doctor continued, "As I was saying...

We both know your father, right? You don't know mine?

He's also a politician, perhaps you know him; he's your father's close friend.

You realize this isn't random, right?

They chose you because you're the most famous right now, and all the talk is about you.

Then they chose a real marriage, not just a fake dating stunt.

This isn't just about covering up a big mess for them.

And the big mess that harms them will harm us too."

"What will happen to your fame and career when your father is thrown in jail?

We'll lose everything, Jisung."

"And also..."

"I really don't care about your personal life."

"I'm straight, too."

"So you can go on living your life as usual without worry."

"We'll be like, um..."

He placed his hand on his chin, thinking.

"Friends or roommates, something like that."

"So just focus on regaining your fame. You're talented."

"I'll see you in two weeks," he said, smiling.

This time, it wasn't as formal as before; it was warm.

Jisung was bewildered for the third time in a row

What is with all these expressions?

He nodded calmly and left, once again

covering his face with the black mask.

He entered the car and closed the door.

He removed the mask and chuckled, speaking to his friend.

"It looks like I'm marrying a straight doctor."