chriiiisy

One fake boyfriend. One nosy family. Zero chance of keeping things pretend.

When sarcastic barista Lee Mina hires a professional “romantic actor” to survive her cousin’s wedding, she expects a smooth, one-time performance.
What she gets is Kim Minseo: dangerously charming, suspiciously committed, and armed with scripted compliments and “chemistry-building exercises.”

It was supposed to end after the weekend.

But a single kiss and a viral photo later, Mina finds herself trapped in a fake relationship she didn’t plan for—with a man who might not be acting anymore.

And the worst part?

She’s not sure she is, either.

A heartwarming, hilarious romance about what happens when pretending becomes real—and love refuses to stay on script.

Rent-A-Romance

[Minseo 🕶️💘]

> Hey, I'm meeting some agency friends tonight. You in?

Mina stared at the screen. She wasn't sure if it was a trap or a genuine invitation.

Casual. No flashcards. Promise. 😇

It was the "no flashcards" that convinced her.

By the time Mina arrived, the sun had dipped behind the Seoul skyline, and strings of dim bulbs lit the rooftop in warm orange tones. Laughter spilled from the low tables. The place was cozy, chaotic, and loud enough to drown out any awkward silences.

Minseo spotted her and waved her over immediately.

He looked different tonight—no blazer, no styling gel. Just a worn hoodie and jeans, his hair slightly tousled by the wind. The kind of look that didn't say "perfect boyfriend," just Minseo.

"Hey," he said, scooting over to make room. "You came."

"I had a coupon for discomfort," she muttered.

Three people were already seated at the table, mid-laugh over something probably unrepeatable.

"This is Mina," Minseo said. "She's a client."

"Ohhhh." The woman across from her grinned. "The infamous ring girl."

Mina blinked. "Wait—you told them?!"

Minseo shrugged. "They guessed. We all spy on each other's gigs. Occupational hazard."

"Relax," said the woman, reaching out to shake Mina's hand. "I'm Soojin. I play fake sisters and terrifying exes. Mostly corporate gigs. And that's Joon—he does fake wingman work—and the brooding one is Daeho. Our go-to 'mysterious ex.'"

"I also do therapy roleplay," Daeho said, deadpan. "It's less sexy than it sounds."

Mina blinked. "This is like... the Avengers of emotional deception."

Joon raised his glass. "Cheers to that."

As the night went on, the group's chaotic banter chipped away at her usual edge. They joked about their worst gigs (a fake divorce party in Busan, a clingy ex who wouldn't break character), but also about real stuff: apartment rent, stress, dating fatigue.

They were actors, sure—but they were also just people.

Less polished. Less perfect. More… human.

He laughed louder. Cursed under his breath. Shared a horrible impression of a client who wanted him to propose on a boat using a K-drama script.

"Did you actually do it?" Mina asked, half-laughing.

"Of course," Minseo said, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. "He paid extra for the tears."

"I do emotional prep in the mirror."

Later, as the night thinned out and the others headed off in pairs and taxis, Mina found herself sitting alone with Minseo on the edge of the rooftop, their legs dangling over the city.

He passed her a bottle of banana milk from his coat pocket.

She stared. "Are you carrying emergency beverages now?"

"You said you liked it once," he said with a shrug.

The silence between them was comfortable now. Warm.

Mina took a sip. "So… is this the real you?"

He tilted his head. "What do you think?"

Not the polished actor. Not the smooth flirt.

Just… this version. Hoodie, soft eyes, quiet.

"I think you're scarier like this," she said honestly.

"Because it feels like I'm not pretending anymore."

But when he did, his voice was low.

"Then maybe we're both in trouble."

Behind the Mask