after donghyuck found about the scandal, he pretty much lost it. "fucking mark lee," he gritted his teeth, causing doyoung to grow concerned. "what does the scandal have to do with him?"

   donghyuck suddenly realized that doyoung hardly knew about anything that happened that night, so he quickly explained the situation from helping miyong out of the restaurant and running into mark, to getting kissed by miyong while mark was the only other one there. "i knew it, that has to be why he was being nice to me."

   "calm down over there," doyoung said, eyes glued to the road. "what if you're mistaken?" "i'm not," donghyuck replied confidently, "and the timing was just right too. i get an opportunity for the same role that he wants, so he drops a scandal to lower my chances. you have to admit it hyung, the timing is just too perfect for him." he looked over to see doyoung drumming the steering wheel with his fingers while pulling up at a red light. what irked him, was the fact that doyoung didn't look all convinced.

   donghyuck frowned, "you don't believe me, hyung?" doyoung glanced at him before checking the review mirrors. "i think we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves without any evidence," he said. to donghyuck, that translated to; no, i don't believe you.

   the younger male sulked, crossing his arms over his chest and sighing. sure maybe he was stubborn and often called hard-headed, but he couldn't help but think it had been mark. who else would benefit from such a scandal?

   when they pulled up to a stop, donghyuck finally looked up. "what are we doing at my house?" he questioned. doyoung turned off the engine and sat back, turning to donghyuck. "all your schedules are cancelled until further notice. the best you can do right now is wait for me to arrange a meeting with hyunwoo and see what happens. assuming all goes well, we'll need multiple articles covering this story and a final press conference to finish it up. it should be over in about four to five days so don't stress too much."

   donghyuck gaped at him. "four to five days? hyung i know you're doing your best best the camera test in in three days and if this doesn't end by then—"

   "lee donghyuck," doyoung spoke sharply. "unless you listen and do exactly as i say, there will be no camera test to even worry about. i'll try everything i can, okay? but your just going to have to listen to me for now." the silver haired male felt like crying but tried not to let it get to him. "i understand," he said tiredly.

   doyoung smiled apologetically and pat him on the back. "you should hurry up before the interviewers and such show up," he handed donghyuck his things. "you're not coming with me?" donghyuck asked. the older nodded, "i have to go back to the company and...," he coughed, "take care of a few things."

   guilt sank in while donghyuck realized he had just created more work for doyoung. he wanted to apologize but doyoung didn't like hearing apologies as they didn't change anything. "okay, i'll be going," donghyuck tried to smiled, grabbing his things and leaving the car. 

   alone, he entered the flat and set down his things, laying down on his bed. he left his phone with doyoung so there was nothing to do. of course he could practice the script, but in his current position, he didn't really want to think about it. feeling bored and defeated, donghyuck curled up in his bed and cried himself to sleep.

---

   donghyuck was woken up three hours later when doyoung let himself in and softly woke him up. "haechan ah, i set up a meeting with hyunwoo," he said. donghyuck stirred awake and when doyoung set eyes on him, his heart clenched. the twenty two year old male had red eyes and a puffy face. his hair had gotten messy from sleeping and his face showed so much tiredness.

   "i'll start getting ready," donghyuck said after becoming awake enough to understand the situation. "okay, don't take too long. we have to be there in..," doyoung glanced at his watch, "an hour." "got it," the tan male confirmed. "take it easy, yeah?" doyoung said, stopping donghyuck as he attempted to walk past. "if you're tired or need a break, just say so. nothing else matters nearly as much as your health, alright? you always come first," doyoung stated seriously.

   not feeling enough energy to respond, donghyuck nodded without saying a word. but what doyoung told him really did help out in making him feel better.

   knowing there wasn't much time to spare, donghyuck went to take a shower while doyoung figured the male hadn't eaten lunch and began preparing food for him. considering there really weren't that many ingredients left, he cut up the rest of the leftover vegetables from the morning and heated up some rice. then he took seaweed and began making little wraps for donghyuck to eat. when he made ten, he packed them up in a container and just as he was sealing the lid up, donghyuck walked out of his bedroom, fulling dressed and drying his hair. 

   "great," doyoung genuinely smiled. "we've got thirty minutes to get there so eat in the car," he held up the container and took a pair of disposable chopsticks. "okay," donghyuck agreed. he finished up drying his hair and put the towel away before leaving the flat with doyoung.

   "you didn't eat anything aside from what i cooked in the morning, did you?" doyoung asked once they were seated in the car and he was passing donghyuck the food. "i didn't," donghyuck admitted, knowing what was to come. "aish," doyoung hissed, "it's nearing seven and you've barely eaten anything today. why do you think i'm always reminding you to take care of yourself? you can't do anything without me." donghyuck ate his food silently, allowing doyoung to rant to his heart's content.

   about five minutes after he finished eating, they pulled up to an entertainment company. "it's very important that you don't get caught here," doyoung ordered, parking the car near the entrance. "once we get inside, it'll be fine, but until then, stay close by my side and wear these," he handed donghyuck a beanie and sunglasses.

   he was all too used to disguising himself, but this time he was nervous which was unusual for him. regardless of what he was feeling, he listened to doyoung with no complaints or questions. even when they got out of the car and walked inside the building, donghyuck didn't question anything doyoung did. once they were safely inside, donghyuck was allowed to take off the accessories.

   "this way," doyoung led them past the information desk and into the elevator. they rode up to the fourth floor and walked down a hallway until doyoung stopped infront of a door and pushed it open. forty five minutes later, donghyuck was hoping he misheard or misunderstood what was happening.

   "what are you suggesting?" doyoung asked, eyeing donghyuck to make sure he was alright. "i'm suggesting we have them fake date. haechan has never been in a relationship since debut, right?" hyunwoo proposed. yes, and i'd like to keep it that way, donghyuck thought to himself.

   when doyoung and donghyuck began the meeting, they hoped to find the source of the problem and release a statement explaining the situation, but hyunwoo and miyong seemed to have other plans. 

   "obviously miyong will suffer some if we tell the true story, but if you agree to a fake relationship, not only will it bring more support for each of our actors, but we can easily cover up what really happened," hyunwoo explained. donghyuck's face paled at the thought of it. there was no way that he wanted to date miyong whether the relationship was fake or not. "not everyone will be supportive of their relationship, it will bring a lot of hate as well," doyoung argued.

   "i think it's a risk we should take," miyong spoke up, "i'm okay with it." miyong seemed almost completely unfazed and unbothered by the problem at hand. she was way too relaxed for it to be normal. before donghyuck had a chance to dwell on the thought any longer, doyoung turned to donghyuck who hadn't said anything regarding the topic and stared at the ground. "alright," doyoung stood up, pulling the younger male to stand with him, "i'll run it by our entertainment agency's ceo and get back to you." as much as he didn't want to go along with it, he had no other choice. "we'll be in touch," hyunwoo bowed politely, seeing them to the door.

   once they were out of the office, doyoung dragged donghyuck to the car, making him sit in the backseat without running into press. "that's it? i have to go along with it?" donghyuck asked, a frown on his face. doyoung sighed, turning in his seat to stare at the silver haired male. "i'm working on it, okay?" he said, voice covering up the frustration he truly felt inside. "as much as i don't want to make you do this, it may be our only option."

   donghyuck crossed his arms over is chest. "can't we just tell the truth and expose to everyone how miyong got herself drunk?" he asked, knowing it was immature but not really caring anyway. "that would almost work," doyoung began, giving donghyuck some hope, "except for the fact that some people would bash you too and accuse you of taking advantage of a drunk woman," he finished explaining.

   a hopeless sigh fell from donghyuck lips as he really came to realize what kind of world he was living in. "i just wish everyone knew the truth," he groaned, placing his head in his hands. "i know," doyoung offered a weak smile, "but unfortunately people care more about good stories than the truth."

   seeing that donghyuck wasn't answeing anymore, doyoung started the car, driving the younger male back to his house where he could relax a bit and stay away from reporters. "we're here," he said, stopping the car. donghyuck lifted his head, peering out the window and realizing that the older male was right. it was dark outside, the moon easily visible in the night.

   he unbuckled his seat belt to get out but doyoung stopped him. "i know you're probably stressed out by the current situation but don't be too worried and don't skip meals, catch up on some sleep if you can. our team, including me, is working hard to fix this scandal and you can always call me for moral support. don't let the articles bother you too much," he said reassuringly. "thanks hyung," donghyuck mumbled, opening the car door.

   "oh! don't forget to practice for the camera test and maybe think about a color to dye your hair. you don't want to land the role with silver hair, do you?" he asked, a supportive smile on his face.

    donghyuck knew that doyoung wanted to encourage him that he still had a chance, but he was feeling pretty helpless regardless.

   "i got it," donghyuck smiled, failing to let it reach his eyes. before doyoung had enough time to remind him to do anything else, donghyuck closed the car door behind him, entering the penthouse complex.

   the elevator ride up to his floor was long and empty, giving him plenty of time to think about the stupid love scandal that he got himself caught into. he hardly noticed when the elevator stopped at his destination but managed to get off before the doors closed in his face. the male dragged himself to his front door, inserting the code before stepping inside.

   he kept in mind what doyoung said to him before he got out of the car and decided to make the most of his extra time and get some more sleep. although he got his phone back he couldn't use his phone to keep himself entertained as constant calls were still coming through. he shut the device off and took one last quick shower. donghyuck put on some comfy lazy day clothes and applied a face mask while laying down on his bed. this was one of those rare moments when donghyuck remembered that being a celebrity was tough. in the midst of all the drama, he didn't really have anyone to turn to. he was alone.

   of course doyoung offered to be there for him, but knowing how hard the ravenette was already working, he didn't want to bother him. his best friend on the other hand, was a busy reporter. jaemin was one of the best writers at goldenstar entertainment and was probably already busy writing an article already. on top of that, doyoung said that he couldn't really call anyone and calling jaemin, was definitely calling someone.

   after contemplating life for a good five minutes, he forced himself into a sitting position and grabbed the 'first love' script. even if he didn't have a shot at it anymore, he was still going to try. 

   the lines were definitely more sexual and he could already feel the tension while reading. right when the plot began to escalate, the doorbell rang. donghyuck quickly removed the face mask and got off the bed. who's ringing my doorbell at midnight? he wondered. once he reached the front door, he opened it, surprised that the person standing behind it hadn't been doyoung.

   out of all people in the world, he was not expecting to see mark. the two stood and stared at eachother for a moment, neither daring to speak. donghyuck couldn't help but feel silly in his simple jacket and basketball shorts as mark stood before him. he was wearing black jeans and a black jean jacket with a white shirt inside, different from what he wore during the meeting earlier that day. god, had all of that really happened in one day?

   "can i... come inside?" mark asked, breaking the silence and their eye contact. still in a strange state of shock, donghyuck stepped to the side, opening the door wider for mark to come in. the ravenette walked past him, placing a plastic bag on the dining table before turning back around to donghyuck. "you might want to close the door," he said, biting back a smile. 

   "oh, right," donghyuck closed the door and walked over to where mark was standing, looking around the room. "what are you doing here?" he asked. mark had never been over to his house and he was pretty surprised that the canadian even knew where it was.

   "i came to check on you," mark sighed, "just because," he stuffed his hands into his pocket. donghyuck scoffed, "we aren't really close enough to just drop by and "check up on eachother"," he answered. mark ignored his words and asked what should've been a casual question but wasn't, "have you eaten yet?" donghyuck rolled his eyes, "mark, why are you really here?" the older ran his finger through his hair, seemingly debating his options of telling the truth or coming up with a quick lie. his morals got the best of him as he answered honestly, getting to his main point, "how are you holding up with the scandal and everything? i know how much you hate being the center of negative attention, and you suffered a lot from the one before."

   hearing the question fall from mark's lips made donghyuck remember the thought that crossed his mind when the scandal first broke out. with mark in front of him, asking him about it, he only felt more provoked as if mark was testing the waters, seeing if he'd hit the spot.

   "it was you, wasn't it?" he asked, jabbing a finger in mark's chest accusingly. mark raised an eyebrow in confusion, not sure what donghyuck was getting at. "stop playing dumb," donghyuck hissed, "you were the only one there. you took the picture of miyong and i kissing, and you released it to the press, didn't you?"

   realization and annoyance flooded mark as what donghyuck was suggesting became clear to him. "god, donghyuck listen to yourself. i didn't do that, what would i benefit from that?" he pulled donghyuck's finger away from his chest. donghyuck released himself from mark hold and glared at him. "the article was released after our meeting today, of course you would benefit from this. it gives you a higher chance to get the lead," donghyuck said, eyes burning with passion as the wheels turned in his head.

   "you're ridiculous," mark shook his head, denying everything. "i'm ridiculous?" donghyuck laughed in disbelief. "what? do you expect me to not suspect you when everything falls into place?" he asked, voice rising along with his temper. "i came by to make sure you were okay," mark tried to prove his point by reminding donghyuck of something that was meant to back him up. "how do i know that you didn't come by just to ridicule me again?"

   mark groaned, curious as to how someone could be so stubborn. "this is the last time i worry about your mental state," he mumbled. "great, i like it better when we keep our distance anyway," the younger glowered. the two had a stare off before donghyuck gritted through his teeth, "can you leave my house now? if you have anything else to say to me, speak with one of my agents."

   the black haired male brushed past donghyuck, purposely hitting his shoulder on the way out. when the door closed behind him and donghyuck was once again left alone in the house, he breathed out in relief. it had been too much of a long day for him to deal with mark and simply seeing his face had made him irritated.

   unfortunately, as much as he wanted to throw away the bag that mark set on the table, his curiosity got the best of him and he found himself opening it. inside was a styrofoam container and a small box of fried chicken. donghyuck pulled the styrofoam container out and lifted the lid. out of all things, he wasn't expecting to see kimchi jiggae.

   looking at the carefully chosen out food before him, his stomach churned. did he make a mistake by pointing fingers at mark?    

   realization and dread dawned upon him. perhaps, mark had really just been worried about him after all. hoping that he wasn't too late, donghyuck rushed to the entrance, putting on some sneakers and pushing open the front door. he was surprised to see mark leaning against a pillar only a few meters away. his fingers scrolled busily on his phone before he heard donghyuck's door open and he looked up, wearing a bored expression.

   "did you finish throwing a temper tantrum and have you come to your senses yet?" he asked, completely monotone. 

   donghyuck looked down at his feet, nodding his head. it was embarrassing how he once again fell weak to mark and the older was in control. how he managed to walk all over donghyuck was a mystery to him. no matter what the silver hair male did, it was as if mark was five steps ahead. 

   "sorry for accusing you," donghyuck mumbled. he was about to continue when mark held up a hand to stop him and shoved his cell phone in his back pocket. "have you eaten yet?" he asked. donghyuck finally answered his question, shaking his head as if to say 'no'. "why don't you eat first and then we can talk?" mark offered. 

---

   the microwave went off, signaling that mark could take the bowl out. he did exactly so, placing the bowl of kimchi jiggae in front of donghyuck. "if you'd just eaten it when i first gave it to you, i wouldn't of had to warm it up again," he said, sitting down across the table from donghyuck.

   donghyuck hated how right he knew mark was, so he dipped his spoon in the soup and silently ate. it was slightly uncomfortable with mark staring at him, but he tried his best not to mind it and enjoyed the food. "your taste hasn't changed, right?" mark asked, ruining the peace. "what?" donghyuck looked up, meeting mark's unreadable gaze. "kimchi jiggae is still your favorite, right?" he specified.

   the younger was caught off guard as he expected mark to forget such a small detail by now. yet, the hint of confidence in his voice showed that he knew he wasn't mistaken. "it is," donghyuck replied, shoving another spoonful in his mouth. 

   a smile tugged on the corner of his lips as he remembered something, "do you remember when you lost the bet and had to do a freestyle on kimchi jiggae?" his eyes lit up in excitement. mark groaned as he recalled the situation, "you recorded it and accidentally sent in that file instead of my presentation on climate change." the two burst into laughter as they each relived the situation. "i didn't know it then, but it was a pretty legendary moment," donghyuck added.

   "it wasn't so legendary when i failed the project," mark argued, frowning at the memory. "you deserved it," donghyuck threw back, causing mark to raise a brow at him. "someone needed to humble you," he explained, "you got too cocky for being the top in all of your classes. besides, i made it up to you in the end by getting you tickets to that author's fan sign." "yeah, yeah," mark waved, unable to wipe the grin off his face.

   the atmosphere fell into a comfortable silence while donghyuck continued eating. it had been a long time since donghyuck last held a civil conversation with mark. possibly years. while it was unusual for them to act so friendly, it was nice. donghyuck missed it. even though he would hate himself for thinking it later, for a split-second, mark almost felt like a friend. a friend who he badly needed at that moment. 

   when he finished eating, mark collected his dishes and washed them in the sink before donghyuck even had a chance to do it himself. 

   donghyuck watched wordlessly as mark set the dishes in the strainer and sat back down in his seat. "now that you're done eating, i have some interesting information that i thought you might like to know," he said, pulling his phone out of his pocket. he pressed the recording app and pushed the device in front of donghyuck. "it's your choice whether you listen to it or not. i think you'll like it though," he declared. 

   though somewhat hesitant, donghyuck pressed the play button on the recording. instantly, the one that mark recorded outside of miyong's car began playing, filling in the silence that had once been.

   when it came to a stop, donghyuck passed the phone back to mark. "was that real?" he asked. mark nodded, "i recorded it after doyoung hyung drove you away last night." "does this mean that miyong planned the dinner and everything just so we could get into a fake relationship?" he asked, wheels turning in his head and ends finally coming together.

   mark's eyes widened as he took in the new piece of knowledge that he didn't have before. "did hyunwoo or miyong propose having a fake relationship with you?" "yeah," donghyuck clarified, "come to think of it, she's always been clingy since the day we first met on set. i didn't want to go this far but maybe she likes me." "what do you have that she would fall for?" mark asked half jokingly. donghyuck shot him a glare, and he apologized curtly before going back to the main topic.

   "you have to help me," donghyuck blurted out, "i can't stand the thought of dating miyong. even if it's just while we're in public." watching donghyuck ready to plead for mark's help, he knew he had no choice but to help him. "fine," he agreed, "but what do we do?"

   donghyuck chewed on his bottom lip in thought. "stop it," mark spoke up, catching his attention, "you'll bleed," he explained after receiving a confused look from donghyuck. 

   while it was weird listening to mark rather than starting a fight, there was a bigger problem at hand and donghyuck knew he couldn't solve it without mark. "what should we do?" he asked. mark tapped his fingers against the table until he smirked. "since miyong seems to like scandals, let's give her a taste of her own medicine."

-----

word count: 4100

while proof reading i added 1241 words 💀 

✎ ---- dreaminghyuck⤾