Jiseok Short Story Collection

Acting ends, romance begins

"Just put your arms around my waist and smile like you're laughing every time I say something," Jiseok whispered softly, glancing around the bustling party hall. "A high school classmate of mine is coming this way with his new girlfriend. He's been bragging all night, so help me out just once, okay?"

I shot him a teasing glare at his dramatic sigh, but still stepped one pace closer to him. "Fine. But you owe me big for this, Kim Jiseok."

"Deal!" Jiseok immediately flashed a broad grin, deep dimples appearing. Then he naturally wrapped his long, sturdy arm over my shoulder and pulled me close to his side.

As the classmate approached, Jiseok instantly became the most affectionate boyfriend in the world. He lowered his head toward me and wore a dazzling smile the whole time we talked. As if he wanted to look completely real, he laced his remaining hand tightly through my fingers and held my hand firmly.

His palm was incredibly warm, and I could feel the weight of his arm around my shoulders, making my heart start to pound.This is just actingI firmly told myself inwardly.It's just a show for appearances.

"Wow, Kim Jiseok. You were seeing someone? I had no idea," the classmate said, looking visibly surprised at how close we were.

"Yeah, we've been keeping it quiet," Jiseok replied softly in a gentle, proud voice. Then he looked down at me, his expression absurdly sweet. "Honestly, I can't even imagine being here tonight with anyone else but him."

After exchanging a few more polite greetings, the classmate nodded and soon disappeared into the crowd. It was completely over now.

"Okay, he's gone," I whispered, looking up at him. "You can let go now."

But Jiseok didn't move. His arm was still firmly around my shoulders, and his fingers were still tightly entwined with mine. If anything, it felt like he was holding my hand even tighter. The noisy sounds of the party faded into the background in an instant, and I realized Jiseok was staring intently down at me. The playful expression on his face had completely disappeared.

Under the dim lights of the party hall, Jiseok looked into my eyes with an expression so serious and honest it was almost hard to breathe.

"Jiseok?" My heart started pounding so hard it felt like it was banging against my ribs, and I called to him carefully.

He let out a quiet, breathless laugh, then scratched the back of his neck with his free hand. There was no sign he intended to let go of our joined hands. A pleasantly flushed red was climbing up the back of his neck and coloring his cheeks.

"Actually..." Jiseok began in a low, sincere whisper. As he took another step closer, the distance between us disappeared completely, and I could clearly feel his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. "When I asked you to do this, I thought it was just a joke. I figured it was a small favor, something casual just to help me out for a bit."

He paused and gently stroked the back of my hand with his thumb. He looked visibly tense.

"But the moment I pulled you into my arms... my heart started beating so fast I was afraid you'd hear it," Jiseok confessed with a tightly flushed smile, not hiding his nerves at all. Then he looked straight into my eyes with unwavering sincerity. "I don't think I was acting just now. I don't want to let go of this hand. Can we... make this real?"