Kim Dong-hyun and Park Woo-jin. They'd been on a tear since their trainee days, unable to kill each other. Why? Because during the monthly evaluations, Kim Dong-hyun couldn't beat Park Woo-jin in dancing, and Park Woo-jin couldn't beat Kim Dong-hyun in vocals. They'd always battle for first and second place. "This time, I'll crush you miserably," they'd say, with that mindset as they waited for the results. When the results came, they'd often grumble and fight, each believing they'd won their own strengths, ignoring the ones they'd lose. Their training partners knew they weren't on good terms. They'd laugh at each other's actions and pick fights, a natural part of their daily lives. But their agency didn't know. They simply thought they were good friends who could thrive through friendly competition. That's why they decided to debut together.
They became quite successful idols, pretending to be close. Fans loved the chemistry between Donghyun and Woojin. The disses they would throw at each other were so realistic and funny. Who would have guessed that they were actually trying to put each other down? They always had bright smiles and were swearing at each other. It made me think they were just real brothers, with no ill intentions, but some kind of instinctive desire to insult each other.
That day, they were invited to appear on a major entertainment program that's incredibly hard to find in Korea not to watch. Donghyun, the team's mood maker, was pumping up the energy on the show, playing a lively song and dancing and singing with the members. Woojin, who was more independent than Donghyun and tended to be quiet and serious about everything, clicked his tongue at the noise, saying broadcasts should be taken seriously.
"Hey, if I ruin the show because of you, can you take responsibility? If not, why don't you just shut up and do it yourself? Unless you want to show the entire nation that you don't get along with me because of your boring personality."
"Huh, hey. You're the one who's going to ruin the show, so why don't you just shut up? You're always acting like you're joking around on the show. To me, you just look like a rookie making a fuss."
“This is real for you hyung!!!”
Then the manager came in and barely managed to stop them from fighting. But they still glared at each other, their expressions trembling.
“We’re going to start filming soon, so come out when you’ve calmed down a bit.”
"yes."
Woojin took a deep breath, cupped Jasan's face with both large hands, and washed his face dry. He stayed like this for five minutes, then abruptly stood up and tried to run out before Donghyun. Donghyun quickly followed suit, placed a hand on his shoulder, and turned him around.
"what are you doing?"
"You did well today. Even I have limits to my patience."
Donghyun said that, then deliberately smacked Woojin on the shoulder and headed to the filming location. Woojin briefly considered cursing at the back of his head, but held back, knowing he'd never be able to contain his excitement again. "That piece of trash is more popular than me." Woojin clenched his fists and watched him walk away excitedly for a while.
The show, contrary to everyone's expectations, was proceeding smoothly. Aside from Woong and Daehwi glaring at each other during their comments, there were no overt fights. They didn't even pick unnecessary fights. This was to prevent news of their strained relationship from spreading nationwide, or even worldwide.
They finally had a falling out during quiz time. The two were teamed up to solve the problem, but their disagreements were so intense. It wasn't the usual bickering you see on variety shows, but a genuine feeling of frustration and annoyance with each other. In the end, the correct answer to the quiz was what Donghyun had said. The broadcast showed a scene of them fighting with the caption, "Brothers bickering again..." Most viewers who saw this reacted by saying, "Why bicker when they're just fighting?" Their agency quickly deleted the footage, and the scene didn't appear in the rebroadcast. Netizens then uploaded scenes of them bickering before, claiming that it had been like that all along, and started rumors of a feud.
"What the hell is going on with you guys? What, fighting on a variety show? Do you even have any thoughts?"
They glared at each other, bowed their heads, and repeated apologies. As the controversy grew out of control, even the agency was at a loss as to what to do. What was needed in this situation? Was there nothing major to quell the controversy? An apology? That would only serve to escalate the situation. Then, another excuse? It would depend on the situation. They would try to frame the controversy well. Or, they could say they had a fight over something as simple as food before filming that show, and it deepened the rift.
“I’ll give you until tomorrow, so discuss what you two should do and tell me. Understood?”
They nodded silently and left the room. They blamed each other. If it weren't for you, this wouldn't have happened. Why debut with a brat like you and have things become so messed up? If we check the facts, neither of them did anything right. It's true that they argued and fought before the broadcast, and it's true that they also fought and raised their voices during the broadcast. It was surprising that rumors of discord didn't surface during that time.
“Hey, Park Woojin.”
Woojin dismissed Donghyun lightly. He didn't think he'd come up with a solution anyway, and he figured that if he tried to talk to him in this situation, he'd be crossing a bridge of no return. Donghyun called Woojin five or six times after that, but he ignored them all.
“Hey! Are you ignoring me?”
Woojin looked back and laughed in disbelief.
“Shut up. I’m already so annoyed.”
Then he turned around and tried to leave. Donghyun, his voice laced with irritation, cursed Woojin for getting on his nerves. Just like always. Woojin stood there, clenching his fists and sobbing. Resentment and injustice erupted simultaneously. Donghyun hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do.
“Hey, leader. You take responsibility.”
Woojin paused for a moment, rubbed his eyes with both hands, and looked back.
“What? Are you telling me to quit?”
"Why is that? We have to pretend to be dating. If you're the only one who's willing to take responsibility, I'll go and tell you right now."
"Why should I do that? Why should I pretend to date someone like you? That's not the only way!"
"That's all there is. Listen, we fought. And on a popular variety show, at that. As you know, posting an apology is just a way to acknowledge the rumors of our discord. The excuse that we fought over something trivial before and our feelings deepened? That sounds like a childish excuse. There's the fact that we're dating, right? Then it's a lover's quarrel. People will probably find it even cuter."
Woojin listened silently for a moment, then looked at Donghyun. The silence continued for a moment, and then Donghyun, frustrated, tried to shout at him to answer quickly.
“I’ll trust you just this once. If you fail, you’ll die by my hand.”
“Okay. I’ll tell the CEO.”
“Is it true that Dong-Hyeon and Woo-Jin are dating?”
“Yes, a little over three months.”
So they announced that they were dating, that they were having a lovers' fight and that it just happened on a variety show. And then they set up a little bit of a setting for what to say if you ask them.
1. They started dating on October 7th, 2021. Anniversaries are simple questions to ask, even if they're just passing remarks. October 7th was the day they were promoting their third mini-album. It was the day their pair choreography stood out. It was the day they won their first #1 with that promotion.
2. They fought in the waiting room because of the fan. This might sound like some bullshit, but it's basically what happened when Woojin let Daehwi use the fan to blow air on him, and Donghyun got jealous and got angry about it, and it escalated into a fight. Woojin said it was too childish and suggested they do something else, but in the end, they decided to go with this.
3. Woojin confessed. This was decided through rock-paper-scissors, but since Woojin lost all three rounds, it was inevitably decided.
Donghyun was the one who suggested this. He knew if he said anything different, his lies would be exposed. Woojin continued to be suspicious. Would this really bury the rumors of their feud? They were idols, and the public's love was their bread and butter, so they were willing to test the waters before crossing the stone bridge.
That day, they walked around the bustling city center, hand in hand, without masks or hats, to advertise to people, "We're dating! We're really dating!!!" Having honed their acting skills through dramas, they acted with the mindset that it was real, and they were putting on a crazy show. At first glance, it seemed like they were dating for real.
“Hey, are we going to keep doing this...? I’m embarrassed...”
"No, no. We need to get our couple rings and take a picture of our lives together. Where do you want to start?"
“I think I’m really crazy...”
“Make up your mind quickly, Princess.”
Woojin glared at Donghyun with a horrified expression, but Donghyun whispered, "People are watching, you idiot." Woojin swallowed nervously, gripped Donghyun's hand tighter, and dragged him into the bathroom of a nearby shopping mall. Woojin entered the same stall as Donghyun, pushed him against the wall, and yelled, "Are you out of your mind?" Donghyun chuckled, wondering what was so funny. He walked closer to Woojin.
“Are you crazy? Why are you so close!”
"You... think it's easy to scam people all over the world? You can't even handle this, yet you make a big show of it on TV about how you don't get along with me? I may be at fault, but you were the one who got annoyed first. As a leader, you should show more responsibility, like a leader."
“You...you...to me...!”
Without even listening to Woojin, Donghyun opened the bathroom stall door, slapped Woojin on the shoulder, and left. Woojin closed the stall door again and sank to the floor. "Do you have the right to say that to me?" he muttered to himself, the words he hadn't said before. Judging by the sound of water outside, Donghyun must have been washing his hands or face. That bastard seems to really enjoy tormenting people. He just seems to enjoy it, regardless of whether it's hard for him or not. Woojin pounded his chest with his fist. "Why did I get involved with that son of a bitch?" Woojin thought it was all his fault. "I should've just quit my trainee days and looked for another agency. I should've just given up on my dream of becoming a singer and started preparing for a job." He felt so pathetic, how he'd been so desperate to beat Donghyun as a vocalist.
A few days had passed since that incident. Woojin didn't even think about leaving his room every single day. He didn't eat properly and didn't even swear at Donghyun to his face. Donghyun didn't directly care for him, and instead posted on social media that he was worried and asked him to eat. Of course, it was 100% fake. Woojin knew this better than anyone, but he ignored it. He knew that if he intervened, the controversy would resurface, and he didn't have the strength to deal with him.
“Woojin hyung! Are you inside hyung?”
“...Dae-hwi?”
"Hyung, I bought this so you could eat something. You're going to collapse if you keep doing this, so why aren't you eating? I put in some chocolate because I thought you might crave sugar."
"thank you."
A few minutes of silence passed. Daehwi watched Woojin quietly eat his food. Woojin furtively glanced at Daehwi. Daehwi tilted his head, slightly pondering the situation.
“I’m Dae-hwi.”
It was Woojin who broke the long silence first.
“I feel like I should tell you this... I really didn't like Kim Dong-hyun, but I really don't know why I'm like this, but I think I like Kim Dong-hyun. My heart races whenever I see him? I must have some kind of mental illness or something. It doesn't make sense that I like that unlucky kid.”
“Brother Woojin.”
"I hate having to live my life seeing that person's face. Should I just quit?"
"Hyung, are you crazy? Why are you doing this? If you're going to do it, tell someone like Kim Dong-hyun to do it! If you leave, I'll leave too!"
Phew— A laugh escaped Woojin's lips, as if he found Daehwi cute. Daehwi grumbled, asking why he was laughing, but the more he grumbled, the louder Woojin laughed. It was true that Daehwi's grumbling was so cute. He was cute in the first place, and his speech was cute, and since he was his younger brother, it was impossible not to find him cute.
After a while, Dae-hwi forced Woo-jin to lie down, bid him good night, and left. Perhaps because he'd been eating and chatting with Dae-hwi, he fell asleep almost immediately after laying his head down. A few hours later, Woo-jin opened his eyes to find Dong-hyeon sitting next to him, stroking Woo-jin's forehead with his hand. Woo-jin quickly slapped his hand away and sat up abruptly. Dong-hyeon looked at Woo-jin with a bewildered expression.
“Hey, if someone saw me, they’d think I was doing something weird to you.”
"If not that, then what? Why are you barging into someone else's room and doing this?"
“You really...! Oh, stop it. What am I talking about with you?”
There was silence for about four minutes, glaring at each other. Then Donghyun averted his gaze and pulled something out from behind him. Woojin frowned and looked at it. Chocolate? Suddenly? Woojin looked flustered. Donghyun held it out to Woojin and scratched the back of his head.
“...Did you get poisoned?”
“You wouldn’t have said something like that to the person who gave you the gift, would you?”
“Why are you giving me this?”
"Today is Valentine's Day. It's a day to give chocolate to the person you love. That's why I'm giving it to you."
"Why are you putting on a show all the way to your dorm? I don't like sweets, and I got a lot of chocolate from Daehwi. Eat it yourself."
“Did you say something like this to Dae-hwi too?”
Woojin looked at Donghyun with wide eyes, as if flustered. He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head from side to side. "Dae-hwi gave me chocolate because he was worried about me, not because he was being pretentious like you." Woojin muttered softly, but Donghyun didn't hear him. Donghyun sighed deeply, grabbed Woojin's shoulder, and brought his face closer to his. "What are you doing?" Woojin was clearly annoyed, but he didn't slap his arm away. Donghyun smiled prettily at him, as if they were a real couple.
"I really hate you. I can't beat you, and I can't hate you outright. That's why I hate seeing you hurt. It feels like you're just putting on a show, and I have to take care of you. No, I just hate everything you do. But... I like it."
“What the hell are you talking about? Have you been drinking since noon?”
“Phew- no, I hate you but I like you.”
Woojin was truly convinced that Donghyun had been drinking during the day. How could he like someone he didn't like? Woojin couldn't understand Donghyun's words, and he realized that he didn't know because they never talked while drinking, but he just became more crazy when he was drunk. If you like him, you like him, and if you hate him, you hate him. Why did I like that idiot? Woojin couldn't understand. His ideal type was someone smart, handsome, and kind. Of course, Donghyun was handsome. But in Woojin's opinion, he was neither smart nor kind.
“Hey, Park Woojin. Do you think I’m crazy?”
“Isn’t that obvious? Sigh, I don’t smell alcohol… but there’s a very high chance he’s just not in his right mind.”
“You idiot, really. Ugh, let’s stop talking.”
Who's calling whom an idiot? Woojin furrowed his brow, seemingly incomprehensible. Donghyun then used his own hand to straighten his brow. He was about to shout, "What are you doing?" but Donghyun pulled him into his arms first. Donghyun patted his back with one hand, while the other held him captive. Woojin remained motionless for a moment, then hugged Donghyun with both arms. He felt compelled to do something.
“Do you know what my ideal type is? Don’t tell me you’re not curious.”
"...I don't know."
“I am you. And you?”
“You little shit.”
“You’re me too, right? That bastard is me, right?”
Donghyun laughed like a real idiot. Woojin frowned at him, but he didn't care.
*Dong-Hyeon's point of view
I liked Woojin from the moment I first saw him. But I was also awkward with expressing myself, and I thought it would be strange if a stranger suddenly liked me, so I needed a way to approach him. During our monthly evaluations, I always found myself unable to beat him in dancing. I decided to approach him by picking a fight. Woojin would smile when he was with the other kids, but when I approached him, he frowned. Did I start off wrong? Years passed by after that. If I had apologized properly even once during that time, would our relationship have improved? I couldn't find the right time to apologize every day, so I was contemplating just letting my first love go. Then, something happened. Woojin and I had a huge fight on a broadcast. I agonized over what to do. I couldn't help Woojin and was causing him harm. The day the rumors of our feud broke out was the most terrifying day of my life. What should I do? Then, the saying "crisis is opportunity" came to mind. Yes, I should turn it into an opportunity. I suggested to Woojin that we pretend to date. At first, Woojin told me not to talk nonsense, but when I explained my reasons, even though they were absurd, he agreed. Nice, now I can just express my feelings for him in front of people. So now all that's left is Woojin. I have to do something to make Woojin like me. But how? I went out on a date with Woojin downtown. I made a few cringey comments, but Woojin was too uncomfortable. He must have been really annoyed, so he dragged me to the bathroom to confront me. Oh, what should I do? I pretended to be calm, but instead got angry and told Woojin to act like a leader. How much did Woojin hate me? I left the bathroom stall first, and I heard a soft sob inside. I turned the water on high, worried that someone might hear. That's not how I feel. I really love you. When am I going to reveal my feelings? A few more days passed. Woojin didn't come out of his room or eat. I was worried, so I told Daehwi to buy some porridge for Woojin and tell him to come out after I watch him eat it. Daehwi looked slightly surprised but said he understood. Since Woojin spent more time with Daehwi than with Woong, I figured he'd eat well. Since it was Valentine's Day, I went to the convenience store and bought some chocolate. I knew Woojin didn't like chocolate that much, but I figured he might crave something sweet if he was sick. Daehwi came out of Woojin's room a while later. I asked Daehwi if Woojin had finished eating, and he nodded and said he was going to go play with Woong. I said goodbye and went straight to Woojin's room. Woojin was sound asleep. How cute. I watched for a while, and then Woojin woke up. I gave Woojin some chocolate, and his reaction was exactly what I expected. But Daehwi gave Woojin some chocolate? I was strangely angry. I was going to apologize to Woojin today, but my words came out harshly like any other day. Oh my, why am I like this? I just hugged Woojin and patted him. Woojin didn't seem to dislike him that much. Phew, thank goodness. I thought it was time for an apology that wasn't really an apology, a confession, so I said whatever came to mind. Woojin seemed to think I had been drinking during the day. No, I really like you, Woojin. But I'm afraid that Daehwi might like you too. There's no way I can like you more than Daehwi, right? I'm really sorry about everything. I'll do better in the future.
*Woojin's point of view
Since our trainee days, Kim Dong-hyun has always been the first to pick on me. At first, I thought he'd just let it go after a few times, but he's been doing it for years. I was incredibly angry at him. Even when I was struggling and frowning, he'd tell me I was already ugly, but that made me look even uglier. And when I was crying, he'd tell me I was already a terrible singer, and that I was just putting on a show to make my throat even worse. Kim Dong-hyun would hate me even if I died and came back to life. He always hated me. Dae-hwi and Woong were always worried about me. It was just heartbreaking. I was trying my best, but it was so frustrating that I couldn't surpass him. So I started picking on him too. At first, he seemed taken aback, but now he's picking on me even more. I didn't do anything wrong... why do I have to live with this constant barrage? I hated Kim Dong-hyun so much. Eventually, he appeared on a variety show, and rumors of our feud erupted. I was so annoyed I thought I was going crazy, but Kim Dong-hyun smiled brightly and suggested we pretend to be dating. I was dumbfounded, but I knew that if I didn't, all the hard work I'd put in would go down the drain, so I agreed. When I told people I was dating Kim Dong-hyun, they said he was a bigger waste. "Yeah, I guess he really hated dating someone like me and that handsome, talented singer." I was hurt more in that short time, and Kim Dong-hyun seemed happier. What a loser. But was his smile always that pretty? It just irritated me more. I hated being compared to him, and the fact that he looked so pretty in the middle of it all. Every time I went out, people would ask if I was dating Kim Dong-hyun. I'm Park Woojin, not Kim Dong-hyun. So I refused to go anywhere and wouldn't even leave my room. Then, Kim Dong-hyun posted on social media that he was worried about me and asked me to get something to eat. In my head, I hated Kim Dong-hyun for trying to use me to create a better image, but I couldn't help but snicker. Why am I doing this? I thoughtlessly read the comments as usual. Why do people hate me so much? Why do they always treat Kim Dong-hyun like a human being? There were so many people in the comments who cursed at me for worrying Kim Dong-hyun. I thought I should ignore them, but I couldn't help but keep reading. I didn't actually make that bastard worry. People who were fooled by Kim Dong-hyun were so stupid. Why did they think that son of a bitch while not understanding my feelings? Then Dae-hwi came in and gave me porridge and chocolate. I finished the porridge and ate the chocolate, and it was unusually sweet and delicious. I clearly don't like sweets... Was it because Dae-hwi gave it to me? Dae-hwi told me to go to bed before leaving. I slept soundly. When I woke up, Kim Dong-hyun was touching my head. I was startled for a moment and slapped his hand away. He looked flustered. I was just arguing for no reason. In my head, I wanted to tell him to leave, but I couldn't say it out loud. I just got annoyed. For some reason, Kim Dong-hyun seemed to have been drinking since noon. What a jerk. Then, suddenly, Kim Dong-hyun hugged me. I was flustered, frozen. A few minutes passed, and before I knew it, I was hugging him with both arms. I know I'm such an idiot, but I think I like this son of a bitch. Maybe I've liked him for a long time, but I just didn't want to admit it. There's no way I'd like a guy who curses at me every day, right? Of course not Kim Dong-hyun. He's a master at confusing people. I must be a real idiot.
*Third person point of view again
“Woojin! Hey, what are you two doing?”
“Ah, hyung Woong really has no clue!”
Donghyun and Woojin were embracing each other, while Woong and Daehwi came in from playing outside. Woong and Daehwi had even bought a present for Woojin, but seeing the two of them, who had been swearing at each other until then, embracing each other was unavoidable. Daehwi quickly closed the door and demanded that Woong intervene while they were enjoying each other's company. Of course, Donghyun and Woojin heard it all. Woojin got up to quickly leave and deny it, but Donghyun grabbed him.
"Let's just be together. We need some alone time there too. But, have Woong and Daehwi always been that close?"
“Huh? You didn’t know? They were dating before their debut.”
Donghyun was surprised to learn that Woong and Daehwi were dating, and Woojin was surprised that Donghyun still didn't know. Why? Why? They were dating so openly? Donghyun looked shocked for a moment, then covered his face in embarrassment. No, so you're jealous because I brought a guy with a boyfriend and gave him chocolate? Woojin looked at Donghyun with a "why are you like that?" expression, then got up again and left the room.
"Hey, Woojin. What's going on with you and her? Could it be a hidden camera? Or..."
"No, no. Maybe reconciliation. But where have you been?"
"Oh, a date! We got matching necklaces! Aren't they pretty?"
“To be exact, Jae bought it for me as a Valentine’s Day gift.”
It was a heart-shaped necklace with initials engraved on the back. Woojin wasn't particularly interested in accessories, so he wasn't jealous. But...
“It would be pretty if Kim Dong-hyun did that...”
“What? Our couple necklaces are now...!”
“No, that’s not it. Where did you buy that?”
“Hey, Kim Dong-hyun! Take this.”
“What is this? A necklace? Suddenly?”
Woojin went to the place Woong had told him about and bought a necklace. Of course, the design and color were slightly different. Woojin, in a hurry to prepare it, gave it to Donghyun, wondering if he'd like it, and glanced at him. Donghyun was initially puzzled, but then imagined Woojin working so hard to prepare it, and a chuckle burst out.
“Why are you buying this for me?”
"I just thought it would be okay if you did it. Oh, I definitely didn't go there to buy it for you. I bought it when I went to get a friendship ring made with my friend. Okay?"
“So where is that friendship ring?”
Woojin hesitated slightly, then blushed. How could I have made such a mistake? He didn't have any friends who would wear friendship rings. (It's not that he didn't have any friends, but they just didn't like accessories.) Donghyun found Woojin's behavior both absurd and amusing. "You went there to buy it for me, then?" he said. "No."
“Oh, but how long are you going to keep calling me Kim Dong-hyun? It’s so annoying...”
“왜? 싫어? 음...그러면 뭐로 불러줘. 개새끼? 멍청이? 바보?”
"No, hey. Why are you thinking like that? Donghyun, that would be great."
“I don’t like that. It’s gross.”
“I like Dong-Hyeon hyung!”
Ah, I don't like it. When Woojin grumbled, Donghyun gave Woojin a pitiful expression. He had no choice but to make Donghyun call him hyung. But Woojin was different. Starting with the thought of him as a puppy, and now that he's an adult, he's a dog... Then, a son of a bitch! Yes, a son of a bitch would be nice. Woojin made a proud expression. Donghyun's expression was filled with shock, resentment, and bewilderment. Just call me Kim Donghyun! No, it seems like we're falling apart just like you said, I'd rather be a son of a bitch!
“Or call me honey.”
“Um...I'll just call you a son of a bitch!”
“Huh, really.”
Donghyun burst out laughing in disbelief. Why was he calling him a "son of a bitch" so cutely? Woojin found teasing Donghyun so amusing. Ah, maybe it's because he only saw him frown when he started arguing, and then he saw him smile. He's so cute.
Donghyun tickled Woojin's stomach with his finger. Woojin burst out laughing at the sudden touch.
“Can’t you even call me honey? Huh? Huh?”
“Ugh, okay, honey. Honey! Stop it, it tickles.”
Their first meeting, where they blushed and quarreled, led to a relationship that blushed for a different reason. As if fate had intertwined them, they naturally transitioned from rivals to lovers.
‘There is always light at the end of darkness.