.⊹˖ᯓ★. ݁₊ love at first like | a mark lee smau
003 : contracts signed & hearts unprepared.
꒰ annas note: ꒱ enjoy this chapter angels :3 thank you for all the love, i truly appreciate it seriously! 😭🤍
you look between mark, his manager and yours. well, there really isn't a choice here. you either accept that you're going to fake date mark lee or lose your job right then and there (maybe a far stretch but still, you had a lot to lose).
"alright, we'll do it.” you finally speak up. they’re all a little shocked that you had agreed to do this, especially your manager knowing that you like to keep to yourself but she smiled at you and nodded, “good. we’ll go through these simple rules for you both, alright? please listen carefully and if there’s anything that you don’t like, butt in and tell us straight away.”
and a document gets pulled out, immediately flipped open and the rules are set out:
#1 : “public displays of affection are necessary.”
“wait.. like holding hands, hugging?” mark butts in and your manager sighed, “yes. and at least one kiss in front of cameras if needed, we have to make this as realistic as possible, don’t we?” you nearly choked on your own spit, swallowing hard with a hum, making it known you were listening to the rules.
#2 : “you must be seen together at least twice a week.”
“this means going on fake dates, public outings, scheduled interactions that look natural. you both are going to cooperate to this one right? i know you’re awkward, mark.” you turn to him as soon as your manager spits that out and he crossed his arms, “yeah. i can do that, can’t be that hard right?” he turned to look at you, tilting his head a little. “guess not.”
#3 : “no real feelings involved.”
#4 : “online interactions need to look genuine.”
#5 : “no dating others until this contract is over.”
“so.. i’m just going to have to put my love life on hold? for three months?” you ask in shock. mark shrugged, “least you won’t have to deal with bad dates.” you scowl, glaring over, “mark, i actually go on dates.”
#6 : “if asked, you must have a ‘how we met’ story.”
the managers both prove a very convincing generic fake story but mark insists on improvising instead. you roll your eyes, “that’s so bad. what if we keep telling different stories? just stick the one the managers gave us.”
#7 : “personal texting is encouraged.”
“so.. are we being forced to be friends?” “no, believable.” his manager responded, noticing the slight smirk at the corner of marks lips, “guess we’ll have to text, huh?” you can just imagine what it’s like.
‘[1:32AM] mark nct: yooo u up?
[1:33AM] mark nct: nvm just saw u posted a story
[1:34AM] mark nct: dang ur ignoring me? aren’t we meant to be friends haha..’
#8: “if feelings develop, they must be kept private.”
your manager sighs, “we understand that spending time together like this might blur the lines one day. however, if either of you start developing romantic feelings, it is imperative that it remains off the record. no telling friends, family, not even each other. got it?”
you nod, “that won’t be an issue.” you say softly as mark agreed, “that one’s easy.”
#9: “one couple selfie a week.”
#10: “the breakup must be mutual and clean.”
“when the three months are over and the contract comes to an end, the pr team and us will script the breakup to avoid unnecessary drama. we’ll do it respectfully so the both of you can go on with your separate works again and mark, do not like another instagram post other than your members again. make sure it’s on a private account at least.” his manager explained.
“is that alright for you both?” your manager raised a brow, looking between the both of you. mark smiled and nodded, “yeah, seems pretty easy to do, doesn’t it?” you follow with another nod, “yeah. i can do this.” finally, all the rules were over and done with, all in the open and all you both had to do, was sign. the contract gets signed over to you first.
you hesitate for a moment, your hand tightening on the pen you just picked up. mark noticed and whispered, “hey. if you don’t feel comfortable, you don’t have to agree- i mean- we can sort this out another way.” you smile and shake your head, “it’s alright.” it was really sweet of him to say that but it had to be done.
you sign your name, he signs his, contract is now official. you and mark are fake dating for three months.
you and mark step outside of the room, letting out a heavy sigh that you both didn’t know you were holding in. you notice mark holding his phone out toward you, “just thought i’d let you know that my manager says our first date will be tomorrow. and, i need your number.”
“tomorrow?” you blink. tomorrow? really? was this going to be harder than you thought?
you take his phone and add your digits in, handing it back with a small smile. “just let me know the details later when we both get home, alright? be safe mark.” and then you departed from him.