Fake dating my enemy, The playboy billionaire

YIREN (Part 1)

I’m shocked. The question came out of nowhere, like a sudden slap of cold air that left me disoriented.

He wants to go back to Imperial City?

"Why do you want to go back?" I ask, my voice tight. My chest feels heavy as the words settle in. Imperial City holds more for him than just memories—it’s the place where his demons lurk, waiting.

"Isn’t it obvious? To stop running and start facing them," he answers like it’s the simplest thing in the world.

A small smile tugs at my lips. I lean forward, teasing, "There will be demons from your past, Juju."

"That’s why I’m asking you to tag along," he replies with the same light tone. "I might need more of that absolutely-fucking-legendary kick in the crotch again."

Of course, the kick. I’m never going to hear the end of it, am I?

I poke at the bland food on my plate, stewing in my thoughts. I’m starving, but this food is inedible. No spices. Less salt. Kill me now.

If I said yes, I could take Suyin’s offer on the lake house project. It would be the opportunity of a lifetime, a fresh start in a new place. But there’s Kai. I can’t just leave him to deal with everything. Ning’s recovery will take months, and he needs my help more than ever right now.

"I need to discuss a few things with Kai first," I say, looking up from the sorry excuse for food in front of me.

Jun nods. "Understandable. No pressure."

I scrunch my nose at the food, pushing it around my plate instead of eating it. It’s just so horrible. Why do hospitals insist on serving this flavorless garbage?

Suddenly, a tiny bark fills the room, and my heart skips a beat. My favorite furry little ball of energy, Bear, leaps onto my bed, tail wagging non-stop. I immediately ditch the food and hug him close, burying my face in his soft fur. He smells... different. Weird, even.

"Why do you smell like that?" I ask, wrinkling my nose.

Jun leans in to whiff Bear’s head and recoils dramatically, his face twisted in mock horror. "Just how many women kissed you, Bear?"

Bear ducks into my lap like he’s been caught cheating, his ears flat against his head. Guilt, in dog form.

"Okayyy... what am I missing here?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Jun crosses his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "Trust Bear to charm all the nurses and women doctors in the hospital. He’s been getting endless kisses from them."

"What?"

"Check this out," Jun says, grinning as he digs into Bear’s jacket pockets, much to Bear’s protest. He pulls out what seems like an endless stash of treats, piling them up on my bed.

Oh. My. God. That’s a hoarder’s stash!

"Bear!" I pinch his ear playfully, scratching him behind it. "Ladies’ man, huh? Naughty boy." He licks my face, and immediately tries to duck himself in the blanket that’s sprawled across my bed, but failing to make his way in.

Jun pinches Bear’s cheek with exaggerated affection, eyes filled with adoration. "So, your separation anxiety works at your convenience, huh? In front of a hospital full of cute ladies, it just flies out the window, and Daddy can go to hell?"

I can’t help it. I burst out laughing. This little pup who glued himself to Jun and accompanied him to rescue me... only to forget everything as soon as he saw the nurses around? Seriously?

Jeez. Men, no matter the species, will always be men.

"Let’s be the dog in next life," I say, shaking my head.

Jun laughs, his phone buzzing in his pocket. He checks it briefly, then walks out to the nurse’s station. A few moments later, he returns with a takeout bag. The second I smell it, my stomach growls.

Is that...?

"Chicken tikka from Patialla Grill," he announces, pulling the containers out with a flourish.

"You’re kidding me," I gasp, my mouth watering at the thought of actual food with flavor. "How did you—?"

"I have my ways," he replies with a wink, handing me a container. The faces you made at the hospital food even the food felt offence. "Eat up."

Bear looks at us with huge, pleading eyes. Mouth drooling at the leg piece. "Nope. You are not getting."

He barks, biting Jun’s finger when he boops his cute nose. And directs those cute eyes on me. Oh dear, do I have the power to say no? "But before I could offer him anything, Jun place down an aluminium container full with two leg pieces on the floor, and a bowl of water beside it. We both watch as Bear did a happy dance on the bed before jumping at the treat.

He sniffs it, and stares at Jun as if waiting.....

"Of course, Your Highness," Jun mutters, propping up his phone against the water jug and playing Cocomelon. Bear wags his tail happily, digging into his feast.

I pat the bed next to me. "Join me. Don’t leave me to eat alone."

"Nah, I’m stuffed. My dolls made sure of that."

Without hesitation, I dig in, the spicy, tangy flavor exploding in my mouth. This is food. I close my eyes, savoring every bite.

"God, I’ve missed this," I mumble between bites.

Jun watches me, his expression softening, and for the first time in a while, I feel... normal. Like we’re not sitting in a hospital room after a life-threatening situation, but just two people enjoying a meal together.

"Aren’t you being too nice?" I speak from a mouthful of food. Fuck ettiquets. "I’m starting to think you are not Satan."

"Satan’s just misunderstood... kind of like how you’ll misunderstand what I’m going to do next---" he leans towards me, the whiff of his tempting perfume grabbing me in its claws.

I bent backward, "J-Jun?"

He leans further, this close I can see how perfect his skin is, his eyes so deep- painted in deep brown, mesmerizing. There’s a mole hidden in his right eyebrow which is never visible if not seen this closely. His minty breath tickle my nose, as my back hit the bed. He smiles, enjoying how flustered and shocked I am, looking foolish holding the food container between us. His finger tickles my chin and then--- then he retrieves. The moment drops. The tension drops.

"Sauce on your chin, little bunny," he says, showing me his oil-smudged finger. A huge grin plastered. "And by the way... you’re blushing."

"What the—?!" I splutter, mortified.

"Satan’s got his horns; I’ve got my charm. Guess we’re both powerful."

I hurl a pillow at his face, but he dodges it easily. "I wasn’t blushing!"

"Yes, you do. Satan’s smooth, but I’m even smoother." He shimmy his shoulder, dancing. Bear looks at Daddy and swirls around as if agreeing before going back to his food.

"You are pretty annoying, Jun. Get lost!"

"And now she calls me pretty. Yo! They say the devil is charming, but I’m all about the whole package."

I growl, trying my hardest not to laugh.

**********