**Chapter 1: Spark of Deception**

The news spread like wildfire: Ryujin and Yeji, two members of the popular K-pop group ITZY, were allegedly dating. Fans went into a frenzy, flooding social media with congratulatory messages and speculations about the couple. The rumor had been circulating for weeks, but it wasn't until a paparazzo caught a photo of Ryujin and Yeji holding hands in a parking lot that the news officially broke. Management quickly stepped in, advising the duo to capitalize on the attention for the group's benefit. "Just go along with it, girls," their manager said with a sly smile. "It's great publicity, and fans love it. You'll be the hottest topic in K-pop for weeks." Ryujin and Yeji exchanged skeptical glances but ultimately agreed to play along. They began posting couple-like photos on Instagram, with Ryujin captioning one of them "My favorite person" and Yeji responding with "Mine too." They dropped hints on Bubble, their group's messaging app, with Ryujin teasing Yeji about being "clumsy" and Yeji playfully calling Ryujin "obsessed." At first, it was all in good fun. Ryujin would occasionally brush her hand against Yeji's or make a lighthearted comment that left Yeji giggling. However, as time passed, Ryujin's teasing became more flirtatious. She'd send Yeji provocative messages, making her blush and quickly delete them. One evening, as they prepared for a show, Ryujin sidled up to Yeji in their hotel room and whispered, "You know, I think we make a pretty cute couple." Yeji rolled her eyes, trying to maintain her composure, but her heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but notice the way Ryujin's eyes sparkled in the dim light. The days turned into weeks, and their fake relationship continued to trend online. As ITZY's tour progressed, Ryujin and Yeji found themselves sharing a hotel room more frequently. One night, after a particularly grueling show, they collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. Ryujin, lying on her side, gazed at Yeji, who was staring at the ceiling. "You know, I never thought I'd say this, but...I'm actually having fun with this fake dating thing." Her voice was low and husky, sending a shiver down Yeji's spine. Yeji turned to her, a hint of a smile on her face. "Yeah? Why's that?" Ryujin's eyes locked onto Yeji's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The air was charged with tension as Ryujin reached out, her fingers brushing against Yeji's cheek. "I think it's because I'm getting to see a side of you that not many people get to see," Ryujin said, her voice barely above a whisper. Yeji's heart was racing now, her skin tingling where Ryujin had touched her. She felt a flutter in her chest as Ryujin's hand lingered, then slid down to her neck. The touch sent a wave of heat through her body, leaving her wet and wanting. Without thinking, Yeji leaned in, her lips parting slightly. Ryujin's eyes followed the movement, and she leaned in closer, her tongue darting out to lick her own lips. The action was so sensual that Yeji's eyes dropped to Ryujin's mouth, her body responding to the stimuli. The room around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the moment. Ryujin's hand on Yeji's neck tightened, pulling her closer. Their lips met in a wet, sticky kiss, tongues tangling as they devoured each other. As they broke apart for air, Yeji's mind was reeling. She couldn't believe what was happening. The line between fake and real had blurred, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to go back. Ryujin's eyes searched Yeji's, filled with a mix of desire and uncertainty. "I...I don't know what's happening," Ryujin admitted, her voice trembling. Yeji took a deep breath, trying to process her emotions. She looked away, her heart still racing. "I think we should talk about this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Ryujin nodded, taking Yeji's hand in hers. "I think you're right." As they sat there, hands entwined, Yeji couldn't shake off the feeling that their fake relationship had just become very real. Ryujin squeezed her hand, her eyes locked onto Yeji's. "I think I might have feelings for you, Yeji." Yeji's heart skipped a beat. She hesitated, scared of what it meant, but eventually, she looked into Ryujin's eyes and admitted, "I might have feelings for you too." Ryujin's face lit up with a soft smile, and she leaned in, her lips brushing against Yeji's. "I'm glad we're in this together," she whispered. And with that, the spark of deception ignited into something real, something that would change the course of their lives forever.