"Do I look okay?" Junmyeon glanced at his manager, searching for some sort of confirmation that he wouldn't scare his prospective spouse away.

"You look good. Now stop fidgeting." Baekhyun swatted at Junmyeon’s hand as he attempted to fix his hair once again. "Everything will be fine."

Junmyeon was not so sure that everything would indeed be fine. No, he was hovering in that place where there was more of a chance of things not being fine than there was of everything going swimmingly.

"Relax, be yourself. Remember what we talked about." Baekhyun tried to get Junmyeon’s attention, but it was a lost cause. When Junmyeon was absorbed in his own anxiety he was often hard to talk to.

Baekhyun should have been used to it by now. He had been Junmyeon’s best friend and manager for the last five years. They had been through a lot together. Junmyeon had been rejected for acting roles time and time again, and Baekhyun was always by his side, ready to comfort him and offer him some encouragement to keep going.

Just like he was doing at the moment. Except there was something different about this time. Junmyeon wasn't trying out for an acting role. No. In fact he had already gotten the part. He was, in fact, on his way to the first day of filming. So why was Junmyeon so nervous?

"I wonder if my husband will even know who I am,” he said quietly, staring out the window of the van as it maneuvered the city streets, bringing him to the set of We Got Married.

***

“Try to make me look pretty, please." Jongdae groaned the words.

"If you could apply extra makeup under his eyes that would be great," Kim Minseok, Jongdae's manager, instructed the makeup artist.

Jongdae had a headache, well - more than a headache. He had a whole body ache, not to mention the fact he felt like he could sleep for days. He was busy with his latest album promotions, and during promotions he never got enough sleep.

It was a miracle that morning that he had found himself in a waiting room, an empty couch beckoning him. He was about to close his eyes and drift off when his manager kindly reminded him - "It is the first filming for We Got Married today."

Jongdae had made all sorts of noises of protest, upset that his precious few hours of sleep may be taken away. Yet he knew he had agreed to be on the show so he didn't whine for long.

"Who is acting as my husband?" Jongdae finally thought to ask while he sat in the makeup chair.

"Do you really want to know? I think it might be better if it is a surprise." Minseok winked, Jongdae catching the action in the mirror. Jongdae sighed. He would let it be a surprise.

***

It was a small cafe, decorated in the cutest concept possible. Stuffed toys and adorable pictures of animals and a healthy use of bright colors. Junmyeon found that the atmosphere made his anxiety worse. He felt like he had been lured into a place meant for a kindergartener, not the beginning of a marriage. Well, a fake marriage any way.

We Got Married was the first variety show that Junmyeon would appear on. He was only now feeling what it was like to have people recognize him out on the streets. He was certainly not a bonafide celebrity- yet. He was busy playing a secondary role in the popular drama Love Me Right, his first possible big break. And somehow Baekhyun with all of his enthusiasm and drive had talked to some people who knew someone and before long Junmyeon was cast as one half of the new couple of We Got Married.

We Got Married aired every Saturday. The show was well known for receiving very strong feedback from those who watched it. People either loved or hated the couples, usually nowhere in between, and if the show happened to have too many unpopular couples appearing it tanked horribly in the ratings. On top of the ratings game, the show was constantly being plagued by rumors that it was scripted.

"Here is the first script!" Baekhyun had held the packet of paper up, smiling widely as he presented it to Junmyeon. The truth was the show was scripted. Heavily scripted. The scenes were set up, the couples told how to react, and only a marginal amount of ad libbing was allowed. Junmyeon hadn't watched the show before, when he found out it was scripted he couldn't say that it really bothered him having no preconceived notions on the authenticity of the program

The script for the first filming was rather brief. The producers explained they wanted the meeting to seem the most genuine, to see actual reactions. Junmyeon had almost wished there had been a detailed, line by line script. Maybe he would be less nervous this way.

A loud bell chimed from the first floor of the café, signaling someone had entered the cafe. Junmyeon tensed, his mind thrown back to the task at hand. His husband would be here soon. Junmyeon wondered who it could be. He had tried to stay away from the internet after his casting was confirmed because he wanted it to be a surprise. He was worried if he knew the man’s identity he would never be able to go through with it, getting cold feet if the person was someone who was more famous than himself (which honestly didn't take much and was very likely to be the case).

Junmyeon glanced towards the stairs. No one walked up. It must have been another customer. Each time the bell chimed, Junmyeon tensed, glaring at the staircase. Each time he was disappointed as no one appeared. Finally, after twenty minutes passed, Junmyeon heard footsteps on the stairs. He held his breath, waiting.

***

Jongdae walked up the stairs, considering if he would need sunglasses - the café interior was so bright it made him sick.

He reached the top of the stairs, a smile plastered on his face. If there was one thing Jongdae was good at it was smiling - whether he was actually happy or not. He had been a part of the professional Korean pop scene for years, his schedule was always hectic, he was tired a lot, and if he was being honest he wouldn't smile at all some days.

But he had to smile. Because people liked bright and happy people. So Jongdae perfected always appearing upbeat and happy. Like now, when all he wanted to do was go to bed but all he was actually doing was slogging up some stairs to meet some man who would act as his fake husband.

Jongdae noticed the man right away, there was no way not to. He was the only one on the second floor of the cafe, surrounded by cameras no less. He stood up when he saw Jongdae approaching. He wasn't much taller than Jongdae, a head of dark hair, a face that appeared to be stolen from a golden ratio facial study. He was good looking, Jongdae recognized. But...who was he?

***

Junmyeon stood awkwardly, bowing deeply, clutching his hands and he could feel his palms grow sweaty. So his husband would be Kim Jongdae. THE Kim Jongdae, the famous idol star. His throat felt really dry all of a sudden. He wasn't sure what to say or where to look. And then Jongdae spoke.

"It is nice to meet you." Jongdae flashed a wide smile. "I am Kim Jongdae."

"Ah, yes, it is nice to meet you. I am Kim Junmyeon." Junmyeon bowed again. When he raised his head he noticed that Jongdae was still grinning, flashing his megawatt smile. Junmyeon didn't know what got into him, but he felt a bit bold. "Do you know who I am?"

Junmyeon watched as Jongdae’s smile quivered ever so much, the corner of his mouth twitching before he regained his composure. "No. I am sorry. I didn’t think you would notice."

Junmyeon laughed, then shook his hands out in front of him, trying to emphasize it was no big deal. "No, it is no problem. No one really knows me. I am a newer actor."

"Oh, an actor." Jongdae nodded. "I have done some acting before."

"I know. I mean.. um." Junmyeon began to sweat. How could he explain to Jongdae that he had watched all three of his dramas, his one movie, and loved the fact that he could sing and act?

"Don't be so nervous," Jongdae mouthed, turning his head ever so the cameras wouldn't catch the words.

Jongdae’s actions has an immediate effect on Junmyeon. There was something very reassuring about the way Jongdae tried to calm him down, keeping the words off camera, making the moment only between the two of them.

Junmyeon tried to keep calm for the remainder of their first meeting, as they talked about their hometowns, their favorite colors, and other subjects Junmyeon quickly forgot after filming was over. As soon as the director yelled “cut” Jongdae was gone, his manager hurrying him off to his next schedule. Junmyeon watched him go, not sure what to think about his “husband”.

***

Episode 1: Individual Interviews

Jongdae: He was really… cute.

Junmyeon: I feel like I was meeting a celebrity! *nervous laugh*

Jongdae: I felt really bad that I didn’t know who he was at first.

Junmyeon: It was fine, I mean, that he didn’t know. Not many people know me.

PD: Does that bother you?

Junmyeon: No… not really.

***

“Here is the script.” Baekhyun waved the packet in front of Junmyeon, teasing him. Junmyeon knew better than to grab at it because his manager would revert to the same trick he played time and time again, yanking the script away and laughing.

“You are no fun since you started getting famous.” Baekhyun pouted, dropping the script into Junmyeon’s lap.

Junmyeon eyed the cover:

We Got Married JunDae Couple Episode 2 Writers: Park Chanyeol, Do Kyungsoo, Kim Jongin

“We have a couple name,” Junmyeon said aloud, wanting to laugh. Of course he had been online after the first episode aired, only the day prior, peeking through his fingers at the netizen comments. Thankfully they were mostly positive. It helped that Jongdae was so popular and had a spot free image. The worst comments, in Junmyeon’s opinion, were all asking who he was – and in all honesty those types of comments were not that horrible. Though he hadn’t seen a couple name anywhere in the comments – and he had consciously looked for it.

JunDae. It sounded funny.

Opening the script he got the gist of what was to occur. He was supposed to attend Jongdae’s solo concert, surprising him with drinks that he would lovingly decorate with sticker pictures of the couple. How… expected, Junmyeon thought.

When Junmyeon arrived at the filming location his anxiety reared its ugly head yet again. Jongdae’s concert was being held at a rather large venue, the line of concert goers wrapping around the block and trailing down the street. It was a visual confirmation of just how popular Jongdae was, not that Junmyeon needed that much of a reminder – but still, nerve wracking.

After having his makeup done, Junmyeon went to meet the producer (PD) at the specified location. The drinks Junmyeon had “prepared” were waiting for him in the back of a network truck, the PD and one of the writers there to greet him.

“Make sure you seem sincere when you hand these out, but act shy as well.” The writer, who introduced himself as Chanyeol, gave Junmyeon strict instructions.

Junmyeon nodded, taking the tray of drinks. They were rather heavy, his back feeling the strain as he juggled the tray in his arms, attempting not to spill the beverages.

“Whoa, easy there.” The PD helped steady the tray before turning Junmyeon towards the side entrance. “We will start shooting once you are in the building.”

Junmyeon managed to make it through the door without spilling. As he entered the venue he could hear the pre-concert music playing. The event would start soon, Jongdae taking the stage to wow his audience.

The script called for Junmyeon to make his way backstage, handing out the drinks to the staff that were busy working – his gift acting as a thank you for their efforts to help his onscreen husband. Junmyeon’s last stop would be Jongdae’s dressing room, where he would “surprise” his husband with his kind act, followed by some time watching the concert from a pre-designated seat in the venue.

As he rounded a corner in the hallway, the cameramen and PD walking ahead of him, he noticed a staff member walking past.

“Hi. Excuse me. Sorry.” Junmyeon blushed. “Please take a drink. I made them for my husband’s concert.” He delivered the script word for word.

The staff person smiled, taking one of the offered drinks. Junmyeon repeated the same line over and over again until he was left with only a handful of drinks, standing in front of Jongdae’s dressing room. He wasn’t supposed to knock, that wasn’t in the script. He reached down and twisted the doorknob, pushing the door open, and then he tripped as the door jammed against an object in the dressing room. The remaining drinks went flying, spilling all over the floor.

Junmyeon froze. He wanted to run away, but he couldn’t. Not with all the cameras on him.

“You certainly know how to make an entrance.”

Junmyeon looked up from the mess of liquid pooling on the floor to see Jongdae standing in the middle of the room, smiling.

“I..I..” Junmyeon took a deep breath, “came to surprise you.”

“I am surprised.” Jongdae walked forward, the smile never leaving his lips. The PDs and cameramen scurried to the other side of the dressing room to get the shot. Junmyeon realized Jongdae was not reading from the script, but how could he when Junmyeon had so wonderfully ruined the moment?

“Sorry,” Junmyeon muttered, “I will clean this up.”

“No, don’t worry about it.” Jongdae asked one of the staff members in the room to notify a cleaning person before reaching out, grabbing Junmyeon’s hand, and leading him to one of the sofas that sat at the far end of the dressing room wall.

Junmyeon tensed as Jongdae took his hand. They hadn’t held hands before and it was…different.

“I came to cheer you on, I hope that is okay.” Junmyeon attempted to return to the script as much as he possibly could, given his misstep.

“Of course that is okay! When would seeing you ever not be okay?” Jongdae winked and Junmyeon tried his hardest not to blush. Because that last line was most definitely not in the script.

“Five minutes until you are on.” Minseok, Jongdae’s manager poked his head into the dressing room, alerting his star that time was running out.

“I hope you are going to stay for the concert,” Jongdae and his killer smile read the next line in the script perfectly.

“Of course! Good luck, I will be cheering for you!” Junmyeon grinned ear to ear, forgetting all about the mess he had made.

“Oh, a mission card!” Jongdae turned towards the camera as the PD held out the pink envelope. Junmyeon already knew what it was, of course, since it was in the script as well. They had to choose pet names for each other. Junmyeon had actually stressed over what he would say because the writers had chosen not to pick the names for them. A rare bit of wiggle room for the show.

Jongdae opened the envelope, reading the card out loud. He looked thoughtful, Junmyeon’s mind going blank as he forgot each and every term of endearment he had brainstormed earlier.

“Can I call you Prince Charming?” Jongdae asked, Junmyeon almost sputtering at the suggestion. “You look like a prince.” Jongdae explained sheepishly.

“How about honey? Or dear?” Junmyeon wasn’t sure he could live through Jongdae calling him prince charming each time they met for filming.

“Prince charming it is. You can call me honey.” Jongdae flashed another amazing smile before standing, Minseok standing in the doorway, urging him that they needed to hurry.

Junmyeon made his way to his seat as Jongdae began singing the opening notes of his latest single. He couldn’t help but admire Jongdae’s stage presence, the way he captivated the audience, the way all eyes never left him. Before long Junmyeon found himself moving along to the music, light stick in hand, as he sang along loudly.

During one of the video breaks, when Jongdae went backstage to change, Junmyeon happened to overhear the girls sitting in the row behind him.

“Is that Junmyeon?” the girls whispered, even though it was a rather silly question. Junmyeon had a camera trained on his face (with a WGM sticker on it no less), a dead giveaway.

“I don’t like him,” another girl chimed in. “Some nobody out to take our Jongdae.”

Junmyeon tried to ignore the comments, but they didn’t last long any way, the music starting back up and Jongdae reappearing on stage. Yet later that night he couldn’t help but wonder– did a lot of Jongdae’s fans dislike him?

***

Episode 2: Individual Interviews

Jongdae: I was so surprised he was there. I didn’t even know how to react. And he was so cute when he spilled the drinks. *blushing CG added to Jongdae’s cheeks*

Junmyeon: I felt so stupid, making a mess like that.

Jongdae: I think he really does look like a prince.

Junmyeon: I wish he wouldn’t call me that. It is embarrassing.

***

“I am starting to think you might actually like Jongdae,” Baekhyun said over his shoulder, his eyes on the road as he drove Junmyeon to the filming location.

“What are you talking about? It is fake.” Junmyeon stared out the window of the van, rolling his eyes at his manager’s comments.

“Yeah, right fake.” Baekhyun snickered. He had known Junmyeon long enough to know when he was interested in someone and judging by the fact Baekhyun walked in on Junmyeon looking up pictures of Jongdae the other night (and slamming his laptop in embarrassment) the signs were all there.

The third episode was set at an amusement park. Jongdae was supposed to surprise Junmyeon with a rare date in a very public place, Junmyeon getting all shy and quiet as he walked around the amusement park with the handsome and popular super idol. Junmyeon wasn’t a huge fan of how the show kept playing up his relative newness as a celebrity, but he had little leverage to really complain. Not when the episodes were receiving fairly decent ratings.

The amusement park was busy, as was to be expected for a Saturday afternoon. Filming started near the ticket gates, with Jongdae clutching animal ears as a present for Junmyeon. The crowds were starting to gather around where Jongdae stood, a testament to his popularity. Security gaurds were busy holding the crowds back and off camera.

“How is Prince charming today?” Jongdae asked, putting the rabbit ears on Junmyeon’s head.

“I wish you wouldn’t call me that,” Junmyeon whined.

“You are so cute when you are upset.” Jongdae reached over and pushed his thumb on Junmyeon’s nose. It wasn’t in the script.

Junmyeon tried to remember to breathe.

“What is your favorite ride?” Junmyeon asked as they entered the park.

“I like things that are fast, roller coasters mostly.” Jongdae pointed towards the park’s mega coaster, a twisty-turny monster of loops and steep drops.

“How about something tamer?” Junmyeon suggested the teacups.

“Anything for you, Prince Charming.” Jongdae winked. Again, not part of the script.

“How is your drama coming along? I have watched every episode.” Jongdae finally returned to the script, as they neared the teacup ride. Junmyeon seriously doubted Jongdae had even tuned into one episode. Not that Junmyeon had ever been alone with Jongdae for more than a minute after filming to ask him. Jongdae was always being dragged to his next schedule, never hanging around to actually get to know his co-star.

“Great! I have a kiss scene coming up.” Junmyeon regretted ever mentioning the fact to the PDs, because they had the writers add the kiss scene subject in as soon as they found out about it.

“Kiss scene?! I don’t like that.” Jongdae acted his part well, following the script perfectly as he complained about his “husband” kissing another man.

“It is just for work,” Junmyeon emphasized as they sat in the yellow flowered teacup, Jongdae moving to sit right next to Junmyeon as opposed to across from him.

“Still. It makes me jealous.” Jongdae pouted.

The filming continued and after a trip to the cotton candy vendor and a few more rides (and the ever present crowd hanging around them) the producer called “cut”. Junmyeon was surprised when Jongdae wasn’t immediately whisked away. He hung back for a moment.

“Hey, that was fun. I don’t usually get to come to places like this,” Jongdae explained.

“Yes, it was fun.” Junmyeon suddenly felt incredibly awkward now that there wasn’t a script to follow.

“You should give me your phone number, we can text when we have time.” Jongdae pulled out his phone, handing it to Junmyeon. Junmyeon quickly plugged his phone number into Jongdae’s cell, his heart beating a thousand beats a minute.

“Jongdae – we need to be at the studio in twenty.” Minseok appeared from behind the crowd of production workers, waving his hand to get Jongdae’s attention.

“Coming.” Jongdae offered up one last smile before he disappeared into the crowd, Junmyeon staring after him, wondering if he would really text.

***

Episode 3: Individual Interviews

Jongdae: I know his kiss scene is for work but I still don’t like it. This is Korea, people should not be kissing other people’s husbands.

Junmyeon: I don’t know if he was really jealous…

Jongdae: I was jealous *steam sound effect added*

***

The script for the fourth episode called for Junmyeon and Jongdae to “move” into their newlywed house. A small apartment, and the pair would have to decorate the place.

Junmyeon wore jeans and a t-shirt to the filming sight. Knowing that painting would be in order he didn’t want to wear any of his expensive clothes. As an up-and-coming actor it was hard enough to fund a decent wardrobe. He didn’t receive sponsorship deals like more popular actors - not yet any way.

Jongdae showed up at the apartment wearing designer branded clothing. Junmyeon wanted to yell at him at the thought of ruining such expensive clothing. He held his tongue, however, as Jongdae was a bit late arriving and the filming had to start immediately. Not to mention the fact that Junmyeon had no ground to scold someone who likely could buy such an expensive outfit hundreds of times over.

Several paint cans were already in the apartment, the PDs dictating the color scheme just as they dictated almost everything else about the show.

“How about we paint that wall green?” Jongdae pointed to the largest wall in the living room. “And this one yellow. Like a nice spring day.”

Junmyeon agreed (as the script said he would) and the two began to paint. Junmyeon had a hard time reaching the upper portion of the wall, so Jongdae moved behind him, putting his hands around his waist as he hoisted him up. Junmyeon concentrated on making sure the paint was smoothed onto the wall evenly, though he was feeling a tad bit uncomfortable at the sudden physical contact.

It was difficult, seeing Jongdae like this. Hearing his kind words interspersed with those words that were scripted. Junmyeon found himself becoming confused as to how genuine any of it was.

“Have you read the comments online about us?” Jongdae asked as he set Junmyeon back down.

“Yes. They said you are cheesy.” Junmyeon laughed, delivering his line perfectly.

Jongdae playfully argued with Junmyeon – also in the script – until the walls were painted and the producer called for the shooting to end.

As per usual, Jongdae was dragged away by his manager as soon as filming ended. Junmyeon watched him go, suddenly remembering that he had yet to receive a text message from his on-screen husband.

***

Episode 4: Individual Interviews

Jongdae: It was a lot of fun, decorating the house. It makes me feel like this is even more real. Junmyeon is really cute when he concentrates.

Junmyeon: Jongdae is so considerate.

PD: You had skinship during the episode, how did that make you feel?

Junmyeon: *smiles* No comment.

***

Good Morning Prince Charming.

Four words. Four words that had Junmyeon almost dropping his phone. He hadn’t heard the buzz when he received the text message, checking the time of the message it had been sent, around three thirty in the morning – five hours before.

Junmyeon felt like hyperventilating. What did it mean? Maybe it wasn’t even from Jongdae, he didn’t have his number saved any way. What if it was a prank… What if…?

Junmyeon almost fell backwards when his ringtone sounded, his phone vibrating as a call came in. Looking at the number he could see immediately that it was Baekhyun. He hit the answer button, putting the phone to his ear.

“We have a problem.”

“What?” Junmyeon sat on the edge of his bed, he was still half asleep.

“Do not- DO NOT go online.” Baekhyun sounded panicked, high-strung, upset.

“What happened?”

“Your interview with Star Talk Weekly came out…they edited your responses.” Baekhyun was definitely in a panic. “Listen, I will be over in a few minutes to discuss what to do.”

The phone went dead. Junmyeon should have listened to his manager, but curiosity got the better of him. Opening the internet he went to Naver, only to find a headline blaring out “Kim Junmyeon: I should be the lead actor, not the co-star”. Opening the article he scrolled down in disbelief.

During the interview he had been asked about his current drama and all he had said was that he wanted to be the lead at some point and that he would work hard. The interviewer had completely taken his response out of context, making it appear that Junmyeon had blasted the star of the drama. The comments on the article were ruthless, calling for Junmyeon to quit the drama and stop filming We Got Married. Nasty language and swear words were commonly used, not one of the comments defending him or supporting him. Junmyeon suddenly wanted to cry.