db0xtae

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Epilogue end

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

♡ ︎Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

♡ ︎Warning : None

♡ ︎WC : 2,265

♡ ︎Previous Chapters : 1/2

♡ ︎A/N : This is officially the last chapter of Winning the Breakup :( Tell me your thoughts on this story. What can I improve on, anything I could do differently. I am open to constructive criticism. Hope you guys enjoy!!!

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖࣪

The gym was filled with the sharp sounds of sneakers squeaking against the polished wooden floors, the cheers from the bleachers, and the high-pitched whistle of the referee as the game reached its final moments. It was the championship match for KISS’s volleyball team, and Y/N was in the middle of it all, focused, determined, her heart beating in sync with the rhythm of the game.

The crowd was on their feet, the excitement palpable. It had been a long season, and Y/N had pushed herself through everything—late-night practices, tough workouts, and endless drills. But this game… this game was different. The stakes were higher. The championship was within their grasp, and she wasn’t about to let anything—or anyone—get in her way.

The ball came flying at her from the other side of the court, fast and sharp. She jumped to intercept it, her eyes locked on the target. For a split second, time seemed to slow as she made contact, sending the ball soaring toward the opposing team. But as she came down, her foot landed awkwardly, and a sharp pain shot through her ankle.

She gasped, her body teetering for a moment before she collapsed to the floor. The gymnasium fell silent, the cheers fading into a distant hum as everyone turned to see what had happened.

“Y/N!”

It was Minho’s voice, unmistakable, filled with panic. He was already off the bleachers and sprinting toward her before anyone else could react.

Y/N gritted her teeth, clutching her ankle as she tried to push herself up. But the pain was too much—her vision blurred for a moment, and she collapsed back onto the floor.

“Y/N!” Minho shouted again, reaching her side. His face was a mask of concern, his usual confident smile gone, replaced with worry. He knelt beside her, taking her hand gently. “What happened? Are you okay?”

“I—I’m fine,” Y/N winced, biting her lip as she tried to shift her weight, but the throbbing in her ankle was unbearable. “I just… I think I twisted it.”

Minho’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing. “You need to get checked out. I’m not letting you walk this off.”

“Minho, it’s fine,” she protested weakly, but the pain in her ankle spoke louder than any words she could muster.

Before she could argue further, the team’s coach and a few teammates had arrived, kneeling down beside her. “Y/N, don’t move. We’re going to get you to the sidelines,” the coach said, her voice firm but caring.

With Minho’s help, Y/N was carefully lifted and guided off the court, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps as each step jostled her injured foot. Her mind raced, but all she could think about was the overwhelming pain in her ankle and the sting of disappointment that she wouldn’t be able to finish the game.

“You’ll be okay,” Minho said softly, his voice low and comforting. He stayed by her side, never letting go of her hand as they made their way to the sidelines.

The rest of the game seemed like a blur. The sounds of the match faded as Y/N’s focus remained on the injury. She could hear the crowd, but it felt distant—like she was in her own world.

Her teammates were doing their best to play without her, but Y/N couldn’t help but feel a sense of guilt. She had worked so hard for this moment. The championship… and now she was on the sidelines, injured, unable to help.

Minho stayed with her through the entire ordeal, refusing to leave her side. He offered comfort, making her laugh even when she felt like she might cry. The game was over, and although KISS’s volleyball team won, Y/N’s joy was overshadowed by the pain in her ankle.

Later that evening, after the game had ended, Minho drove Y/N to the hospital. The ride was quiet, aside from Y/N’s occasional wince and the soft hum of the car’s engine. Minho kept glancing at her, his face tense with concern.

“You don’t have to come with me, you know,” Y/N said after a while, her voice quiet. “I’ll be fine.”

Minho didn’t respond right away. Instead, he reached over and gently squeezed her hand. “I know. But I’m not leaving you alone, Y/N. You mean too much to me.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. It was the way he said it, so sure, so certain. She had known it for a while now—she had always known—but hearing him say it out loud, in this moment, made everything feel real.

When they arrived at the hospital, Y/N was quickly assessed by a doctor, who confirmed that she had sprained her ankle and would need to wear a walking boot for at least a few weeks. She also had to use crutches to help her get around, which, for someone as active as Y/N, felt like a huge blow.

The doctor gave her a prescription for pain relief, and after some paperwork, they were free to go.

Minho helped her into the car, being extra careful with her injured foot. As they drove back to campus, he kept his eyes on the road, but his mind was clearly on Y/N.

“You’re going to be okay,” Minho said again, his tone almost as if he was reassuring himself.

“I know,” she replied, her voice softer now, a little less defiant than usual. She knew Minho was trying to be strong for her, but she couldn’t deny that she was a little shaken. “I just feel like I let everyone down. I worked so hard for this season, and now I can’t even finish the championship game.”

Minho’s expression softened, and he gently placed his hand on hers, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “You didn’t let anyone down, Y/N. You’re the heart of the team. You’ve given everything, and that’s what matters. Winning the game is important, but your health is more important. And besides, we all know you’ll be back in action in no time.”

Y/N smiled, grateful for his support. “You’re right. I just… I hate being stuck like this.”

Minho chuckled. “I’ll make sure to spoil you while you’re on crutches. You won’t have to lift a finger.”

Y/N laughed softly. “I think you’re already spoiling me enough as it is.”

Minho grinned, his eyes sparkling. “Good. Because that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

As they arrived at Y/N’s dorm, Minho helped her out of the car and up to her room. She sat on the bed, and he made sure her foot was propped up properly with pillows before going to grab her crutches.

“You really don’t have to do all of this,” Y/N said, watching as Minho carefully adjusted her crutches, his focus entirely on making sure she was comfortable. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

“I know you are,” Minho said, standing back to admire his work. “But I want to do this. Besides, I’d rather be here taking care of you than sitting on the sidelines.”

Y/N smiled up at him, feeling a rush of affection. “Thanks, Minho. I really appreciate it.”

Minho grinned back, his eyes softening. “Anything for you.”

The days following Y/N’s injury had been a whirlwind of doctors’ appointments, pain management, and trying to get used to navigating campus on crutches with a bulky walking boot on her foot. The first few days had been the toughest—feeling vulnerable and completely out of her element as she limped through the hallways of KISS, trying to keep up with her usual routine while dealing with the discomfort. But what made it bearable was the constant presence of Minho and the rest of her friends, who seemed to make it their personal mission to ensure she didn’t feel alone.

It had become a sort of unspoken routine, really. Minho was always there, waiting for her before class, walking alongside her with a protective arm around her waist, his presence as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly day. He even carried her backpack, which, despite her protests, he insisted on doing.

“Minho, seriously,” Y/N would say, wincing as she tried to shift her weight on the crutches. “I can carry it myself.”

But Minho would just shoot her a mischievous smile, giving her a wink. “Yeah, sure, with one hand and a crutch? Not happening. Let me do this.”

Y/N had given up after the third day of him insisting, realizing that she might as well let him spoil her a little. After all, it wasn’t every day she had a personal assistant in the form of a cute, caring boyfriend.

The others chipped in too, of course. Kitty, always the optimist, would make sure that every class felt like a mini adventure. “I got your notes for you today, Y/N! And you can totally count on me to run to the vending machine and grab you some snacks. What flavor of chips are you craving?”

Y/N would laugh, her eyes brightening, her heart swelling with gratitude. “You’re a lifesaver, Kitty. Salt and vinegar, please.”

Dae, the ever-enthusiastic presence, would always find a way to make her laugh. He had a knack for getting under her skin, and even with her crutches, Y/N could never stay annoyed at him for long. “You know,” Dae would say with a grin, “you’re gonna be so fit after this. You’ll have biceps bigger than mine from all the crutching around!”

Q would snicker in response, but then reach out to offer her his hand whenever they were walking through busy hallways. “If you need help getting around, you just let me know. I know a shortcut to the cafe that will save you at least five minutes,” Q said, always practical and thoughtful.

And then, of course, there was Yuri, who despite her usual tough exterior, would soften whenever she saw Y/N struggling. “I’ll help you with your homework later, okay?” Yuri offered, her voice calm and caring. “I know you’re not going to ask for help, but I’m here if you need it.”

And Minho… Minho was always there, always hovering just a little bit closer, his concern palpable every time he saw her try to move too fast or push herself too hard. He’d always make sure she didn’t overexert herself, offering to fetch her anything she needed, from coffee to a blanket.

One afternoon, after a particularly exhausting day of classes, Minho walked with her to the bench outside, where they could sit in the sun for a while. The rest of the group had scattered to finish their assignments or hang out with other people, leaving Y/N and Minho alone for the moment.

Y/N lowered herself onto the bench with a relieved sigh, her crutches resting against the side. Minho sat next to her, his body angled so he could face her, his hand immediately reaching for hers.

“You doing okay?” Minho asked, his voice gentle, his gaze soft. There was a warmth in his eyes, a quiet care that made Y/N’s heart flutter.

“I’m fine,” she said, trying to smile, but the exhaustion was evident on her face. “Just… tired. I miss playing volleyball. I hate being stuck like this.”

Minho’s thumb gently stroked over her hand, his touch soothing. “I know. I hate seeing you like this, too. But hey, you’re going to be back on the court before you know it. In the meantime, I’ve got your back.” He paused, then added with a playful smirk, “Literally. I’m carrying everything for you.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, but there was affection in the gesture. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

Minho’s expression softened. “But I’m your ridiculous, right?” He grinned, his gaze shifting to the walking boot on her foot. “And, just so you know, I don’t mind being your crutch in more ways than one.”

Y/N laughed softly, her eyes twinkling despite her frustration. “You’re so corny, Minho. But… I guess it’s kind of sweet, huh?”

He leaned closer, his lips brushing the top of her hand, making her heart skip a beat. “I’m serious, Y/N. Whatever you need, I’m here.”

And she knew, in that moment, that Minho truly meant it. He had always been there, standing by her side through thick and thin. It wasn’t just about carrying her backpack or helping her navigate campus on crutches. It was about being her support, her safe place. No matter what came next—no matter how many hurdles she faced—he was there, ready to help her get through it.

Later that evening, as they sat together in the library studying for finals, Minho had a way of keeping her mind off her injury. Every so often, he’d tease her about her “ridiculous crutch muscles,” and it would make her laugh, breaking the tension that had built up in her chest.

It wasn’t just the big things that mattered, but these small moments too. Minho carrying her backpack, holding her hand, offering her help without being asked. And though she was still adjusting to her injury, Y/N realized that sometimes the best kind of support came in the form of laughter, love, and the little things that made the hard days a bit easier.

With Minho by her side—and her incredible friends cheering her on—she knew she’d get through this injury, stronger and more determined than ever. After all, she wasn’t in this alone. And with that thought, her heart swelled, knowing that no matter what, she had a team behind her.

And that was more than enough.

The End.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Epilogue 1/2

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

ৎ୭ Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

ৎ୭ Warnings : None

ৎ୭ WC : 1,129



ৎ୭ Previous Chapters : 14

ৎ୭ A/N : Hope you guys enjoy this is part one of the special chapters.

⋅˚₊‧ 𐙚 ‧₊˚ ⋅

Epilogue: A New Beginning

The cold breeze of early spring swept through the KISS campus as students filed into the building for the first day of the new semester. The sun was still low in the sky, casting a soft glow over the school grounds, signaling the start of a new chapter not just in their academic lives, but in the lives of Minho and Y/N.

The last few months had been a whirlwind. After their New Year’s Eve marathon—which turned into an unforgettable night of laughs, snacks, and stolen kisses—things had settled into a comfortable rhythm. They were no longer just a couple pretending for the sake of exes, nor were they two people fumbling through their feelings. No, they were together, fully, and it was as easy as breathing.

They were still Minho and Y/N, the two people who started off fake dating as a joke. But now, there was no joke. There was love. There was the shared morning coffee before classes, the late-night walks when everything felt like it was just the two of them in the world, and the sweet, unspoken understanding that no matter how chaotic life got, they had each other.

As Y/N stood in front of her dorm room, organizing her books for the day, her phone buzzed with a text from Minho.

Minho: “You ready for the first day back? Or are you still in denial that break is over?”

Y/N rolled her eyes fondly before typing a response.

Y/N: “Just getting my life together. Give me five minutes, I’ll be ready.”

She hit send and slipped her phone into her bag, giving herself a once-over in the mirror before grabbing her jacket and heading out the door.

When she arrived at the school’s main entrance, there was Minho, standing casually by a bench, hands in his pockets, waiting for her with that signature half-smile that always made her heart skip. It had only been a few months since they’d admitted their feelings, but it already felt like he’d always been in her life.

“Morning,” Y/N greeted, her voice warm with affection.

Minho’s eyes lit up as he stepped forward, his lips curling into a smile. “Morning, sleepyhead. Did you actually get some sleep last night, or were you busy planning for your next Netflix binge?”

Y/N laughed. “I slept for five hours, thank you very much.”

“Five hours? You’re lucky if I got that much,” Minho said dramatically, though his voice softened when he added, “but I guess I’d rather be here with you than anywhere else.”

Y/N smiled, her cheeks tinged with pink. It had been so easy to fall for him, and in a way, she couldn’t believe how much she had grown to rely on him. Their relationship had blossomed in the most natural of ways, with each of them supporting the other, helping each other grow, and loving each other fiercely.

As they walked through the campus toward their first class of the semester, they reminisced about the past few months.

“Can you believe it’s been almost four months since we started… all of this?” Y/N asked, gesturing between the two of them.

Minho smirked. “It’s been four months of ‘fake dating’ that turned into real dating, huh?”

Y/N playfully nudged him with her elbow. “You were the one who wanted to keep up the ‘fake dating’ act for the longest time.”

Minho raised his hands in surrender. “Hey, I wasn’t the one who couldn’t keep her hands off me. Who could blame me for going along with it?”

Y/N rolled her eyes, but the playful spark in her gaze gave away how much she enjoyed their back-and-forth banter. “You are so full of yourself, Minho.”

“Only when I’m talking about you,” he teased, leaning in just enough to steal a quick kiss on the cheek. “Besides, I think I’ve earned it.”

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” Y/N teased back, giving him a playful shove. “Now, are you ready for this semester?”

Minho grinned, slipping his hand into hers. “Ready as I’ll ever be. With you by my side, I can handle anything KISS throws our way.”

As they entered the classroom, they were greeted by their friends—Kitty, Dae, Q, Yuri, and the rest of the crew. There was an undeniable change in the air. It wasn’t just that Minho and Y/N were dating; it was that they were dating openly, confidently, and without hesitation. They didn’t need to hide anymore. No more awkward silences or secret glances. The friends had all gotten used to the idea, and more importantly, they had embraced it.

“You guys are officially the cutest couple ever,” Kitty said, flashing a teasing smile as she winked at Y/N.

“Seriously,” Dae chimed in, his voice low but playful. “I can’t believe you two managed to make it through all that fake dating nonsense and end up together. That’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming.”

Yuri just shook her head with a fond smile. “Honestly, I thought you’d both be too stubborn to admit it. But here we are.”

Q grinned from his seat. “If you two break up, I swear I’m going to call a drama writer and have you both star in a show about the ultimate love story. It’ll be legendary.”

Minho chuckled, his fingers still intertwined with Y/N’s as he sat beside her. “As long as there are no love triangles involved, I’m in.”

Y/N leaned into him, her gaze shifting to her friends as she spoke. “We’re not going anywhere, you know. We’ve been through a lot together already. If we can survive fake dating, we can handle anything.”

“True,” Yuri said, smiling gently. “You two are solid.”

The bell rang, signaling the start of class, and the group settled into their seats, but the atmosphere felt different. Lighter. There was a sense of comfort, of peace that came with knowing that Minho and Y/N were no longer pretending. They were real.

As the class progressed, Minho and Y/N exchanged small glances and secret smiles, their hearts light with the knowledge that they had something special. They weren’t just a couple of friends anymore, not pretending for the sake of others. They were them—two people who had found each other through chaos and confusion, and now they were navigating this thing called life together.

When the class ended, Minho and Y/N walked out together, hand in hand, ready for the semester ahead. There was so much to look forward to—more memories to make, more moments to share, and more love to give.

And as they stepped into the busy halls of KISS, they knew that whatever happened, they would face it together. Because the hardest part was already behind them.

The rest? It was just the beginning.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapter 14

- Minho (Xo Minho) X Kitty

;�� Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

;༊ Warnings : None

;༊ WC : 1,253

;༊ Previous Chapters : 12 & 13

;༊ A/N : Chapter 14 is the last chapter but, I’m thinking of writing three extra cute chapters. What do you guys think? Hope you guys enjoy!!

꒰ᐢ. ̫ .ᐢ꒱

Chapter 14: The End of the Beginning

The sun was setting over KISS as the final bell of the semester rang, signaling the start of winter break. Students poured out of their classrooms, ready to head home or off to their various holiday plans. The campus was alive with chatter and excitement, but amidst the chaos, Minho and Y/N found themselves in a little corner of the school grounds—just the two of them, away from the noise. It felt like the perfect ending to a chapter in their lives. A chapter that had been filled with moments of uncertainty, laughter, and most importantly, a whole lot of growth.

“Are you sure you’re ready for the holidays?” Minho asked, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he leaned against a tree, watching Y/N who was furiously scribbling something in her notebook. She looked up at him, her expression half-exasperated, half-amused.

“Yeah,” Y/N replied, rolling her eyes but her smile giving her away. “I’m ready to eat my weight in food, sleep for at least twelve hours a day, and watch way too many K-dramas.”

Minho chuckled, taking a step closer. “Sounds like a perfect break. No exams or last-minute assignments?”

“Don’t jinx it,” Y/N said, narrowing her eyes at him but smiling all the same. “I swear, if I get one more surprise assignment after all this… I’m going to lose it.”

“Well, just know I’m here to keep you company when you inevitably procrastinate,” Minho teased, his voice dripping with affection. He reached over to gently tug at her hair, a playful glint in his eyes.

Y/N rolled her eyes dramatically, but there was a warmth in her chest that she couldn’t deny. It had been a whirlwind since they’d admitted they were no longer just playing the “fake dating” game. Things had shifted so much between them, and now, a few weeks into their real relationship, it felt like they were in a place where everything was falling into place. They had figured out how to balance school, their social lives, and, well, them.

“Speaking of which,” Minho continued, “I know you’re excited for the holidays, but… I was thinking… Do you want to spend New Year’s Eve with me?”

Y/N blinked, startled by the question. “New Year’s Eve? With you? What do you have in mind?”

Minho’s eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint. “Well, I was thinking of a quiet night—just the two of us, maybe a movie marathon, junk food, and, of course, midnight snacks. You in?”

Y/N couldn’t suppress the small laugh that bubbled up from her chest. “You’re asking me to spend New Year’s Eve with you alone? No grand parties or fireworks?”

“Not unless you want to make it more complicated,” Minho said with a grin. “But, honestly, I think it’s time we had some quiet time together. Just us.”

Y/N’s heart fluttered. She loved how considerate he was, how he had always been thoughtful about what she wanted, even when it came to small things like this. “That sounds perfect,” she said softly. “I’ll even let you pick the movies, but don’t make it all action films.”

Minho raised an eyebrow in mock offense. “What’s wrong with action movies? I’m trying to teach you about real cinema.”

“Real cinema?” Y/N said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Please, I’ll teach you about the wonders of rom-coms and tear-jerkers, and we can have a whole marathon of those.”

“Deal,” Minho said with a nod, before leaning in closer to her. “But only if you let me buy the snacks. I promise I won’t get anything too weird.”

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “You’re on,” she said, pulling him into a playful hug. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Minho’s arms wrapped around her, holding her gently but with a possessive kind of care that made her heart skip. “Can’t wait,” he murmured against her hair. “It’s going to be nice. Just you, me, and a mountain of snacks.”

Y/N grinned, pulling back slightly to look up at him. “Sounds like the best way to spend the night. No drama, no fake dating—just us.”

Minho’s smile softened. “Exactly. We’ve been through so much in such a short time. And you know, I’ve realized that I’m really glad it was with you.”

The tenderness in his voice made Y/N’s stomach flutter, and she leaned up to kiss him lightly on the lips. When they pulled apart, she looked at him with a sparkle in her eyes. “Same here, Minho. Same here.”

Just as they were about to start walking back to the main campus, they heard footsteps behind them. Turning around, they saw the familiar faces of their friends approaching, their expressions curious.

“Hey!” Dae called out, a playful grin on his face. “Are you two lovebirds finally done with your secret rendezvous?”

“Secret rendezvous?” Y/N teased, raising an eyebrow. “Is that what you think this is?”

Q snickered, nudging Dae. “It’s only a secret if we pretend it is.”

Yuri rolled her eyes, but there was a softness to her gaze as she looked at Minho and Y/N. “So, what’s going on? We’ve heard all about your fake relationship, but now that it’s real, are we supposed to throw you guys a party or something?”

Y/N laughed, feeling her heart swell with affection for her friends. “Not a party,” she said, turning to Minho, who was still grinning at her. “But we’ve got New Year’s Eve plans.”

“Let me guess,” Q said, raising an eyebrow. “A rom-com marathon with pizza?”

Y/N smirked. “How did you know?”

“Because that’s exactly what I would do,” Q said with a wink. “Don’t worry, we won’t crash it—unless you want us to.”

Yuri giggled at that, nudging Q playfully. “I think they deserve their quiet time. They’ve earned it.”

“Exactly,” Minho agreed, putting his arm around Y/N’s shoulders. “We’ll have a proper date night. No interruptions.”

Their friends laughed, exchanging knowing glances but respecting their privacy. There was a shared understanding between them that, even though their relationship had started as a game, it had turned into something deeper. Y/N had never imagined she’d end up here, with Minho, her feelings no longer a tangled mess of confusion but rather a clear and comforting certainty. She was exactly where she needed to be.

“So, are we still doing the whole ‘New Year’s Eve together’ thing, or are you guys ditching us for your cozy little movie marathon?” Dae asked, a teasing grin on his face.

Y/N shook her head, a mischievous glint in her eye. “No way. You’re all invited to join, but only if you promise to let me control the remote.”

The group laughed again, with Q shaking his head dramatically. “We’ll let you have your moment, Y/N. Just don’t forget us when you become all romantic.”

As they all walked back to the campus, Minho’s hand remained firmly in Y/N’s. He squeezed it gently, and she returned the gesture, her heart warm with happiness.

This was the end of their beginning, the chapter of confusion and miscommunication, but it was just the start of something much bigger. Something real. And with the promise of new adventures and quiet nights ahead, Y/N knew that whatever the future held, she and Minho would face it together.

The stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky as they made their way back, and Y/N couldn’t help but smile as she realized that the best was yet to come.

The End.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapters 12 & 13

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

⋆ 𐙚 ̊. Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

⋆ 𐙚 ̊. Warnings : None

⋆ 𐙚 ̊. WC : 2,129

⋆ 𐙚 ̊. Previous Chapters : 10 & 11

⋆ 𐙚 ̊. A/N: Hope you guys enjoy!!!

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Chapter 12: The Fallout

The days following Y/N and Minho’s emotional confrontation felt like walking on a tightrope. Everything had changed, yet nothing had. They still sat with their friends at lunch, exchanged playful banter, and texted late at night. But there was a tension between them now—unspoken but palpable—like a string pulled taut, ready to snap at any moment.

Y/N found herself hyper-aware of Minho’s presence in a way she hadn’t been before. The way he smiled when he caught her staring. The way his voice softened whenever he said her name. And the way his hand lingered just a second too long when they brushed past each other.

By Friday, the shift in their dynamic hadn’t gone unnoticed. At lunch, Q, ever the observant one, leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, a mischievous grin on his face.

“Alright,” he announced, drawing everyone’s attention. “What’s going on with you two?”

Y/N froze mid-bite, her eyes darting to Minho, who raised an eyebrow in mock innocence.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Minho said smoothly, taking a sip of his drink.

“Oh, come on,” Kitty chimed in, pointing her chopsticks at them. “You two have been acting weird all week. Did something happen?”

“Nope,” Y/N said quickly, her voice higher than usual.

Yuri smirked. “You’re a terrible liar, Y/N.”

“I’m not lying!” Y/N protested, avoiding Minho’s gaze.

“Sure,” Q said, drawing out the word. “But just so you know, if you two are hiding something, we’ll figure it out eventually.”

“Yeah,” Kitty said with a grin. “We’re like detectives. Very nosy detectives.”

Y/N laughed nervously, desperately trying to change the subject. “So, Q, how’s Jin doing? Didn’t he have a big race this week?”

The distraction worked, and the conversation shifted to Q gushing about his boyfriend’s recent victory on the track team. Y/N exhaled in relief, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that their friends weren’t going to drop this anytime soon.

Later that day, Y/N was heading to the gym for volleyball practice when she bumped into Jin.

“Y/N!” Jin said, flashing her a bright smile.

“Hey, Jin,” she said, adjusting the strap of her duffel bag. “Congrats on your race!”

“Thanks,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Q won’t stop bragging about it, though.”

Y/N laughed. “You know he’s your biggest fan, right?”

“Yeah, I know,” Jin said, his smile softening. Then, his expression turned curious. “So…what’s up with you and Minho?”

Y/N’s stomach flipped. “What do you mean?”

Jin tilted his head. “You’ve been spending a lot of time together lately. Q mentioned it, and honestly, I’ve noticed it too. You’re closer than usual.”

“We’re just friends,” Y/N said automatically, though the words felt hollow.

Jin gave her a knowing look. “If you say so. But just so you know, Minho’s a good guy. A little stubborn, maybe, but he cares about you.”

Y/N blinked, caught off guard by his sincerity. “Thanks, Jin.”

“Anytime,” he said with a wink before jogging off toward the track.

Practice was grueling, as always, but Y/N threw herself into it, grateful for the distraction. She loved the way volleyball demanded her full attention—the thrill of the spikes, the precision of the serves, the camaraderie with her teammates.

After practice, as she was toweling off, Hana nudged her with a sly grin. “Someone’s here to see you.”

Y/N turned to see Minho leaning against the gym doorframe, his hands in his pockets and a smirk on his face.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, walking over to him.

“Thought I’d walk you home,” he said casually.

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “Since when do you offer to walk me home?”

Minho shrugged. “Since now. You coming or not?”

Despite her better judgment, she smiled. “Fine. Let me grab my stuff.”

The evening air was crisp as they walked side by side, the silence between them surprisingly comfortable.

“You didn’t have to come all the way here, you know,” Y/N said after a while.

“I wanted to,” Minho said simply.

She glanced at him, her heart skipping a beat. It was moments like this—when he dropped the sarcasm and teasing—that made her chest ache.

“So,” he said, breaking the silence. “Are you still scared?”

Y/N looked down at her feet, kicking a stray pebble along the sidewalk. “A little.”

Minho stopped walking, turning to face her. “Y/N, you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. I’m not going anywhere.”

She met his gaze, her chest tightening. “I want to try,” she said softly. “I don’t know what I’m doing, but I want to try. With you.”

For a moment, Minho just stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, he smiled—a real, genuine smile that made her heart flutter.

“Good,” he said. “Because I’m not giving up on you.”

Y/N felt a warmth spread through her chest, and for the first time in weeks, the weight of uncertainty lifted.

As they continued walking, Minho reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. It was a small gesture, but it felt like a promise—a step forward into something new and terrifying but undeniably real.

By the time they reached Y/N’s house, the tension between them had eased, replaced by a quiet sense of understanding.

“Good luck at your game next week,” Minho said as she unlocked her front door.

“You’ll be there, right?” she asked, surprising herself with how much she wanted him to say yes.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” he said, his smirk returning.

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Goodnight, Minho.”

“Goodnight, Y/N,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

As she closed the door behind her, Y/N leaned against it, her heart racing. For the first time in a long time, she felt like they were moving in the right direction.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Chapter 13: The Game Changer

The week leading up to the big volleyball match was filled with excitement and nerves. Y/N was determined to make it a game to remember—after all, her team was counting on her. But something felt different. As much as she threw herself into her training, her mind kept drifting back to Minho. To their conversation. To the fact that they were both finally acknowledging the unspoken feelings that had been there all along.

She couldn’t stop thinking about how easy it felt to be with him now, even though the air between them was still thick with unspoken emotions.

She’d never been good at navigating relationships. She was blunt, honest, and didn’t have the patience for the games that others played. That was why she’d always preferred the straightforward world of sports. There were rules, a clear goal, and, most importantly, a definite outcome. But now, everything felt murky, and she wasn’t sure how to play the game.

The day of the match arrived, and the entire school seemed to buzz with excitement. It was the final game of the season, and everyone was eagerly anticipating the showdown between KISS and their long-standing rivals, Han University. The atmosphere in the gym was electric, with banners waving and students cheering, their energy infectious.

Y/N’s team was getting ready in the locker room, adjusting their uniforms and psyching themselves up. Despite the pressure, Y/N felt a sense of calm wash over her as she laced up her sneakers. This was her element. This was where she belonged.

“Alright, Y/N,” her coach said, clapping her on the back. “I know you’ve got this. Lead the team, and we’ll get the win.”

Y/N nodded, determination lighting her eyes. “We’ll win. I promise.”

As she made her way to the court, she spotted Minho in the stands, sitting with the rest of the students. He flashed her a smile and gave her a thumbs-up, and her heart did a little flip. Even from a distance, his presence was comforting. It was like having a silent support system in the middle of all the chaos.

The game kicked off with a roar of excitement from the crowd. Y/N’s team was on fire, their coordination flawless as they spiked, blocked, and served their way through the first set. Y/N played with a focus and intensity that had earned her a reputation as one of the best players on the team. Every hit, every jump, every dive felt like an extension of herself. The ball sailed over the net, landing perfectly in the opponent’s court, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Y/N grinned, but there was a small part of her that couldn’t help but glance at Minho, watching him as he cheered with the others. She caught his eyes, and in that brief moment, everything else around her seemed to fade away. It was like there was only the two of them, locked in some silent understanding.

The match progressed, but as the score tightened, the pressure mounted. KISS was up by one set, but Han University wasn’t backing down. The tension in the gym was palpable. The team huddled during a timeout, Y/N’s breath heavy from exertion.

“You’ve got this, Y/N,” her teammate Hana said, tapping her on the shoulder. “Just one more set.”

Y/N nodded, her eyes narrowing in focus. “We’re not stopping until it’s over.”

The final set began, and it was nothing short of intense. The points came faster now, each team scrambling to land the decisive blow. Y/N could feel her muscles burning from the exertion, but she pushed through, determined to lead her team to victory.

As the final point neared, everything seemed to slow down. Y/N found herself at the net, poised to receive a powerful serve from Han University’s best player. She positioned herself perfectly, ready to leap and spike the ball back into their court.

And then—time seemed to freeze.

There, sitting at the edge of the stands, Minho was standing up, his eyes fixed on her. The way he was watching her—his expression soft, his usual playful demeanor replaced by something more intense—was enough to make her lose focus for a second. The serve came at her fast, and she barely managed to leap in time.

But she did it.

The ball flew over the net with perfect precision, and the crowd erupted into a frenzy as it landed in the opponent’s side. The whistle blew. The match was over. KISS had won.

The gymnasium exploded with applause. Y/N’s team rushed to congratulate each other, their faces flushed with excitement. Y/N was lifted into the air by her teammates, laughter and cheers filling the air.

But in the midst of the celebration, her eyes found Minho once again. He was grinning, a proud look on his face as he clapped for her. And for a moment, she could’ve sworn his gaze softened just a little.

After the game, Y/N made her way over to the bleachers to meet Minho, her heart racing a little. The adrenaline from the match still buzzed through her veins, but there was something else now—something warmer, something more complicated.

“That was amazing,” Minho said, his voice low as she approached. “You were incredible out there.”

“Thanks,” Y/N replied, breathless. “Couldn’t have done it without the team.” She paused, then added, “And… you cheering me on from the stands didn’t hurt either.”

Minho chuckled, his smile softening. “I was just making sure you didn’t get distracted by someone else’s bad serves.”

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”

“I know,” he said, shrugging nonchalantly. Then, his expression grew more serious. “You know, you’ve got a knack for making things look easy.”

Y/N looked up at him, meeting his eyes for a brief second. There was something unspoken in that look—something that made her heart beat a little faster.

Minho opened his mouth to say something, but the sudden arrival of the rest of the group interrupted him. Kitty, Q, and Yuri were approaching with grins plastered on their faces.

“Okay, okay, what’s going on with you two?” Q asked, his eyes darting between them. “You’re acting all… squishy.”

Y/N blinked. “Squishy? What do you mean?”

“You know,” Q said with a mischievous grin, “like you’re not sure whether to kiss or to fight.”

Minho and Y/N both froze, their faces turning bright red. “What?” they both asked in unison, and the whole group burst out laughing.

Yuri rolled her eyes. “You two are terrible at hiding it.”

Kitty raised an eyebrow. “You know, you could just admit it already.”

Y/N and Minho exchanged a quick glance, both of them flustered.

“Maybe,” Minho said slowly, “we should take this one step at a time.”

Y/N nodded in agreement. The night ended with celebrations, laughter, and plans to hang out over the weekend.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapters 10 & 11

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

🦦ྀི Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

🦦ྀི Warnings : None

🦦ྀི WC : 2,207

🦦ྀི Previous Chapter : 8 & 9

🦦ྀི A/N : Hope you enjoy!!!

˚⊱🪷⊰˚

Chapter 10: Crossroads

The days following Y/N and Minho’s tense late-night conversation were a haze of awkward silences and unspoken words. They still played the part of the perfect couple in front of their friends, but behind closed doors, the cracks in their act were glaringly obvious.

For Y/N, everything felt harder now. She missed the playful banter, the easy laughs, and even the way Minho would always make sarcastic comments about her volleyball matches. Now, every interaction was strained, and it was her fault. She’d pushed him away, and she didn’t know how to pull him back.

It was the day of a big volleyball match, and the gym was packed with students cheering for the KISS team. Y/N stood with her teammates, stretching and trying to focus, but her mind was elsewhere.

“You good?” her teammate Hana asked, nudging her.

“Yeah, just… distracted,” Y/N replied with a forced smile.

“Well, undistract yourself,” Hana said with a grin. “We need you on top of your game today. No pressure, but Minho’s in the stands.”

Y/N’s head snapped up. “He’s here?”

Hana nodded toward the bleachers, where Minho sat with Kitty, Q, Jin, and Yuri. He looked effortlessly cool in a leather jacket, his expression unreadable as he talked to Yuri.

Y/N’s stomach twisted. She wasn’t sure if his presence was comforting or just another source of stress.

As the game began, Y/N forced herself to push all thoughts of Minho out of her head. She focused on the rhythm of the match, the sound of the ball hitting the court, the shouts of her teammates. This was her domain, her escape.

By the second set, KISS was dominating, and Y/N was in the zone. She spiked the ball with such force that the opposing team barely had time to react. The crowd erupted in cheers, and for a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the adrenaline rush.

In the stands, Minho clapped, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself.

After the game, Y/N was surrounded by teammates and fans congratulating her. She smiled and thanked them, but her eyes kept drifting to the stands, where Minho was waiting with the group.

“Go on,” Hana teased, nudging her. “Your boyfriend’s waiting.”

Y/N hesitated but made her way over, her heart pounding.

“You were amazing!” Kitty said, throwing her arms around Y/N. “That spike in the second set? Legendary.”

“Thanks,” Y/N said, her gaze flicking to Minho. He stood a few feet away, his hands in his pockets, watching her with an expression she couldn’t quite read.

“Good game,” he said, his voice cool but not unkind.

“Thanks,” she replied, her stomach flipping.

Q, ever the peacemaker, stepped in. “So, celebratory dinner? Jin and I found this new barbecue place that looks amazing.”

“Yes!” Yuri said, already heading toward the exit. “I’m starving.”

As the group filed out, Y/N fell into step with Minho. The silence between them was heavy, but she didn’t know how to break it.

The barbecue restaurant was bustling, the scent of grilled meat filling the air. The group squeezed into a booth, with Y/N ending up next to Minho. She tried to focus on the conversation, but the tension between them was impossible to ignore.

“Pass the kimchi,” Q said, breaking into her thoughts.

Y/N handed it to him, trying to seem normal.

“So, Y/N,” Yuri said, leaning forward. “What’s the secret to spiking like that? I feel like you broke the sound barrier.”

Y/N laughed. “Years of practice and a lot of trial and error.”

“You make it look easy,” Jin said. “Meanwhile, I can barely hit a volleyball without it going sideways.”

“You’re amazing at track, though,” Q said, squeezing Jin’s hand. The gesture was subtle, but the affection between them was obvious.

Y/N glanced at Minho, wondering if anyone else noticed the way his jaw tightened whenever Jin and Q showed affection. Was he jealous? Or just annoyed by the PDA?

After dinner, the group lingered outside the restaurant, debating what to do next.

“Movie night at Yuri’s?” Kitty suggested.

“I’m in,” Yuri said.

“Same,” Q added, pulling Jin along.

As the group began to head toward Yuri’s car, Minho hung back. Y/N hesitated before turning to him.

“You’re not coming?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I’ve got some stuff to do.”

There it was again—that wall between them.

“Minho,” she said softly, “can we talk?”

He looked at her, his expression guarded. “What’s there to talk about?”

“Everything,” she said. “I know I’ve been… distant. And I’m sorry. I’ve been trying to figure things out, but I’m not good at this.”

“Good at what?” he asked, his tone tinged with frustration.

“At being honest,” she admitted. “With you. With myself. I’m scared, okay? I’m scared of ruining this, whatever this is. But I hate how things are between us right now.”

Minho’s gaze softened, and for a moment, he looked like he wanted to say something. But then he shook his head.

“You don’t get it, do you?” he said, his voice rising slightly.

“What?” Y/N asked, confused.

“You’re scared of ruining things,” he said, stepping closer, “but you’re already doing it by holding back. By acting like what we have isn’t real. And it’s driving me crazy.”

Y/N blinked, stunned. “Minho, I—”

“No, let me finish,” he snapped, his voice trembling with emotion. “You think this is just a game? That it’s just some act to fool everyone else? Well, it’s not. Not for me.”

Her breath caught in her throat.

“I like you, Y/N,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’ve liked you since the first time you made fun of me in class. And I’ve been pretending that this fake relationship doesn’t mean anything because I thought that’s what you wanted. But I can’t do it anymore.”

Y/N stared at him, her heart pounding. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Minho shook his head, his expression a mix of anger and vulnerability. “Figure out what you want, Y/N. Because I can’t keep doing this.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Y/N standing there, her mind racing and her heart aching.

Minho’s confession had shattered the fragile balance they’d been holding onto. And as much as Y/N wanted to chase after him, she knew she couldn’t. Not until she figured out what she truly felt.

˚⊱🪷⊰˚

Chapter 11: Cracks in the Armor

The night after Minho’s confession felt like a storm raging inside Y/N’s mind. She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying his words over and over again.

Her chest ached with guilt, confusion, and something else she wasn’t ready to name. Minho’s voice—usually full of teasing or sarcasm—had been raw, trembling with emotion. She hadn’t expected it. She hadn’t expected him to feel this deeply.

“Figure out what you want.”

That was easier said than done.

The next day, Y/N arrived early for volleyball practice, hoping the familiar rhythm of drills and spikes would help clear her head. The gym was quiet except for the squeak of her shoes against the polished floor.

She went through her warm-up routine alone, slamming ball after ball into the opposite court. Each hit was an attempt to push her emotions aside, to focus on something—anything—other than Minho.

“Wow, someone’s aggressive today,” Hana teased as she entered the gym with the rest of the team.

Y/N forced a laugh. “Just working out some stress.”

“Good, because we need that energy for next week’s game,” Hana said, tossing her a ball. “You and I are doing extra sets today.”

Y/N nodded, grateful for the distraction. But as the team practiced, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was only postponing the inevitable.

By lunchtime, Y/N’s anxiety had only grown. She hadn’t seen Minho all day, and she was starting to wonder if he was avoiding her. Normally, he’d pop up at her locker or make some snide remark about her choice of snacks. But today, nothing.

When she joined her friends at their usual table in the cafeteria, she immediately noticed the empty seat next to Kitty.

“Where’s Minho?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

“Skipped lunch,” Q replied, biting into his sandwich. “Said he had something to do.”

Y/N’s heart sank.

“You two okay?” Kitty asked, her brow furrowed.

Y/N hesitated. “Yeah, why wouldn’t we be?”

Kitty gave her a knowing look but didn’t push further.

The rest of lunch passed in a blur of conversation and laughter, but Y/N felt like she was miles away.

After school, Y/N found herself wandering aimlessly around campus, hoping to run into Minho. Instead, she ran into Yuri, who was sitting on the steps outside the library with her headphones on.

“Hey,” Y/N said, sitting down next to her.

Yuri pulled off her headphones and smiled. “Hey, superstar. What’s up?”

Y/N hesitated, unsure how to start. Yuri had always been one of the more perceptive members of their friend group, and if anyone could give her advice, it was her.

“Can I ask you something?” Y/N said finally.

“Of course,” Yuri replied, turning to face her.

Y/N took a deep breath. “How do you know when you’re ready to admit your feelings for someone?”

Yuri raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh, this is about Minho, isn’t it?”

Y/N’s eyes widened. “What? No, it’s not—”

“Please,” Yuri interrupted. “You two have been dancing around each other for months. Everyone can see it.”

Y/N groaned, burying her face in her hands. “It’s not that simple.”

“Why not?” Yuri asked. “He likes you. You like him. What’s the problem?”

“I’m scared,” Y/N admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Of what?”

“Of ruining everything,” Y/N said. “What if it doesn’t work out? What if we lose what we already have?”

Yuri was quiet for a moment before she said, “Look, I get it. Taking that step is scary. But you can’t keep holding back because you’re afraid of what might happen. Sometimes, you just have to take the risk.”

Y/N nodded slowly, her chest tightening. Yuri was right, but it didn’t make things any easier.

That evening, Y/N decided to stop avoiding the issue. She texted Minho, asking him to meet her at their usual spot by the soccer field.

When she arrived, the field was bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. Minho was already there, leaning against the fence with his hands in his pockets. He didn’t look up as she approached.

“Hey,” she said softly.

“Hey,” he replied, his tone distant.

Y/N hesitated before stepping closer. “Thanks for coming.”

Minho finally looked at her, his expression guarded. “What do you want, Y/N?”

She flinched at the coldness in his voice but pushed forward. “I wanted to talk. About what you said yesterday.”

“Which part?” he asked. “The part where I told you I liked you? Or the part where I told you to figure out what you want?”

“Both,” she said, her voice trembling.

Minho sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Look, if you’re just here to tell me that you don’t feel the same way, I get it. You don’t owe me anything.”

“That’s not it,” Y/N said quickly. “I just… I don’t know how to do this, Minho. I don’t know how to let myself feel something without being terrified of losing it.”

“You think I’m not scared?” Minho said, his voice rising. “You think I haven’t thought about how this could go wrong? But I’m still here, Y/N. Because I’d rather take the risk than keep pretending I don’t care.”

Y/N looked at him, her heart pounding. Tears filled Y/N’s eyes as she whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Minho shook his head, his expression softening. “I don’t want you to be sorry. I just want you to be honest. With me. With yourself.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The only sound was the distant hum of traffic and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Finally, Y/N took a deep breath and said, “I like you, too, Minho. I think I’ve liked you for a while. But I was scared. Scared of what it would mean, and scared of losing you if it didn’t work out.”

Minho stared at her, his eyes searching hers. “And now?”

“Now, I’m still scared,” she admitted. “But I don’t want to keep running away from this. From us.”

Minho’s expression softened, and for the first time in days, a small smile tugged at his lips.

“About time,” he said, his tone teasing but warm.

Y/N laughed, wiping her eyes. “Don’t push your luck.”

Minho stepped closer, his gaze steady. “No promises.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Y/N realized that, for the first time in a long time, she felt lighter. There were still uncertainties, still fears, but she wasn’t alone in facing them.

And that made all the difference.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapters 8 & 9

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

.☘︎ ݁˖ Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

.☘︎ ݁˖ Warnings : None

.☘︎ ݁˖ WC : 2,199

.☘︎ ݁˖ Previous Chapter : 6 & 7

.☘︎ ݁˖ A/N : Hope you guys enjoy!!! How are you liking the story so far?

( ˶ˆᗜˆ˵ )

Chapter 8: The Breaking Point

The aftermath of Florian’s party lingered like a haze over the next week. Y/N found herself replaying the balcony conversation with Minho in her head, questioning every word, every glance, and every hesitation. She wasn’t sure if it was her overthinking or something deeper, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that their fake relationship had passed the point of no return.

On the surface, things seemed normal. Minho still sat next to her during classes, cracking jokes and making sarcastic comments under his breath. They still met up for study sessions, where they bickered over math problems and shared snacks. To everyone else, they looked like the perfect couple.

But for Y/N, it felt like a house of cards waiting to collapse.

Y/N found solace in sports during times of stress. After volleyball practice, she was drenched in sweat but satisfied after running drills with her teammates. She loved the feeling of camaraderie on the court, the adrenaline rush when spiking the ball, and the way sports helped clear her mind.

But even volleyball wasn’t enough to distract her entirely. The tension with Minho still gnawed at her.

Later that evening, they were supposed to study together in the library. Minho was sprawled across the table, lazily flipping through his notes while Y/N tried (and failed) to focus on calculus.

“Are you even listening?” Minho asked, snapping his fingers in front of her face.

She blinked, realizing she’d been staring at the same equation for the past five minutes. “Sorry,” she muttered. “What were you saying?”

Minho frowned, leaning back in his chair. “What’s going on with you lately? You’ve been… off.”

“I’m fine,” she said quickly, avoiding his gaze.

“You’re not fine,” he countered. “You’ve been distracted all week. Did something happen at the party?”

“No,” she lied, flipping a page in her notebook. “Everything’s fine.”

Minho stared at her for a long moment, his jaw tightening. “You’re a terrible liar, you know that?”

Y/N looked up, meeting his eyes. “I’m not lying.”

He didn’t respond, but the tension between them was palpable. After a moment, he sighed and stood up, grabbing his bag. “If you don’t want to talk, that’s fine. But don’t expect me to keep pretending everything’s okay when it’s clearly not.”

With that, he walked out, leaving Y/N alone with her racing thoughts.

Later that evening, Y/N found herself in the common room with Yuri and Q. Yuri was lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone, while Q was sketching something in his notebook. Jin, Q’s boyfriend, was still at track practice, so it was just the three of them for now.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Yuri said, glancing up at Y/N.

“Rough day?” Q added without looking up.

Y/N sighed, plopping down onto the couch. “Minho’s mad at me.”

“Again?” Yuri asked, raising an eyebrow. “What’d you do this time?”

“Nothing,” Y/N said defensively. “He just… he thinks I’m hiding something.”

“Are you?” Q asked, setting his notebook aside.

Y/N hesitated. “I don’t know. Maybe. Everything just feels so complicated right now.”

“Dating Minho would do that to anyone,” Yuri said dryly. “He’s not exactly low-maintenance.”

Y/N shot her a look. “Thanks for the helpful advice.”

Q chuckled. “Okay, real talk. What’s actually bothering you? Is it the relationship stuff, or is it… Minho?”

Y/N froze, the question hitting closer to home than she wanted to admit. “I don’t know,” she said finally. “I just… I feel like we’ve crossed some kind of line, and now I don’t know how to go back.”

“Maybe you don’t have to go back,” Q suggested gently. “Maybe you just need to figure out what you want moving forward.”

Y/N sighed, burying her face in her hands. “I don’t even know what I want anymore.”

“Well, figure it out soon,” Yuri said, standing up and stretching. “Because if you two keep acting like this, everyone’s going to figure out something’s up.”

The weekend brought another event: a track meet where Q and Jin were both competing. Y/N wasn’t particularly interested in track as a sport, but she loved supporting her friends. Besides, it was a good distraction from the mess in her head.

She arrived at the field with Yuri and Kitty, who were both surprisingly enthusiastic. Yuri was busy taking candid photos for her Instagram, while Kitty was chatting animatedly about how Jin and Q met through practice.

As the events began, Y/N found herself scanning the crowd, her eyes landing on Jin and Q warming up together. Jin was adjusting Q’s headband, a small, affectionate smile on his face. The sight made Y/N’s chest ache—not with jealousy, but with a longing she couldn’t quite name.

“Relationship goals,” Yuri muttered, following her gaze. “They’re disgustingly cute.”

“Yeah,” Y/N agreed softly.

The meet was lively, with students cheering and shouting encouragement from the stands. Q and Jin both performed brilliantly, earning medals and high-fives from their teammates. Afterward, the group gathered on the field to celebrate.

“You were amazing out there,” Y/N told Q, handing him a bottle of water.

“Thanks,” Q said, grinning. “Jin’s the real MVP, though. He carried the relay team.”

Jin blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. “It was a team effort.”

“You’re too modest,” Yuri said, smirking. “Own your greatness.”

As the group laughed and teased, Y/N felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Minho standing there, his expression unreadable.

“Can we talk?” he asked quietly.

She nodded, her heart pounding as he led her away from the group.

They stopped near the bleachers, far enough from the crowd to have some privacy. Minho shoved his hands into his pockets, his gaze fixed on the ground.

“I’ve been thinking,” he began, his voice low. “About us. About this whole dating thing.”

Y/N’s stomach twisted. “What about it?”

“I don’t think I can do it anymore,” he said, finally looking up at her.

Her heart dropped. “What do you mean?”

“I mean…” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t think I can keep pretending this is just for show. Not when it feels like more.”

Y/N stared at him, her mind racing. “Minho, I—”

“Just tell me one thing,” he interrupted. “Are you feeling it too? Or is it just me?”

The vulnerability in his voice was almost too much to bear. Y/N opened her mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. She didn’t know how to untangle the mess of emotions swirling inside her.

“I…” she began, but her voice cracked. “I don’t know.”

Minho’s face fell, and he took a step back. “That’s what I thought.”

“Minho, wait—” she started, but he was already walking away.

Y/N stood there, her chest tight and her eyes stinging. She had no idea how to fix this—or if it was even fixable. All she knew was that she had just lost the one person who had come to mean more to her than she ever expected.

૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡

Chapter 9: Lines Blurred

The atmosphere between Y/N and Minho was charged with an icy tension. Ever since their confrontation at the track meet, the two barely spoke unless it was absolutely necessary, and when they did, it felt… awkward. Forced.

The rest of their friend group, thankfully, hadn’t picked up on it. Yet. But Y/N knew it was only a matter of time before someone asked why the “perfect couple” suddenly seemed so distant.

To make matters worse, Y/N found herself hyper-aware of every little thing Minho did: how his jaw clenched when they passed each other in the hall, how his hand twitched as though he wanted to say something but stopped himself, how he still managed to glance her way during class despite their unspoken cold war.

She hated it. She hated all of it.

But what could she do? She had no idea what she wanted anymore—except that the thought of losing Minho for good terrified her more than she cared to admit.

The weekend arrived, bringing with it another group study session at Q’s apartment. Jin had cooked snacks for everyone, and the aroma of spicy tteokbokki wafted through the air as the group settled in.

Yuri sprawled on the floor with her textbook open in front of her. “Can someone please explain how to solve problem #14? I swear this math book is written in another language.”

“Do I look like a math genius?” Kitty replied, flipping through her flashcards. “Ask Minho or Y/N—they’re the ones with straight A’s.”

Y/N froze, feeling Minho’s gaze on her. Before the rift, they’d have exchanged a playful glance or some sarcastic comment about carrying the group’s collective GPA. But now, the silence stretched uncomfortably.

“I’ll do it,” Minho finally said, his voice clipped. He moved over to Yuri’s side and started explaining the problem, his tone professional and distant.

Q glanced between the two of them, his brows furrowing. “Okay, what’s up with you two? Did someone steal the last slice of pizza or something?”

“We’re fine,” Y/N said quickly, plastering on a fake smile.

“Totally fine,” Minho added, his tone matching hers.

Yuri narrowed her eyes. “You’re both terrible liars.”

“Maybe they’re just tired,” Jin interjected, trying to diffuse the tension. “Studying is stressful, after all.”

“Or maybe they’re having their first big couple fight,” Kitty said with a mischievous grin.

Y/N’s cheeks flushed. “We’re not fighting!”

“Right,” Yuri said, clearly unconvinced. “And I’m secretly a broke.”

The group burst into laughter, and Y/N tried to join in, but her heart wasn’t in it. Across the room, Minho avoided her gaze, his jaw tightening.

Later that night, as the group packed up their things, Q pulled Y/N aside.

“Spill,” he said, crossing his arms.

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb,” he said, lowering his voice. “You and Minho. Something’s definitely off.”

Y/N sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s complicated.”

“Uncomplicate it,” Q said. “You two were all lovey-dovey at Florian’s party, and now you can’t even look at each other. Did something happen?”

“I…” Y/N hesitated, torn between keeping up the charade and confiding in her best friend. “It’s just… relationship stuff.”

Q raised an eyebrow. “Relationship stuff? Or fake relationship stuff?”

Y/N’s eyes widened. “What—what are you talking about?”

“Please,” Q said, rolling his eyes. “I’ve known you for years, Y/N. You’re a lot of things, but subtle isn’t one of them. I figured out you and Minho were fake dating ages ago.”

“Does everyone know?” she asked, panic rising in her chest.

“No,” Q assured her. “Just me. I didn’t say anything because… well, I figured you had your reasons. But now it looks like whatever this is has gone sideways.”

Y/N let out a long sigh, sinking onto the couch. “It’s a mess, Q. A total mess. We were supposed to be fake dating to make our exes jealous, but now… I don’t even know what’s real anymore.”

Q sat down beside her, his expression softening. “Do you like him?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “Maybe? Probably? But he… he told me he has feelings, and I froze. I didn’t know what to say, and now I think I’ve completely ruined everything.”

“Y/N,” Q said gently, “you need to talk to him. Like, really talk to him. If you care about him—even as a friend—you owe him that much.”

Y/N nodded, her throat tight. “You’re right. I just… I don’t know how to fix this.”

“Start with an apology,” Q suggested. “And maybe some honesty.”

It was almost midnight when Y/N finally worked up the courage to call Minho. She half-expected him to ignore her, but to her surprise, he picked up on the second ring.

“What?” he said, his tone flat.

“Can we talk?” she asked, her voice small.

“Why? So you can tell me you don’t know again?”

The bitterness in his voice stung, but she pushed through it. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I handled everything wrong, and I’m sorry.”

There was a long pause before he replied. “What do you want, Y/N?”

“I want to fix this,” she said. “I don’t want to lose you, Minho. Not like this.”

“Fix what, exactly?” he asked. “The fake relationship? Or whatever this is turning into?”

Y/N swallowed hard, her heart pounding. “Both. I think. I don’t know. All I know is that I don’t want you to hate me.”

“I could never hate you,” he said quietly. “But I can’t keep doing this if you’re not honest with me—or with yourself.”

“I’m trying,” she said, her voice breaking. “I just… I need time.”

Minho sighed. “Time, huh? Fine. Take all the time you need.”

The line went dead, and Y/N sat there, staring at her phone, feeling more lost than ever.

As the days passed, Y/N threw herself into her sports and studies, trying to find clarity amidst the chaos. But no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts always circled back to Minho.

She didn’t know how their story would end, but one thing was certain: she couldn’t keep running from her feelings forever.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapter 6 & 7

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

ᥫ᭡ Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

ᥫ᭡ Warnings : None

ᥫ᭡ WC : 2,490

ᥫ᭡ Previous Chapter : 5

ᥫ᭡ A/N : Thank you for all the support, hope you guys enjoy!!!

໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১

Chapter 6: Tensions and Unspoken Truths

The next few days at KISS were a blur of awkward silences and forced smiles between Y/N and Minho. For the first time since their “relationship” began, they weren’t constantly in each other’s space. It was strange. Quiet. And Y/N hated it.

She was sitting at the dining hall with Kitty, Dae, Yuri, and Q, picking at her bibimbap while the others chatted. Minho was at another table across the room with his dance team friends, laughing at something one of them said. Every so often, Y/N felt his gaze flicker to her, but he made no move to approach.

“So,” Kitty said, breaking into Y/N’s thoughts, “what’s going on with you and Minho?”

Y/N looked up, startled. “What do you mean?”

“You two have been… off lately,” Kitty said, tilting her head. “You’re usually glued to each other, but now it’s like you’re avoiding him.”

“Trouble in paradise?” Yuri teased with a smirk.

Y/N forced a laugh. “No, we’re fine. Just busy, I guess.”

“Busy doing what?” Q asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Volleyball practice,” Y/N said quickly. “And studying. You know how it is.”

Kitty didn’t look convinced, but she let it go, turning the conversation back to something Dae said about an upcoming class project. Y/N let out a silent breath of relief but couldn’t shake the guilt gnawing at her.

That afternoon, Y/N was at volleyball practice, trying to focus on her spikes, but her mind kept drifting. Minho hadn’t texted her or approached her since their tense conversation. Was he mad? Hurt? Or worse—was he relieved to have an excuse to stop their fake relationship?

She was so lost in thought that she missed the coach’s whistle.

“Y/N!” the coach barked. “Pay attention!”

“Sorry, Coach,” she muttered, shaking her head to clear her thoughts.

After practice, as she was packing up her gear, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she found Kitty standing there with a concerned look.

“You’ve been distracted all day,” Kitty said.

“I’m fine,” Y/N replied, zipping up her bag.

Kitty crossed her arms. “You know, you don’t have to tell me everything, but if something’s wrong, I’m here.”

Y/N hesitated. She wanted to confide in Kitty, to spill everything about the fake relationship and how it was spiraling out of control. But she couldn’t. Not yet.

“Thanks, Kitty,” she said instead. “I appreciate it.”

Kitty gave her a small smile. “Just remember, you’re not alone, okay? And whatever’s going on with Minho, I’m sure you two can work it out.”

Y/N nodded, her heart heavy.

Later that evening, Y/N was walking back to her dorm when she spotted Minho leaning against the wall near the entrance. He wasn’t looking at her—his gaze was fixed on his phone—but something about the way he stood, his posture tense and his jaw set, made her stomach twist.

She hesitated, debating whether to keep walking or confront him. Before she could decide, he looked up and saw her.

“Y/N,” he said, slipping his phone into his pocket.

“Minho,” she replied, stopping a few feet away.

An awkward silence stretched between them. Finally, Minho broke it.

“So… are we just going to keep pretending the other doesn’t exist?”

“I wasn’t pretending,” Y/N said defensively. “I just thought you needed space.”

“Space for what?” he asked, stepping closer. “We were fake dating, Y/N. It’s not like we had some messy breakup.”

“Exactly,” she said, crossing her arms. “So why does it feel like we did?”

Minho’s expression softened, and for a moment, he looked almost… vulnerable. “Because maybe it wasn’t as fake as we thought.”

Y/N’s breath caught. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying,” he said, his voice low, “that maybe I didn’t hate spending time with you. And maybe I don’t want to stop.”

Y/N stared at him, her heart pounding. She didn’t know how to respond—didn’t know what she even wanted to say.

Before she could figure it out, Minho shook his head and stepped back. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

“Minho, wait—”

But he was already walking away, leaving her standing there, confused and conflicted.

The next day, the friend group was hanging out in the common room, playing a chaotic game of Uno. Y/N was trying to focus on her cards, but her mind kept replaying Minho’s words from the night before.

“Draw four,” Yuri said smugly, placing a card on the pile.

“Seriously?” Y/N groaned, picking up the cards.

“Okay, something’s definitely up with you,” Kitty said, setting her own cards down. “You’ve been zoning out all week.”

“Yeah,” Q added. “And Minho’s been weird, too. Are you two fighting or something?”

“No,” Y/N said quickly.

“Then what’s going on?” Kitty pressed.

Y/N hesitated, glancing around the room. Everyone was looking at her, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. She couldn’t keep dodging their questions forever.

“It’s complicated,” she said finally.

“Complicated how?” Dae asked.

“Like… complicated complicated,” Y/N said, hoping that would be enough.

But Kitty wasn’t letting it go. “Does this have anything to do with why you two started dating in the first place? Because, honestly, it always felt kind of sudden.”

Y/N froze, panic flashing through her. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, one day you were barely talking, and the next you were all over each other,” Kitty said. “It just felt… I don’t know, fast.”

Y/N opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. She was saved by the sound of the door opening, and everyone turned to see Minho walking in.

“Hey,” he said, his gaze flickering briefly to Y/N before settling on the rest of the group. “What’s going on?”

“Y/N was just about to tell us why you two have been acting weird,” Yuri said, smirking.

Minho raised an eyebrow, looking at Y/N. “Is that so?”

Y/N glared at Yuri before turning to Minho. “Don’t worry, I wasn’t saying anything incriminating.”

“Good,” he said, sitting down on the armrest of the couch. “Because if anyone’s spilling secrets, it’s going to be me.”

The group laughed, but Y/N shot him a warning look. She had no idea what he might say, but she wasn’t taking any chances.

Later that night, Y/N was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, frustration, guilt, and something else she couldn’t quite name.

She thought about Minho’s words, about the way he had looked at her, and about the strange pang in her chest every time she saw him talking to someone else.

Was it possible that this fake relationship wasn’t as fake as she had thought? And if that was the case, what did she even want?

With a groan, she rolled over and buried her face in her pillow. Whatever was happening between her and Minho, she needed to figure it out. Because pretending nothing had changed wasn’t working anymore.

And maybe, just maybe, it never would.

૮₍ ˃ ⤙ ˂ ₎ა

Chapter 7: The Party That Changed Everything

The weekend arrived with an event the entire school had been buzzing about—a party at Florian’s sprawling penthouse. Florian was a wealthy exchange student who loved throwing extravagant gatherings that were more like social events than house parties. For weeks, people had been talking about it: the music, the rooftop view, and the promise of a night to remember.

Y/N wasn’t planning to go. After the whirlwind of emotions between her and Minho, she wasn’t exactly in the mood for a social gathering. But Kitty had other plans.

“You’re going,” Kitty said firmly as she barged into Y/N’s dorm room that afternoon.

Y/N looked up from her desk, where she was half-heartedly attempting to finish an essay. “I’m not really feeling it.”

“Not an option,” Kitty replied, plopping down on Y/N’s bed. “You’ve been moping all week, and I refuse to let you sit here while everyone else has fun. Plus,” she added with a mischievous grin, “Minho’s going. Maybe this is the perfect chance for you two to talk.”

Y/N groaned. “That’s exactly why I don’t want to go.”

“Which is exactly why you should go,” Kitty said, standing up and pulling Y/N out of her chair. “Now, get dressed. Something cute but casual.”

“But—”

“No buts. You’re going.”

An hour later, Y/N found herself stepping into Florian’s penthouse, which was every bit as impressive as the rumors had suggested. The place was packed with students, the air buzzing with laughter, chatter, and the bass of a well-curated playlist.

Y/N tugged at the hem of her cropped sweater, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Kitty had insisted on the outfit—a pair of high-waisted jeans and a sweater that, while not overly revealing, felt more daring than Y/N was used to. She scanned the room, spotting familiar faces in the crowd.

“Drinks are over there,” Kitty said, pointing to the open kitchen. “And the dance floor is on the rooftop. Have fun!”

“Wait, where are you going?” Y/N asked, panicking slightly as Kitty started to walk away.

“I’m meeting Dae upstairs,” Kitty said with a wink. “You’ll be fine. Mingle!”

Y/N sighed, watching her friend disappear into the crowd. She debated heading straight for the snacks but stopped short when she spotted Minho near the living room. He was leaning against the wall, drink in hand, looking infuriatingly good in a black button-down and slim-fit jeans. A group of girls surrounded him, laughing at something he said.

Y/N rolled her eyes. Of course, he was the center of attention.

“Trouble in paradise?” a voice said behind her.

She turned to see Yuri, holding a glass of champagne and smirking. “What are you talking about?”

“You and Minho,” Yuri said, gesturing toward him with her glass. “You’ve been weird lately. Everyone’s noticed.”

Y/N forced a laugh. “There’s nothing weird. We’re fine.”

“Uh-huh,” Yuri said, clearly not buying it. “Well, good. Because I’m way more interested in Emma,” she added, nodding toward a girl across the room with dyed pink hair and a killer leather jacket.

Y/N let out a small laugh, the tension easing. “Emma, huh?”

Yuri grinned. “What can I say? I have a type.”

“Good luck,” Y/N said, genuinely amused. “You’re gonna need it.”

Yuri smirked. “I don’t need luck. Watch and learn.” She sauntered off, leaving Y/N alone with her thoughts.

Deciding she needed air, Y/N headed to the rooftop. The view was breathtaking, with the city skyline twinkling against the night sky. Groups of students danced and laughed around her, but she found a quiet corner near the edge.

She hadn’t been there long when she heard footsteps behind her.

“Running away again?” Minho’s voice was unmistakable.

She turned to see him standing there, his hands in his pockets. “I’m not running away.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” he said, stepping closer. “You’ve been avoiding me all week.”

“You’ve been avoiding me too,” she shot back.

He raised an eyebrow. “I thought you needed space.”

“Well, maybe I didn’t,” she said, crossing her arms.

Minho sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Y/N, what are we doing?”

“What do you mean?”

“This,” he said, gesturing between them. “The fake dating, the avoiding each other, the awkward silences. It’s exhausting.”

Y/N looked away, unsure how to respond. “I don’t know,” she admitted finally. “I thought we were just helping each other out. But now… everything feels messy.”

“Messy how?” he asked, his voice softer.

She hesitated, the words stuck in her throat. How was she supposed to explain the confusion she felt every time she looked at him? Or the way her heart raced whenever he was near?

“I don’t know,” she said again, her voice barely above a whisper.

Minho stepped closer, so close she could feel the warmth of his presence. “Y/N,” he said, his tone serious, “if this is too much for you, we can stop. But I need to know where we stand. Because right now, I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

She looked up at him, her heart pounding. For a moment, she considered telling him the truth—that somewhere along the way, her feelings had started to blur. But before she could say anything, the rooftop door slammed open, and Q appeared with Jin by his side.

“There you are!” Q said, beaming. “We’ve been looking for you two!”

Minho stepped back, the moment shattered. “What do you want, Q?”

“Florian’s doing karaoke downstairs, and we’re all going. No excuses!” Q said, dragging Jin forward. Jin, who was quieter but just as charming as Q, smiled apologetically at them.

“Yeah, come on,” Jin added. “It’ll be fun.”

Y/N glanced at Minho, who gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Fine,” she said, following Q and Jin back inside.

The karaoke session was predictably chaotic. Florian’s playlist was a mix of classic hits and K-pop anthems, and most of the attendees were too tipsy to sing on-key. Y/N found herself laughing despite everything, especially when Q and Jin performed a hilariously over-the-top duet of “I Want It That Way.”

“You two are ridiculous,” Y/N said, laughing as they took a bow.

“Ridiculously talented,” Q corrected, grinning.

Jin leaned in and kissed Q on the cheek. “You’re the talented one,” he said softly, earning an exaggerated swoon from Florian in the background.

“Get a room,” Minho muttered, but there was no malice in his tone.

“Jealous, Minho?” Q teased.

Minho smirked. “Of you? Never.”

When it was Y/N’s turn, she felt her nerves spike. But as she started singing, the crowd’s cheers and the support from her friends helped her relax. Halfway through the song, she noticed Minho watching her from across the room. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by something softer, almost unguarded. The intensity of his gaze made her voice falter for a moment, but she recovered quickly, finishing the song to a round of applause.

When she returned to her seat, Minho was still watching her, his expression unreadable.

By the time the party wound down, most of the guests were either gone or sprawled out on Florian’s couches. Y/N was gathering her things when Minho appeared beside her.

“Hey,” he said quietly. “Can we talk?”

She hesitated but nodded. They stepped out onto the balcony, where the night air was cool and quiet.

“I meant what I said earlier,” Minho began. “I don’t want to keep doing this if it’s going to hurt you.”

“It’s not hurting me,” Y/N said quickly.

“Are you sure?” he asked, searching her face.

She nodded, though her chest felt tight. “I’m sure.”

Minho studied her for a moment, then sighed. “Okay. But if that changes, you have to tell me. Deal?”

“Deal,” she said, forcing a smile.

But as they returned to the party, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that their deal was more complicated than either of them realized. And the longer they kept up the charade, the harder it would be to untangle the truth from the lie.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapter 5

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ Warnings : None

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ WC : 1,001

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ Previous Chapter : 4

𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ A/N : Hope you enjoy!!!

˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚₊

Chapter 5: Mixed Signals

The halls of KISS buzzed with energy the next morning as Y/N made her way to her locker. Students were chatting, swapping notes, and preparing for the day’s classes. She was halfway through organizing her textbooks when she heard Minho’s unmistakable voice behind her.

“Good morning, girlfriend,” he drawled, leaning casually against the locker next to hers.

Y/N turned around, giving him an exasperated look. “Do you have to do this everywhere?”

“It’s called commitment,” he replied smugly.

“More like harassment,” she shot back, slamming her locker shut.

Minho chuckled and fell into step beside her as she walked to her first class. “You love the attention. Admit it.”

“I love peace and quiet. Big difference.”

As they turned the corner, they almost collided with Kitty and Yuri, who were deep in conversation. Kitty’s face lit up when she saw them.

“Aw, you two are so cute!” she exclaimed.

Y/N forced a smile, resisting the urge to groan. “Thanks, Kitty.”

“You know,” Yuri added with a smirk, “you two have been the talk of the school. Everyone’s wondering how you went from barely speaking to being inseparable.”

“Destiny,” Minho said smoothly, throwing an arm around Y/N’s shoulders.

Y/N elbowed him lightly in the ribs. “More like poor decision-making.”

The group laughed, and they all walked to class together. Y/N couldn’t help but notice the way Kitty kept glancing at them, her expression a mix of curiosity and approval. It made Y/N feel a little guilty—Kitty genuinely thought they were a couple, and the longer they kept up the charade, the harder it would be to come clean.

Later that afternoon, Y/N sat in the library, attempting to focus on her history notes. Minho had insisted on joining her, despite her protests that she needed to concentrate.

“You know,” she said, not looking up from her textbook, “you’re not required to sit here and stare at me while I study.”

“I’m providing moral support,” he said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk.

“You’re providing a distraction,” she muttered, flipping a page.

Minho glanced at her notes and frowned. “Do you actually enjoy this stuff?”

“Yes,” she said firmly. “Some of us care about our grades.”

“I care about my grades,” he argued.

“Really? Because I distinctly remember you trying to copy my math homework last week.”

“That was a one-time thing,” he said defensively.

Y/N rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. Despite his infuriating personality, there was something oddly entertaining about having Minho around.

That evening, the entire friend group gathered in the common room for a movie night. The couches were packed, with Kitty and Dae cuddled up on one side, Q and Jin sharing snacks, and Yuri scrolling through her phone. Minho and Y/N had claimed the loveseat, much to Y/N’s dismay.

As the movie played, Kitty suddenly paused it and turned to Y/N and Minho. “Okay, I have to ask—what’s the sweetest thing Minho’s ever done for you?”

Y/N froze, her mind racing. She hadn’t prepared for this level of scrutiny. “Uh… sweet?”

“Yeah,” Kitty said eagerly. “Like, has he surprised you with anything romantic? A grand gesture?”

“Of course I have,” Minho said smoothly, throwing an arm around Y/N’s shoulders.

Y/N raised an eyebrow at him, silently daring him to continue.

“Remember that time I brought you coffee before your big test?” he said, smirking.

Y/N blinked, caught off guard. That actually had happened—completely unplanned, but still. She decided to roll with it. “Oh, yeah. That was… nice of you.”

Kitty sighed dreamily. “See? He’s such a good boyfriend.”

Minho shot Y/N a triumphant look, and she fought the urge to smack him.

“Okay, but what about you, Y/N?” Q chimed in. “What’s the sweetest thing you’ve done for Minho?”

Y/N hesitated, scrambling for an answer. “Uh… I helped him with his history essay last month.”

“She saved me,” Minho added dramatically. “I was on the brink of failing, and she swooped in like a knight in shining armor.”

The group laughed, and Y/N felt a pang of guilt. She hated lying to them, especially Kitty, who was practically glowing with excitement over their “relationship.”

The next day, Y/N joined the volleyball team for practice, but this time, the boys’ dance team was rehearsing in the adjacent studio. As Y/N warmed up, she couldn’t help but notice the way Minho’s ex, Madison kept glancing his way during their breaks.

Madison, with her flawless makeup and perfectly styled hair, was clearly trying to get his attention. Y/N wasn’t the jealous type—or so she thought—but something about Madison’s smug little smiles made her blood boil.

Minho, oblivious as ever, caught Y/N staring. He jogged over to the court and leaned against the net. “What’s with the death glare?”

“Nothing,” she said quickly, looking away.

“Right,” he said, unconvinced. “You’re totally not mad about Madison flirting with me.”

“I’m not mad,” Y/N said through gritted teeth.

Minho smirked. “You’re adorable when you’re jealous.”

“I’m not jealous,” she insisted, spiking the volleyball so hard it hit the floor with a loud thwack.

Minho laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Whatever you say, girlfriend.”

That evening, as they walked back to their dorms, Y/N finally snapped.

“This whole fake dating thing is getting out of hand,” she said, stopping in her tracks.

Minho turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “What are you talking about?”

“Everyone’s starting to believe it,” she said. “Kitty, Yuri, the whole group. And I don’t want to lie to them anymore.”

“So what are you saying?” he asked, his voice unusually serious.

“I’m saying maybe we should end this before it gets more complicated.”

For a moment, Minho didn’t respond. Then he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “If that’s what you want.”

Y/N hesitated, suddenly unsure. But before she could say anything else, Minho turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone under the dim glow of the campus lights.



[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapter 4

- Minho (Xo Kitty X Reader

^ྀི Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

^ྀི Warnings : None

^ྀི WC : 828

^ྀི Previous Chapter : 3

^ྀི A/N : Hope you enjoy!!! :)

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅

Chapter 4: Trouble in Paradise

The cafeteria at KISS was packed, as usual, the loud buzz of conversations bouncing off the walls. Y/N carried her lunch tray through the aisles, scanning for a spot when she spotted Kitty and the rest of the group waving her over.

“Y/N! Over here!” Kitty called, her cheerful smile lighting up the table.

Y/N grinned back and hurried over, sliding into the seat between Yuri and Q. “What’s the gossip today?” she asked, biting into her sandwich.

“Well,” Kitty started, leaning in conspiratorially, “word on the grapevine is that you and Minho had the most public date ever yesterday. Everyone’s talking about it.”

Y/N groaned, her face heating up. “Of course they are. Minho practically advertised it.”

“Advertised it?” Dae asked, raising an eyebrow.

“He strategically walked us past half the school, making sure everyone saw us,” Y/N explained, rolling her eyes.

“Classic Minho,” Yuri muttered, smirking.

“Speaking of,” Q said, nodding toward the cafeteria entrance. “Here comes your boyfriend now.”

Y/N turned to see Minho walking in, his usual swagger in full force. He spotted her almost immediately and smirked, making his way over.

“Ah, my darling girlfriend,” he said, loud enough for half the cafeteria to hear. “Mind if I join you?”

Before she could respond, he sat down, draping an arm around her shoulders.

“Subtle as always,” Y/N muttered under her breath.

“Subtlety is overrated,” Minho replied, grabbing a fry from her tray.

As they ate, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. She glanced up and caught Alex staring at her from across the room. His gaze flicked to Minho, his expression darkening before he looked away.

Yuri, who had noticed the exchange, leaned in. “Alex looks like he wants to murder someone. I think your plan’s working.”

“Great,” Y/N said, her tone flat. “Exactly what I wanted: an angry ex.”

Kitty gave her a reassuring smile. “If he says anything to you, just let us know. We’ve got your back.”

“Thanks, Kitty, but I can handle Alex,” Y/N said confidently.

Minho, who had been silent for once, suddenly spoke up. “If he causes any trouble, let me know. I’ll handle it.”

Y/N blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. “Uh… thanks, I guess.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said, his usual smirk returning. “I’m your boyfriend, remember? Protecting you is part of the deal.”

Y/N caught Kitty’s wide-eyed look of admiration, but she quickly waved it off. “Yeah, yeah. Big tough guy Minho.”

Later that day, Y/N had volleyball practice. She changed into her uniform and joined her team on the court, eager to burn off some of the day’s stress.

Minho, for reasons she couldn’t fathom, decided to stick around and watch.

“Why are you here?” she asked, glaring at him as she adjusted her knee pads.

“Supportive boyfriend duties,” he said with a grin, leaning against the bleachers.

“More like annoying stalker duties,” she muttered, jogging onto the court.

Practice started, and Y/N quickly fell into the rhythm of the game. She loved the feeling of the ball connecting with her hands, the adrenaline rush of a perfect spike.

But Minho’s presence was… distracting. She could feel his eyes on her, and every time she glanced his way, he gave her a thumbs-up or a cocky wave.

“Focus, Y/N!” her captain shouted, snapping her out of it.

“Right, sorry!” she called back, shaking her head.

By the time practice ended, she was sweaty, exhausted, and ready to murder Minho.

“Enjoy the show?” she asked sarcastically as she approached him.

“Actually, yeah,” he said, tossing her a water bottle. “You’re pretty good.”

Y/N paused, caught off guard by the genuine compliment. “Thanks,” she said reluctantly.

“Don’t let it go to your head,” he added, smirking.

And just like that, the moment was gone.

That evening, as Y/N was walking back to her dorm, she found Minho waiting for her outside.

“Okay, this is getting creepy,” she said, crossing her arms. “Why are you everywhere today?”

“I wanted to talk to you,” he said, his tone unusually serious.

She frowned. “About what?”

He hesitated, looking uncharacteristically unsure of himself. “About… earlier. In the cafeteria. I know I joke around a lot, but if Alex ever makes you uncomfortable, you can tell me.”

Y/N stared at him, caught off guard by his concern. “That’s… surprisingly nice of you.”

“Don’t get used to it,” he said quickly, his usual bravado returning. “But seriously, I mean it.”

“Thanks, Minho,” she said softly.

He gave her a small nod, then smirked. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have better things to do than babysit you.”

“Right,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Goodnight, boyfriend.”

“Goodnight, girlfriend,” he replied, his smirk widening as he walked away.

As she watched him go, Y/N couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to Minho than she’d initially thought. And for the first time, she wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about that.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapter 3

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

⋆˚࿔ Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

⋆˚࿔ Warnings : None

⋆˚࿔ WC : 975

⋆˚࿔ Previous Chapter : 2

⋆˚࿔ A/N : Hope you enjoy!!!

⋅˚₊‧ 𐙚 ‧₊˚ ⋅

Chapter 3: The First Date

Sunday arrived far too quickly for Y/N’s liking. She’d spent the better part of the morning pacing around her dorm room, second-guessing her outfit for what Minho had so helpfully dubbed their “first date.”

“I can’t believe I agreed to this,” Y/N muttered, staring at herself in the mirror. She’d settled on a simple yet cute outfit: a cream cardigan over a fitted tank top, high-waisted jeans, and white sneakers. It was casual enough not to scream “I’m trying too hard,” but still flattering enough to fit the fake girlfriend image.

Her roommate, Hana, raised an eyebrow from her bed. “You’re talking to yourself again. What’s the big deal? It’s just Minho.”

“Exactly,” Y/N said, throwing her hands in the air. “It’s Minho! The most insufferable guy at KISS. And now I have to spend the entire afternoon pretending I don’t want to strangle him.”

Hana smirked. “You’ll survive. Besides, isn’t he, like, ridiculously hot?”

“Hotness doesn’t make up for his personality,” Y/N retorted, grabbing her bag. “Wish me luck. Or don’t. I’m doomed either way.”

Minho was already waiting for her at the park, leaning casually against a bench like he’d just stepped out of a photoshoot. He was wearing a black turtleneck, tailored jeans, and a designer jacket, his hair perfectly styled.

Y/N approached him with a sigh. “You’re overdressed. This isn’t a K-drama.”

“And you’re underdressed,” he shot back, smirking. “This is supposed to be a date, Y/N. Put some effort in.”

“I look fine,” she said, crossing her arms. “Let’s just get this over with.”

“Wow, your enthusiasm is overwhelming,” Minho said, rolling his eyes. “Come on, we’re going for a walk.”

The two of them strolled through the park, trying to look like a couple while keeping as much distance between them as possible. Minho, apparently noticing the gap, grabbed her hand without warning.

“What are you doing?” Y/N hissed, yanking her hand back.

“People are watching,” he said simply, nodding toward a group of students from KISS sitting nearby. “You want them to believe us, right?”

Reluctantly, Y/N let him take her hand again. “This is the worst idea ever.”

Minho grinned. “You say that now, but by the end of the day, you’ll be thanking me.”

After walking for a while, Minho led her to an ice cream stand.

“I’ll take vanilla,” he told the vendor, then glanced at Y/N. “What about you?”

“Chocolate,” she said.

Minho paid for both, handing her the chocolate cone. “See? I’m a great fake boyfriend. Generous and thoughtful.”

“You’re literally just doing the bare minimum,” Y/N replied, taking a bite of her ice cream.

“Details,” he said with a shrug.

As they sat down on a nearby bench, a little girl walked up to them, staring at Minho with wide eyes.

“Are you a model?” she asked shyly.

Minho beamed. “Why, yes, I am.”

Y/N burst out laughing. “Oh my god, you’re ridiculous.”

“What?” Minho said defensively. “She asked!”

The girl giggled, then ran back to her parents, leaving Minho looking oddly pleased with himself.

“You really can’t help yourself, can you?” Y/N said, shaking her head.

“I’m just giving the people what they want,” he replied, flashing her a wink.

As they continued their “date,” Y/N couldn’t help but notice how many KISS students they kept running into. It was almost suspicious.

“Did you tell the entire school to hang out here today?” she asked as another group of students waved at them.

“Of course not,” Minho said innocently. “But if people happen to see us together, who am I to stop them?”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Unbelievably charming,” he corrected.

She ignored him, but when they passed Alex and his new girlfriend, her heart skipped a beat. Alex froze when he saw them, his expression shifting from surprise to something that looked suspiciously like jealousy.

“Y/N?” Alex said, his tone laced with disbelief.

“Alex,” she replied coolly, tightening her grip on Minho’s hand.

Minho, ever the opportunist, pulled her closer, slipping an arm around her waist. “Hey, man,” he said casually. “You doing okay?”

Alex’s jaw tightened. “Fine. You two are…together?”

“Yep,” Minho said, smirking. “Crazy, right? Guess we were meant to be.”

Y/N resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Well, we should get going. See you around.”

As they walked away, she glanced back to see Alex watching them, his expression unreadable.

“You’re welcome,” Minho whispered, clearly pleased with himself.

“For what?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“For making your ex jealous, obviously,” he said. “Did you see his face? Priceless.”

“Don’t get cocky,” Y/N muttered, but she couldn’t deny that it felt oddly satisfying.

Later that evening, after their “date” was officially over, Y/N found herself sitting on the steps of her dorm, reflecting on the day.

To her surprise, Minho appeared, holding two cans of soda.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Thought you might want a drink,” he said, handing her a can.

She took it, eyeing him suspiciously. “What’s the catch?”

“No catch,” he said, sitting down beside her. “I’m just being nice. Shocking, I know.”

Y/N snorted. “You, nice? That’s a first.”

“Hey, I can be nice when I want to be,” he said, opening his can.

They sat in silence for a moment, the awkwardness of the day fading into something almost comfortable.

“Do you think this is actually going to work?” Y/N asked finally.

Minho glanced at her, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “Yeah, I do. But only if we’re both all in.”

“All in,” she repeated, nodding slowly. “Okay.”

He smirked, his usual cockiness returning. “Just don’t fall for me, darling.”

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “Don’t worry. That’s not going to happen.”

But as she looked at him, she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d just made a promise she couldn’t keep.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapter 2

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

𝜗𝜚⋆ Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

𝜗𝜚⋆ Warnings : None

𝜗𝜚⋆ Word Count : 858

𝜗𝜚⋆ Chapters : 1

𝜗𝜚⋆ A/N : Hope you guys enjoy!!!

˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ 𐙚 ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖

Chapter 2: The Rules of Engagement

The next morning, Y/N regretted nothing—well, almost nothing. She wasn’t entirely sure agreeing to Minho’s plan was the best decision, but the image of Alex’s dumbfounded face as she and Minho danced at the social was enough to keep her second thoughts at bay.

It was Saturday morning, and the KISS campus was quiet. Most students were either still asleep or lounging in their dorms, but Y/N was already up and dressed, sitting at a small café table in the library courtyard. She was sipping on a latte and going over her notes for an upcoming quiz when a familiar, annoyingly confident voice interrupted her focus.

“Morning, darling,” Minho said, sliding into the chair across from her.

Y/N didn’t even look up. “Don’t call me that.”

“Why not? We’re dating now,” he said, leaning back in his chair with that smug grin she was already tired of seeing.

“Fake dating,” she corrected, finally meeting his eyes. “Let’s not forget the fake part.”

“Details,” Minho said, waving a hand dismissively. “Anyway, we need to set some ground rules.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “Rules?”

“Obviously,” Minho replied, pulling out his phone. “If we’re going to pull this off, we need to be on the same page. Can’t have you ruining my image.”

She snorted. “Your image? Please, enlighten me.”

Minho ignored the jab, opening a notes app on his phone. “Rule one: public displays of affection. We’ll need to sell the relationship, so a little hand-holding, hugging, maybe the occasional kiss—”

“No,” Y/N cut him off, her tone firm. “We’re not kissing.”

He looked up, feigning disappointment. “You wound me. What, you think I’m a bad kisser?”

“I think I don’t want to catch whatever inflated ego disease you’re carrying,” she shot back, smirking when Minho gave an exaggerated gasp.

“Fine,” he relented, typing something into his phone. “No kissing…unless absolutely necessary.”

“There will be no ‘necessary,’” Y/N clarified.

Minho shrugged. “We’ll see. Rule two: we text daily. It doesn’t have to be anything deep, but it’ll look weird if we’re not in constant communication. People will notice.”

“Fine,” she agreed. “But no texting me at 2 a.m. with some nonsense about how amazing you are.”

“I would never,” Minho said, looking offended.

Y/N gave him a flat look.

“Okay, I would,” he admitted with a grin. “But I’ll restrain myself.”

“Good. Next?”

“Rule three: we go on at least one ‘date’ per week. People need to see us together outside of school events. And no ditching me halfway through because you get bored,” he added, pointing at her.

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Like I’d be the one ditching.”

“Trust me, darling, I’m a delight,” Minho said, flashing his most charming smile.

“Stop calling me that,” she muttered, shaking her head.

“Rule four,” Minho continued, ignoring her complaint. “We don’t tell anyone it’s fake. Not even our friends.”

Y/N hesitated. “Not even Kitty?”

“Especially not Kitty,” Minho said firmly. “She has the biggest mouth at KISS. She’d blow our cover in two seconds.”

“She’d probably make a PowerPoint about it,” Y/N murmured, earning a chuckle from Minho.

“Exactly. So, we keep it between us. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” she said reluctantly.

“Great,” Minho said, setting his phone down. “This is going to be fun.”

“Fun isn’t the word I’d use,” Y/N muttered, taking a sip of her latte.

By lunchtime, news of Y/N and Minho’s “relationship” had spread like wildfire. As they walked into the cafeteria together, side by side, the stares and whispers were impossible to ignore.

“You’d think people have never seen two attractive people together before,” Minho said, loud enough for the nearby tables to hear.

“Subtle,” Y/N muttered under her breath, elbowing him in the side.

“What? I’m just stating facts,” he said with a grin, guiding her to their usual table.

Kitty was already there, along with Dae, Yuri, and Q. The moment they sat down, Kitty leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Okay, spill,” she said. “How did this happen?”

Y/N opened her mouth, but Minho beat her to it.

“Isn’t it obvious?” he said, slinging an arm around Y/N’s shoulders. “She couldn’t resist my charm.”

Y/N shoved his arm off. “Don’t make me regret this.”

“What’s there to regret, darling?” he teased, winking at her.

Yuri raised an eyebrow. “You two are…dating?”

“Yep,” Minho said confidently.

“Since when?” Dae asked, looking genuinely confused.

“A few days ago,” Y/N lied smoothly. “It just…happened.”

Kitty frowned, clearly trying to piece things together. “But you’ve always been at each other’s throats. What changed?”

Minho leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “She finally realized how amazing I am.”

“I realized you’d never shut up about it if I didn’t give you a chance,” Y/N shot back, earning a laugh from Q.

“This is going to be interesting,” Yuri said, smirking as she sipped her drink.

That evening, Minho texted her.

Minho: “Tomorrow. 2 p.m. Meet me at the park.”

Y/N: “Why?”

Minho: “Date #1, duh. Don’t bail on me.”

Y/N sighed, tossing her phone onto her bed. She had a feeling this was going to be a long few weeks.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapter 1

- Minho (Xo Kitty) X Reader

ᯓ★ Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N’s journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

ᯓ★ Warnings : None

ᯓ★ Word Count : 876

ᯓ★ A/N : Hi guys!!! Welcome to my first post and story written on Tumblr. It's my first time writing a story for the internet, so if there's anything I can improve on, please let me know. I hope you guys enjoy this story. I also started posting this story on ao3. Hope you enjoy!!!

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Chapter 1: The Deal

The warm glow of fairy lights strung across the KISS courtyard illuminated the scene. Students milled about, dressed to the nines for the school’s fall social, a semi-formal gathering meant to ease the pressure of midterms. Tables were loaded with snacks, and a DJ played the latest hits while clusters of students swayed on the makeshift dance floor.

Y/N stood off to the side, leaning casually against a column, observing the crowd with her sharp, assessing eyes. A cup of punch rested loosely in her hand as she scanned the room. She wasn’t here to dance or socialize. Her goal was simple: to avoid her ex, Alex, who had been staring at her like she was a piece of art he regretted selling.

“Don’t look now, but lover boy is heading this way,” Kitty whispered, sidling up beside her.

Y/N groaned, tilting her head back dramatically. “Of course he is. Does he think lingering stares and awkward smiles will win me back? Pathetic.”

Kitty stifled a laugh, glancing at Alex, who was indeed making his way toward them with a nervous energy that bordered on embarrassing. “Maybe he’s hoping you’ll forgive him.”

“Not in this lifetime.” Y/N straightened up, smoothing the skirt of her chic black dress. Her posture screamed confidence, but inside, her annoyance was bubbling over. She wasn’t in the mood for fake apologies or shallow attempts to rekindle a relationship.

Before Alex could reach them, another voice cut through the noise.

“Y/N, you’re here. Great.”

She turned to see Minho, who was striding toward her with his signature smirk firmly in place. His tailored suit and easy confidence turned a few heads, but Y/N just rolled her eyes. Minho always knew how to make an entrance.

“Minho,” she greeted dryly. “What do you want?”

“Wow, no ‘hi,’ no compliment on how great I look tonight? I’m hurt.” He placed a hand dramatically over his chest.

Kitty snickered and quickly excused herself, whispering, “Good luck,” as she darted off.

“What do you want?” Y/N repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Minho leaned against the column next to her, his smirk softening slightly. “Let me guess—Alex is being a pain?”

Y/N glanced at Alex, who had stopped mid-step and was now awkwardly talking to someone else, clearly reconsidering his approach. “What gave it away?”

“The way you look like you’d rather be anywhere else,” Minho said with a chuckle.

Y/N shrugged. “Not wrong.”

“Here’s the thing,” Minho began, his tone dropping into something more conspiratorial. “I’ve got a similar problem.”

She crossed her arms. “Let me guess. Hyeri?”

Bingo. The mention of his ex-girlfriend made Minho’s jaw tighten ever so slightly, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Correct. She’s been parading her new boyfriend around like he’s some kind of prize. It’s getting old.”

“Sounds like a you problem,” Y/N replied coolly.

“It could be an us problem,” Minho countered, his smirk returning.

She narrowed her eyes. “What are you getting at?”

Minho leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “Hear me out. You want Alex to stop following you around like a lost puppy. I want Hyeri to stop acting like she’s winning whatever weird competition she thinks we’re in. Solution? We fake date.”

Y/N stared at him, blinking slowly. “Fake date?”

“Yeah. You and me, the power couple of KISS,” Minho said, gesturing dramatically. “We’ll show them both what they’re missing. It’s perfect.”

“Perfectly insane,” Y/N shot back.

“Think about it,” Minho urged. “We already look good together. People are always talking about how we’re the most attractive students at KISS—”

“Correction: you talk about that,” Y/N interrupted.

“—and it’ll be believable,” Minho continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “We hang out with the same group, so it won’t seem out of nowhere. Plus, I know how to sell a good story.”

Y/N hesitated. As ridiculous as Minho sounded, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Alex would definitely back off if he thought she’d moved on, and it would be satisfying to see his face if she and Minho started “dating.”

“And what happens when the whole thing blows up in our faces?” she asked.

“It won’t,” Minho said confidently. “We’ll set rules, keep it simple. Once they get the message, we ‘break up’ and go back to normal. No harm, no foul.”

Y/N frowned, considering the idea. She didn’t particularly like Minho—his arrogance was exhausting—but she couldn’t deny that he was persuasive.

“Fine,” she said finally. “But we do this my way. No over-the-top stunts or dramatic public displays. Keep it believable.”

Minho grinned, holding out his hand. “Deal.”

She eyed his hand warily before shaking it. “Deal.”

The whispers started almost immediately. By the time the party ended, half the school had seen Minho escorting Y/N to the dance floor for a slow song, his hand resting casually on her waist while they chatted and laughed like old friends.

“You two were…unexpected,” Yuri said the next morning as they sat in the cafeteria.

Y/N shrugged, taking a sip of her coffee. “What can I say? Minho’s not as insufferable as I thought.”

Across the table, Minho smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. “And Y/N’s not as cold as people think.”

Kitty glanced between them, her expression skeptical but amused. “This is going to be interesting.”