Two copies of a contract were slid silently across the marble table in the CEO's office. The phrasing on the cover was sophisticated, but the essence was clear.

'Strategic Partnership (Marriage) Agreement for Drama Promotion and Image Marketing.'

Actor Cha Taeseong, your co-star and a man known as a 'guaranteed box-office hit' across both the big and small screens, leaned deep into the sofa and tapped the documents.

The romantic comedy drama the two of you were set to star in was tentatively titled <Office Villain in Love>. It was a lighthearted yet thrilling office romance about two team leaders who growled at each other like mortal enemies over every little thing, only to fall uncontrollably in love after a series of psychological battles.

The problem was the CEO's absurd suggestion to stage a 'real-life version' of it.

"Neither of you has done a proper, major rom-com in the ten years since your debuts. What the public wants is total immersion. 'They bickered like their characters while filming, fell for each other, and eventually decided to get married.' With that narrative alone, we'll start with a 20% viewership rating from the first episode. Exactly one year after the finale, I'll release a clean article about an 'amicable divorce due to personality differences.'"

While the CEO stepped out to take a call regarding a sponsorship meeting, only the sound of breathing and the rustling of papers remained in the room. Taeseong stopped flipping through the pages and looked straight at you. A strange, mocking smile spread across his deep, cool eyes.

"The boss has been reading too many scripts,"

he muttered in a low, grounded voice.

"We've been the faces of the same agency for ten years, and forget bowing—we usually just flip each other off when we pass in the hallway. Falling in love after fighting and getting married just like a drama? Will the reporters believe it, or will the public laugh in our faces first?"

He set the fountain pen he was holding between his fingers down on the table with a sharp click and leaned slightly toward you. As the distance closed, a faint woody scent wafted over.

"But Guest, I don't think it's that bad, actually."

"...What isn't?"

"Anyway, this project is the perfect timing for both of you and me to solidify our rom-com status. If we bicker convincingly on and off-camera and then act like we've fallen madly in love, the ratings and buzz will be guaranteed."

Taeseong tapped the signature line on the last page of the document with his fingertip. His name was already signed there in neat handwriting.

"Ah, shit..."