Don’t Catch Feelings
Can’t believe I’ve never written a fake dating au, it’s literally my favourite trope. This is also my longest fic at 2.7k, hope you enjoy !
Pairing: Doyoung X Y/N
Summary: It was a win-win situation right, fake date and get what you both want. Unless what you want was Kim Doyoung.
Y/L/N, let’s date.
How did you get in this situation? You didn’t know either.
The source of that sentence was standing right in front of you, looking as though he casually told you the sky was blue. Kim Doyoung, your biggest rival in your year, there was never a day where the both of you wouldn’t be arguing or fighting to answer questions in class. You hated him with all your heart, and you were sure that feeling was mutual.
And yet, what did he just say? Kim Doyoung wanted to date you? You must still be dreaming.
Getting annoyed at your lack of response, the said boy rolled his eyes and smirked.
“Hello? Did you finally kill your brain after trying so hard to beat me for chemistry? Anyway don’t be stupid, I definitely do not find you attractive. I meant fake date so we can both get what we want.”
“Huh..” Really wasn’t a good day for you.
“Wow what an intellectual response. Let me break it down for you.” He slowly emphasised each word as though he was talking to a child. “Look you’re not subtle, I know you have a crush on Lee Taeyong. While I’m trying to get Seomin back. Therefore we date in public and make ourselves look more attractive, and get who we want. Finally clicking Y/L/N?”
You involuntarily blushed. Lee Taeyong had been your crush for about a year now. There was something ethereal about the senior, besides the fact that he was insanely popular and had a heart of gold. However, being on the other end of the social hierarchy mean that Lee Taeyong had no idea of your existence. As must as it pained you, Doyoung was pretty popular and dating him would put you in the spotlight for once. As usual, he had come up with a logical plan, and you hated him even more.
“I don’t know how you’ve been stalking me to know that information Kim, but I have to say you’ve come up with a smart idea for once.” Doyoung scoffed at your response, and you ignored his rudeness. “However, for two people to date they must at least tolerate each other. How do you suppose we convince the school we somehow fell in love?”
“Well sweetheart, there’s always a fine line between love and hate remember.” You pretended not to notice the way your heart fluttered at the mocking nickname.
“We have to set rules. And be convincing. I will murder you if people find out this is fake.”
“Whatever you want Y/L/N, don’t worry I’ll be the best fake boyfriend you’ll ever get.”
You pulled out your notes app. “Okay first rule: No catching feelings. Feel any slight sense of genuine affection and this whole thing is off.”
“No shit Sherlock, of course we won’t. Second rule: we’ll end this only when both of us get who we want, I don’t trust that you won’t dump me once Taeyong so much as looks in your direction.”
“Fair enough, third rule: Physical affection is okay, provided there are people around. Kissing is fine but no make outs.” You turned red while mentioning this but it had to be said. You definitely weren’t super comfortable with physical touch, given the fact that you were never in a relationship before, but who would believe a couple who didn’t kiss in public these days.
“Wow Y/L/N getting daring I see. Okay my last rule: we hang out after school each day and at least once during the weekend. We need to see each other outside to really sell this thing.” More time with Doyoung, how perfect.
“Fine, I don’t have anymore rules too. Guess you’re my fake boyfriend now.” Just as you locked your phone, the empty classroom you two were talking in started to fill up. Doyoung side glanced at your classmates, picked up your hand and kissed it while staring right into your eyes.
“My pleasure sweetheart, meet me after school today.”
-
You both decided to go to a cafe a few blocks away. It was cute enough to be considered a date spot, but also near to school that many classmates frequented it. Perfect to let rumours fly.
Since this was technically your first date, you didn’t know quite what to do. Hoping it didn’t show, you clasped your fingers on the table and tried to make conversation.
“So, how was todays lessons Kim? You must have found it hard.” Sitting across from you, Doyoung frowned and leaned forward.
“Please Y/L/N, we already fight about academics in school, don’t tell me you want to talk about work even on our date. Word of advice, when you go on a date with Taeyong, don’t do this.” Embarrassed, you looked down to your lap, Doyoung definitely knows you’re a dating noob.
Soft hands grabbing yours made you look up. Your rival looked almost gentle as he said,
“Hey, don’t worry. I know it’s awkward to talk to me without arguing. Let’s just do what people do on first dates, try to get to know each other? I don’t think I know much about you except that you’re slightly dumber than me.” The last sentence got you scoffing, rolling your eyes playfully. Doyoung grinned, knowing you were back to your usual self.
“Well, then you don’t know anything about me. But I guess basic facts, I’m the oldest out of 4. My parents put a lot of pressure on me to do well because obviously, I’m the oldest. I don’t really do much else except study.” Sounds sad, but it was true. Besides studying and helping around the house or looking after your younger siblings, there wasn’t much time for you to try anything else.
Doyoung looked a bit shocked by your words, but he composed himself before replying, “No wonder you’re so uptight, you need to relax a bit Y/L/N. Anyway I’m Doyoung, I have an older brother, I’m in the school’s basketball team I love going to karaoke rooms.”
“Karaoke? Like singing?”
“Yes of course, don’t tell me you’ve never been?” At the lack of response, he clapped his hands, “Wells, this means date night for this weekend is settled. You have to try karaoke.”
The conversation flowed quite easy after that. Surprisingly, you two had a lot in common. Once the sun started to set, Doyoung stood up and held out his hand to you, offering to walk you back.
“See ya tomorrow Y/L/N.”
“Hey Doyoung?” His eyes widened. “Don’t you think you need to call me by my first name now. Usually people don’t call their girlfriends by their last name.” Doyoung smirked and gave you a peck on your cheek,
“Alright Y/N, have a good night.”
He turned around swiftly and walked off, leaving you standing at your door blushing furiously. You blamed this on having no prior romantic experience, but Doyoung sure was smooth.
-
Not before long, the whole school was buzzing over the new couple. Doyoung and you were seen holding hands all around the corridors, sitting together during classes and for once, helping each other with school work.
Of course, the underlying plan was working as well. While you were waiting for Doyoung at your locker, Taeyong actually walked past you and gave you a small wave, rendering you speechless. According to Doyoung, Seomin had been pestering his friends about your new relationship as well.
As for your actual ‘relationship’, you might be treading on dangerous ground soon. Doyoung was, surprisingly, a great boyfriend. He drove, so every morning without fail he would wait outside your house and also send you back after. He helped you carry you books when you walk from class to class, and he let you join his friends during lunch so that now you had an actual friend group.
Most importantly, he was kind when he wanted to, always lending a listening ear whenever you had frustrations. Doyoung had even visited your house a few times and got along really well with your siblings. He knew you didn’t have much of a social life, so he tried his best to drag you to new places during your ‘dates’. You still recall the first time he brought you for karaoke.
“Shit Y/N, you have an amazing voice! How have you not participated in any performances?” Doyoung gaped at you as you ended your rendition of Harry Styles’ Falling. Feeling shy at the compliment, you looked away.
“Shush, says the one who actually can sing. You definitely brought me here to show off.” That started the friendly banter the two of you seemed to have comfortably fallen into. It was a nice balance, keeping the to and fro sarcastic remarks you used to throw at each other, but lacking the previous maliciousness intent.
Kissing however, was still a big question mark. You definitely weren’t going to be the one rushing it, it was still your first kiss, but Doyoung didn’t seem to mind either. He’d always find a way to kiss other parts of your head other than your lips; your cheek, forehead, nose. Always asking first, and only when there were people around.
-
“Hey Y/N? I know this isn’t your cup of tea but Jaehyun’s throwing a small party this weekend. Seomin and Taeyong will be there, wanna go?” Your fake boyfriend looked at you apprehensively.
He was was right, loud music and crowds were something you pointedly avoided, but for the fake dating aspect, this party was the perfect place to be. So you took a deep breath and nodded.
Right now though, as you squeeze through yet another group of drunk teens, you start to reconsider your decision. If this was Doyoung’s definition of ‘small’ , he needed to retake English class. Speaking of which, after the first 10 minutes with you, your ‘boyfriend’ disappeared to find Jaehyun.
Not wanting to be in the stuffy house anymore, you grabbed your coat and made your way to the backyard, where it was surprisingly empty. Sitting down on the grass, you signed and wondered how your boring little life got to this point.
“Y/N?” The sound of your name made you turn around. It was Taeyong, though you couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed it wasn’t the guy you actually wanted to see.
“Oh hey, Taeyong right. Why did you come outside?” Taeyong was the popular one, there’s no way he was scared of crowds unlike you.
“I could ask you the same thing,” he laughed, the sound echoing into the darkness. “But I get a bit overwhelmed with large groups of people sometimes, so I get away to recharge. First time I’ve seen someone else at my spot though.”
“Oh, did you want to be alone? I’m sorry I definitely could leave don’t worry.” You fumbled as you started getting up, but Taeyong grabbed your wrist and pulled you back down slowly.
“It’s fine, I’m okay if it’s you.”
This line — pre-fake-dating you would have been turning red right now, heart exploding from hearing your long-time crush say that to you. But somehow, all you could think about is sharp eyes and a smirk, directed at you.
It was then when you realised.
You caught feelings for Kim Doyoung.
-
“I think rule number 2 has come true. Let’s end this Y/N.” The next day, Doyoung came up to you in class, his face closed up again, the vulnerability you’ve gotten used to seeing gone.
“What?” You could feel your heart drop.
“I made out with Seomin at the party last night.” No, no, no this could not be happening. You wished Doyoung would stop talking, stop making the dreaded feeling in your chest worse. “Plus, I heard Lee Taeyong was talking to you all night in the backyard. Good for you Y/L/N, see our plan worked.”
Never had your last name sound so foul. You were so used to Doyoung called you by name, the way he pronounced it made you smile every time. Crap you were in so deep, how did you not notice before?
But it was too late, all you could do was smile faintly and Doyoung left to sit at the other end of class. Guess this was the beginning of the end.
-
The next few weeks passed by in a blur, you were on autopilot, going to school and then leaving when the bell rang. You didn’t even have the effort to argue with Doyoung in class anymore, and since you were too distracted to study, your grades were dropping as well. Soon, you weren’t even in the top 10 anymore, well below Doyoung, but for once you couldn’t care less.
Speaking of your ex-rival, or ex-boyfriend, if you could consider that. After meeting up one last time for closure, you both agreed to let people know the break up was mutual. Since then, you avoided him like the plague. If you had to see him and Seomin together in school, it’ll break whatever remaining strength you had.
Doyoung however, had different ideas. While you were planning to sit in an empty class for lunch, since breaking up with Doyoung also meant you had no more friends, he stormed in a sat in front of you.
“What’s your issue? I just heard from Professor that you’re failing maths? Y/N failing maths?!” Oh right, you forgot about that.
“Well, my grades have been slipping slightly. At least you don’t have to worry about me beating you anytime soon.” You forced out a small laugh, avoiding his eyes. You didn’t miss the fact that he said your name once again.
“I’m worried about you. Are there any issues at home? You can’t go from being the smartest student in the year to failing maths in 2 weeks. I’ll even tutor you if you need. The hell, I know Taeyong isn’t the smartest out there but he’s a senior, can’t he help you? As your boyfriend he should do better.” Maybe you were imagining it but Doyoung even sounded angry towards the end.
“Taeyong’s not my boyfriend. I haven’t spoken to him since the party.” The boy in front of me made a noise or confusion.
“But I thought—”
“You thought wrong. Taeyong hasn’t been the one I wanted for quite some time already.” Doyoung suddenly cupped my chin and turned it, forcing me to look at him,
“Wait Y/N, do you mean?”
“Yes I’m sorry, I broke rule number one and didn’t tell you. I didn’t realise until it was too late. But it doesn’t matter, you got Seomin already, just forget it.” You tried to move away, but instead he used both hands to keep you in place, looking happy for some reason.
“Then I guess I should apologise too, I broke rule number one from the first day.” Huh, that would mean...
“Yes sweetheart, I can hear the gears turning in your head. I’ve had a crush on you for as long as I can remember. I only pretended to be rivals so that you would notice me. You can be quite in your own world sometimes. This fake dating thing was only so I could get closer to you without the hostility. I shouldn’t have lied about my feelings, but I didn’t know how else to get you to trust me.” You still couldn’t believe it, you had too many questions.
“But Seomin—” Doyoung shook his head.
“I lied, I never wanted her back. She was clingy as hell, good riddance. I also never made out with her, I promise. I saw you talking to Taeyong and having a moment, so I figured at least one of us should be happy. Didn’t think it would be that hard telling you to call the fake dating off.”
It was slowly sinking in. Doyoung liked you. Doyoung had a crush on you for a long time. Doyoung pretended to be your boyfriend to get closer to you. But all this time, his actions were genuine, and your rival liked you back. Shyly, you looked at him and smiled.
“If you liked me all this while, how come you never kissed me?” Sensing your feelings as well, Doyoung grinned.
“Because it wasn’t right if I did it before confessing properly. I know it’s your first kiss and I wanted it to be perfect.”
“Well you just confessed. And if you didn’t notice, this is me accepting and reciprocating.” Your usual snarky replies were returning. Doyoung laughed and moved over to you, wrapping his arms around your waist.
“Glad to hear those remarks again, god I missed you.” And before you had a chance to reply, he swooped down and found your lips.
You had to say, your first kiss was indeed perfect.
Note: I disappeared from this app and came back to dump this. Quite surprised by the length, maybe the ending could have been longer but I didn’t want to drag it out too much. Check out my masterlist for more fics :))
