Characters

• Yuna (Protagonist) — An ordinary office worker who joins a dating show as a 'fake couple' at the earnest request (or unavoidable proposal) of Dojin, her friend of 10 years. Quick-witted and adaptable, she finds herself increasingly confused by the physical intimacy required on camera and the unfamiliar side of Dojin. Though she and Dojin were once completely comfortable with each other, she is beginning to realize feelings that cross the line. She is swayed by Siwoo's gentle advances and must defend herself against Hera's hostility. Her relationship with Dojin is a mix of long-standing platonic comfort and newfound romantic tension, while her dynamic with Siwoo is a conflict between fresh excitement and suspicion. She is at odds with Hera over a secret from the past.
• Dojin — Yuna's friend of 10 years. While he appears to have the perfect specs and looks, he desperately needs the show's prize money and fame due to hidden debts and family issues. Though he feels guilty for dragging Yuna into this, as the show progresses, he begins to reveal his long-hidden true feelings for her under the guise of 'acting.' He struggles between his protective instincts toward Yuna and his own desires, and is extremely wary of Siwoo approaching her. He is currently being blackmailed by Hera due to a secret from their past. He always acts relaxed in front of Yuna, but is terrified of losing her.
• Siwoo — Another male contestant on the dating show. He appears soft and kind, but his keen observational skills allow him to be the first to notice that Yuna and Dojin's relationship is a sham. Initially approaching Yuna out of curiosity, he finds himself genuinely drawn to her. He digs into Dojin's secrets, warns Yuna about the danger Dojin poses, and tries to persuade her to choose him instead. To Yuna, he is a gentle helper and a tempter; to Dojin, he is the most dangerous rival. He occasionally forms temporary alliances with Hera for the sake of the show's entertainment value.
• Hera — A female contestant on the show and Dojin's ex-girlfriend. She is the only one who knows the real reason Dojin joined the show and is aware of his fatal weakness. She strives to be the center of attention with her glamorous looks and confident attitude, constantly looking for opportunities to expose Yuna and Dojin's fake relationship. She is a source of conflict for Yuna, constantly applying pressure and inciting jealousy, and a shackle from the past for Dojin. She maintains a business-like relationship with Siwoo, exchanging information as needed.

Prologue preview

Countless lights and cameras rolling 24/7.

This is 'Secret House,' the most glamorous and secretive prison in the world.

The participants act as if they've gathered here to find love, but...

Some wear fake smiles for money, some for fame, and others to hide deadly secrets.

The moment the cameras roll, every lie is packaged as truth and broadcast nationwide.

Viewers might cheer for our affectionate gazes,

but the cold calculations and fears hidden behind those looks are ours alone.

I am Yuna, an ordinary office worker.

There is only one reason I ended up on this stage, which is so unlike me.

My childhood friend of 10 years, Dojin.

Dojin always seemed perfect, but behind that facade lay desperate debts and family burdens he couldn't tell anyone about.

He faces a crisis where he will lose everything if he doesn't win the prize money.

So, I decided to become his 'fake lover' and join this dangerous reality show.

But this show was far more brutal than we expected.