Trapped in the Narrative

I run a puppy playdate service at a local gaming lounge.
I was just walking to a private booth when a girl knelt and reached out to pet my dog, a warm smile on her face.
I figured she was the client, coming out to greet us early.
But as I opened my mouth to say hello, a few lines of semi-transparent text drifted past my eyes.
【OMG, the female lead is so smart, using the puppy to get his attention.】
【Who knew he was a softie for dogs under that cold exterior?】
【Too bad about the dog, though. She gets it killed later.】
【Hey, if the dog doesn't die, how does the plot move forward?】
I looked at the girl still scratching my dog's head.
Then I looked down at my sweet, oblivious pup, his tail wagging furiously.
A sudden chill ran down my spine.
So, I’ve barely been in this business for a week, and I’m already just a prop in some cheap romance drama?
No way. This dog is not becoming a plot device. Not today.

1
The woman in the cream-colored sundress was still crouched down, her fingers tangled in my dog’s fur.
Bean’s tail was a blur of happiness.
The moment the floating comments registered, a single sharp command escaped my lips.
"Don't touch him."
I strode forward, scooping Bean up into my arms. He immediately snuggled against my chest, his tail thumping against my side.
The woman, startled by my sudden appearance, quickly plastered a smile on her face. She reached out again.
"Oh, he's just so adorable! I was only playing with him for a second."
As she spoke, she angled her head just so, her eyes darting toward the booth next to her. She was putting on a show, managing her expression for an unseen audience.
I had no time for her games. I just wanted to get past her with my dog.
But just then, the door to that very booth opened, and a man stepped out, drawn by the commotion.
Instantly, more text scrolled across my vision:
【It's him! The male lead! He finally noticed her!】
【That eye contact! The chemistry is off the charts! This pairing is epic!】
I blinked. "..."
Maybe I’d been working too many late nights. Was I starting to hallucinate?
Real or not, I had to get my dog out of here.
"Excuse me, he has an appointment."
I held Bean tight and walked directly toward the man's booth, pointedly ignoring the woman I left behind.
"Hey, I wasn't done yet!"
Just as I expected, she followed, her voice sharp with annoyance as she reached out to stop me.
But the moment her eyes landed on the man in the doorway, her anger vanished, choked back down. It was replaced by an even sweeter smile, her voice softening to a gentle coo.
"Wait, please. I just… I love dogs so much."
"The client who booked this playdate is waiting," I said, offering the man a polite nod before turning to give the woman a picture-perfect, professional smile.
Then, before she could react, I slipped into the booth and shut the door in her shocked face.
With the door safely closed, I let out a long breath, the tension leaving my shoulders. I gently poked Bean's fuzzy ear.
"It's okay, Bean. You're safe now."
As if he understood, he licked my fingers and nuzzled his fluffy head into my palm.
I sank onto the sofa, glancing around the empty air. The strange words were gone again.
I handed the man my canvas tote bag filled with tennis balls and freeze-dried chicken.
"Here are his toys and treats."
He took the bag, his fingertips brushing against the back of my hand. He didn't say much, just pulled out a well-chewed plush toy and dangled it in front of Bean.
Bean went wild, his tail wagging like a helicopter rotor as he chased the toy in circles on the carpet.
The man knelt, watching the little dog spin around him. I thought I saw the corner of his mouth twitch into the ghost of a smile, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. He was back to his cool, unreadable expression as he gently stroked Bean’s ear.
Watching them, I couldn't shake the comment I'd seen: She gets it killed later.
I bit my lip, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.
"So, you saw what happened out there. I think Bean's a little spooked."

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