The Scandal Queen

Episode Twenty-One

Seonho nods in agreement. “When you think about it, the media finding out you're in a relationship with both of us would probably be less scandalous than if they found out Jaewook and I were dating.”

I can't help but let out a bitter laugh at that. They're not wrong; a polyamorous relationship might actually cause less of an uproar than a same-s*x one in this country.

“But it's still insane,” I argue, my voice rising slightly. “You know how relentless the media can be. They dig into every aspect of our lives.”

“We're used to it,” Jaewook says softly, stepping closer to me. “We've been dealing with this for years.”

I look into his eyes and see the sincerity there, but it doesn't quell the storm inside me.

“You're asking me to risk everything,” I whisper.

“And we're willing to risk everything too,” Seonho replies firmly. “We're all in this together, Iseul.”

I feel like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff, staring into an abyss of uncertainty and chaos. But there's also something thrilling about it—something liberating.

“Iseul,” Jaewook says gently, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You don't have to decide right now. Just think about it.”

I take a deep breath and nod slowly. My mind is spinning with all the possibilities and consequences.

Seonho leans close to say in a husky murmur, “And if you need more motivation to accept, imagine all the things Jaewook and I could do together. You ever had two men inside of you at the same time, Miss Kwon?”

My throat goes dry as a pulse of heat punches through me. I resist the urge to press my legs together because the picture he's painting in my head … I like it a lot. Seonho seems to know exactly what he's done judging by the naughty grin spread across his lips and the spark in his eyes.

“I will think about it,” I finally say. Even though, deep inside, I think I already know the answer. I don't want to admit it, even to myself, but the idea that I get to keep both of them … the possibilities. Even though it's not something I ever considered doing, I suddenly really want to try it.

Seonho grins widely and Jaewook gives me an encouraging smile.

“I can live with that,” Seonho says softly.

***

There's a notable void left behind once Seonho and Jaewook are gone. I sit on the couch, staring at the door they just walked out of, my mind spinning with everything they've said. The silence is deafening, amplifying the chaos in my head.

I stand up and start pacing, trying to process their proposal. The three of us? Together? At the same time? It's crazy. Isn't it? I know, logically, there are so many ways this can go wrong. I know I shouldn't. I've already caused enough trouble as it is. Imagine if something like this were to get out after everything I've already done. They'll probably ban me from the country.

Yet, it's … growing on me. Even though I know how bad it could be, now that the possibility's been laid on the table. I kind of like it.

I wander into the kitchen and pour myself a glass of water, hoping it will help clear my head. I take a sip and lean against the counter, staring out the window at the city lights. My mind keeps drifting back to Seonho's words. His confident smile as he laid out his plan.

It makes sense in a twisted kind of way. But then there's the media, the public scrutiny, the relentless invasion of privacy. I know how brutal they can be. I've lived through it.

I take another sip of water and close my eyes, trying to imagine what it would be like to be with both Seonho and Jaewook. To share my life with them, to navigate the complexities of such an unconventional relationship.

A small smile tugs at my lips as I remember Seonho's suggestive promise. heat rushes my veins and I picture Seonho and Jaewook together, vividly. I can't unsee it now that I know they're together, and I don't hate it. Not at all.

But then doubt creeps in again. What if it all goes wrong? What if I end up hurting both of them? What if I'm not strong enough to handle the judgment and criticism that will inevitably come our way?

Their willingness to take that risk means something. It means they see something worth fighting for in me, in us. But is that enough?

I close my eyes and let out a long sigh, feeling the weight of their proposal pressing down on me. This isn't just about me anymore; it's about all three of us. If I agree to this, I'm committing not just to one relationship but two—and not just two separate relationships but one intertwined, complex web of emotions and connections.

The thought is both exhilarating and terrifying.

I think about Seonho's playful charm, his ability to make me laugh even when I'm feeling down. The way he looks at me like I'm the only person in the room when we're together.

And then there's Jaewook—calm, collected Jaewook—who sees through my tough exterior and understands the vulnerability underneath. The way he listens so intently when I speak, making me feel truly heard.

Could I really have both? Could we make this work?

The city outside starts to quiet down as night deepens into early morning hours. The sky lightens just slightly with pre-dawn hues by the time exhaustion finally pulls me under into restless sleep filled with fragmented dreams of what might be possible if I take this leap with them.

When I wake up later that morning, bleary-eyed but no closer to a decision, I'm nothing but disquiet and distracted thoughts.

I head to the recording studio, but my mind is miles away. The usual buzz of excitement I feel when I step into this creative space is dulled by my thoughts. I sit at the mixing board, Seungmin's voice in my ear as he discusses our latest project, but I'm only half-listening.

“Iseul, you okay?” Seungmin's voice cuts through my fog. He leans in, concern etched on his face.

“Yeah, just … a lot on my mind,” I say, forcing a smile.

He gives me a knowing look but doesn't press further. We've been friends long enough for him to know when to push and when to let me be. I try to focus on the music, losing myself in the beats and rhythms, but it's no use. My thoughts keep circling back to Seonho and Jaewook.

After a few hours, I head to Dynamix Dance Academy for my classes. The familiar scent of sweat and floor polish greets me as I walk through the doors. My students are already warming up, chatting excitedly amongst themselves. Normally, their energy is infectious, but today it barely registers.

I start the class with some basic warm-ups, guiding them through each movement with practiced ease. But even as my body moves through the familiar routines, my mind is elsewhere. What would it be like to be with both of them? Could we really make it work?

“Iseul-ssi? Are you okay?” One of my students asks during a break.

I snap back to reality and give her a reassuring smile. “I'm fine. Just a bit tired.”

The rest of the class passes in a blur of music and movement. By the time it's over, I'm exhausted—not from the physical exertion, but from the mental gymnastics I've been doing all day.

As I walk back to my apartment, the evening air cools my heated skin. The city lights flicker on one by one, casting a soft glow over Cheongdam-Dong. I find myself wandering aimlessly, trying to sort through my tangled emotions.

Back in my apartment, I collapse onto the couch and stare at the ceiling. The decision I've been avoiding all day looms over me like a storm cloud. I can't keep going like this—torn between two incredible men who both deserve more than half of my attention.

I grab my phone and open up a new message thread. My fingers hover over the keyboard as I take a deep breath. This is it—the moment where I decide if I'm brave enough to take this leap.

I send the message and drop my phone onto the couch beside me, feeling both relief and anxiety wash over me. There’s no turning back now; I've made my choice.

Now all that's left is to wait for their responses—and hope that we're all on the same page about what comes next.