The Scandal Queen

Episode Seven

The morning light filters through my bedroom window, casting a soft glow across the rumpled sheets. I stretch languidly, my body still humming with the memory of Jaewook's touch. It's been a day since our date at the resort, but the feelings linger, refusing to fade.

I roll over, burying my face in the pillow, inhaling deeply. If I concentrate hard enough, I can almost catch a hint of his scent—that intoxicating blend of amber and sandalwood that clung to his skin. My mind drifts back to our evening together, and I find myself smiling involuntarily.

It was … perfect. From the moment we arrived at the resort, everything felt effortless and natural. The conversation flowed naturally, never strained or forced. We laughed, we shared stories; we connected on a level I hadn't experienced in a long time.

And then there was the physical. The way his hands felt on my body, the way his lips moved against mine … it was electric. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word set my nerves ablaze. I can still feel the heat of his skin, the weight of him pressing me into the mattress.

But it wasn't just the physical intimacy that left an impression. It was the way he looked at me—I didn't feel for a moment like he was expecting anything from me. He didn't judge me for my past or my reputation. He simply accepted me, flaws and all.

I sit up, hugging my knees to my chest as I gaze out the window. The city bustles below, oblivious to the shift that's occurred within me. I wonder what Jaewook is doing right now. Is he thinking about me, too? Does he feel this?

My phone sits on the nightstand, tempting me. I want to reach out, to hear his voice, to know that I'm not alone in this. But I hesitate. What if it was just a one-time thing for him? What if he wakes up this morning and realizes that being with someone like me is more trouble than it's worth?

I'm thinking too much into this, maybe. It was just a date, and I know well, in our industry, sometimes once is all it can be. We don't have that many opportunities to get away like that, and we meet new people every day. He could like me and meet someone he likes even more tomorrow. The same is true for me. I have no reason to get hung up on him.

So I resolve myself right there and then. If Jaewook calls me again, I'll see him, but if he doesn't… well, no big deal. It was fun; the s*x was great, and it was a great date. It was a good escape for a weekend, and if that's all it was, then I'm fine with that. At least, that's what I have to make myself believe.

Jaewook

I slam the window closed, cutting off a blaring car horn and the myriad noises of shouting pedestrians and busy traffic on the street below. Mid-afternoon on a weekday in Seoul, even in a residential district in one of the nicer neighborhoods, is still noisy and overwhelming at the best of times. I sit down at my chair behind my desk with a sigh. I'm not exactly excited to be home right now.

I reach for my phone, scrolling through messages and emails, but my mind is elsewhere. This weekend was … something else. Whatever happened between me and Iseul was … intense. It wasn’t just about the physical attraction—though that was definitely there—I just felt like I understood her and she understood me.

Iseul is a force of nature, unapologetically herself in a world that constantly tries to mold people into something they’re not. I admire that about her. It’s not easy to stand out and be different, especially in our line of work where image is everything.

As I sip my coffee, I think about how to keep this going. Our schedules are insane; finding time to see each other won’t be easy. But Iseul might be worth it.

I've considered reaching out to her a million times since I got home. But each time I hesitate. I don't want to seem too eager and spook her. Iseul seems like the type that would instantly reject a man who came on too strong. She's independent, and I like that about her. I don't want to push her too fast too soon.

At the same time, I'm worried that if I don't make a move, a move someone else will catch her attention. It's not about my own insecurity, it's just the reality that Iseul works in a world where there are equally attractive men in nearly every corner. I'm competing with primped pretty boy idols and shiny movie stars and drama stars. Iseul's drowning in options.

I'm not sure what to do. Admittedly, I'm also a little worried that she might see our date as just a fling, something to forget once we’re back in the thick of the chaos of our lives.

But then I remember how she looked at me—with genuine interest and curiosity. That didn't feel like a one-night thing; there was something real there.

I get up and start getting ready for the day, my mind still on Iseul. The thought of seeing her again makes me smile.

Later in the day, as I’m on set filming a scene for my latest drama, I pull out my phone during break and consider texting her. It should be long enough now that I won't sound like I'm being clingy, I think.

Right as my fingers start to type out a text, I get an incoming call from my manager. I stare at the screen, debating about whether to ignore it, but my hard-ingrained work ethic wins out.

“Yeah?”

“Yah, Jaewook, you remember that role for that island drama you auditioned for a couple months ago?”

I squint, trying to think back through the last couple months. I get called to audition for a lot of roles, not all of which I take and not all of which I'm accepted for.

“Oh, the one where the two main characters get stranded and then discover a forgotten village and fall in love or whatever?”

“That's the one,” my manager confirms.

“What about it?”

“You got the part.”

I nearly choke on the water I was in the process of drinking.

“Eh? really?”

I don't remember much about the script, but I do remember that it was to be directed by one of the most well-known drama directors in the industry, someone whose name on a script almost guarantees a top broadcasting spot and a boatload of drama awards.

“Really. But here's the thing, if you want it, you fly out, tomorrow. Filming is under way, they casted the male lead last when they were sure of the female lead's schedule.”

I gape and look around at the set I'm currently setting on.

“But I'm already filming,” I point out.

“Jaewook, the female lead is Ryu Wonyoung.”

“Shit.” I rub the back of my neck. This changes things. Ryu Wonyoung is the new it actress. Young and beautiful and the media angel at the moment. With her as the lead, everyone's sure to be watching this drama. It takes it from an inviting prospect to a can't-miss opportunity. A much bigger opportunity than the drama I'm currently working on where I'm cast as the second male lead.

“Yeah. Exactly,” my manager says, “Drop the current project, I'll take care of the contract termination. Just get home, get packed, and get your ass on a plane.”

I frown. “A plane to where?”

“Fiji.”

I make a strangled sound and rub my temples.

“I know, I know, but it's only for a few weeks.”

“A few weeks?” I splutter. My head is spinning, mentally calculating everything I need to do in order to be able to leave the country almost immediately.

“Look, this is a big project. A one in a million role with a lot of big names on the cast. I promise, it'll be worth it. Have I ever let you down?”

I blow out a breath and run a hand through my hair. This is insane, but I trust my manager, and I agree with him. This is an opportunity I can't pass up. Not if I want my name to be the one that draws in the audience.

“Alright, I'm headed home now. I need to get my things together.”

“Perfect. I'll get your flights arranged and text you the itinerary later tonight.”

“Thanks. Talk to you later.”

I hang up and run a hand over my face. There's a lot to do suddenly, and I feel like I've been thrown into a windstorm. I glance down at my phone, seeing the unsent and unfinished text I was writing to Iseul.

Well, I won't be able to see her again for a few weeks at least. I hope that she'll still be available when I get back but I know realistically she may not be and it would be unreasonable to try and start something when I know I'm leaving.

I decide not to send the text for now. Once I'm on set and a little more settled, I can get in contact with her and explain what happened. She'll understand, and if she doesn't want to take things further, I'll just have to accept that. I'll figure it out, somehow.