For days, I'm in a fog of indecision. I haven't seen Seonho since Jaewook contacted me again, but we've been texting daily. His messages are always playful, full of emojis and jokes that make me smile. We're still on, no doubt about that. But the thought of making things official with him hasn't even come up.
I flip through my phone, scrolling past our recent conversation. Seonho sent me a picture of his corgis playing in the park earlier today, and I grin at the memory. Yet, there's a nagging thought at the back of my mind. He's never hinted at anything serious. No "what if" scenarios about us going public or what it might mean for his spotless reputation.
Then there's Jaewook. His name has been plastered all over the news since the announcement about his new drama. The one filmed in Fiji with an all-star cast. Seeing him on TV confirms everything he told me and makes me believe he was genuinely stuck in a remote location without any way to contact me. It's not just an excuse.
The buzz around Jaewook only makes me want to see him more. His genuine interest and charm are hard to ignore, and I constantly replay our night together in my mind.
But here I am, stuck between two men who've both captured my heart in different ways.
The thing is, I haven't committed to either of these men, and for now, neither has any expectation of exclusivity. What it be the worst thing in the world if I just … saw both of them until I decide which one I like more? Or maybe they'll both end up fizzling out. It's more likely than the possibility I could be serious about both, right? So what's the harm of trying?
Alone in my apartment, I sit on the edge of my bed, my phone resting on my lap. The quiet hum of the city outside filters through the window, but inside, it's just me and my thoughts. What do I really want?
I glance at my phone again. Jaewook's number stares back at me, daring me to make a move. My fingers hover over the screen. I can't keep second-guessing myself. If I want to figure this out, I need to take a chance.
I tap his name and hit call before I can change my mind. The dial tone rings once, twice, three times before his voice comes through, smooth and warm.
"Iseul?"
"Hey, Jaewook," I say, trying to keep my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest.
"Is everything okay?" he asks, concern evident in his tone.
"Yeah, everything's fine," I assure him. "I've been thinking … about your offer for a second date. I think I'm going to take you up on that after all."
There's a brief pause on his end, and I can almost hear the gears turning in his head.
"I'd love that," he says finally, his voice lighting up with excitement. "Really?"
"Really," I confirm with a small smile.
"Great! When are you free?" he asks eagerly.
We go over our schedules, and after some back-and-forth, we settle on Saturday evening.
"I'll plan everything," Jaewook promises. "You don't have to worry about a thing."
"You sure?" I ask, a hint of skepticism creeping into my voice.
"Absolutely," he says confidently. "Just trust me."
I take a deep breath and nod, even though he can't see me. "Okay then. I'm looking forward to it."
"Me too," he replies softly. "I'll send you the details soon."
We say our goodbyes and hang up. For a moment, I just sit there, staring at my phone screen. It feels good to have made a decision, to have taken that step forward instead of staying stuck in limbo.
With Jaewook planning everything, all I have to do is show up and enjoy myself. It takes some pressure off and makes me feel like I'm being pampered, which I guess is the idea.
I push aside any lingering doubts and let myself feel excited about seeing him again. It's been too long since I allowed myself to just be in the moment without overthinking every little detail.
***
Saturday arrives in a blur of exhausting days of practice, performance, recordings and fillings with little time to breathe in between. When Jaewook texts me the location of our second date, I'm surprised and intensely curious to pull it up on maps and see that it's all the way on the coast. A marina.
I have a driver take me on the day of, just in case, someone trustworthy I keep on staff for times like this and I'm able to enjoy the drive there and not worry about having to drive myself home later.
I arrive at the harbor, my heart pounding with excitement and a touch of nervousness. The evening air is cool, and the sun is beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the water. Jaewook stands near the edge of the dock, looking effortlessly handsome in casual but stylish clothes. When he sees me, his face lights up with that dimpled smile I can't resist. Behind him is a decent-sized yacht which I take an educated guess is our destination for tonight's date.
"Hey," he greets me, extending a hand to help me onto the yacht. "Ready for an adventure?"
I laugh, feeling a thrill run through me. "Always."
The yacht is impressive, sleek and modern, with an air of understated luxury. As we step aboard, I feel a small rush of excitement. I'm not crazy about boats and it's never been a particular fantasy of mine, but it's hard not to feel a little dazzled by the luxury of it.
Jaewook guides me to the front of the yacht, where we sit side by side on cushioned seats. The engine roars to life, and soon we're speeding over the water. The spray hits my face, and I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the sensation. It's exhilarating, freeing.
"This is amazing!" I shout over the wind.
Jaewook grins, his eyes sparkling. "I thought you'd like it."
As we cruise further out into open water, the city lights begin to fade into the distance, replaced by the serene expanse of the ocean. The captain slows down, and we drift peacefully under the darkening sky.
Dinner is set up on a small table on deck, complete with candles and elegant place settings. Jaewook pulls out a chair for me before taking his seat across from me.
"I hope you're hungry," he says as he uncovers a series of dishes that look absolutely mouthwatering.
"Starving," I admit with a smile.
We dig in, and as we eat, Jaewook starts talking about his latest drama—filming in Fiji with a famous director and lead actress. His stories are fascinating; it's clear he's passionate about his work.
"Working with them was incredible," he says between bites. "The director has this vision that's just … on another level. And she," he refers to his co-star with a fond smile, "is so talented. Every scene was like watching magic unfold."
I listen intently, hanging on every word. "Your life sounds so hardcore," I say honestly. "I know my life is a little hectic, but I can't imagine what it's like to be able to be someone else so completely like you do with acting."
He laughs softly. "It's definitely a challenge, but I like the more difficult roles the best."
He looks at me thoughtfully for a moment before asking, "Have you ever considered acting? A lot of idols make the switch."
I shake my head immediately. "No way. Acting's not for me."
"Why not?" He seems genuinely curious.
"I'm more of a live performer," I explain. "I love being on stage—the rush of energy from the crowd, the lights, everything about it just makes me feel alive." I pause, searching for the right words to convey what I mean. "It's both a curse and a gift because I thrive on attention; I actually enjoy being talked about."
Jaewook raises an eyebrow playfully. "Even when it's negative?"
"Especially when it's negative," I admit with a wry smile. "It makes my life difficult sometimes—having every aspect of it scrutinized—but at the same time, it fuels me."
He nods slowly, as if absorbing what I've said. "I get that," he says finally. "Being in the spotlight can be intense."
"It's not for everyone," I agree.
We fall into comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other's company and the gentle rocking of the yacht on the waves.
The sky darkens completely now, stars beginning to twinkle above us like tiny diamonds scattered across velvet.
"This is perfect," I murmur softly.
Jaewook reaches across the table to take my hand in his. "I'm glad you think so."
His touch sends shivers down my spine—not from the cold but from something deeper and more thrilling.
The sun starts to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water. I lean against the railing, watching the waves lap gently against the side of the yacht. It's been years since I've swum in the ocean. Not since I lived in California, anyway. The thought brings a pang of nostalgia, but also a rush of excitement.
"It's beautiful out here," I muse aloud.
Jaewook steps up beside me, his arm brushing against mine. "It really is," he agrees, his voice soft.
A wild idea pops into my head. "You know," I start, turning to face him, "I haven't gone for a swim in the ocean in forever."
His eyes light up with amusement. "Are you suggesting what I think you are?"
I glance at the water again. It's not cold out, but it's not exactly summer yet either. The idea is tempting, but I'm hesitant.
Jaewook catches my hesitation and grins. "If you go in, I'll join you."
The challenge is set. A delighted thrill runs through me at his words. Without another thought, I stride to the edge of the boat and turn to face him, holding his gaze as I start stripping down to my underwear.
"You wouldn't," he says, eyes widening in surprise.
I smirk. "Watch me."
With a deep breath and one last glance at Jaewook's stunned expression, I leap off the edge and plunge into the water below.
The cold hits me like a shockwave, but it only fuels my exhilaration. As I resurface, gasping and laughing, I see Jaewook still standing on the deck, his mouth slightly agape.
"Your turn!" I call up to him, treading water and trying not to shiver too visibly.
For a moment, he just stares at me, then shakes his head with a chagrined laugh. "You're crazy," he says, but starts unbuttoning his shirt anyway.
I watch as he strips down and then takes a running leap off the side of the yacht. He hits the water with a splash and resurfaces beside me almost immediately.
"Shit," he exclaims, shaking water from his hair. "It's freezing!"
"Don't be such a baby," I tease, splashing him playfully.
He retaliates by splashing back at me until we're both laughing uncontrollably. The cold seems to fade away in our shared joy.
Jaewook suddenly grabs me by the waist and lifts me out of the water before spinning us around in circles. I squeal in surprise and delight as we twirl together under the fading light of dusk.
"Put me down!" I laugh breathlessly.
"Not until you admit you're crazy for jumping in first," he teases back.
"Never!" I declare defiantly, but giggling all the same.
Eventually, he relents and lowers me back into the water gently. We float there for a while longer—just enjoying each other's company without any pretense or pressure—before finally deciding to climb back onto the yacht where warmth awaits us.
As we haul ourselves back aboard—dripping wet but grinning like fools—I feel an overwhelming sense of happiness wash over me along with remnants of saltwater from our impromptu swim.
Jaewook takes my hand and leads me below deck, guiding me through the yacht's luxurious interior. The private bedroom is a stunning sanctuary with large windows that frame the ocean perfectly. The waves crash against the hull, but I can't hear a thing. It's like we're in our own little bubble, completely cut off from the rest of the world.
"Here," Jaewook says, handing me a plush robe and a towel. "You can shower first."
I accept with a grateful smile. "Thanks."
The bathroom is just as opulent as the rest of the yacht, all sleek lines and marble surfaces. I strip off my wet clothing and step into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me. It feels like washing away more than just saltwater—it's like rinsing off all my worries and doubts.
After I finish, I wrap myself in the soft robe and towel-dry my hair before stepping back into the bedroom. Jaewook is waiting by the bed, his eyes lighting up when he sees me.
"Your turn," I say, gesturing towards the bathroom.
He nods and heads in, leaving me alone to take in the room's beauty. I sink onto the bed, marveling at how comfortable it is. It's so easy to relax here, so easy to let go of everything that usually weighs me down.
I think about how unburdened I feel right now—how free. It's been so long since I've felt this way, and it's all thanks to Jaewook. He has this incredible ability to make me forget about all the noise and chaos of my life.
The sound of running water stops, and moments later, Jaewook emerges from the bathroom. He's still dripping wet, wearing nothing but a towel slung low around his hips. His eyes meet mine, and there's a spark of something electric between us.
I beckon him toward the bed with a playful smile. "Come here."
He doesn't hesitate, crossing the room in a few quick strides. As he approaches, I can see droplets of water clinging to his skin, glistening in the soft light of the room.
"You look cold," I tease lightly as he sits down beside me.
"And whose fault is that?" he retorts with a grin.
I laugh softly, reaching out to brush a stray drop of water from his shoulder. The contact sends warmth straight to the pit of my stomach.
"Feeling better?" he asks gently, his eyes searching mine.
"Much," I admit honestly. "This was exactly what I needed."
He smiles warmly at that—a smile that makes my heart stutter.
We sit there for a moment in comfortable silence before he reaches out to tuck a strand of damp hair behind my ear.
"You know," he says softly, "I think you look the most beautiful like this."
I raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "Soaked and semi-naked?"
He lets out a quiet laugh. "No … unfiltered. You seem more yourself, not so concerned about all the eyes on you. Unpolished. I like seeing you free like this."
His words make my heart swell with emotion—an unexpected but welcome feeling after everything I've been through lately.
"I like it too," I whisper back sincerely.
I hold his gaze, a nagging want welling up inside of me the longer those heart-stopping dark brown eyes stay trained on me.
* NSFW CONTENT*
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