Chereads / The Scandal Queen / Chapter 9 - Chapter Eight

Chapter 9 - Chapter Eight

"SHOCKER: Seonho Spotted with Mystery Woman - Who Could She Be?

SEOUL TODAY EXCLUSIVE—The Kpop world is abuzz with speculation as Orion's charismatic frontman Seonho was recently spotted leaving a secretive restaurant with an unidentified woman! The restaurant, known for its ultra-exclusive clientele and stringent privacy measures, couldn't keep this juicy bit of gossip under wraps.

In the grainy and covert image that's causing an internet frenzy, Seonho's unmistakable figure is clearly visible, his signature mischievous smile lighting up the dark alley outside the restaurant. However, the identity of his mystery date remains shrouded in secrecy as her face isn't fully captured in the shot.

With Seonho's clean yet flirtatious image, fans and netizens are going wild with theories. Could it be an actress? Another idol? Or someone completely unknown to the public eye? The online community has thrown out names like Joo Hani from the girl group Sixth Sense and actress Han MinJi, but so far, there's no concrete evidence.

Seonho has neither confirmed nor denied any recent dating rumors, maintaining a poker face while promoting his group's latest single. The big question remains: Will Seonho address this electrifying bit of gossip head-on or let the rumor mill continue to churn?

Stay tuned as we dig deeper to uncover the face behind the blurred image. One thing's for sure—this mystery date is the talk of the town, and we can't wait to see how the drama unfolds!"

 

Fans, what do you think? Could this mystery woman really be Iseul? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!"

 

***

 

"SEONHO'S SIZZLING SECRET LOVER REVEALED?

Heartthrob Idol Caught in Blurry Rendezvous - Who Is His Lady?

Yoon Seonho, the charismatic superstar of hit K-pop group Orion, has been snapped in a series of blurry but intimate photos with an unidentified woman. The pictures, leaked by an anonymous source, depict Seonho and his female companion in the hallway of what appears to be a high-end apartment building.

In one grainy image, Seonho's distinctive mischievous smile is clearly visible as he leans in close to the mystery woman. Another shot captures the pair walking hand-in-hand down the corridor before disappearing into the stairwell.

While the identity of Seonho's rumored lover remains unclear, that hasn't stopped fans from feverishly speculating online about who has captured the playful idol's heart. Could it be a fellow celebrity? A wealthy non-famous socialite? Or just a loyal fan who managed to get extremely lucky?

One thing is certain - Seonho's agency is keeping tight-lipped about the juicy scandal. When pressed for comment, a rep for Orion Entertainment tersely stated, "We do not discuss the private lives of our artists."

That vague non-denial has only fanned the flames, sending the K-pop internet into a frenzy as fans frantically analyze the shadowy photos for any revealing clues about the woman's identity. As one avid follower tweeted, "Those legs look sooooo familiar … I NEED to know who my husband is sneaking around with!"

Others, however, have taken the leaked pictures in stride, asserting that Seonho's dating life is his own business. As @SeoShinee93 posted, "Let the man live! He deserves to be happy and find love, too."

No matter where you stand on the great mystery date debate, one thing is clear - these blurry snaps have transformed Seonho's typically squeaky clean image overnight. The thirst raged on as @SavageBunny666 bluntly mused, "Well hello there, Daddy Seonho…"

While the paparazzi stake out Seonho's apartment building trying to catch another glimpse of the lucky lady, one question burns brighter than any of the scandalous photos - just who is the woman spending quality time with K-pop's reigning Prince Charming? The world awaits the next grainy clue."

 

***

 

Jaewook

 

The city lights blur as I speed through the streets, heading to Seonho's apartment. My fingers tap restlessly against the steering wheel. Anxiety sits heavy in my chest. Why am I anxious? But I know. The leaked photos of Seonho with some mystery woman have sent the internet into a frenzy. And knowing Seonho, there's no way those photos got out by accident. He's meticulous, always careful to keep his private life under wraps. Something doesn't add up. Of all the women he's dated before, he never takes two women to the same place and is almost maniacal about finding places that are secure and private for his dates.

There's no chance he wasn't aware he was being photographed. Seonho's too smart, more than anyone knows. He's devious in a way that you wouldn't expect. I've examined those pictures more than it's probably healthy to. The way that Seonho oh-so-conveniently blocks the view of his date's face in every shot and is somehow always angled so that most of his body blocks any identifying features on her. That's a very calculated Seonho move, and I have a strong suspicion that he did it purposefully. I just want to know why.

I park and make my way up to his apartment, dodging a few paparazzi lurking around the entrance. They don't notice me—thankfully, I've mastered the art of blending in when I need to. Once inside, I'm greeted by Seonho's two corgis, both wagging their tailless rumps furiously.

"Hey, you two," I whisper, giving each a quick scratch behind the ears before heading into the living room.

There he is, sprawled on his couch with a book in hand, looking completely unbothered by the media storm he's stirred up. The man is an enigma.

"Reading during a scandal? Classic Seonho," I tease as I drop onto the couch beside him.

He glances up from his book, his aristocrat's eyes lighting up with a spark and a grin on his lips. "Ah, I consider it brain exercises," he replies, closing the book and setting it aside.

"So," I start, leaning back and stretching my legs out in front of me. "You're the hot topic of the day. Are you enjoying riding the Kpop gossip wave?"

Seonho snorts and rolls his eyes. "That's nothing new."

"No," I agree, "But it is the first time you've been in the headlines with a date."

Seonho tips his head to one side and gives me a knowing look. "Well, there's a first time for everything."

I shake my head, grinning. "Seriously though, I've seen the pictures and I know you know how to avoid the photographers. That was practically a freebie. Did you want to get caught this time?"

He shrugs nonchalantly, but there's a glint in his eye that tells me he's enjoying this more than he lets on. "Maybe I just wanted to see what would happen if I didn't try so hard to hide."

"Right," I drawl skeptically. "Or maybe there's something—or someone—worth getting caught for?"

Seonho leans back against the couch cushions and looks at me with an amused expression. "What are you getting at, Jaewook?"

I narrow my eyes at him playfully. "You know exactly what I'm getting at. Are you seeing someone new? And why didn't you tell me?"

He tilts his head back and laughs—a deep, genuine laugh that makes his eyes crinkle at the corners. "I didn't know you'd want to know."

"Bullshit," I kick at his leg. "What's up?"

"Alright, alright." He sits up straight and looks at me with that serious-but-not-serious look he does so well. "Yes, I'm seeing someone new."

"And?" I prompt.

"And … I don't know. It feels different this time," he finishes with a shrug.

I raise an eyebrow and try to look neutral even though my heart rate picks up. "Different how?"

Seonho sighs and runs a hand through his hair again—a telltale sign that he's thinking carefully about how much to reveal. "It's … well, I don't know. I want to keep seeing her, more than that. I just want to be with her."

"Is it serious?" I ask.

Seonho purses his lips. "I haven't had the conversation with her yet about it, but it feels like it to me. I just really like her and I don't want to stop seeing her, so … that's more serious than any of the relationships I had before. With women, I mean."

"Is she in the industry?"

"Yes."

"Someone I know?"

Seonho gives me an assessing look and thinks about it. "I don't think so."

"So not an actress."

Seonho nods.

I stare at him. "Are you going to tell me her name?"

He gives me that mischievous smile again, but doesn't answer directly. Instead, he stands up and stretches lazily before heading towards the kitchen.

"Want something to drink?" he calls over his shoulder.

"Sure," I reply absently as my mind continues to race with questions.

Seonho returns with two glasses of water and hands one to me before sitting back down on the couch.

"Look," he says after taking a sip of his water. "I'll tell you more when the time is right."

I groan dramatically, but nod in understanding. Seonho has always been one for theatrics and timing—he'll reveal things when he feels like it and not a moment sooner.

"Fine," I relent with a sigh. "But you know we're going to have to talk about this in-depth, eventually."

And about what it means for us.

"Well, I don't know where it's going yet, so there's no reason to ruminate on it just yet. I can tell you're moping, by the way." Seonho flicks a dark brow up at me in disapproval.

"I am not," I say defensively.

Seonho throws his head back and laughs. "You totally are! I'd bet my last Won you're going to go home and try and match the silhouette of her in the pictures to female idols."

I take a pillow from the couch and swing it at him, catching him in the side of the head, which only makes him laugh harder.

"Dick," I mutter, sipping from my glass of water petulantly.

"You love mine," he replies with a wink.

I set the glass on the coffee table and stand.

"I think that's my cue to leave. I can't deal with you when you're being bratty." I roll my eyes at him. "And I have to work."

"Oh, please tell me it's another drama that requires shirtless scenes," Seonho grins.

I pat the dogs each on the head and turn to give Seonho the finger.

"I'll see you later. And when it's time, you will be telling me details."

"Sure, sure." Seonho waves a dismissive hand at me. "Later, cupcake. Think of me when you're kissing your hot costar. It gets me off."

I snort loudly and pull the door closed with a thunk behind me.

As I make my way out of his apartment and back into the bustling city streets filled with flashing cameras and curious eyes—I wonder what exactly Seonho has gotten himself into this time.

 

***

 

Seonho

 

After Jaewook leaves, the apartment feels emptier than it should. I flop back onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. The corgis, sensing my shift in mood, nuzzle against my legs. I absentmindedly scratch behind their ears, lost in thought.

Why didn't I tell Jaewook about Iseul? It's not like I'm ashamed or hiding her because of something she did. No, it's more complicated than that. I keep replaying moments in my mind—the way she laughs, how her eyes sparkle when she teases me. I like Iseul's straightforward attitude, the way she's always unapologetic about being loud and confident and just … herself. I feel like we just click. The chemistry between us is insane, and I genuinely like being with her.

But then there's Jaewook. We've always been open about our relationships with others, but this feels different. Iseul doesn't feel like another fling; she could be something more. And that scares me because it could change everything between Jaewook and me.

I let out a sigh, rubbing my temples. When I saw the photographer outside the restaurant during my date with Iseul, a part of me knew what I was doing. It wasn't planned, but it felt like an opportunity—an opportunity to test the waters with Iseul and see how she'd react to the idea of being more public about us. But also, a way to start the conversation with Jaewook without having to come right out and say it.

"Hey girl," I murmur to one of the corgis as she curls up beside me. "Do dogs have courtship rules or do you guys just like who you like and do what the mood calls for? Probably the latter, right?"

She looks up at me with those big brown eyes, and for a moment, I envy her simple world.

Iseul hasn't addressed the pictures yet. No cryptic tweets or bold statements on social media. It's making me anxious. Should I reach out to her first? Or would that seem too desperate? The last thing I want is to push her away by coming on too strong.

And there's Jaewook's reaction to consider. He acted nonchalant earlier, but I know him better than that. He's probably already piecing things together in his head, trying to match silhouettes and figure out who this mystery woman is.

I take a deep breath and try to calm my racing thoughts. Maybe it's best if I give Iseul some space for now—let her process everything on her own terms before making any moves. But at the same time, I don't want her to think I'm indifferent or uninterested.

"Damned if you do, damned if you don't," I mutter under my breath.

The truth is, I'm worried about how Jaewook will react when he finds out who Iseul is. Despite our open relationship, there's always been an unspoken understanding that certain boundaries shouldn't be crossed. And falling for someone like Iseul—a woman who's been through so much and carries so much baggage—could be seen as crossing one of those boundaries.

But how can I not feel something for her? She's strong and resilient in ways that draw me in like a moth to a flame. And every moment we spend together only deepens those feelings.

I run a hand through my hair and close my eyes, trying to sort through the tangled mess of emotions swirling inside me. Maybe it's time for a change—a new approach to handling relationships and feelings instead of sticking to old patterns out of fear or habit.

"Alright," I say aloud, as if speaking it into existence will make it easier to handle. "I'll just give her time."

And as for Jaewook … I'll have to ease him into this new reality gently—show him that this doesn't have to change what we have but can add another layer of depth and connection instead.

For now, though … patience is key.

With that thought firmly planted in my mind, I push myself off the couch and head towards the kitchen for something stronger than water—because navigating love triangles (or maybe quadrangles) definitely calls for a stiff drink.

I'm staring at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts, when my phone buzzes on the coffee table. I glance at the screen and see Iseul's name flashing. A grin spreads across my face, but something twists in my stomach and I realize something—am I nervous? I never get nervous with women. It's almost laughable. But maybe it's a sign I care more for Iseul than I've let myself admit.

I pick up the phone and swipe to answer. "Hey, you."

"Hey," she replies, her voice steady but with an edge of seriousness. "I'm sure you know, but I think we need to talk about those pictures."

I sit up straighter on the couch, giving her my full attention. "Alright. What do you want to do?"

"For now," she says after a brief pause, "I think it's best we just ignore the buzz and let it die off on its own."

"I'm okay with that," I say, though a small part of me worries about the next time we go out. "But you know this might cause problems later. The paparazzi will be keeping a closer eye on me now. It's going to be a pain in the ass to go on dates and keep them secret when they're trailing me everywhere I go."

There's a silence on the other end before I decide to go for it. "Would you care if our relationship went public?"

Iseul hesitates, and I can almost hear her thinking through the phone. "Honestly? I wouldn't care. It's more about what having my name connected to yours might do to your image and maybe even your career."

Her words surprise me. Does she really think I'd try to hide our relationship to save face? "Iseul," I start, my tone earnest, "do you really think I'd be ashamed of being with you? I'm not afraid of the media or netizens. I don't give a damn what anyone thinks. The only thing that matters is that we like each other and want to keep seeing each other."

There's a pause, and for a moment, fear grips me that I've been too forward.

"Do you really want to keep seeing me?" she asks quietly.

"Yes," I respond emphatically, without hesitation.

Another pause stretches between us, filled with unspoken thoughts.

"I appreciate that," she finally says softly. "But right now, I'm enjoying being with you without the pressure of the world watching. I'd like to spend more time together and be certain of where we are before we announce anything."

Her words are a relief—a confirmation that she likes and wants to keep seeing me, too. There's potential for something long-term, something real.

"I can agree with that," I say warmly. "Let's just take our time."

The tension in my chest eases as we continue talking about mundane things—what she had for lunch today, how her dog is doing—each word reaffirming that this is where I want to be: in this moment with her.

I stretch out on the couch again, feeling lighter than before. Maybe navigating this new territory won't be so hard after all.

The conversation drifts into lighter topics—I tell her about the book I'm reading and she tells me about new choreography she's working on that has kept her too busy to call before now. For a brief moment, I think of Jaewook and the conversation we had when he was over earlier. I think Iseul would find Jaewook funny too, and I kind of wish I could tell her, but that's not something I can do without talking with Jaewook about it first. The enormity of the truth of our relationship is something I can't talk about without getting Jaewook's permission. I hope there's a chance I can tell her someday, that I can share that part of my life with her too. By the time we hang up, any lingering nerves have melted away into pure contentment.

For now, we'll keep things under wraps and savor these moments away from prying eyes. And when the time is right … well, who knows what could happen?

But for now … it feels good just being us.

And that's enough.