Chereads / The Scandal Queen / Chapter 17 - Chapter Sixteen

Chapter 17 - Chapter Sixteen

The private lounge at the airport hums with a quiet, exclusive energy. Seonho lounges on one of the plush chairs, his legs sprawled out like he owns the place. Jaewook, ever the composed one, sits beside him, flipping through a magazine. I walk in, dragging my carry-on behind me, and they both look up.

"There she is!" Seonho exclaims, leaping to his feet. He grabs my suitcase and sets it aside before pulling me into a tight hug. "Ready to rock the country?"

"Always," I reply, feeling his warmth seep into me. Jaewook stands up next, giving me a softer but no less heartfelt hug.

"Excited about the shoot?" he asks, his eyes sparkling with genuine curiosity.

"Absolutely," I say, glancing between them. "Especially with you two coming along."

We settle into the lounge chairs, and a thrill of excitement lingers inside of me. This music video is going to be something special—not just because of the choreography we've worked so hard on, but because these two men are here with me.

"Do you have everything you need for the shoot?" Jaewook asks, practically and to the point.

"I triple-checked," I assure him. "Costumes, props, backup plans—all set."

Seonho leans in conspiratorially. "And did you pack your sense of adventure?"

I laugh. "Always."

The flight is smooth and uneventful. We talk about everything and nothing—Seonho's latest chaos on social media, Jaewook's upcoming projects, and my plans for Seraphim Records. By the time we land on the coast, it feels like no time has passed at all.

The hotel is luxurious but discreet—perfect for keeping our little project under wraps. The concierge leads us to our rooms; mine is nestled between Seonho's and Jaewook's.

"Separate rooms?" Seonho pouts dramatically as we stand in the hallway.

I raise an eyebrow at him. "You need your beauty sleep."

Jaewook chuckles softly. "And we'll need our energy for tomorrow."

Dinner is served in a private dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ocean. The setting sun casts a golden glow over everything, making it feel like we're in a dream.

Seonho raises his glass of wine. "To Iseul's new music video—may it be as stunning as she is."

I roll my eyes but clink glasses with him, anyway. "And to my incredible co-stars," I add.

Jaewook gives me a warm smile. "Here's to making magic together."

The food is exquisite—fresh seafood, delicate pastas, and decadent desserts that make us all groan in delight. We talk and laugh late into the night until our plates are empty and our wine glasses are drained.

Back in my room, I kick off my shoes and flop onto the bed with a contented sigh. Moments later, there's a knock on the door.

"Come in," I call out.

Seonho and Jaewook enter quietly, their expressions relaxed and happy from our evening together.

"Mind if we hang out here for a bit?" Seonho asks casually.

"Not at all," I say, sitting up to make room for them on the bed.

We settle in comfortably—Seonho sprawled out on one side of me and Jaewook leaning against the headboard on the other side. It feels natural being together like this—no awkwardness or tension, just a comfort that puts me at ease.

"What do you think about tomorrow's shoot?" Jaewook asks after a while.

"I think it's going to be amazing," I say honestly. "The choreography is perfect; you guys are perfect."

Seonho grins widely at that. "Flattery will get you everywhere."

I laugh softly as he shifts closer to me until our shoulders touch lightly.

"You know what would make it even better?" he continues in a teasing tone.

"What?" I ask playfully.

"If we stayed up all night talking about how awesome we are," he replies with mock seriousness before breaking into laughter again.

Jaewook shakes his head fondly but doesn't protest when Seonho pulls him closer too so that we're all huddled together on my bed like kids at a sleepover party.

Eventually our conversation drifts off into comfortable silence as exhaustion starts to catch up with us from traveling all day long combined with good food and wine making us sleepy too quickly tonight. One by one we drift off into peaceful slumber—still tangled up together under soft blankets & warm sheets feeling safe & content.

 

* * *

 

The morning light filters through the curtains, and I blink awake, feeling a warm presence on either side of me. Seonho is sprawled out, one arm flung over his head, while Jaewook is still leaning against the headboard, his breathing steady and calm. For a moment, I just lie there, soaking in the tranquility of the scene.

I gently extricate myself from the tangle of limbs and slip out of bed. A quick shower and a change into comfortable filming clothes later, I'm ready to face the day. Seonho and Jaewook wake up soon after, and we share a quiet breakfast before heading to the filming location.

The set is buzzing with activity when we arrive. Crew members are setting up cameras, adjusting lighting, and preparing props. I feel a surge of excitement; this is what I live for. Jaewook stays close by, offering support with his steady presence. His calm demeanor is a comforting contrast to the whirlwind of activity around us.

Seonho and I head to the wardrobe for our costumes. Today's shoot requires something edgy and sensual—leather pants, fitted tops, and dramatic makeup that accentuates our features. The stylists work their magic, transforming us into the fierce performers we need to be for this video.

Once we're ready, Seonho pulls me aside for a quick pep talk.

"You ready to knock 'em dead?" he asks with that mischievous grin of his.

"Always," I reply, feeling a rush of adrenaline.

We step onto the set, and Jaewook gives me an encouraging nod from behind the cameras. The director calls for action, and Seonho and I move into position.

The music starts—a pulsing beat that vibrates through my entire body. We launch into our choreography, our movements sharp and precise. Seonho's eyes lock onto mine as we dance in perfect sync, our bodies moving as one.

As the camera zooms in for a close-up, Seonho pulls me closer, his hand sliding down my back in a way that sends shivers down my spine. The choreography becomes more intimate; our bodies press together in ways that blur the lines between performance and reality. I can feel his breath on my skin, his touch igniting sparks that make it hard to stay focused.

But we do stay focused because this is what we do best—channeling our emotions into every move, every beat. The camera captures it all—the intensity in our eyes, the electricity between us. It's like we're in our own world where nothing else matters but the music and each other.

During a break between takes, Seonho leans in close, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispers, "You're amazing out there."

"So are you," I reply breathlessly.

We share a quick smile before getting back into position for the next shot. This time, the director wants more intensity—more heat. And we deliver.

Seonho's hands are everywhere—my waist, my hips—and each touch feels like fire against my skin. Our faces are inches apart as we dance; I can see every detail of his expression—the concentration, the passion. It's intoxicating.

At one point during filming, Seonho dips me low to the ground before pulling me back up with a force that leaves me breathless. Our faces are so close now that I can see myself reflected in his eyes. For a split second, it feels like time stops—like it's just us two caught in this moment together.

"Cut!" The director's voice breaks through the spellbinding connection we've created on set.

We step back slightly but not too far away from each other; there's still this magnetic pull between us even when we're not dancing.

Jaewook approaches us during another break with water bottles in hand—a silent gesture of support that means everything right now.

"You two are killing it," he says simply but sincerely as he hands us both bottles.

"Thanks," I say gratefully before taking a long sip of water to cool down from all that heat generated during filming—not just physically but emotionally too because performing with Seonho always leaves me feeling exhilarated yet vulnerable at same time which is strange combination but also kind thrilling if I'm being honest about how much I've grown fond these moments together both on off camera lately.

Seonho nods appreciatively at Jaewook while wiping sweat off his forehead using back hand casually without losing any charm or confidence which makes him such captivating performer everyone loves watching including myself because there's something undeniably magnetic about way he moves effortlessly across stage like born star destined shine brightest lights no matter what challenges come.

We wrap up the final take, and the director yells, "That's a wrap!" The set erupts into applause, and I feel a wave of relief wash over me. Seonho and I exchange triumphant grins before heading over to the monitors to check the shots. The playback shows our movements in perfect sync, each step, each touch, captured with breathtaking precision. It's like watching an electric current dance across the screen.

"Look at that chemistry," one of the staff members comments, nudging another. "You two are on fire."

Seonho laughs lightly, his arm casually draping over my shoulders as we lean in to watch more of the footage. "We make a pretty good team, huh?"

"More than pretty good," I reply, my eyes glued to the screen. "We absolutely owned that."

The director approaches us with a broad smile. "Fantastic job, both of you. This is going to be one hell of a music video."

"Thanks," I say, feeling a rush of pride.

The crew starts clapping again, congratulating us on our performance. Seonho suddenly turns to me, his eyes twinkling with mischief and something deeper. Before I can react, he cups my face and kisses me right there in front of everyone. The world seems to tilt on its axis for a moment as I lose myself in the warmth and intensity of his kiss.

Cheers and shocked reactions ripple through the crowd. Some of the staff whistle and hoot, while others just stand there with wide eyes and open mouths. My head spins slightly from the unexpected public display of affection, but there's also an undeniable thrill coursing through me.

When Seonho finally pulls back, his grin is unapologetic and full of swagger. "Couldn't help myself," he murmurs softly enough for only me to hear.

I glance around, trying to steady my breath and regain some semblance of composure. My eyes land on Jaewook standing a few feet away. Instead of looking jealous or upset, he seems … excited? His eyes are bright with interest, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Wow," someone from the crew mutters behind me. "That was … intense."

Seonho just laughs, pulling me closer as we turn back to face everyone else. "Guess we gave them more than they bargained for."

I can't help but laugh too, though my mind is still reeling from both the kiss and Jaewook's unexpected reaction. This whole situation is turning out to be more complicated—and exhilarating—than I ever imagined.

As we start moving off set, Seonho keeps his arm around me protectively while Jaewook falls into step on my other side. The three of us make our way through the bustling crowd of crew members packing up equipment and congratulating each other on a job well done.

"You were amazing out there," Jaewook says quietly as we walk together. There's genuine admiration in his voice that makes my heart flutter.

"Thanks," I reply, feeling a little giddy from all the attention—both professional and personal—that I'm receiving today.

We reach our dressing rooms where we can finally take a breather from all the chaos on set. Seonho squeezes my shoulder before letting go so we can change out of our costumes.

"I'll see you in a bit," he says with another one of those charming smiles that always makes my knees feel weak.

Jaewook lingers by my side for just a moment longer before heading into his own dressing room next door.

As I step inside my own room and close the door behind me, I take a deep breath to steady myself once again. Today has been an absolute whirlwind—from nailing our performance on set to Seonho's unexpected kiss in front of everyone—but despite all that craziness swirling around us right now … there's also this undeniable sense that something incredible is unfolding between us three.