We land back in Seoul, and it feels like we've walked straight into a storm. The images of Seonho and me from the American awards show are everywhere—plastered on billboards, scrolling across news tickers, and flooding social media. Our return isn't just anticipated; it's a full-blown spectacle.
As we step off the plane, Seonho's phone buzzes incessantly with messages from his agency. Jaewook, ever the strategist, glances around the terminal with a critical eye. "Paparazzi are going to be all over this place," he mutters.
Seonho nods, already texting back furiously. "My agency's got a plan. We'll dodge them."
I roll my eyes but can't help smirking. "Oh, they've got a plan? Should I expect a helicopter extraction?"
Jaewook chuckles. "Don't give them ideas."
Seonho finishes his message and looks up at us, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "No helicopters, but close enough. They've arranged for a decoy car at the main exit. We'll slip out through a service entrance."
"Lead the way, Mr. Secret Agent," I say, nudging him playfully.
The three of us move swiftly through the airport, our steps in sync as we navigate the labyrinthine corridors. The service entrance is quieter than I expected—almost eerily so—but it's a welcome relief from the chaos we know is brewing outside.
A sleek black van waits for us, engine idling. We pile in quickly, and the driver takes off before we even have our seatbelts on.
Seonho's agency has clearly pulled out all the stops. The van snakes through side streets and back alleys, avoiding major roads where paparazzi are likely lying in wait. I glance out the tinted windows, watching familiar landmarks blur past.
"This is surreal," I say quietly.
Jaewook reaches over and squeezes my hand. "We'll get through it."
Seonho's phone buzzes again—a notification this time. He swipes to read it and then looks up with an exasperated sigh. "They're saying we're officially dating now."
I laugh despite myself. "Well, they're not wrong."
He grins at me, that mischievous spark in his eyes. "True, but they don't know about our third wheel here."
Jaewook snorts. "Third wheel? I think you mean 'integral part of this dynamic trio.'"
The banter lightens the mood as we continue our covert journey through Seoul. Eventually, the van pulls up to an underground parking garage beneath Seonho's agency building—a fortress of glass and steel that looms above us like some modern-day castle.
"We're here," the driver announces.
We step out into the dimly lit garage and make our way to a private elevator that whisks us up to a secure floor where Seonho's team awaits—managers, PR reps, even a stylist or two milling about with urgent expressions on their faces.
"Welcome back," one of Seonho's managers greets us with forced cheerfulness. "We've got everything under control."
"Sure you do," I mutter under my breath, but follow them into a conference room, anyway.
They brief us on their strategy—how they plan to handle the media frenzy, what statements will be released when—and it all feels like a well-rehearsed play we're merely actors in.
"We'll need you both to lay low for a bit," one PR rep advises. "Let things cool down before making any public appearances together."
I nod absently, my mind already wandering to Meatball waiting for me at home with Ara and Haein probably fussing over him like he's royalty.
"What about Jaewook?" I ask suddenly.
The room falls silent for a moment before Seonho speaks up firmly. "He stays with us."
The PR team exchanges uneasy glances but ultimately nods in agreement. They know better than to argue with Seonho when he's made up his mind about something—or someone—in this case.
After what feels like an eternity of planning and strategizing, we finally get some respite—a small lounge area where we can catch our breath away from prying eyes and endless questions.
I sink into one of the plush chairs with a sigh of relief while Jaewook collapses onto another beside me.
Seonho paces restlessly for a moment before joining us on the couch opposite ours—a rare moment where none of us have to put on any masks or facades; just three people trying to navigate an impossible situation together.
"Think we'll ever get used to this?" I ask aloud without expecting an answer.
Jaewook shrugs lazily while Seonho just smiles faintly—a smile that says more than words ever could about resilience and determination—qualities that have brought us this far despite everything thrown our way so far.
Stepping into Orion's recording studio feels like walking into another world. The walls are lined with platinum records and framed magazine covers, each one a testament to the band's meteoric rise. Seonho leads me through the maze of hallways, his hand firmly gripping mine. His presence is reassuring, a steady anchor in this sea of fame and talent.
"Ready?" he asks, his mischievous smile making my heart skip a beat.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I reply, trying to match his confidence.
We enter the main recording room, and I'm immediately struck by the energy in the air. Hyunwoo is at the mixing board, his fingers flying over the controls with practiced ease. Donghyun lounges on a couch, scribbling in a notebook. Hanbin and Jaejin are in the vocal booth, harmonizing on a track that sounds like pure magic even through the thick glass.
"Hey guys," Seonho calls out, drawing their attention. "I brought someone special."
Hyunwoo looks up first, his eyes narrowing slightly before recognition dawns. "Oh! It's Iseul! Welcome!"
Donghyun stands up, a wide grin spreading across his face. "The one and only troublemaker herself."
I laugh, shaking hands with both of them. "Guilty as charged."
Seonho pulls me closer, wrapping an arm around my waist. "She's here to see how real music is made."
"Oh please," I scoff. "I've been making real music since before you could spell 'idol.'"
Donghyun chuckles. "Touché."
Hyunwoo waves us over to the mixing board. "Come on, we're just laying down some tracks for the new album. Want to take a listen?"
I nod eagerly, slipping on a pair of headphones. The music floods my senses—rich layers of sound that blend seamlessly together. It's clear these guys are masters of their craft.
As the track plays, Hyunwoo leans in close, his voice low and conspiratorial. "So, I hear you've got some new material you're working on?"
I glance at Seonho, who winks at me before turning back to his bandmates. "Yeah, she's got some killer tracks lined up."
Donghyun perks up at this. "Oh, really? What kind of vibe are you going for?"
"Something bold and unapologetic," I say without hesitation. "I want it to hit hard but still have that emotional depth."
Hyunwoo nods thoughtfully. "Sounds like our kind of project."
"Would you guys be interested in collaborating?" I ask cautiously. "I mean, if you have the time."
Hyunwoo and Donghyun exchange glances before breaking into identical grins.
"Collaborate?" Donghyun laughs. "We'll help you out, no strings attached."
"You don't even have to credit us," Hyunwoo adds with a shrug.
I blink in surprise. "Seriously? Why would you do that?"
"Because we believe in supporting good music," Hyunwoo explains simply.
"And because Seonho here vouches for you," Donghyun adds with a playful nudge at Seonho's side.
Seonho rolls his eyes but can't hide his smile. "Told you they're good guys."
"Thank you," I say sincerely, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. Their offer means more than they could ever know.
"Anytime," Hyunwoo replies smoothly.
Just then, Hanbin and Jaejin emerge from the vocal booth, both looking slightly winded but satisfied.
"Hey Iseul!" Hanbin calls out cheerfully.
Jaejin gives me a nod of acknowledgment before turning to Seonho. "We're ready for another take whenever you are."
Seonho nods and then looks back at me with that trademark mischievous grin of his. "Stick around for a bit?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I reply with genuine excitement.
As they get back to work, I settle onto the couch beside Donghyun who hands me his notebook without a word—a silent invitation to join their creative process.
I flip through pages filled with lyrics and notes—raw ideas waiting to be polished into perfection—and feel an overwhelming sense of belonging wash over me.
In this room filled with talent and camaraderie, I realize just how far I've come since those dark days after my scandal broke out—and how much further I can go with friends like these by my side.
* * *
Seonho's apartment is a mix of modern sleekness and chaotic creativity. Music sheets scatter across the floor, a guitar leans precariously against the couch, and the faint scent of vanilla candles mingles with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It's an organized mess that feels lived-in and genuine.
I flop onto his plush sofa, letting out a contented sigh. "Your bandmates are amazing," I say, kicking off my shoes. "I can see why you love working with them."
Seonho grins, tossing his keys onto a side table. "They're a good bunch. We've been through a lot together."
His phone buzzes, and he checks it quickly. "Jaewook's on his way," he announces, flashing me a smile that makes my heart flutter.
"Perfect timing," I reply, already feeling the anticipation build. The three of us together always feels like something special.
A few minutes later, there's a knock at the door. Seonho opens it to reveal Jaewook holding a bottle of wine and wearing that effortlessly charming smile of his.
"Hope I'm not late," Jaewook says, stepping inside and giving me a warm hug.
"Right on time," I assure him. "We were just getting comfortable."
We settle into an easy rhythm, cooking dinner together in the apartment's cozy kitchen. Laughter and light teasing fill the air as we chop vegetables and stir sauces. It feels natural, like we've been doing this for years.
Once everything is ready, we sit down at my small dining table, the food laid out before us like a feast. Seonho pours the wine while Jaewook lights some candles, creating an intimate atmosphere that makes my heart swell with affection for both of them.
As we dig into the meal, conversation flows effortlessly from music to travel to our latest projects. But beneath the surface, there's a topic that's been gnawing at me ever since our trip to Los Angeles—my father.
I take a deep breath and set down my fork. "Guys," I begin, catching their attention. "I think we need to talk about where this relationship is going."
Seonho raises an eyebrow but nods encouragingly. Jaewook leans in slightly, his expression attentive.
"I've been thinking about our future," I continue, trying to find the right words. "Have you told your families or close friends about us? About each other?"
Seonho shifts in his seat, glancing at Jaewook before meeting my gaze again. "My bandmates know about Jaewook and me," he says slowly. "But my parents don't."
"Why not?" I ask gently.
Seonho sighs, running a hand through his hair. "They're loving, but old-fashioned. Telling them about my relationship with Jaewook … it wouldn't go well."
Jaewook reaches over to squeeze Seonho's hand in silent support.
"They know I'm close with Jaewook," Seonho replies carefully. "But that's about it."
Seonho takes a deep breath, glancing at me with those wide, mischievous eyes of his. "I've actually talked to my parents about you, Iseul. They'd like to meet you. They're happy for us."
His words hit me like a soft breeze, unexpected yet comforting. "Really? What did you tell them?" I ask, curiosity bubbling up.
He shrugs, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Just that I've met someone special who makes me incredibly happy."
I can't help but smile back. "That's sweet of them. I'd love to meet them too."
Jaewook clears his throat, drawing our attention. "My situation's a bit different," he admits, setting down his glass of wine. "My mom knows about Seonho and me. She was distraught at first, but I'm her only son. Over time, as she saw how much Seonho meant to me and how we stuck together, she came around. She even cooks meals for him when he's got long schedules and travels."
Seonho nods appreciatively. "Your mom's cooking is the best," he says, his tone sincere.
Jaewook laughs softly. "Yeah, she's come to accept us. But I've never spoken to any of my friends about Seonho. As far as I'm concerned, there's no reason to."
I chew on my lip, processing their words. "So neither of you have told your friends about … us?"
They exchange a glance before Seonho speaks up again. "Not yet," he says gently. "We're not sure how they'll react to a polyamorous relationship."
"But we're prepared for the fallout," Jaewook adds quickly, sensing my unease.
Seonho leans back in his chair, stretching out his legs. "My bandmates and friends will probably think it's awesome," he says with a chuckle. "I keep a pretty modern group of people around me."
"But your family?" I ask hesitantly.
He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "They might be a little upset at first," he admits. "But honestly? They'd probably accept it more readily than a same-sex relationship."
Jaewook nods in agreement. "I'm not worried either," he says confidently. "The only family I care about is my mom, and though I'm not sure how she'll react to this news, I've accepted whatever outcome happens."
A knot of worry tightens in my chest despite their reassurances. Jaewook notices and reaches across the table to take my hand.
"Iseul," he says softly but firmly, "it's nothing to worry about right now. All the media attention is on you and Seonho, anyway."
"And so far, it's been helpful in distracting everyone," Seonho adds with a wink.
Their words do bring some comfort, but the weight of potential judgment still lingers in the back of my mind.
"I just … I don't want this to cause problems for either of you," I admit quietly.
Jaewook squeezes my hand gently. "We know what we signed up for," he assures me.
"And we're ready for whatever comes our way," Seonho adds with that trademark grin that never fails to lift my spirits.
I take a deep breath and nod slowly. Their confidence and unwavering support mean everything to me right now.
"Okay," I say finally, feeling a bit more at ease. "We'll face it together then."
The three of us share a moment of quiet solidarity before Jaewook raises his glass again.
"To us," he says simply.
"To us," Seonho and I echo together, clinking our glasses with renewed determination.
As we finish our meal and move into the living room for some much-needed relaxation, I feel grateful for these two incredible men in my life who are willing to stand by me no matter what challenges lie ahead.