.
1 week had passed since that mini vacation and I was back on set, again. surrounded by bright lights and busy people. But honestly, I didn't feel good going back to work. My mind kept drifting back to that night-and to Jaekyung. I kept trying to figure out what I was really feeling about him-confused, drawn, maybe even a little scared. yes he treats me like shit and I deserve better, But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't ignore the way my heart raced whenever he was near.
I was lost thought when the director yelled for us to go back. when i went there our scene weren't up yet, so I stood beside the camera, watching the minor characters act out their scenes. I tried to focus, but Choi Heeseung kept bothering me.
"So, what's going on between you and Jaekyung?" Heeseung asked, leaning a little too close.
I shot him a sharp look. "Why do you care?"
He smirked, not backing down. "Come on, I know you two are in that kind of relationship."
I frowned, trying to ignore him, but he wasn't done. "And don't think I don't know your grandparents are pushing you to marry. Plus, I heard about Jaekyung's jinx. Sounds complicated."
I blinked, surprised he knew about Jaekyung's jinx. How did he even find out? But I quickly masked my shock with a casual shrug. "It's not like it's any of your business."
Heeseung's smirk deepened, like he enjoyed getting under my skin. "Still, it's a lot to handle. Your grandparents pushing you, Jaekyung's temper... I get it."
I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could, he suddenly asked, "So... what if we tried again? You and me?"
The question hit me like a ball. I stared at him, trying to process if he was serious or just messing with me. my heart pounding-not from hope, but from irritation. "Are you serious right now?"
Heeseung smirked, that same arrogant glint in his eyes. "Of course I am. You're pretty, and I like you. Why wouldn't I want to try again?"
I narrowed my eyes. "You only like what's convenient for you. You don't care about anyone but yourself."
Heeseung chuckled, unfazed. "Ouch. But right now, you're the one I want."
I crossed my arms, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. "Keep dreaming."
Heeseung's eyes narrowed, his voice low but stubborn. "I won't stop until you give me a good reason why we can't be together."
I didn't even look at him. I just ignored his words and turned my attention back to what was happening in front of me, blocking him out completely.
__
Weeks had passed, and we were almost done filming. I was grateful for that because, like Heeseung said, he wasn't going to stop bothering me until I gave him a valid reason. It got to the point where he kept sending me flowers and gifts, but I refused to accept them, everytime. So, he found a way to have them delivered through the staff instead.
"Seriously!" I yelled at him when he followed me to my van.
He just chuckles and said, "I miss that." Then, with a teasing smile, he added, "Just think about it—I'm only asking for dinner."
I gave him a cold look and ignored him pushing him out of my way as I got into the van, he puts his hands up surrendering.
"Seriously....consider it" he said.
"Been weeks of that, huh?" I heard KK, my manager, say.
"Yeah, just ignore him," I replied, rubbing my temples.
"Did you do what I told you?" she asked, trying to get my attention.
"Y-yeah," I answered quietly, worry creeping into my voice.
"It's just for a little while, Jiyoo. After filming's over, you can just take that again" she reasoned. I just hummed in response and dozed off for a bit.
The next few days were no different. Heeseung's presence lingered like an unwelcome guest, always just a step behind me. Every time I turned around, there he was—smiling that infuriating smile!, sending flowers, gifts and sometimes foods, through someone else, or dropping those little comments that made my skin crawl.
One afternoon, as I was reviewing my lines near the set, Heeseung appeared beside me, leaning casually against the wall.
"You know, Jiyoo," he said, voice low and smooth, "I'm not asking for forever. Just one chance to prove I'm better than Jaekyung."
I looked up, meeting his eyes with a mix of disbelief and exhaustion. "You really don't get it, do you? It's not about who's better. Heeseung" his smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly masked it.
"Then what is it about?" he asked. I took a deep breath, steadying myself.
"trust—And you broke that a long time ago." Heeseung's expression darkened, but before he could say anything, the director called for us to get ready. Heeseung pushed off the wall with a sly grin. "Think it over. I'm not giving up that easily" I turned away, swallowing the frustration building inside me.
Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a message from Jaekyung, A small smile tugged at my lips.
mr. champ>
: Are you almost done? I'm omw.
>
: Yeah— I'll call you when I'm finish.
Mr. champ>
: /seen
Shutting my phone and giving it to my manager. as the filming continues I showed 100% professionalism even though i really feel like smacking heeseung's smug face— but what can I do? just suck it up and be professional.
"CUT—AGAIN!" i heard the director yelled— this was the fifth time of redoing the same fucking scene. what's worse is it's a kissing scene! we've been kissing for almost an hour today, and personally i cannot hold it anymore.
"What the fuck is your problem" I glared brushing my hair back. I was clenching my jaw really hard and i can feel my eyes fume with anger.
"Nothing" he shrugged acting innocent. I mentally cursed, Looking around making sure none will hear. poking the inside of my cheeks with my tongue I spat furiously
"If you're not gonna get serious... forget about that damn dinner you pathetically wished for, cus am not gonna do it!" I snapped, glaring at him.
"that's a deal then" he struck a sparkling smile before continuing " if we get this one right, no mistakes, then, you're going to join me for a dinner...deal?" bringing his hand for a handshake. I stared at it for awhile before slapping it away
"that depends on how you act" i blurted, going back Infront of the camera.
When Heeseung pulled me into the kiss, it was forceful—too forceful. His hands gripped my waist like he was trying to claim me, pressing me against him with an intensity that made my breath hitch. I wanted to pull away, but I forced myself to stay, to see it through to the end of the film.
The kiss was sharp, almost aggressive, but beneath it all, I felt a strange numbness settle over me. I buried the frustration and anger deep inside, focusing on the scene, waiting for it to be over.
The director shouted, "CUT! CUT!"
But Heeseung didn't stop. He kept kissing me, pressing harder like he wasn't going to let go. I tried pushing him away, even moving my head to the side, but he grabbed my head firmly, pressing me harder. The staff around us just stood there, shocked and silent.
I couldn't take it anymore. Without thinking, I bit his lips hard. He pulled back, surprised, as blood trickled down.
"What the hell?" he said, wiping his mouth.
I took a step back, breathing fast. "It said cut. You should listen." Everyone was quiet, watching us. Heeseung just smiled, a little bloody but still confident.
"You've got fire, Jiyoo," he said quietly. "I like that." I didn't say anything. I just turned away, trying to calm the rush of anger and confusion swirling inside me. The set felt suffocating, every pair of eyes on us like I was some kind of show.
"Okay, that's a wrap! good work everyone—especially our leads, Jiyoo and Heeseung! let's continue to work hard going forward" the director announced, and the crew erupted in cheers.
"Dinner's on me" he added, making the cheers even louder. I was about to walk away when Heeseung caught my wrist softly.
"The dinner," he said quietly.
"Go eat alone," I snapped, pulling my wrist free and turning away.
He paused, then said lowly, "I'll wait for the day you actually join me."
I didn't look back, my heart pounding with a mix of frustration and something deeper I couldn't name.
TBC.......