"I need you to be Hamster's anonymous external manager." He stated quite plainly.
"Manager? Won't she get one over there?" Kiara asked, a bit confused.
"She will, but that's different. Your job is to take care of her fanbase, and her new social media accounts" Min Jun replied, handing her a new phone.
"Those are the accounts on the tabs, and this is the password, you can change it if you want to. In summary, you are in charge of marketing Hamster over here, riling up the internet to love her. You are to sell her concept in such a way that it's both dramatic and reasonable. Hamster can't do that herself because electronic devices aren't allowed."
"I see" Kiara looked through Jae Hwa's profile. Min Jun had filled in her details flawlessly, down to the kind of profile picture Jae Hwa was bound to put, breathtaking nature images.
"I'm trusting this to you, because you are the only one who knows Jae Hwa almost as much as I do, and I would like to believe you have very good intentions for her. Don't let down this big brother." Min Jun added.
"Of course she does, why should she have malicious thoughts for her sister?" Grandma Rou pouted displeased by Min Jun's statement.
"Calm down grandma, Min Jun is like that sometimes. He means no harm." Jae Hwa pacified the sulking elderly lady.
He only smiled in response.
"Hmm, sure!. I'd do my best to make my little sister win!" Kiara exclaimed determinedly, although she was a year younger than Jae Hwa, she had always referred to herself as the bigger sister because Jae He's always looked so small in stature when compared to herself.
"That's it. We really have to go now. I have to pretty up Hamster for her appearance on camera." Min Jun said, trying to lead Jae He's out.
"Stay for some tea before you leave, I haven't seen my granddaughter for a long time, there is no way I would let her off so easily. Who knows when I'd see her next?In three months, this old woman's heart would be really shattered from waiting." Grandma Rou said, persuading Jae Hwa to stay a bit longer.
"But…" Min Jun stated in a fit of protest.
"Sure grandma, this granddaughter would stay for tea but will have to leave quickly." Jae Hwa quickly interrupted. Joining Grandma Ruo in sending pleading eyes towards Min Jun.
"Fine."
"Good. Now let me quickly prepare something special for my granddaughter!" Grandma Rou said as she hurried to the back.
"And Grandson too! Don't forget that'' Min Jun yelled at her disappearing silhouette.
Kiara and Jae Hwa had fits giggles catching up on their lives.
Sigh.
Once again he had been ignored.
One Week Plus Later
"I still can't believe I agreed to this!" Jae Hwa exclaimed as she read through a pamphlet.
It was a guide that contained the summarized version of the rules Min Jun had given her earlier. She gazed upon it trying to memorise as much as she could. Min Jun had gotten so carried away in the past few days that he had forgotten to give her the rule book earlier.
It read;
{Rule A
Housemates must respect and try to tolerate the House and their fellow contestants at all times.
Rule B
The Housemates will have no contact with the outside world, and they are kept busy by the various tasks and challenges set by the host and other related crew. Being in such proximity to a house full of strangers can be tough going, so there are set rules that need to be followed.
Rule C
The Housemates are filmed 24/7, and they must have their microphones on at all times. The viewers must be able to hear all conversations at all times and are not allowed to whisper or cover their mouths while speaking to fellow Housemates. They are also not allowed to reveal the location of the cameras and microphones.
Rule D
The General Manager has complete control over everything going on on the island, and She never discusses anything that goes on outside of the house with anyone inside.
Rule E
Lounge sessions are one of the most critical aspects of the show’s success and are compulsory. Once a Housemate is called to the Lounge Room, they must drop everything they are doing and proceed to the Lounge Room. Failure to do so will result in a fine, “a strike”, challenge or worse. Housemates can request to enter the Lounge Room at any time of the day or night. Sunglasses and hats are not permitted in the Lounge Room. The door for the Lounge Room will be locked when not in use, and no one is allowed into the room if it is occupied.
Rule F
Violent fights would not be allowed and it is strictly prohibited for any housemate to purposely maneuver their way out of the eyes of the cameras or enter premium rooms.
Rule G
Housemates are not allowed to scheme against one another, if caught would be immediately disqualified.}
She had guessed the rules were very strict, probably because it was one of the most watched TV shows in Korea, they wouldn't want to make a beginner's mistake and lose the audience.
Currently Jae Hwa was in a taxi, a small plastic bag on her thighs as she focused on the small paper in her hands. In pretty normal clothing, she was headed for the docks where someone would come pick her and set sail to the private island, the show was going to be shot.
Min Jun couldn't drop her off personally because it would have dire consequences if they had got caught by paparazzi. They could make up stories about Jae Hwa being buddies with one of the directors therefore getting her way into the show without merit. Misleading rumours were no good in this situation, and they were best avoided.
Today was also the first day of his two months leave, he had chosen to spend it with __. Although Min Jun insisted on eliminating whatever rumore may have arisen from being seen together, Jae Hwa could bear to be the one to take a day out of his temporary freedom. He should enjoy it while it lasts without her interference.
The plastic bag contained the dress she was going to wear while a fancy ferry transported her to the set location. It was a dress that Min Jun had picked out himself.
This method was effective in curbing the scandals of obsessive fans who go through great lengths to sneak into the shooting arenas in a bid to meet their favourite contestants. It has become a viral internet trend to do that each year.
"We are here ma'am." The driver said, announcing their arrival.
"Thanks." She replied and paid him before getting out of the car.
"Miss Yoo?" A man dressed in a black suit called as he approached.
"Yes." She answered.
"She is here" He spoke into his mouthpiece,"Yes of course".
"Follow me"
He led while she followed, she had been told all that would happen throughout the journey to the island earlier by Min Jun, and wasn't as nervous as she was just a day before.
Up onto the ferry, the man who looked like a bodyguard led her to a small cabin, and pointed to a full face mask and dress on the bed requesting her to get properly dressed, fit for the occasion.
The spare dress was in case competitors had brought nothing with them, it served as a quick answer to wardrobe malfunctions.
She plopped onto the bed to take a short nap. It was going to be a fairly long ride.
One Hour Twenty Eight Minutes Later
Jae Hwa had woken up to her phone's timer, it was time to dress up.
She took a look at the dress prepared by the crew and the dress selected by Min Jun and had already made her decision; she was picking Min Jun option. The crew has prepared a spaghetti strap, short black gown. Were they trying to get a headline out of her in just the first day?!!!
Min Jun had gotten her a chic, skew neck, silver gown which flowed to her ankles. It had a white belt with a black outline and a full face, bejeweled white mask with delicate, golden, butterfly model wings at its ends.
Although she didn't know why the manager had ordered them to pick this ball themed dress, Jea Hwa was loving it. It was just perfect.
She had put a tight corset on, before putting on the dress. With a bit of difficulty, she slid up the invisible zipper.
'Gasp!' She struggled for air, the corset was a bit hard for her, but she had to endure to fit into the dress. The things we do for beauty (-_-;).
Checking herself out in the mirror she looked like a modern version of an ice queen. Jea Hwa twirled admiring how the dress looked aon her even more. She was definitely going for this look!
It was time to do her makeup. She applied the right amount of foundation and colour correction onto her previously wiped face, sharp brows, a dramatic white and blue styled eye shadow, and a black matte lipstick.
"Perfect!" Jae Hwa exclaimed as she put on setting spray, it was still very early in the morning, she needed the makeup to last for as long as possible.
Come to think of it, wasn't she supposed to have a makeup artist on the cruise? Why was she still unattended to? UwU, it took a long ass time to get the zipper up her dress.
There was a knock at the door. Jea Hwa dropped the accessories she was about to put and strolled towards it , taking the long hem of her subtle, tulle dress up as she walked.
It opened to reveal a bodyguard, this time he was different from the last one. He was dressed In a navy blue blazer, beautifully styled hair, and had a really unique manly scent, probably an expensive cologne.
He smiled,"Miss Yoo"
"Yes." Jae Hwa liked his charm but she had honestly seen better.
"I am your escort for the carpet." He announced.
She grinned, "Blue looks good on you!"
(‘◉⌓◉’) He looked really surprised to get a compliment from her, but had quickly covered it up with a professional smile.
"My lady looks really beautiful in her dress too."
"May we? There is a really nice view outside~" He offered his hand.
"Wait one sec" Jea Hwa said as she hurried with great effort, to the makeup table. Grabbing her platform chain crossed heels to her side she put a teardrop earring and a golden Figaro necklace. She slipped into the heels rather quickly and wore a silk White glove over her recently manicured hands.
"Let's go!" She beamed, she was now taller as she was no longer looking at the escort's face from beneath.
"Yes." He took her hand in his as they walked out to the deck.
The sun looked orange from the horizon that one would think it was a sunset rather than a sunrise. Its pink fingers pierced into the sleeping clouds as some it's rays had found a way to Jae Hwa's dress making it glisten.
"It really is beautiful" She soliloquised inaudibly.
Led to a small pre-set, VIP leveled breakfast table.
"**Cough,**cough. Senior director Min Jun had informed us on how much you loved freshly cooked meals,... mainly dessert. I hope this set is to your liking."
(╬゚◥益◤゚) She had barely entered the show and Min Jun mouth had already made her a reputation as a foodie.
Escort**Scared.
"Ah~ he did? I like the set but I would'nt be able to eat much now"
He panicked a bit, was it what he said? Sigh, he should have known women didn't like eating much just to say slim.
"But the chef had spent a long time in making this. I'm afraid he would make a fuss."
"No, no no. I can't eat much because i'm wearing a corset." She points to her belly.
"Oh~"
"We would have to inconvenience the chef then!"
"Now let's get down to business." Jea Hwa smiled.
"Who hired you to mess with me?"
Escort,"!!!"
"W-what are you implying Miss Yoo?" He replied flustered.Jae Hwa facepalmed herself mentally, she had been careless to let her guard down so easily, forgetting that she was out of the safe zone, the harbour. From the minimalist dress and absent attendant to the breakfast table, each one was a test of temper. She had noticed the peculiar timing of the escort reaching out to her, just when he just finished dressing up, in all smiles.With her keen sight and sharp observatory senses, she had noticed that he was wired and had complimented his outfit. Heading back to put on accessories, she surveyed the room and found out that in fact there were cameras there too. Being let out for brunch, she has noticed smaller carefully hidden cameras too, if she wasn't intentionally searching for them she wasn't sure if she would be able to detect them.Neither having a makeup artist nor a fashion stylist any other celebrity was bound to
Jea Hwa's POVI felt sick. The kind of longing sickness you feel when you try and think you have gotten over an addictive substance, then all of a sudden it is presented to you on a platter again.My stomach churned and danced about. The butterflies fitted horribly with the punch I gulped down giving me an uneasy feeling. That cologne...he never changed it. His smell, voice, temper, clothing style everything remained just as it was two years ago.Behind the mask was the person I hated and also loved the most. The only person who could stir up my emotions so badly. I sat still not daring speak, hyperventilating was the only was to stop me from running up to him crying, giving long heartfelt speeches or doing anything stupid."Um miss…" He spoke, uncomfortable with my silence.I snapped out of it having a sharp breath intake. Counting sheep mentally as I cooked down, that seemed to work. If I don't be
Duck and look away! That was the first thought that came into Jea Hwa's mind. But not this time, not any more. She couldn't run away from her past as it always caught up with her somehow, besides, there was no way they weren't going to bump into each other in the house as the show went on. I stared back at him for a bit, almost making it a glare-off, she smiled sweetly, earning a more confused look on the recipient before she focussed on Junsuh who was about to make an announcement. "Attention contestants,all eyes on me now" He called to those chatting away. "Now that the elimination's over a welcome party would be held later in the evening to celebrate the season's openings." "In the meantime you would be called for your very first lounge session, which you would be spilling things only you the audience would now... anything at all
Jea Hwa's POVMOMENTS BEFOREPhone Call~"Of course I didn't know he was a part of the competition. It was a last-minute addition" Cara seethed.[R for the recipient on the other end of the call]R- "Cara I had only put you to replace me on this Job because I trusted you. You should know I don't entertain excuses, this you have said is an excuse.""Yes, you might have referred me, but it's my job now and I would appreciate it if you don't trouble me on that basis or I might just end this call." Cara reminded.R- "I see. I apologise for being insensitive, but you don't know how much damage that contestant could cause to Jea Hwa. It could sabotageCara had a meaningful look on her face as her pouty lips moved
JAE HWA'S POVMAKEUP/WARDROBE THEATREI walked in with shorts over the lower piece of my bikini."What's up bitches!" Effie yelled, making an entrance."Wazzup! You are such a vibe, Effie! I didn't expect to meet you so soon after our talk at the hall." Yuna acknowledged."My face is going to be so close to the camera tonight!"Nari Screamed, "Couldn't you make the makeup less cakey!""But you said I had done it too light before." Glam panicked.
HOSEOK'S POVI stood in the company of Luna with only one goal in mind; finding Jae Hwa and actually getting to talk to her again.Nari had sabotaged my moves earlier, I hadn't known she was on the same show, ye didn't tell anyone back at the office so I had gotten distracted by her presence.I knew the woman in the white mask behaved too strangely. Did it mean she had recognised me all along and had chosen to ignore me instead?I smiled at my plight. Not this time! I wasn't going to let her slip through my grasp again, I needed to talk to her.I surveyed the room once more.My eyes caught her figure in a short red Sequin dress. It was difficult to miss such an entrance that sent out sparks of confidence and sexiness. All eyes were on her, although she didn't seem to notice as she seemed to be busy marking out the locations of the desert.She still had
Jae Hwa's POV"My gosh what are you so late!"Cara fumed, "You almost ate into your screen time.""Um…well..." I stuttered not expecting to be welcomed with yells with my first step in.Cara was pretty intimidating both in poised aura and personality. The seriousness in her voice had prevented me from coming up with an excuse."Hoseok and Jae Hwa had wandered off a bit off-camera for some mid-party exploration. They must have lost track of time." Bitna rescued me.I shot her a 'thank you' look, to which she smiled briefly."What? That happened already?!" Cara exclaimed.Cara's thoughts," Didn't Min Jun say that those two didn't get along with each other and I should do what I can to prevent any extracurricular meetings? What is this situation now that they talk willingly?SighWhat kind of impossible tas
JAE HWA'S POVIt wise to never underestimate your counterparts. When a privilege like immunity was in the line, everyone was careful enough to follow the rules and were on high alert.Even the littlest reaction of blinking was controlled, faces were without any peculiar emotions but zero trust for one another as we stared randomly with accusing eyes.With the cups on the table, their target has been locked.I observed keenly for the aftermath reactions because it wasn't reliable to only focus on the immediate reaction which could have been deliberately suppressed.Like a feline on its prey, I examined each participant, sometimes ignoring their faces, targeting other parts like a tapping finger against the table or a change in sitting posture."Well, this is nerve-wracking." Hoseok broke the silence caused by the awkward stares.