"Where's Irene?"

Jessica's mother asked, her gaze sweeping across the room. Confusion rippled among them, and they exchanged glances before turning their attention back to Mrs. Jung. Each of them shook their heads, indicating that they didn't know Irene's whereabouts, except for Bogum, who seemed to have an idea.

-

Irene strolled along the shoreline, the salty breeze kissing her skin as she clutched her arms against the unexpected cold. Frustration simmered within her, fueled by the ever-present sense that decisions were made without her consent. Was it her fault that she yearned for a reprieve from his suffocating presence? A desire for solitude, to escape the omnipresent gaze and relentless rumors. The media painted them as a pair, but it was a facade, a manufactured illusion that she'd grown to resent.

The weight of online threats and taunts had worn her down. The ultimatum: stay away from him or face the consequences of their vicious hate. Her reputation was tattered, a casualty of false perceptions and relentless scrutiny. If her career didn't hinge on it, she'd refuse to be a pawn in their game. The company's decree was binding - a contract to feign a relationship, projecting a love that didn't exist.

Initially, she thought she could endure these three months, playing her part in this orchestrated drama. Yet, his feelings changed the equation. He fell for her, wanted their sham to morph into something genuine. He clung to her as if she were his lifeline, and she despised it. The audacity of dictating her life riled her. Whose life was it anyway?

Though her group members opposed this charade, the company's power eclipsed their objections. Irene was left counting the days until the contract's end, yearning for her freedom.

Lost in her contemplation, a voice pierced the air, calling her name. She spun around to find herself face-to-face with the girls who perpetually circled her life. Bogum's entourage, ever-present due to his affluent status. In her preoccupation, she had forgotten their penchant for tailing him, like hangers-on to a celebrity's glow.

With little energy left to argue, Irene asked, "What do you all want this time?"

"Look at her, all alone. No one to defend her. Let's not miss this opportunity," one of the girls commented, causing Irene to roll her eyes.

If her fellow Red Velvet members were present, something scandalous would likely unfold. Messing with Red Velvet often led to unfavorable situations.

"Let's execute our plan," they said, retrieving items from their bags.

Irene's eyes widened as she recognized the rope and masking tape. She knew exactly what they intended to do.

Why must these girls act this way? Had their parents failed to teach them proper manners? She cursed her company for pairing her with Bogum, leading to this predicament.

Smirks exchanged among the girls as they approached Irene, who took cautious steps back.

"This is quite entertaining, she's playing hard to get. Well done," one of them taunted, winking at Irene.

As she continued retreating, Irene's nervous gaze remained fixed on the trio.

Why am I facing this? Did I deserve such a fate? There's no escape, running would be futile. Three against one, God, please intervene.

Irene stopped, closing her eyes, the sound of their laughter echoing in her ears.

"Seems like she's given up. Not so fun, Ms. Irene Bae. You're not worthy of Bogum."

I know, and he's not worthy of me either. I'm better than that.

"Grab her hands, let's tie her up."

Save me....

"What do you think you're doing?"

The girls turned around, startled by the newcomer's voice. Irene followed their gaze, her eyes locking onto her savior.

"Really? Acting like children? Bullying someone who can't fight back?" The girl's words resonated, capturing Irene's attention and drawing her admiration for the girl's audacious stance.

As Irene looked at her, she couldn't deny the mesmerizing effect of the girl's side profile. Her presence held a captivating allure, commanding Irene's attention.

And it took her a few minutes to realize the familiar person standing behind her.

Why are you standing there? Why does your presence make me uncomfortable? Out of all the people to save me, why did it have to be you? And why is your side profile so mesmerizing? And by the way, you also smell good... And why are you staring at me?

"Are you alright?" Irene blinked for a moment, her realization sinking in a bit late, and quickly averted her gaze, attempting to hide her flushed face.

"A-ah... yes, I am." She stammered, trying to conceal her embarrassment. When she regained her composure, she glanced around, searching for the mean girls who had bothered her earlier, only to find them gone.

"W-where did they go?"

"I told them to leave. They wouldn't gain anything from bothering you."

"Thank you." She expressed her gratitude, feeling a sense of comfort and safety in this stranger's presence.

"It's no problem. Are they related to you?" 

Walking back to the private house, Irene was joined by Seulgi. "My haters," she briefly explained. Sharing her frustration over the run-ins with those girls wouldn't be appropriate, especially with someone she barely knew.

Seulgi understood, refraining from prying into Irene's personal matters. She mulled over whether she should continue accompanying her or return to Yoona, who was likely searching for her since they had plans to go somewhere.

Meanwhile, Irene grappled with mixed feelings. She wasn't sure whether to be intrigued by this girl's unexpected help or irritated that a stranger was trailing her.

We've met before, but she's still a stranger. Though, I don't know her name, so I suppose that's a good thing. Yes, she's still a stranger.

"Hey," Seulgi's voice called out, snapping Irene out of her thoughts.

Irene couldn't help but chuckle softly at Seulgi's slightly confused expression.

Just like my members making cute faces, which always irritates me, but for some reason, I don't feel the same annoyance when it's her

"Is there something wrong?" Seulgi inquired, her concern evident in her voice. Irene felt her heart soften at the genuine care in Seulgi's words.

Maybe I'm just touched that someone I barely know is showing concern for me.

"I just wanted to say thank you again. I'll be going now." Irene stated, taking a step back. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of amazement and annoyance at being guided by a stranger.

Seulgi watched as Irene turned to leave. However, Irene's sudden change in demeanor caught her attention. She saw Irene's eyes widen, and then she quickly turned and ran back toward Seulgi. Before Seulgi could react, Irene hugged her from behind, wrapping her arms around Seulgi's waist tightly and closing her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Seulgi questioned, both startled and puzzled by the unexpected hug.

"T-the... dog," Irene's voice trembled slightly, and Seulgi turned to look at the direction of the dog she was talking about.

Seulgi's lips curved into a small smile as she reassured Irene. "It's alright. The dog's just digging in the sand."

"No~" Irene's voice turned into a cute whine, and she didn't seem ready to let go of Seulgi just yet. It was an adorable sight that Seulgi found endearing.

Seulgi considered whether to take Irene's hand and guide her away or return to Yoona, but she felt hesitant to make a physical move without permission.

"Hey, I think you should let go of m-me. The dog has already gone away."

Slowly opening her eyes, Irene realized the dog was indeed gone. She quickly released her hold on Seulgi, her face flushing with embarrassment. Despite the comfort and the pleasant scent Seulgi exuded, Irene felt embarrassed and immediately distanced herself.

"Sorry." 

There was a brief silence as both Seulgi and Irene blushed, each waiting for the other to speak. Seulgi couldn't bear the silence any longer and decided to break it.

"Where are you heading, by the way?"

"W-well... to the private house right there," Irene pointed out.

"Let's go, then," Seulgi suggested, smiling at Irene. But Irene hesitated, not wanting to spend more time with her due to her embarrassment.

"N-no no no... I'm fine," Irene quickly declined.

"But-..."

"Thanks for worrying about me, but I'm actually fine," Irene reassured her. Seulgi looked puzzled.

"I'm gonna go," Irene stated and began to walk away. Out of the corner of her eye, she could sense Seulgi's amused gaze.

"What? She's making that face again," Irene mumbled to herself before continuing on her way.

-

"Anybody have an idea where she is?"

All eyes turned to Bogum this time. "She mentioned she wanted to take in the fresh air by the beach." he answered with a hint of concern.