sorry i was posting these on A03 but forgot to post them here. so here's chapter 2
Almost two weeks had passed since the audition, Zen was still practicing the detective's lines and as he did you couldn't help but picture yourself as the girlfriend. They had a lot of romantic scenes together- in the second act he infiltrates the warehouse and speaks to you through the bars of your cage.
"It kills me to see you suffer like this, my love." Zen recited, his eyes focused on the script in hand.
"I know, as it destroys me to see you grovel to that, scumlord. But time is merely a collection of seconds. It matters little as long as we're both alive, please do not risk yourself for me. Hope is not lost yet." You read blandly, not wishing Zen to know how many times you'd repeated this line in your head.
Zen opened his mouth to say the next line when both of your cellphones rang simultaneously. Glancing at each other in surprise you both fished out your phones in a hurry and leapt off the couch.
"It's the audition agency," Zen mouthed, eyes gleaming. He then proceeded to take the call, walking into the next room.
Glancing down at your own phone you realized it was a number you didn't recognize, 'T. Gliskten' the caller ID read. Confused you pressed accept, bringing the phone to your ear.
"Hello?" You said.
"Ah, hello this is Tristen Gliskten calling to inform you about your audition for 'Lone Orchid'."
Your mouth went dry, this was it! With baited breath you tried to respond casually, "ah yes, and what was the result?"
"Well as the director it's uncommon for me to go to such lengths as making personal phone calls but in this case I felt it necessary-"
Did he say director?! You had never thought to remember his name, how stupid!
"As I was saying," he continued, "upon rewatching your performance on a recording numerous times I've come to a rather uncharacteristic decision . . . I want you to be Sara Fisher."
You froze, forgetting to breathe, your entire mind backfiring- was he being serious?!
Brushing past the fact that you hadn't responded he carried on, "you lack experience in the field of TV acting yet I found myself bewitched by your performance more so than any of the others therefore I couldn't consider another. We begin filming in three weeks time, we will be in frequent contact as I need to arrange you with an agent and begin establishing you as a debuting actress-there is much to be done. Now I have other duties to attend to, talk to you soon."
With that he hung up and left you alone with your shock; holding the phone until the dial tone began to chime. After a few moments of nullity Zen returned to the room, his face long and eyes downcast.
Blinking away your numbness you turned to him, "what did they say?" You voice was hoarse yet Zen didn't seem to notice.
"Well I got a role just not the role." Zen sighed, rubbing at the back of his neck. "Say hello to Sung Min, the crime boss."
No way! This couldn't be real! Everything was happening so fast, you were to be Sara Fisher- lead female and Zen was to be your captor!? Even in your wildest fantasies this wasn't the result you had hoped for, this all began as a joke!
Swaying on your feet, Zen reached out and caught you before you slumped to the ground.
"Whoa! Are you alright?"
Leaning your brow against Zen's shoulder you let out a shaky laugh, "well Sung Min say hello to Sara Fisher."
so that was that. how did you like it? it sounded better in my head maybe than in execution? idk please let me know if you wanna see more of this idea bc it would really validate my existence :-)
Thanks!
In the beginning Zen was ecstatic for you, he wouldn't shut up about how you and him were going to be the best looking celebrity couple in Korea. The entire RFA was shocked that you had landed the role, with the exception of Seven who had secretly hoarded tapes of you from your college days performing various plays.
'why didn't you tell any of us :(' Yoosung had asked in the group chat one day.
'lololol God Seven has many things he keeps hidden,' Seven had responded cheekily.
This continued for a while, Yoosung and Seven bickering until Zen appeared in the chat and immediately the atmosphere changed.
'Are you all ready to be awed by our combined talent? I've never been so excited for a role before.' Zen wrote, he was currently having a meeting with his personal agent so you were curious as to why he was on his phone.
'aren't you worried . . . you gotta watch your girlfriend fall in love with someone else.' Seven responded and that was when it all changed.
From your spot on the couch you froze when those words popped up on the screen. You had just realized the truth of the situation yourself . . . Sara was in love with Reagan, the American detective. Trying to calm your frantic heart you rationalized that Zen, who had been in the business for many years, would completely understand and harbor no ill will against your fellow costar; Zen was a professional afterall. Yet even as you told yourself this there had yet to be a response from Zen himself.
'ohoh might've hit a nerve.' Seven continued to tease, a string of laughing emoji's following in tow of the snide comment.
'Seven don't act dumb, Zen's a pro he knows how to deal with situations like this.' Yoosung chimed in, berating Seven lightly.
Your thumbs wanted to type out an agreement to Yoosung's statement but inside you began to have doubts. You didn't have very many ex boyfriends but you had a small share and by your ill luck Zen had to be there each time you happened to run into one; they were never pleasant conversations. Wincing, you were just about to write something cheesy such as 'it doesn't matter Zen's the only one for me' but before you could Zen finally responded.
'It won't matter who the guy is. She's mine. And mine only.'
The words reverberated through you and your entire body went warm. Eyes wide you fanned at your cheeks, it was a rarity when Zen became serious. When you were with him you could spot the signs easily, narrowed eyes, stiffened shoulders and his fists would clench and unclench at his sides. After that message Zen left the chatroom and it was just Yoosung and Seven gawking over Zen's mini outlash. Closing your eyes and slumping against the couch you suddenly felt very tired.
As the director promised there was much to be done in the weeks up until the start of shooting and suddenly the quiet days became no more. With both you and Zen completely swamped with interviews, photoshoots, makeup consultations and getting you set up with an acting agency you rarely saw each other. By the time you both were home at the same time you were too tired to even maintain a conversation, giving into sleepy cuddles instead. In truth you missed his presence, you missed making him breakfast and the occasional dates you'd partake in- you became lonely.
So one evening the two of you were asked by the director to attend a cast dinner, the actors for both Reagan and the Korean cop, Se Jun would be there. You were looking forward to the dinner, it would be your first time meeting your fellow costars, yet Zen didn't seem nearly as enthused. Already dressed he was lounging on the couch, script resting atop his face as he mumbled something to himself. From the bathroom you could hear his grumbling and wondered what was the matter, poking your head out from the door you asked.
"Zen, is everything alright?"
A pregnant pause, "no . . ." he muttered, so softly you almost didn't catch it. "Everything it not alright."
Setting aside your makeup you came into the room, walking over to where he was laying. Gazing down at him you tenderly stroked his bangs before speaking.
"How come? What's the problem?"
Sighing, Zen reached up and removed the script from his face, crimson eyes meeting yours. Brows knitted tightly he seemed very worked up over something, lips pulled into a tight frown.
"I don't like it." He confessed, eyes still locked on you.
"Don't like what?" You asked confused, fingers lingering near his temple.
"My agent said we shouldn't tell the Director we're a couple . . . said we should just say we're long time friends to avoid any bad press."
Your fingers paused in their ministrations, resting near the corner of Zen's eye. "We should pretend we're not dating?" You repeated, unbelievingly.
Zen's eyebrows furrowed deeper, "see this is why I didn't want to tell you. That look on your face says everything."
Feeling cold your gaze fell from his, focusing instead on his crooked tie. "I didn't want this . . . maybe I should just tell them I quit, if I can't be your girlfriend-"
You were silenced as Zen's forefinger found your quivering lips, his eyes melting in sincerity. "Is this something you want?" He whispered, guiding you around the couch and then pulling you atop him.
With your head now tucked under Zen's chin the tears that threatened to leak halted, his presence soothing you immeasurably. For a moment you considered the question, you never really thought of yourself as an actress yet you couldn't deny the joy of being chosen as one. In the beginning you convinced yourself it didn't matter either way, it was just for fun, but now . . . maybe this was something you wanted.
"I-I think I do." You confessed.
You felt Zen chuckle beneath you, his arms encompassing you into a snug hug. "That's what I thought. It'll be hard, probably more so for me, but I support you. If this is what you want, then we'll fight for it together."
Warmth exploded inside your chest as Zen's words brought joyous tears to your eyes. Leaning up you took his lips, hands finding his hair as you kissed him passionately. You feared Zen would find you selfish, wanting such a thing, he was the actor not you- but his pure and kind words had resonated within you. Zen was the man you loved, and though these following months of filming may be taxing you'd still have your love.
"You shouldn't tease me like this," Zen huffed gruffly, his swollen lips brushing against the shell of your ear. "We have a dinner to get to but all I can think about is how much more I'd like that dress on the floor."
Jolting in surprise you looked up at him, his eyes were dark and a coy smile tugged at his lips. Heat rising to your face you playfully swatted his chest, "y-you're so dirty!"
"Dirty? Me?" Zen asked mockingly, "you're the one who's blushing furiously right now."
Groaning you untangled yourself from his arms and stomped back over to the bathroom, "I've got to finish my makeup!" You declared, closing the door behind you.
Laughing, Zen stretched lazily, picking up the script again, "whatever you say, princess."
The restaurant the director had reserved was so fancy it appeared to be out of a movie scene itself. Zen and you had arrived together but there was to be no touching, both of you agreed upon it, no matter how difficult it may be. Despite both of you being dressed up the sheer elegance of the restaurant made you feel rather homely in comparison, wishing you'd selected something fancier than a simple summer dress.
Picking up on your insecurity, Zen took your arm and led you towards the door; not an intimate gesture just a familiar one, a safe one. Leaning in he whispered in your ear, "you look great. Remember out of everyone who auditioned they picked you, hold your head high."
Nodding gratefully you placed a practiced smile on your face, allowing Zen to guide you indoors. The interior was even grander than the outside, with high ceilings, custom crown mouldings, dark hardwood floors and five tiered chandeliers, it was all a bit overwhelming. Thankfully Zen seemed more accustomed to this finery than yourself and he did the entirety of the talking.
"Hello, we're part of the cast for 'Lone Orchid' could you guide us to our table please?" Zen asked the clerk smoothly.
"Of course, follow me sir." With a low bow, a man donning pale grey slacks and a collared shirt escorted you and Zen to the back of the restaurant.
You knew you were likely just being paranoid but as you passed rows of dining guests you felt as if each person was watching you. 'Who is that plain girl and why is she here' these silly thoughts began to chorus in your mind but you quickly suffocated them as you spotted the Director. Tristen Glistken was a middle aged American man, tall and blonde he stood out amidst the crowd and immediately his keen eyes found Zen and you.
"Ah, you're both here. It seems the other two have yet to arrive, please take a seat." He offered politely, turning from you and asking something of the server.
Instinctively you wanted to sit aside Zen but something within you told you to avoid any chance of temptation. Gently tugging at his sleeve you leaned upwards and whispered into Zen's ear.
"I'll sit alongside the Director, don't want him thinking we're too familiar." You say softly, not missing the way Zen shivers at your breath.
Eyes widening in surprise you see something flicker within them as his brows pinch. He's unhappy with your decision but consents nonetheless, shuffling to the other side of the table and taking a seat. Immediately you regret this decision of solidarity for as soon as the Director is done speaking to the waiter he begins to grill you incessantly.
"I saw the results of your photoshoot . . . they weren't amazing, quite stiff truly but I think aesthetically your face is appealing if a bit normal." He says offhandedly, following the sideways compliment with a sip of champagne.
"O-oh?" Is all you manage to say, and from across the table you can see Zen's nostrils flare.
"Where I'm from you'd never be considered for such a role but here, in Korea, I think you'll be fine. After all alongside you is-"
Suddenly Tristen is cut off as a deep throaty laugh sounds from behind the two of you. All eyes swivel and focus on the source of the commotion, wondering who'd be causing such a ruckus. As you turn you see a man so tall he must have to duck through doorways, honey coloured hair and blue eyes are crinkled in laughter as he pats the back of a smaller Korean man, who's chuckling alongside nervously.
The Director's eyes light up in recognition, setting aside his champagne glass. "Ah Jake, Jin good to see you both. Please take a seat."
As the Director speaks the laughter dies and the two strange men focus on the scene before them, it's the foreigner who speaks first.
"Sorry about that Tristen, Jin here couldn't seem to pick out what tie to wear." The man named Jake jokes jovially.
Jin, the shorter and demure in comparison, man just rolls his eyes, "more like you don't know when to shut up Jake. If we stayed at the tailor's anylonger you would've left with each sales persons number."
Waving away their inside joke, the Director gestures to their seats, eager to get things underway or perhaps motivated by hunger- you're unsure which. Jake, sits beside you as Jin moves around and takes the seat alongside Zen's.
"You must be my leading lady," Jake says with a grin, scooping your hand up into his own. "Pleasure to meet you finally, name's Jake Allen." Then, before you can get a word in edgewise his lips brush across your knuckles. "I look forward to working with you."
A crash sounds as a glass of water that'd been sitting on the table falls over, looking up in surprise you immediately know the cause of the accident. Zen is sitting stiff as a board, arms rigid at his side as his eyes bore into Jake's head.
Blinking in surprise, Jin unfurls his napkin and begins soaking up the mess, eyeing Zen out the corner of his eye.
"Are you alright, Zen?" The Director asks, catching the eye of an employee and waving her over.
You watch mortified as Zen has to physically unclench his jaw, forcing a toothy smile. "I'm fine, random leg twitch, it happens sometimes." He replies tersely, a muscle along his jaw feathering.
Turning his attention from you Jake speaks up again, "you sure you don't need to get that checked out, bud? Never heard of such a thing."
"Bud?" Zen asks, forcing his voice into normalcy.
Jake looks confused for half a breath before he laughs again, "ah oops, sometimes I forget that's not a Korean word. Such a different language from English."
"Jake's from America, though he's fluent in several languages, he even lived in Korea for a time." The Director explains blandly, nursing his champagne again.
A slight blush rises to Jake's tan cheeks, highlighting the freckles along his nose. "Oh don't butter me up too much, Tristen. I'm sure everyone else here knows just as many as myself or more, look at Jin for example!"
Jin, whose nose was buried in the menu, glances up. "I only speak Korean, Japanese, Mandarin and English. Not many compared to you."
Both you and Zen blanche, you only knew a handful of English phrases and words and Zen knew less than that, these two were extremely intimidating!
Thankfully, the Director stopped Jake before he could interrogate you about your knowledge of tongues. "Have you all had a chance to look at the menu? Let's order shall we?"
As he says this a woman appears, "what may I get you this evening?"
"I'll have the poached salmon please, light on the sauce and stay away from green onions." The Director says, handing her his menu.
"I'll have the bulgogi platter," Jin says.
"Me too, please." Zen echoes, handing his menu over.
"The steak for me, extra rare and make sure it's seasoned evenly." Jake instructs, handing the waitress his menu behind your back.
As she takes it from him his arm doesn't retract, it stays on the back of your chair, fingers brushing your forearm. Startled by his forwardness you forget to say anything, your cheeks flaring up as his thumb runs a light circle into your flesh.
"And for yourself miss?" The waitress prompts.
Jumping in your seat you gulp rapidly, "I-I-I'll have the house salad please!"
Ignoring the stares of the surrounding men you give her your menu and then focus your attention on the bottom of your wine glass. You're unable to meet Zen's eye, afraid of what you might see in them. Luckily you're able to shrug off Jake's advances as you excuse yourself to go to the washroom. Once inside the stall you take out your phone and message Zen, 'this is going to be a lot harder than I thought . . .' A few minutes go by no response, you decide he's probably too busy conversing to answer. Just as you're about to leave your phone rings, Zen's photo ID appearing onscreen; you answer immediately.
"Zen?' You whisper, worried of people overhearing you.
"This is bad," his voice is hoarse through the phone and you wonder where he is.
"What are you doing?"
A pause, "smoking." He replies curtly.
"Zen . . ." you start to scold, he hadn't smoked for almost three months now.
"Forgive me babe I just needed it. Seeing him touch you-" you hear his teeth clench shut, "I needed this."
Guilt washes over you, this was your fault-your selfish desire you were both fulfilling. You had to make it up to him somehow. "Let me pay you back tonight~" you murmur, feeling a familiar heat pool in your gut.
Zen's breath hitches as he tries to calm himself, "whatcha thinking?"
Smiling you reply, "only good things. But for now let's go back or they'll get suspicious."
Grunting his approval Zen says, "I'm looking forward to later~"
"So am I." Then with that you hang up, trying to ignore your fluttering heartbeat as you head back to the table.
The rest of the dinner passes unceremoniously, aside from Zen's occasional sharp look in Jake's general direction. Jake is kind if a little bit egotistical, he talked continuously about where he'd been, whom he acted alongside and the opportunities his talent granted him. Jin was more to your liking, soft spoken, humble and a good listener. He seemed to know Jake well, they'd done jobs together before but was more than happy to let Jake retell their adventures. After the dishes had been cleared and many bottles of wine polished off, it was time to head home, the moon high in the sky.
"Thanks for the grub, Tristen." Jake thanked happily, rubbing his stomach. "Haven't eaten that well since Milan."
"My pleasure, thanks for attending. As a reminder filming begins next week, arrive early, the makeup artists have a lot of experimenting to do. And remember to sleep and eat properly, I'll set each of you up with a dietary specialist. Now, goodnight, see you soon." Then the Director was off, sliding into a sleek black car and vanishing into the night. As the Director departed Jake's attention once again fell to you, boyish grin in full effect.
"So would you be interested in coming over to my hotel room and practicing lines together? I feel like I barely know you and I'd like to change that."
Your blood runs cold as you seize under his predatory gaze, "I can't actually-"
"We already had plans to do that." Zen interjects, sliding in front of you.
Jake's eyes widen marginally but he covers his surprise well, "I see, you two do have quite a few scenes together. Just make sure to pencil me in soon hun. Tristen gave me your cell, I'll buzz you later." He tells you with a wink, "Jin and I are gonna go inspect the bar scene, haven't been to Seoul in ages. Night~" With a wave of his fingers Jake and Jin make their way down the block, disappearing from view.
Exhaling deeply you follow Zen to the taxi stop, wanting to hold his hand but afraid of onlookers.
"That was exhausting." You groan, as Zen dials for the cab.
Placing the phone back in it's holster Zen looks down at you, a scowl on his face. "Now you see why I say all men are wolves!" He barked hotly, "he probably thought he'd take you back to his place and he'd smooze you real quick! He's such a-"
"Hyun!" You interrupt, using his given name to startle him into silence; "not here."
Grimacing he nods, "yeah, yeah, forgive your jealous boyfriend for wanting that asshole to stop making bedroom eyes at you."
"Bedroom eyes?" You intone, not understanding.
"Yeah, you know how he was looking at you," he mumbled gruffly, "like he could see through your clothes."
Flushing you tug your coat closer,"that's perverted."
"Know you know what I mean, he's a toeing the damn line." He sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Let's just get back home and do what you mentioned earlier." He smirked, eyeing you up and down.
You feel your blush burn all the way to your roots, "y-you better be prepared."
"Ohoho, is that a threat?" He breathes.
Grinning slyly you long to kiss him despite being in public, wishing everyone around would disappear. "No it's a promise."
"Even better.
so how was it? drop a review if you'd like to see more
3 Suicidal