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Taehyun realizes he has terrible, horrible luck when an unfortunately familiar head of bleached hair rounds the corner of the courtyard. Because of course his ex of six years is somehow a contestant on the same dating show he got swindled into participating in.
He should have double checked the documents his assistant physician asked him to sign. It was supposed to be the lease on their new office, not an application for Soulmate Inferno. But he was already running late to a micro needling appointment and his typical meticulousness wouldn't be missed this one time. That's what teams were for; to step up when others couldn't and fill each other's gaps.
The confirmation email he received as a reality show contestant instead of a new building owner had been a shocking one. He still trusts his coworkers but he considers setting some stricter personal boundaries with them when he returns to the clinic after filming. He supposes this outcome is better than yet another one of his patients hitting on him. Plus, if all goes well, it could be good advertising for the business.
Yeonjun looks different from the last time they saw each other, though that's to be expected. October was nearly nine months ago. Maybe it's the way the sun kisses his skin, or the hair, now a warm blond instead of the ashy grey it was the last time he saw it. Time has been kind to him, Taehyun thinks. There might be a part of him that wishes it wasn't. It would have made the distance easier.
He knows how to look past the sharp gaze and brazen confidence he radiates to the softness beneath it. The other contestants aren't as well-versed in his mannerisms yet to do so. It's information he wishes he could forget just so he has more space in his brain for something more useful.
During his entrance, the man sitting beside him scoffs and asks, "Who invited the Yakuza to a dating show?"
If he laughs under his breath, it's his business. And also the ten cameras that are pointed at all of them right now.
Recording a reality television show is nowhere near as smooth as they make it look. They've all had to record their introductions multiple times from every picture-perfect angle and the heat of the day is making all of them antsy. Every take is punctuated with little comments from the show runners like bigger reactions, guys or Beomgyu-ssi, can you move a little to the left? The sun moved. It's clear everyone's patience is wearing thin by the time Yeonjun has arrived.
A lot can change in nine months, but this hasn't. Never one to crack under pressure, Yeonjun takes the retakes and feedback in stride. The mood had been a little tense and uncertain between all of them before he arrived. With his presence, though, something loosens. Sure, there's a few jokes cracked at his expense, but it's clear that everyone's becoming a little more comfortable, a little more settled, now that Yeonjun's here. Taehyun sort of hates it.
"I want someone I can share the sea with," his ex-boyfriend tells the camera during his introduction.
If he wanted to see the sea so badly, he could turn around, start walking, and make it there in twenty minutes for all Taehyun cared. With him gone, maybe he could pretend this isn't happening. Months of progress down the drain.
After he's done, they pull off one-by-one to do confessionals. It's then that the man next to him chooses to strike up a conversation with him. Choi Soobin, he had said when he introduced himself. He was the only one there when Taehyun arrived, and he has to applaud his bravery in being the first. He doesn't think he could have done it. Soobin's steady presence by his side amidst the chaos of the past few minutes is more appreciated than he'll ever realize.
His face is sweet. Great skin and a gentle gaze that Taehyun can't help but soften under. He's got a real ear for entertainment and god-sent comedic timing. Taehyun wonders how old he is, what he does for work, how he might use his charm on the daily outside of a dating show. He'll admit that whatever magic he has is working on him. Maybe he was an idol or something.
Curiosity eats at him. Where was the casting director even finding these people?
Soon enough, it's time for their first impression vote. After casting their ballots, the producers have each of them stand one by one and announce their selections to the group. Kai boldly declares his feelings for Yeonjun, and then Beomgyu does the same. There's a sparkle in Yeonjun's eyes as they do so. A satisfied smirk that isn't malicious, but grows in brightness and blossoms under the received attention. It's a plant Taehyun has watered many times himself.
When Yeonjun stands up to announce his selection, Taehyun fully expects one of them to be jumping for joy at the returned affection. Unfortunately, that isn't the case.
"Kang Taehyun," Yeonjun says.
His voice sends chills down his spine. It's the first time he's addressed him directly since they've started filming. The first time he's addressed him at all since they broke up. A sound that was once so familiar now feels so out of place. He has to force himself not to flinch even though every part of him wants to run away.
Time feels like it's being dragged through honey, slow and sickeningly sweet, as he waits for the next person to be called. He can feel the questioning gazes from the other contestants at his lack of outward reaction, but he doesn't give in. He won't let Yeonjun win.
Thankfully, when it becomes apparent that they're not going to get any sort of juicy dramatic response from him, the producers call him to go next.
Taehyun stands, takes a deep breath, then says, "Choi Soobin."
Very pointedly he only looks at Soobin while he speaks and he's rewarded with a bright smile framed by two deep dimples shining back at him. It makes his heart skip a beat in the good way this time. That's how he knows he made the right decision.
And when Soobin turns out to have chosen him back, he starts to think that maybe this show won't be so bad. A night in Paradise with a man who wants him too means he won't have to think about the two men fawning over Yeonjun to his left. They'll all have a great time in Inferno together, he's sure. Not that he particularly cares.
Once they've shot all they needed in the courtyard, the camera crew begins to clean up and get ready to change locations. The five contestants stand around while the cameras are being shut down and the producers strategize about how to get everyone to their next destination. The three musketeers seem to be getting friendly enough with each other, so Taehyun happily stands with Soobin in amicable silence.
Sunlight reflects off a silver ring when Yeonjun cards his fingers through his hair a few feet away and immediately, Taehyun recognizes it's familiar shape. It's the one Yeonjun bought for both of them on their fifth anniversary. He can't believe he still has it, let alone wears it — especially to something as public as this. Taehyun's is buried somewhere deep in a drawer. He doesn't have the heart to get rid of it, and he definitely doesn't need to be reminded of what it represents by seeing it every day.
Yeonjun catches him looking, then tilts his head, inviting him to say something. Taehyun refuses to take the bait. Besides, none of them are supposed to speak with each other when the cameras aren't rolling anyway.
"Hey, you ready to go?" Soobin asks him, threading their hands together. It pulls his attention back to its rightful owner, and Taehyun nods, happy for an easy out.
Soobin is tall and handsome and considerate in a way that shocks him for how little time they've spent together. He tilts his hand fan in Taehyun's direction and doesn't let him touch any door handles, always a step ahead and looking to make things easier for him. There's a whole production staff on site for that exact reason, he thinks, but it's still sweet.
They make it to their hotel room and it's even more opulent than he was expecting. The budget for all of this had to be ridiculous. The space is massive and a feast is spread out on a table in the center of the suite, steaming and ready for their arrival. Through the floor to ceiling windows Taehyun can see planes taking off at Incheon airport in the distance.
That small part of him that wonders what Yeonjun's up to with the others disappears when he looks up at Soobin and sees a pleased smile. It's a much nicer view.
"I'm looking forward to getting to know you a bit more, Taehyun-ssi," he tells him, then gestures to the food waiting for them. "Shall we?"
It's nice as far as recorded first dates go he supposes. Their meal is delicious. Soobin is genuinely funny and he seems surprisingly comfortable in front of the cameras. Taehyun hasn't been on a date in ages, but Soobin is perfectly happy to fill the silent moments with plenty of small talk and compliments. It makes him wonder about the type of person he is outside of all of this and if they ever would have crossed paths more naturally.
"So, what'd you think of the other contestants?" Soobin asks him.
"Do they matter right now? I'm here with you."
"You're right," Soobin smiles, then his eyes flicker towards the camera for a second before returning to Taehyun. Subtle. "There has to be a reason you chose me over them though, right? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you chose me, but that Yeonjun guy seemed interested. Popular, too."
Taehyun pushes his salad around on his plate while thinking of what to say. Not my type would be a lie. Tall, pretty men would always catch his eye. Soobin clearly did. Revealing that he already knows Yeonjun doesn't seem like the right move yet either. It was only the first day, and he doesn't want to scare the man in front of him off with such a heavy truth yet.
"He's a little old for my taste," he shrugs.
"That's fair," Soobin considers. "You do seem young, can I guess how old you are?"
"Go ahead," Taehyun welcomes the challenge.
"Are you '07? Or '05 maybe?"
Taehyun shakes his head. "Not quite, '02."
"Oh, good," Soobin smiles. "Then you can call me hyung if you'd like. I'm '00."
The new information and invitation are both pleasing. It feels natural. He'd have to be careful not to slip up and call him that in front of the others after they leave Paradise. For the time being, though, they make sure to take full advantage of the lack of restrictions on their conversation topics while they can. Taehyun tells him about his job as a dermatologist and reveals how one of his coworkers signed him up for the show, figuring it'll be a funny enough story to include.
"It's… a little unconventional," Soobin admits once Taehyun asks what he does. The response only makes him more intrigued.
After seeing his ex for the first time since their breakup on a reality dating show, there's very little that can shock him today.
"Try me," Taehyun says.
"I work as a shaman."
And, okay. Definitely not what he was expecting, but he can work with that. "That's pretty cool. How'd you get into it?"
"I had a calling," he explains. "My grandmother guided me through it. She's here right now, actually." Soobin mentions the new information as casually as the weather.
Taehyun bows in the general direction Soobin had gestured to, hoping it conveys his respect. He certainly hadn't anticipated another person on their date with them, but they're already surrounded by camera-people anyway, so what's the issue with one more witness?
"Would you let me do a palm reading? I've been curious about you."
Taehyun nods, so Soobin reaches across the table for his hand. Taehyun easily gives it to him. The shaman's hands are large and a little cold as they inspect his palm. He thought it was just some flirting technique, but he actually seems deep in concentration. Fingers brush against the lines on the palm of his hands and Taehyun holds his breath while he waits for Soobin's assessment.
"Hmm," Soobin frowns.
"What is it?" Taehyun starts to get nervous. It won't be long before his hands start to sweat, and he would rather that not happen while a pretty boy is holding them. "Is something wrong? Am I in danger? Am I gonna die young or something?"
"No, that's not it. It's your love lines."
"What does that mean? I thought there was only supposed to be one."
Soobin lets go of his hand and looks back at Taehyun's face. His expression is examining and Taehyun wonders if this is how his patients feel when he's helping them address their skin concerns.
"It's rather uncommon, but not impossible to have more than one. I've come across it a handful of times in my work. Halmeoni says you're lucky."
"Oh," Taehyun says, because he's not sure how else to respond. That probably was an honor then, right? To love, and to love again. If something was wrong with one of his love lines, that meant he'd have a chance to love someone else and get it right this time.
"And what do you say?"
"I think you're the type of person that people can't help but love."
As they wrap up their meal, Taehyun starts to feel hopeful. The sun has set since they started talking and it feels like no time has passed at all. He can't remember the last time that being with someone felt so easy. It almost feels like trust, but he doesn't know where that feeling could be coming from, especially so soon. Still, he finds himself wanting to match Soobin's openness. And what better way than continuing to enjoy their evening together.
"This is Paradise, isn't it? We should enjoy ourselves a bit. I hear the pool here is great. What do you think?" Taehyun suggests.
"That sounds like a great idea," he agrees.
Soobin gets pulled to the side to film his confessionals while Taehyun excuses himself to the restroom, intending to get changed and ready for a swim. The suite is huge so he finds himself getting lost on the way. He considers asking one of the camera people but doesn't want to embarrass himself. When he finally opens the door he thought he was looking for his heart stops.
It's… a shrine. Could he call it that?
A time capsule might be a better way of putting it. On the walls of the closet are photos of him and Yeonjun over the years they had been together. A picture of them in the crowd at a music festival, a random mirror selfie they took while shopping, a shot of them at the beach. Each image evokes memories he can't help but be fond of, even if they were in the past. Memories he worked hard not to recall in the months it's been since he had the man they were about in front of him. The nostalgia clouds his head and makes him dangerously sentimental so he shakes his head in an attempt to clear it.
He was supposed to be looking for the bathroom, not getting carried away by his own thoughts. It's painful, mocking even, to be faced with something he can never have again. He doesn't even want Yeonjun like this anymore. Their time had passed. Production was evil for setting this up. Taehyun turns back around to leave, but pauses when he realizes something is written on the door. In white letters are the words: Will you marry me?
Bathroom forgotten, he stumbles out of the closet and quickly shuts the door behind him. Trying to catch his breath, Taehyun leans against it and tries to think of anything else so he doesn't lose his mind. Maybe a mental breakdown made good television, but he never wanted to be on this show in the first place.
His brain is telling him that this is all a mistake, that this isn't meant for him. But then he thinks about the pictures on the walls and where they could have come from. Taehyun surely hadn't sent them in. His friends couldn't have either since they're in a locked folder that only two people ever had access to. It only leaves one culprit.
This is all wrong. A cruel joke. Maybe it took him a while, but he was finally dating again! Why couldn't Yeonjun just leave him alone? Why did he decide that now was the perfect time to come back into his life? A marriage proposal after months of radio silence? Was he insane?
He squeezes his eyes shut and wills himself to calm down. Ignoring it is the best course of action, he thinks. He'll get changed, meet up with Soobin, and head to the pool where he can finally get a peek at the broad shoulders that have been teasing him through his white button-down shirt all day. It won't matter what Yeonjun is off doing with Beomgyu and Kai, or whatever twisted trip down memory lane rests in the closet. It'll just be him, the shaman, and maybe his grandmother, too.
Taehyun steels himself and retraces his steps back to the living room, fully prepared to ask for help to find his luggage this time so he can change and get out of here. Soobin is waiting and ready when he returns, dressed down in swim trunks and a t-shirt, towel in hand. Before the older man can ask what he's looking for, they're both interrupted by a knock on the door.
The dermatologist glances over to Soobin but he looks just as confused as he feels right now. They're still stuffed from the generous meal they were provided with earlier, so it can't be room service. And he knows the production staff all have room keys with the way they slid in and out of the suite throughout the course of their date tonight. Neither of them gets the chance to ask what's happening because a producer pipes up from behind a camera with an announcement.
"Soobin-ssi, Taehyun-ssi," the producer addresses them. "You have a visitor."
Soobin is a gentleman, through and through. Having his grandmother by his side must have given him a deep understanding and respect for manners and customs. It's why he's the one who steps forward to answer the door.
As the door swings open Taehyun realizes he should have asked for a more in-depth palm reading. Something was strange about his love lines. So what? But there had to be an explanation for why his luck today is so rotten. Because, of course, the person waiting in the entryway is none other than Choi Yeonjun.
"Taehyun-ah," Yeonjun says. It's dripping with an intimate familiarity that makes him ache. By the way Soobin looks between them, it seems he's picked up on his tone, too. There's a furrow between his brows that he desperately wants to smooth over before he develops wrinkles.
"We were supposed to go to Paradise together."