Money, fame & love... You just got a chance to win it all...

"Y/N!!! YOU'RE FIRED!!!!"

"EXCUSE ME!?"

"You heard me," The annoyance on his face told me that if I fought back, something worse awaited me.

"The envelope containing your last salary is on the counter in the lobby. I suggest picking it up before someone else does." My boss said

"But sir! Am I seriously getting fired over spilling some water!?"

"Not the sharpest knife in the drawer, are you? You spilled bling H2O, so I deducted 74,000 won from your salary."

"74,000 won for a bottle of water!?"

"That's not all I'm going to cut, missy" he sighed annoyingly after remembering more instances

"When the most famous reporter Si-U made a beeline for the bathroom...she slipped on the puddle you left behind and got a gluteal contusion!"

"So, she bruised her butt? Big deal!"

"Oh, it's definitely a big deal. You're darn lucky she was satisfied with getting her lunch free of charge...What if she'd broken her leg!? They're insured for 49,58,46,00,000 won! And yes, I deducted the cost of her dinner from your salary."

I looked at him suspiciously and asked, "But... how much money is left then?"

"Total 3,057.06522 won." 

"WHAT! YOU CAN'T DO THAT Mr. Rogers!? I've toiled here for 7 months, busting my butt to keep you satisfied... And this is how you repay me!? After all-"

"Is this monologue going to stretch on?" He interrupted me "Excuse me, I have a restaurant to run." By this time I had lost my patience with this man.

"FINE. FORGET IT!! I'm leaving" With that I left...

Now what? I could not even afford the materials for my model outfits because that job was my only source of income. My dreams keep being destroyed by this city. Why is that? These people have the power to break me, but I refuse to allow them to do so. My power doesn't extend to you in that way.

I walked down the street to find a giant billboard for

Matchmaker

It's that reality show where famous people partner up... and try to make others fall in love with them.

"Love is tough for celebrities, but will they make the right choice? Bla bla blah... Will your favorite ship sink or float? Stay tuned..." I mimicked the host's voice.

Is this how they advertise this show now? And what's up with the part 'tall dark and handsome'?

The assumption that a tall, dark, and handsome person will appeal to everyone baffles me. In my opinion, the type of guy I would like is... I've dated guys before...But until I met a girl who made my heart flutter, I had no idea what I was missing. Unfortunately, it didn't work out...

Oh well, I don't have time to daydream.

My income needs to be increased. As long as I get to sleep on my best friend's couch, I won't have to worry about rent.

Speaking of the devil, my phone rang with her ID on...

------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 

Me: "Hello?"

Ha- eun: "Y/n! This is a disaster!
A complete, utterly abominable disaster!
You have to teleport here this instant!
It's a matter of life & death!" 

Me: "Ha-eun? What's going on?"

Ha-eun: "Come to my movie set!"

Me: "The one in Seoul Avenue?"

Ha-eun: "Have you teleported yet?
 I can't see you!"

Me: "WAIT I'M COMING!!"

------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 

I hopped on my bike and rode toward Seoul Avenue.

I entered the set to find Ha-eun.

"I'm here!" As I waved toward Ha-eun

"Finally you're here! What took you so long? We managed to shoot an entire scene in the meantime." She looked at me and then at her watch

"You called me 15 minutes ago! Who am I? A Flash!? Now, what's going on? Where's the fire?" I annoying asked

"There's no time to explain. You're taking this envelope. Climbing up to the top. Telling the nice man in black that you're me. Oh, and you're taking a ride in his helicopter

This is what she called me for?

"Ha-eun! you said this was a matter of life and death!? I don't have time for your pranks." I looked away

"It's not a prank." She tried to convince me. I sighed, she noticed the tension

"Ha-eun, I just got fired half an hour ago. If this is something that's going to help my empty bank account then sure, I'm in. But If not, I'm leaving right this instant. I have some job hunting to do unless you want me to mooch off you forever." Tension ensued over me as I started to overthink.

"Trust me... If you do this, you're going to be rolling in money bills and job offers!"

"Ms. Choi? someone called her out "Are you ready to set off?

"Crap! You need to go! put this on!" She holds out a dress set.

"What's this?"

"Blind woman, can't you see this is a dress set!? Just put it on." She said as pushed me into the nearest room. As soon as I was done, I looked at myself in the mirror. Black crop top with ripped jeans and chains hanging around. I came out to find her astonished

"Why am I wearing these giant sunglasses?"

"Firstly you look damn hot in that outfit and secondly you have to keep wearing that sunglasses so that nobody recognizes you until it's too late. 

"Hey, when you said that I would be rolling in money bills...you didn't mean that I would first have to rob a bank right? It's very important to me that you specify this."

"You better go upstairs unless you want me to shut that pretty mouth of yours with this cloth and throw you off the rooftop." She pointed to the red long cloth in her hands. I rolled my eyes as I prayed that the Almighty would save me from the coming drama.

"I'll text you later" She bid a goodbye after showing me the stairs

Before I could say anything a tall man stood in front.

"Are you ready to go Ms. Choi? We're waiting for you." I nodded at his words continuing what Ha-eun started. He led me towards the big helicopter as I followed him behind.

"No way we are going in this!?" I asked looking at the pilot all ready to go.

"We have to Miss Choi" And like that, I just sat inside admiring the city view... I felt blessed to see the beauty but at the same time I was worried about what was coming up

"We're here. Enjoy your stay." Faking a smile I went out.

"HOLY SHIT-! Look at the size of that thing."

"I apologize if my size is not to your liking, but there is not much that I can do about it." The butler came and stood in front of me

"I meant the- wait- Ya you made a joke" I laughed

"Precisely... Miss Choi, you may call me Fred." He bowed "I'm the head butler of this estate."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Fred. Since you already know my name, I guess there's no need to introduce myself."

He didn't reply to anything... I got nervous. Does he suspect me?

"So... I've been meaning to ask you...What in the world is this place!? This is the biggest mansion I've ever seen. Who's the owner, a Rockefeller?"

"The residence belongs to Jeon Jungkook, Miss Choi. It has been in the family for centuries and the property is among the top 5 in South Korea. Nevertheless, there is nothing to worry about. The mansion is remarkably well-hidden, so the contestants shouldn't be bothered by any prying eyes."

Wait- Jeon Jungkook? Contestants? What's going on? Fuck what did Ha-eun get me into!?

"Please follow me, Miss Choi. I'm sure everyone is waiting for us." I smiled as I followed his lead while cursing Ha-eun in my mind.

Looking around I admired the entrance and then the big garden with a fountain in the middle. Birds chirping around, enjoying their play in the water. We entered the lobby and my jaw dropped looking at it.

The lobby is so extravagant and flashy that it's hurting my eyes. That painting on the wall looks very familiar though... It is almost as if... No, It can't be-

"IS THAT AN ORIGINAL VAN GOGH!?"

"Naturally, Master Jungkook would never deign to buy a worthless copy.

Master? 

This whole thing is starting to freak me out...

"How about I offer you a drink? Champagne perhaps?"

"Sure, why not"

It's been such a long time since I had a glass of champagne. He could serve me the mock version, and I wouldn't even know the difference.

With that, he went away. I was wondering whether I can get used to a life like this... I can't believe Ha-eun decided to miss out on such an opportunity... Wait, has she texted me yet?

I checked my phone for her message. Zero messages. Great! Maybe I should mingle while I'm waiting. Oh Perfect! I see some people talking right next to the entrance.

One of those faces seems similar-

WAIT IS THAT MY EX-

No way... That's Jen! I'd recognize that sexy lopsided smile anywhere...Should I approach her; She probably won't recognize me, so that could be fun. 

Damn, I don't need to worry about taking the first move...cuz she is heading my way.

"Hi there...Are you also participating in the show? Cuz if you are, then I'm positively glad I signed that contract."

Ya, that's definitely Jen's thing. Shit, if I talk then she'll immediately recognize my voice!

I smiled and nodded

"I was kinda hesitant about doing this show, you know? I mean, it has that Bachelor feel, but at least it's for charity. Although the truth is told, it's been a while since I last dated someone...My ex-girlfriend kind of broke my heart."

Oh.... she is talking about me...Really Jen. After all this time, you're still pining after me? That's sort of sweet.

"But enough about me" My thoughts were startled by her voice... "Why did you sign up? Are you trying to win the prize or find love?"

Win the prize or find love...

Win...

Or

Love...

Interesting...I can't keep silent anymore, she expects me to reply. I don't want her to figure me out... What can be the excuse?!

Can pretend that I'm having an allergic reaction? Maybe if I  make my voice all raspy.

"Well to be honest...I have no idea why I actually signed up. But since I get to enjoy your company, I don't think it's going to be half-bad." I said, trying not to make myself obvious. But as she stood silent there it questioned me whether I said something wrong or if she suspected me.

"No, I'm suggesting that we have to stick together, of course! That would be too much. After all, this is definitely the first time we've ever met."

"Umm.. is something wrong with your voice?"

"Umm. I have a nut allergy and I totally forgot about it and had some walnuts on my flight, So now my throat is swollen and it's hard to speak."

"You forgot about your allergy?" Shit I need to change or distract her before she finds me

"Oh, sorry, I feel like it's choking me out, I gotta go, talk to you later" I walked away into a washroom.

Phew, It was close. Getting fired, being abducted in a helicopter, and finally hiding from my ex in a fancy bathroom was NOT how I expected my day to go... Ha-eun will never hear the end of it.

Angrily I texted her... And great she was online.

------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------

Me: WHY DID YOU SIGN ME UP
 FOR THE MATCHMAKER!?

Ha-eun: oh so you finally found out :) 

Me: Of course I did. And I don't know
If I should kiss you or strangle you.

Ha-eun: Strangle me? Shouldn't this be
a dream come true for you?

Me: Depends on how you look at it.
For example- I just made a complete
fool of myself in front of Jen!!

Ha-eun: Firstly you're a fool secondly 
Jen is there!? Oops... I had no idea.

Me: Don't give me that bullshit
Why did you do this without asking for
 my permission? 

Me: And why all that secrecy?

Ha-eun: Firstly your bullshit is my bullshit, and my bullshit
is your bullshit... And I just can't see you struggling so much.
I know you wanna live independently... 

Ha-eun: And telling you the truth, I choose you because
you're the only person I know in Hallyuwood, who
doesn't have a life.

Me: Geez, thanks a lot "Bestie".

Ha-eun: You know it's true! Everyone else has a job, or at least
some kind of occupation. You're as free as they come

Me: I still have hobbies Ha-eun.
Hobbies make you a well-rounded person.

Ha-eun: Watching, Keeping Up with Kardashians doesn't
count as a hobby sweetie.

Me: OMG it's a freakin' research!
Have you seen their outfits?

Ha-eun: Let's be real, this is not why you came to Hallyuwood.
Remember your dream of becoming a famous fashion designer...

Ha-eun: And creating the most beautiful designs that people have
ever set their eyes upon? 

Ha-eun: What happened to that girl, Y/n? What about her dreams?

Me: I'm still working towards that goal. 

Me: It's just hard to focus on that when
you also have to afford basic human needs,
 Such as Food, utilities, and Netflix...

Ha-eun: I haven't really noticed that, to be honest.
Come on! This is your chance to shine. You're going to
wear your own creations for the whole world to see.

Ha-eun: On top of that, you will get to flirt with the hottest,
richest eligible bachelors. ;) And definitely, you're going to have fun ;)
Now shoo! Go win everyone's heart!

------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------

There was a sudden knock on the door that startled me

"Miss Choi? Are you alright?"

Wait- Fred? How did he know I was here? I opened the door to find him all worried

"Ma'am, are you okay?" He questioned, I smiled and nodded

"I'm alright but how did you know I was here?" I asked

"When I came back, you were nowhere to be found. So I checked the cameras in the hallways. And wanted to inform you Mr. Jeon is waiting to meet you... Are you ready?"

"Sure I am"

With that, he led me as I walked to another luxurious room

"This is his room, I will have to go now" Fred bowed down and went away as I knocked on the door lightly.

"You may enter" As I heard the reply I went inside to find a man looking directly at me.

"Hello Mr. Jeon, You wanted to meet me?"

"Oh yes," He replied as he asked me to sit down on the seat in front of him which I gladly took.  What bothered me was him just looking at me expectantly...

"So, how can I help you? Do you need me to sign something? Read a contract beforehand? Famous actresses always have to carefully-"

"Cut the nonsense!" He abruptly stopped me and I realized I overacted. 

"I know you're not Choi Ha-eun" This sentence left me in utter shock...

How did he know?