After an exhausting day at Netmarble, Melissa drove you both back home to your opulent apartment. Your body experienced a divine release when you sat back in the car with your eyes closed. Life seems colourful again, as you head home to peace.

Melissa looked at your serene face. "Ruby, are you okay..." She put the music lower. Boy With Love was playing in the background. Her eyes were a bit concerned, especially when Ruby told her about some ARMY interns.

You turned your face, slowly opened your warm brown eyes, and sighed, "The day was a bit of a weird one, catching up with the lively Calvin, Ms Yoon, Sae-Ron, and Adalyn. What a day!"

Melissa chuckled as she steered the vehicle in the direction of your apartment block. "I'm digging the vibe; my mentor's a real larrikin. He's taking it all way too seriously, mate. He can't even cop a laugh."

"So, Taemin called you?" You look at her with a teasing glint. Melissa bit her lip and grinned.

"Well, your brother is a young stud. We have been texting each other since yesterday. He asks me out on a movie date. So, who am I to go against the natural course of nature?" A little laugh escapes her lips. When Melissa sets her sights on you, she will attack with full force. You'll feel like a paralysed insect in her spider web. She is a formidable opponent in the world of dating.

"Is he aware that you eat men for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?" You snort as she starts laughing.

"Oh, he knows that I informed him; he better provide a full, nutritious meal and keep me satisfied."

"Oh gosh! Seriously, Mel. If your mum found out about your new wild nature, she'd summon you home." Your eyes were shocked by her blasé behaviour. Her dream to be in Korea came true. She is in BTS land, and she's here to stay.

When Melissa drove into the underground parking, they walked up to the elevators, chatting softly about the new interns and their mentors.

They felt a colourful sense of relief when they entered the apartment after Melissa let them in. You inhaled deeply as you threw yourself face down on the grey sofas.

Melissa just chuckled and chucked her tote bag onto the kitchen chair.

Melissa giggled when she saw you spread out on the sofas. The view from your apartment was mesmerising. The skyline was spectacular, especially the view of the Han River. Melissa smiled with contentment as she also fell back on the other sofa across from you.

Melissa opens her eyes wide at a glance; she grins as she looks at your lazy posture on the sofa. Your newly platinum blonde hair glowed gently in the sunlight streaming through the open panoramic windows.

Melissa gently shook her head. She knows the total stress you're going through with your secret superstar, darling. It wasn't simple for you to get up and follow her to Seoul with your whole family. This is especially true given the curious and intrusive gossip surrounding you. She just hopes people will respect the boundaries because she wants you to enjoy your stay and, ultimately, to be closer to your idol boy right now.

Your groan as you begrudgingly stood up, "Gosh, I need to text Samantha back. She's going to kill us."

Melissa giggled as she flipped her long, glossy, raven-black locks over her shoulder. "We can FaceTime her when I get back from my date. Taemin booked the 6 pm show."

You looked at her teasingly. "Just be careful, okay? Taemin is too hot to handle, but he seems very taken with you...even Calvin and Marco were falling for your allure."

Melissa shrugged smugly. "Well, I can imagine. They don't know how to handle so much Latin beauty in one room. I came to conquer, so I'm not lucky to get a Bangtan...then a tall, lanky Korean meat piece is just my portion."

You chuckled as you stood up. You then stretched your body and said, "I need to refresh." I'm going to organise our fridge because I see you've just put everything in the freezer. Are you crazy? Tomatoes in the freezer." You shook your head incredulously. Melissa's mind was filled with romantic fantasies. This was particularly true when Taemin was present in the room.

Melissa smirked. "Don't fret... I put the settings on the fridge. I was too lazy last night to place all those groceries in the right place. I'm going to shower. Can I use your shower in your room? My room only has the bath."

You chuckled softly and nodded. "Okay, then I'll use your bathroom to bathe. Maybe we must exchange rooms because you will be a nuisance." You teasingly told her.

Melissa jumped up and shoved you back on the sofa. You squealed as she laughed and ran off to your room to prepare for her shower. She turned and yelled towards you, "I don't like too much sun. My room would've been blistering in the afternoon. So you keep the main bedroom!"

You sighed, walked slowly to the kitchen, opened the freezer, and removed all the products that needed to be refrigerated; there were still containers of food from the feast at your mum's.

You open it up and smell the tteokbokki to see if it is still edible; luckily, it is still fresh with the kimchi and jangjorim, which is braised beef, and yukgaejang, a spicy beef soup that will maintain its flavour while heated. You place the container on the top fridge shelves. You'll reheat it later if you feel hungry.

After reorganising the food as well as the grocery cupboard, you took the markers on your refrigerator's notepad and wrote down more groceries that you'd need. Melissa is incapable of cooking, so you will serve as the primary cook, while she will handle dishwashing and overall cleaning responsibilities. You've already discussed your roles in the household.

You just feel a little nervous to drive on the Korean roads, because some signs are a little strange. Maybe you can get yourself a Korean driver's licence.

You went back to the living room, grabbed the remote and scrolled over the Korean channels. There were numerous channels that reported on the huge scandal. It immediately drew your undivided attention. Your eyes furrowed as you clicked to different major news networks in Korea. Your eyes widen as you hear the name Bigbang. Didn't Jimin speak about this very famous and widely known group as a second-generation group?

When you found the Korean news channels Arirang TV as well as KBS World TV that offer subtitles, you were intrigued at the massive scandal involving a member of the renowned Bigbang.

Your eyes widen as you yell loudly at Melissa, who was busy drying her damp hair, still wrapped in a pink fluffy towel.

"Holy dooley, Mel! Come see this...it's huge!"

You stood transfixed as Melissa ran into the lounge, eyes wide. Did something happen?

What!...did you see a little mouse? She teased you as she came in, her eyes fixed on the television, her brow furrowed. "Are you watching Korean news? That's ambitious!"

You grab a cushion and throw it at her, but your excitement didn't falter as you gestured with exaggerated movement to the TV, where a panel was now discussing, "Of course not...it seems right now there's a huge scandal going on involving an idol...some club scandal. It's huge!"

Melissa sat down and listened intently, but her breath caught when she saw the footage. "Oh my goodness! I heard some interns were talking about Bigbang today, but I couldn't catch the gist of the story."

You nodded. "Oh my goodness, now I understand what Big Hit's management meant. I now understand the scrutiny surrounding BTS and Jimin's dating scandal."

"At least this situation wasn't as bad as that one. I thought it was on CNN. In November 2018, reports indicated that a man was severely beaten outside the Burning Sun nightclub in Gangnam; he claimed that staff attacked him after he attempted to protect a woman, as Melissa recalls while watching the footage on KBS TV with wide eyes.

You looked concerned. "So what does it have to do with the idols?" you asked, flabbergasted.

Melissa snorts, "Because it involved a Big Bang member. They said instead of being treated for his wounds, the police arrested the poor man. According to netizens, it was as if the police were in cohorts with the club."

Your honey-brown eyes widen in shock as you exclaim, "Holy dooley! This is huge. "What about the woman?"

Melissa inhaled deeply. The investigation was ongoing, but it peaked in January of this year. The club is allegedly owned by a Bigbang member named Seungri and his partner, whose name I can't recall. The venue, which they described as an elite nightlife spot, was later accused of drug use and distribution in VIP rooms, serial assaults against female patrons, police protection, and corruption. The investigators uncovered the provision of prostitution services to investors, a revelation that was far more shocking. "A can of worms is open now." Melissa told you as she read some of the subtitles on the screen. Footage and images are shown.

Melissa furrowed her brows as she listened and read the subtitle, "According to the reporter, they found karaoke talk group chats...involving Seungri and those three guys that they just showed."

You appeared intrigued; wow, you desperately hope this situation can divert attention away from the scandal involving you and Jimin.

You smile a little. "So, Jimin's dating scandal is minor...thank God for small miracles."

Melissa gave you a deadpan look. "Don't be too pleased, little Sheila; when BTS enters that airport, news will divert back to them. They are now globally famous. These agencies that hate BTS might bribe reporters or news stations to sweep Seungri's misstep under the carpet and turn their attention back to Chimmy. If they find out that you are here working at Netmarble, you should forget about maintaining your anonymous identity. I heard Korea has a scandal culture. Your celebrities often behave differently due to stress and media scrutiny. They may harm themselves due to stress and media scrutiny."

You inhaled deeply, as your eyes turned with deep concern to the channel. "Gosh, I wonder if our news was this huge a week ago. So, what happened next? It seemed I was going to have a wonderful time watching live coverage of Korean idol scandals. But not if it involves me." You scrunched up your nose.

Melissa laughs. "You love celebrity scandals. Remember how you and Janics binge-watched Marriage at First Sight TV controversies? "

You giggle, "Oh my word! The wine-throwing incentives were on screen, but the cheating on the TV wife was pure TV gold...we even secretly watched it in coding class."

Melissa snickers. "But here scandals involving celebrities are on a higher level. The Burning Sun club apparently had secret hidden cameras to capture the guests' serial exploits, and what gained traction was the fact that they boast about serial assault.

"So, this Seungri was accused of what exactly?" You looked sceptical. Typically, the idols are portrayed as innocent but often face blame for various issues.

Melissa stood up and shook her head. "Well, this is huge. He is being accused of arranging prostitution, embezzlement and tax evasion. The partners also assist in filming and distribution. Seeing these Molka videos, they're definitely going to sit in prison. Even the police were investigated for taking bribes to cover up the crimes. SO, I think it will keep the media busy for a while."

'What are molka videos?' you ask, perplexed.

Melissa grinned. "For someone who already experienced the sensual pleasure, you're quite innocent..." She teased you as you grabbed another pillow and playfully hit her over the head. Melissa was laughing hysterically as she tried to get out of the attack.

"Okay, Ms Innocent. Molka is like a little spycam porn. These guys mistreated the girls in the club, too. Very corrupt."

I feel sorry for the K-pop community and their fans, as this situation has severely tarnished their reputation. I hope we hold those responsible accountable for their despicable actions against the girls. They are held accountable for doing all those things. Despicable things to the girl. I'm not going to clubs here. "No, thank you." You said a visible shudder goes through you.

Melissa grinned and said, "Well, I'm here to enjoy the full experience of what Korea has to offer."

You looked at her with a deadpan expression. "Mel, please be careful... I would rather not be interrogated by these police here."

Melissa just shrugged and turned around to go get ready for her date. "Don't worry, Taemin is enough for me. Do you want me to bring you some takeout? We are going out to eat first, and then we will head to the movies."

You shook your head. "No thanks...or maybe a miniature cheesecake with fresh berries. I'll just reheat some Tteokbokki and Jangjorim."

You sighed as you switched off the TV because there was too much negativity for you. for you. You followed. Melissa went out.

You walked to the hallway and entered your bedroom. The sunrays were now bathed in a golden hue, and as you walked to your window, your thoughts began to drift back to your stud muffin.

You want to FaceTime him later; right now you sense the familiar ache in your heart just from thinking about him, a profound ache as if something so valuable had been misplaced. Just hearing his sweet voice along with all that flirty banter and teasing made you smile.

At 5:30 pm after you refreshed yourself, you sat with your laptop on your lap as you heard the door chime. Melissas' eyes enlarge with delight when she spots Taemin on the security camera.

She looked like a schoolgirl with her first crush.

She quickly runs to the hallway mirror to check her appearance for the date one last time. You just watched her with an amused expression.

"You look cute and hot, Mel; stop overthinking," you mused.

"Gosh, the whole of Korea will watched us holding hands in public. My beauty already stunned them," she said, fanning herself. Melissa looked radiant in a tight black sleeveless dress with silver and black Jimmy Choo sandals; her hair was in a glossy low ponytail, and her makeup was immaculate. Melissa was truly a sight to behold. Her confidence always amazed you.

You smirk, "If you say so...Taemin is cool...and respectful."

Melissa's eyes widen as she stands with her hands on her hip. "Well, as long as he is not a dweeb and can't even kiss a girl."

"Janice was right... Tarnished didn't know what they did to brand it on you. You're exploiting the system. Why didn't you get the late whisperer mark? Maybe your soulmate would be easy to find after your dating spree."

Melissa sighed as she brushed over her hair strands, her eyes dimmed, "I'm the odd one out. You got your late whisperer soulmark now, even if it's 3 years too late and you're no longer part of the Tarnished community.Janice and Sam got soulmarks, even if Janice's soulmark was a yellow string. I'm almost 24 years old, and no whisperer mark.I want someone to love...someone that only sees me."

You looked at her with a soft expression in your eyes. That was the fate of the infamous societal outcast Tarnished: the uncertainty of the late whisperer mark or finding it at the latest at 35 like your dad, or the most heartbreaking, never ever finding your match in your lifetime. Doomed to be unmatched forever. Every Tarnished's worst nightmare. Single for life or temporarily dating other Tarnished, not knowing if they could be late whisperers and potentially breaking your heart like your parents.

You gave a soft side hug. "Don't give up, Mel; you still have lots of birthdays to get your late whisperer mark."

She just shrugged as she heard their doorbell ring. It was Taemin. There were a lot of greetings and teasing. Taemin looked so cute, and you hope he doesn't lead Melissa on.

Taemin chuckled as he gave you a hug. "Are you sure you'll be okay alone?" He asked as an older brother.

You nodded and pushed both of them out of the door. "Yeah, I'm fine. Mum gave us lots of food, so go and enjoy yourself at the movies." You smirk at the glint in Melissa's eyes as she grabs Taemin's hand and pulls him with her out of the door.

When they left, you just sighed deeply, locked the door and went back to being curled up on the soft sofa.You can't call or FaceTime Jimin just yet, because it will be 5am in the US. So, you decide to FaceTime Samantha because it was an hour later in Sydney.

Samantha was online. She looked excited as you both chatted about your intern work. She told you she works for a small Netmarble satellite branch in the heart of Sydney. She was the only candidate from their university. The rest were from Brisbane and Melbourne.

Her colleagues are very cool, and you told her about your family, your new brother and his infatuation with Melissa. Samantha was shocked when she heard Melissa was on a date.

You even told her about your interesting day and the secret ARMY at work that doesn't make you comfortable. Samantha just encourages you to be safe and keep your guard up. She was also shocked at your necessary transformation.

You sighed, "I'm just a little worried if the fans become too close. The looks and suspicious side-eyes made me think that interning here was a huge mistake."

Sam smiles softly. "Don't overthink, girl.Fate brought you there. Maybe you could permanently move to Seoul and stay with your family and Melissa. I'll miss you, but Brendon and I will visit every term.Janice and I still need to do another year of our graduate studies, and you and Melissa can start off your careers after graduation."

You pull your face. "Do you know how competitive the industry is here? Only the best are employed. The environment is very trendy but stressful. Sam, I think some of the interns recognised me, which can make life a little complicated."

Samantha laughs softly. "You're famous...but I saw online a big scandal is happening in Korea about a Big Bang member."

Your eyes suddenly sparkle. "Gosh, it's better that the

Political scandals at home. I'm going to binge-watchthis one. The women's groups are protesting about women's rights here."

Samantha smirks. "See, your news is already old, yesterday's news. So relax and enjoy your two-month internship."

You smile as you pull your hair in a messy bun on top of your head. "Did I tell you the most outrageous thing? Jimin bought me an SUV for my birthday. My stepdad thought I'd got a sugar daddy, but I told them it was from my real dad."

You informed her about your mum's upcoming engagement party. Your fear of finding a soulmate that isn't Jimin Samantha told you to be strong and regain your outgoing personality.

After speaking for an hour with Sam catching up, you face Time Jimin, your stud muffin.

When his serene face appeared on the screen, it felt like weights were pulled off your shoulder. His eyes lit up as you just looked at him in awe.

"Chimmy-" you breathlessly uttered.

.....

A/n.: Another surprise update. Melissa goes on a date

Thank you for all you guys support.

1. Do you think the Burning Sun scandal deflected from Jimins dating scandal?

2. What is your take on this chapter?

3. Do you think Melissa has insecurities amid her bold personality?

4. What does Ruby fears the most at her new job?

5. Do you think Ruby and Jimin could expose themselves?