Cinderella with an attitude

"W-what are you implying Miss Yoo?" He replied flustered.

Jae Hwa facepalmed herself mentally, she had been careless to let her guard down so easily, forgetting that she was out of the safe zone, the harbour. From the minimalist dress and absent attendant to the breakfast table, each one was a test of temper. She had noticed the peculiar timing of the escort reaching out to her, just when he just finished dressing up, in all smiles.

With her keen sight and sharp observatory senses, she had noticed that he was wired and had complimented his outfit. Heading back to put on accessories, she surveyed the room and found out that in fact there were cameras there too. Being let out for brunch, she has noticed smaller carefully hidden cameras too, if she wasn't intentionally searching for them she wasn't sure if she would be able to detect them.

Neither having a makeup artist nor a fashion stylist any other celebrity was bound to make a fuss, were they bullying her because she was nameless? Even making it seem like she was insulting the chefs cooking on her first day! If she wasn't naturally cool headed, fans would have already gotten a bad impression from her.

But was it really necessary to have a camera on the excorts body? It was just the beginning of the show, they didn't need such close up shots, unless it wasn't from the filming company but one of the contestant's doing! Tch, the show hadn't even officially started and they were already off scheming, did they think she was the one to be easily bullied?

"Why do you look so uncomfortable? I'm talking about the dishes, they smell so good. You must have been hired to show me my greatest temptations." Since she was already made out to be a foodie,she might as well go with it, curse Min Jun!.

"T-that... Yes, I try my best to listen to my superiors." He switched back to his honey coated words, he must have taken Jae Hwa as a fool.

She had noticed his fidgety eyes and restless fingers, showing how uneasy he was when she first said those words, and how he quickly became calm when she had passed it for another topic, he really was bribed!.

"I can see that." She said and bit into the warm cupcake. It was really good.

As they sat over the meal, the escort had expanciated over the rules.

10 minutes Later

The yacht came to a rippling stop in a berth, which had several other yachts. She was led by the formal escort and two other bodyguards into a limousine waiting on her arrival.

It was quite...decent in the limo, she had been in more fancier ones, though she didn't have any good memories from them.

Ahh, there it was, champagne! She beaconed one of the bodyguards to serve her, it was their job anyway. 

Seconds later she was sipping chilled sparkling wine, what attracted her to this even if she really didn't like alcohol? The bubbles! As silly as it may sound, Jae Hwa had always been fascinated by how numerous perfectly spherical bubbles rose on the yellowish-orange coloured drink. She hadn't been served any alcohol on the yacht, this was a good compensation.

"Want some?" She asked the escort, with a smile that would make anyone stereotype her as a naive, sunshine girl.

"No thank you" He returned her smile.

'Suit yourself.' She thought, enjoying it's acidulous flavour.

She couldn't belief she had actually agreed to do this. Her heart wretched with anxiousness as her insides maneuvered into a tangly mess. It was no use lying to herself that everything was going to be alright, she wasn't ready to get hurt yet again. 

Although she had only been in a single serious relationship which had ultimately ended up in tears she couldn't bring herself to get into another. How she envied those who had gone through several heartbreaks and were still on the search for a true partner, when she had only gone through one and had completely given up on fulfilling that life aspects Jea Hwa had resigned her Fate to that of an old lady with several cats to give all the love she had in her.

Nevertheless, she couldn't keep on telling herself she wasn't ready. The reality is that no one ever is, it's just a work of intuition and a leap of faith. For her sake, she was going to try once more.

In minutes, Jae Hwa could see they were approaching a huge mansion. As they got closer the seemingly distant music and hubbub grew louder and louder. The limo pulled up in front of the red carpet, it was show time.

The escort got out first and paved the way for her exit, holding his elbow out to her for a 'bride's side' v hold. Jae Hwa stepped out gracefully, meeting his arms. The cameras were now focused on them.

"You look really beautiful today, miss!"

"Is there anything you would like to tell the world"

"Which designer did you get your dress from, it's gorgeous!"

"How do you feel being on this show?"

"Come on, do a face reveal!"

"A stunning figure, for a stunning dress."

"How do you plan on conquering your rivals, tell us . It must be juicy"

A thousand white lights flashed every second as these questions were thrown at her. Answering to none, she smiled at the camera, knowing they could see her smile behind the mask, she gave a quick unorthodox thumb up, rather than ignore them.

This simple gesture could go a long way on how these painstaking reporters painted your image on the internet. As they approached the other end, the camera focussed on the next arriving couple.

As soon as they had gotten into the building the escort bowed and left giving her no information whatsoever.

"Okay?" Jae Hwa mouthed, as she surveyed the area in search of somewhere she belonged to?

"What do you mean he can't make it? He signed a bloody contract!" An angry woman screamed in anger as who seemed to be an assistant had given her some news.

"He-he had something come up!"

"What are we going to do then tell the audience a contestant couldn't make it on the show and receive their brutally honest, scornful remarks on how unreliable we are!!"

"Hello?" Jae Hwa said, trying to catch their attention.

The pissed off woman rubbed against her temple, "I don't get paid to deal with this bullshit."

"He had sent a substitute and his sincere apology"

"A substitute? That wasn't discussed…" She paused like she was thinking of something,"What are his stats?"

"It's actually really good. One of the main actors in company Dazing recent films. He is very famous among The ladies and had made it to the second half of the selection process " The assistant said with a sigh of relief, her boss was finally calming down.

"You should have said so earlier, bring him in then and get him formal clothing, i have to go now, there are much more problems I have to once again solve myself." The woman said and strutted in the opposite direction.

"You know, it's not polite to listen in on people's conversations." The assistant said, referring to Jae Hwa.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to. I'm kinda lost, where do the contestants go to, after coming in?"

"A contestant?' She looked at Jea Hwa's dress and masked face,"Oh right! We are terribly sorry everything has just been a huge mess today. Please follow me."

"Sure."

Jea Hwa was led to a huge door just a few feet away from their former standing position.

It revealed a huge hall decorated to look like a ballroom, with gold and white themed colours. Several other individuals in masks are contained in it either engaging in a conversation or helping themselves to the refreshments.

"This is where all contestants are received for now. Have fun! The show will officially begin in a few minutes."

"Thank you…"

"Bitna"

"Thank you Bitna. You saved me a lot of stress."

"No worries, now go mingle. I can't wait to see what you guys can bring to the table this season!" Bitna said in smiles and left with the doors wide open, so other contestants could easily locate the arenas.

"Of course...mingle...with the food." Like there was an option ╮(＾▽＾)╭ . 

She walked to the nearest food table for some punch, the effects of the champagne earlier had worn off. She served herself from the non alcoholic bowl taking up a chocolate drizzled doughnut in the other hand (╥﹏╥) food would be the death of her.

Sitting on a throne-like decorated chair, to observe her surroundings a bit better as everyone else buzzed around.

Sigh~ it would be great if she was that sociable.

The camera crew were at the corner of the hall setting and fixing stuff as they worked in perfect harmony. A man in a very funky outfit barged, followed by the woman yelling in the lobby and her assistant, earning everyone's attention.

The room began to fill with excited murmuring, who wouldn't recognize the young man who just entered? It was the host, Junsuh, only the greatest MC EVER!!!.

He climbed onto a small podium, just in front of the stairs. Shooting smiles at everyone, he took position in front of the camera and gave them the go ahead to begin filming.

"I'm Junsush, I'd like to welcome you all to "Korea's Most Eligible" Season Five~!!!"

Cut to Fan's Houses

"Finally!!!"

"I skipped school for you Junsuh, I love you ~ ♡"

"Come watch! It's started already!"

Cut to Live Audience

"Yassssssss!"

"Season Five!!!"

"I'm your biggest fan, Junsuh!"

Cut to the hall

"Yeah!!!" 

Jae Hwa had also joined in this screaming. I mean who doesn't love Junsuh and his undeniable charisma.

"Here Twelve contestants, 8 females and five males will battle it out for three months, to prove they are the most eligible date in Korea!"

"The housemates will compete in numerous practical, fun and smexy challenges ~ (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧, go on steamy dates and vote each other out of the house one after the other till there is only one winner!"

"The last contestant remaining would win a grand prize of one million dollars and secretly unlock prizes + some prizes set per challenge won!"

"Make some noise Korea!!!"

Cut To Live Audience

"Wink at me again Big brother Junsuh!"

"Kyaaaaa!!!"

"I. Can't. Wait."

"My life savings for you Junsuh!!!"

"Go home empty, with a partner, a partner and the grand prize is entirely up to you."

"Sadly two of the contestants might be leaving us today…" He said putting up a sad expression, but his tone was as lively as ever.

"Wow, they sure act fast. Eliminating two contestants on the first day, this would be fun!" Jea Hwa thought.

"The first challenge opening this contest is called 'Cinderella with an Attitude' and will be eliminating two female contestants today. It is a game which heavily relies on first impressions. As you can all see none of the contestants here know each other personally and to prove that fact further they have been ordered to wear masks, just in case of unknown grudges." Junsuh began explaining.

"The five male contestants are to hold a minute long conversation with each of the female contestants, grading their interests from one to ten, 1-10. The last two female contestants rated as the worst would be eliminated immediately. After that we shall have a face reveal of all the contestants!"

"Why do I feel like I'm being picked on? Of all challenges they had chosen this aspect" Jea Hwa soliloquised bitterly.

"Are. You. Ready. Korea!!!" He screamed to the audience.

Cut To Live Audience

"Bring it on boo!"

"Ahhh, I love surprises!"

"Lol, who doesn't?"

"I wonder if goddess Enji would be participating. I'm watching this because of her."

"The minute timer is set already. Now go mingle!" He cheered on.

Jea Hwa stayed in position as she sipped punch elegantly, mentally preparing herself to hold an 'interesting' conversation.

She looked to the left and saw two contestants kissing "WTF! How does a minute long conversation lead to such intense exercise". How do they manage to do that with a freaking mask on?

The first male contestants walked up to her.

"Hey beautiful~♡. Enjoying your punch I see."

Don't be awkward. Don't be awkward. Don't be awkward.

"Yeah! Know anything about punch?"

She facepalmed herself mentally. Having only a minute to make a good first impression and she talks about punch!. Nice going Jae Hwa.

She looked up to the man taking interest in her, not able to see his facial reaction to her random reply.

"I'm sorry, I'm a bit nervous. Didn't mean to answer you like that." She twiddled her gloved fingers.

"Nah, that's okay. I'm actually a mixologist, so I know a few things about most drinks."

"Really?" Now Jea Hwa was quite interested,"What's your signature cocktail?"

"My signature cocktail is for only the VIP's. Maybe when you become a VIP of my heart I could show you how it is made. For now I can only describe the experience."

"It gives you a warm and welcoming experience. I like you dancing in the sun's shade. Its smooth background of ripe fruit and exotic wood interlaced with the fragrance of white flowers. It's a welcome home, bed's song." He spoke with passion.

"Sounds yummy. We have three months, I'd take up your on that offer"

Ding Ding - Move to the next contestant please. Host Junsuh announced.

"Who knows. You seem interesting. I hope to get to know you better. Till then."

Another came up to her in a quite bold stance.

"Would you mind licking cream off my shlong?" He dropped without a proper greeting.

"YES I WOULD MIND" Jea Hwa replied irritated. 

Now she had come to notice it was the same contestant making out with the other female just a moment ago. And he wanted to try such a thing with her Hell No!.

She might be a really open minded person but there is a limit.

"Then what's the point of coming to this kinda show."

"You mean?"

"You are no virgin child, princess. Figure it out."

"You know I really tried to keep an open minded stance on your attitude now I'm telling you to take that tail in between your legs and go fuck yourself!

"Hmmm, feisty. You know I do enjoy BDSM sometimes."

"EW!"

Ding Ding- The timer rang...Change contestants handsome.

He blew a kiss and left.

After another round, a contestant came up to her. He took up a doughnut similar to hers and bit into it.

"I see you are a woman of culture." He said, referring to her half eaten doughnut. 

"This contestant would like to know you better" He added in a Polish, honey coated but genuine tone.

Jae Hwa froze from hearing the voice of this stranger. Her eyes lost color as her heart began beating faster than normal demanding to be let out of its prison.

Her blood ran cold as her skin became pale white. A thousand thoughts raced through her mind at once as she screamed internally.

What was he doing here?