Chapter Text
Interview #1 - Yu Jimin
A woman with a dark bob smiles awkwardly as a crew member clips a mic to her leather jacket. The camera zooms in and out of focus, still being adjusted before the real recording begins.
The crew member fiddles with the mic wires a moment longer, then gives a thumbs-up.
“Camera’s rolling in three, two, one...”
An off-screen voice asks:
“Can you tell us your name and age?”
“Oh. Right.” Jimin straightens up on the high stool and clears her throat.
“My name is Yu Jimin, and I’m 25 years old.”
“What’s your occupation?”
Jimin blinks, confused.
“I-I don’t have a job. That’s why I’m here. For the interview?”
“Alright. Never mind. Let’s try another question. What’s your job experience?”
Jimin pauses to think. Then she answers,
“I graduated from Kwangya University with a degree in Marketing. I interned at Ace Corp for three months, then worked full-time at Fila as a junior exec. I left after a year because I got retren—uh, I mean, because I wanted to explore other opportunities.”
“Tell us something more interesting.”
“W-what? About my work experience? T-that’s really all I have?”
“What are some of your hobbies?”
Jimin frowns, visibly thrown off.
“I’m sorry, why is that relevant again?”
“It increases your chances of getting in.”
She raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Really? The company actually cares how candidates spend their free time? That’s interesting.” she presses her lips together, thinking. “Well, I build Gundams. I watch anime, like, every day.” Jimin rattles on excitedly. “I go to dinosaur museums. I collect shin chan dvds. I’ve been to five comic cons, in costume.”
The camera zooms into Jimin’s face awkwardly, and her smile drops. “D-did I say too much?” she whispers.
Interview #2 - Ning Yizhuo
“State your name, age, and occupation, please.”
A woman with a sleek low ponytail folds her arms in her lap and smiles widely. “My name is Ning Yizhuo. I’m 24 years old, and I work as a pilates trainer in Hongdae.”
“What do you usually do to pass the time?”
Yizhuo purses her lips, trying to look cute for the camera. “Honestly, I don’t really have time for ‘hobbies’.” she says, adding air quotes. “Besides pilates, I do part-time modeling and DJ at one of the hottest bars in Itaewon. Are you familiar with Armoured Gay Dom?”
“Yes.”
“Aren’t you a cultured one?” she giggles. “I DJ there every Saturday. Let me know if you swing by, director-nim.”
She winks and blows a kiss at the camera, sultry.
Interview #3 - Uchinaga Aeri
“My name? Why does it matter?” a pink-haired woman says, annoyed.
“Because you’re in an audition right now.”
“Ugh, fine. You got me.” she throws her arms up dramatically.
“The name’s Uchinaga Aeri. I’m 25. And yes, if you’re wondering, I’m a direct descendant of the powerful Uchinaga clan in Japan. My family is disgustingly wealthy.”
She pauses, rolling her eyes in feigned annoyance before she continues,
“And yes, I have a lethal face card and body tea because I was raised with only the finest. My diapers cost twelve grand a month. Can we wrap this up now?”
Interview #4 - Kim Minjeong
The camera zooms in on a woman slouched slightly on her seat, wispy blonde hair hanging in her face. She sighs audibly.
“Minjeong-ssi, are you ready?”
She shifts and looks at the camera with a deadpan stare.
“What was the question again?”
“Can you introduce yourself?”
Minjeong sighs.
“I’m Kim Minjeong. 24 years old. I work as a server at a Korean BBQ place in Myeongdong.”
“Why do you want to be on the dating show?”
“I’m gonna be honest, okay?” she bites her bottom lip, shaking her head like she’s already given up.
“My ex cheated on me. Dumped me on our anniversary. Over text. I want to go on this show to prove I still got it.”
The camera zooms into Minjeong’s face as it turns into a grimace.
“And embarrass her on national TV.”
There’s a long silence. Someone coughs in the background.
Interview #1 - Yu Jimin
“Jimin-ssi, sorry, but could you say something a bit more... sensational? Like maybe you love partying and picking up hot girls?”
Jimin narrows her eyes at the director behind the camera.
“I’m sorry. What is this interview for again?”
Interview #2 - Ning Yizhuo
Yizhuo smiles coyly. “I want to join the show because I’m a hopeless romantic. My future lover, I’m waiting for you to sweep me off my feet.”
She winks. Twenty times. The director frantically waves at the camera to cut.
Interview #3 - Uchinaga Aeri
“Why do I want to be on the show?” Aeri shrugs, admiring her fresh manicure. “I don’t know. You tell me.”
“Are you vying for the mysterious, aloof character role on the show?”
Aeri looks at the camera nervously.
“I-I guess? Wait, cut that! Don’t air that, okay? I fucking mean it!”
Interview #1 - Yu Jimin
Jimin slides off the stool, scanning the room in mild panic.
“Wait. This isn’t the interview for the marketing exec role?”
“Jimin-ssi, can you please return to your seat? We’re still recording.”
“Why are the questions so weirdly personal? C-can I speak to HR, please?!”
(Intro song)
Light, inspirational upbeat music plays in the background as the camera cuts to a bustling Korean BBQ restaurant where Minjeong ties an apron around her waist, smiling warmly at the camera as she serves an elderly couple.
The scene shifts to her grilling pork for a group of teenagers, with Kim Minjeong flashing on the screen. One of the 'teenagers', Shin Ryujin, attempts to flirt with Minjeong but fails.
Outside, Aeri struts down the street in a bold Versace outfit, twirling as she enters an upscale restaurant, her name, Uchinaga Aeri, appearing in stylish lettering.
Next, Yeji leans confidently against her sleek Hyundai, arms crossed, as Hwang Yeji flashes across the screen. She drives a woman in a fur coat, Ning Yizhuo, to an event, arriving just in time. Yizhuo leaves the cab and stumbles in her heels, but a nerdy passerby, Yu Jimin steadies her with a smirk.
The camera cuts to Jennie Kim, live-streaming at Seoul Fashion Week for her fans as she excitedly greets a VIP—Kim Jiwon, an actress known for her popular countryside-themed web series on YouTube.
Finally, the Thirsty Terrace logo flashes across the screen.
It’s one week later, and all the contestants regroup at Thirsty Terrace. Minjeong is the first to show up at the door with a small luggage. She kicks off her Nike slides and parks her luggage at the foyer before padding cautiously over to the living area, announcing her arrival in a timid voice to no one.
“Hello, hello.”
She takes a quick scan of the interiors of the bungalow before sagging into a three-seater linen sofa.
The house is furnished like a typical show unit with mostly gray, beige and brown furniture. White high walls are peppered with empty photo frames—to be filled with photos of the participants in the near future, Minjeong assumes. Potted plants and vibrant knick-knacks are strategically placed in multiple corners to spruce up the otherwise dull space.
The open kitchen’s got an industrial vibe: exposed brick walls, a slate worktop, and conical pendant lights hanging from the ceiling.
There's also a concrete kitchen island where Minjeong can already picture herself chopping garlic alongside her future love interest (yes, she has watched her fair share of dating shows including Love Transit, Love Alarm, Single’s Inferno, Love Island, Love is Blind, etc, to predict what’s going to happen).
Minjeong hears the audible chime of the door being unlocked and she quickly stands up to greet a woman with long, pink hair, presumably the second contestant.
The pink-haired woman removes her orange beanie and dark trench coat and settles them on her lap as she sits on the other end of the sofa.
“Sorry, what’s your name?” Minjeong speaks first.
“I’m Aeri.”
“Aeri? How do you spell that?”
“A-e-r-i.”
“Ah, Aeri. I’m Minjeong.”
They approach each other briefly to shake hands before returning to their respective spots on the sofa, albeit sitting a little closer to each other now.
Minjeong is about to spontaneously combust from the uncomfortable silence when the door chimes again, signalling the arrival of the next contestant. She and Aeri stand up to greet a dark-haired Chinese woman named Yizhuo.
Minjeong can’t help but marvel at Yizhuo’s thick fur coat. It’s the middle of spring.
“Wow, you’re so pretty!” Yizhuo winks at Minjeong as they shake hands.
“T-thank you? So are you.” the blonde replies shyly.
“Hi, I’m Aeri.”
“You.” Yizhuo’s eyes widen slightly when she takes Aeri’s hand. “I recognise your silhouette!”
“Huh?” Aeri raises an eyebrow. “My what?”
Yizhuo rambles on as she sinks into the sofa between Minjeong and Aeri.
“Oh, you know, from the audition video that the producer sent us where they blurred out our faces and changed our voices to sound like chipmunks?”
Minjeong nods and says, “So we can get a gist of who we’re going to meet and live with for the next four weeks.”
Yizhuo raises a brow at Aeri.
“Did you not get it? The little pink parcel with a heart sticker on it?”
“Ah, that one.” Aeri says, remembering. “Got the parcel, thought it was another one of my sister’s bedroom toys, and tossed it in the bin. The last time she charged a vibrator, the whole neighbourhood blacked out.”
“Wow.” Minjeong mutters. “A lot to unpack there.”
“So, twelve grand worth of diapers every month, huh?” Yizhuo asks, leaning closer to Aeri to whisper, “What is it that you have? Some sort of loose bladder condition?”
Her eyes widen as she continues badgering Aeri.
“Are you wearing one right now? Can I see?”
“What the fuck?” Aeri frowns at her. “I meant diapers I wore as a baby! Not now!”
Minjeong gets distracted by their bickering and does not notice at first when the fourth contestant walks in carrying a slim, black duffle bag across her chest. She’s probably the same height as Minjeong.
Okay, fine, maybe slightly taller.
Her small face, framed by a sleek dark bob, made her neck look long. Elegant. Delectable. …wait, what the fuck?
Minjeong shakes the thought out of her head and ignores the heat creeping up her neck when she takes the fourth contestant’s hand.
“Hi. I’m Minjeong.”
“Minjeong.” her hand is soft and warm, too soft, like the delightful texture of toasted marshmallows on a chilly day.
“I’m Jimin. Nice to meet you.”
“My, my, my! What an eye candy!” Yizhuo steps in front of Minjeong and extends her hand toward Jimin.
“Ning Yizhuo. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Hi, I’m J-Jimin.” Jimin shakes Yizhuo’s hand and clears her throat awkwardly as Yizhuo’s eyes trail over her.
“Nice leather pants.” Yizhuo comments teasingly. “Flatters your… curves.”
“T-thanks?” Jimin blinks, her brain malfunctioning for a second from Yizhuo’s straightforwardness. She greets Aeri with a polite nod before sinking into an armchair and settling her bag on the floor, between her slender legs.
Minjeong tries to be subtle as she sneaks glances at Jimin who occasionally rakes her hand through her silky dark bob—out of nerves, probably—looking sexy as hell.
Yizhuo notices and gently elbows Minjeong in the rib, giving her a teasing look and muttering, “Be patient. We’re barely starting.”
Half an hour later, the rest of the contestants show up and quickly introduce themselves.
There’s Yeji the Uber driver, Ryujin the drummer, Jennie the social media influencer, and Jiwon the aspiring actress.
It’s their first day in the house and so they’re allowed to just chill and get acquainted over takeaway fried chicken and somaek. They come down to the dining area after taking their bags to their assigned rooms and washing up.
Room #1 – Minjeong and Aeri
Room #2 – Yizhuo and Jimin (rumour has it Yizhuo’s very enthusiastic ‘fuck yes’ can be heard all the way from Jeju Island)
Room #3 – Yeji and Ryujin
Room #4 – Jennie and Jiwon
All eight participants gather around the dining table and begin eating, in silence at first, until Yeji breaks the ice with, “So, is everyone settling in okay?”
“More than okay.” Ryujin says, licking her sauce-streaked fingers as she shoots a wink at Minjeong. “Hey, blondie.”
“M-me?” Minjeong points at herself, confused.
“You and I are going to have a chat after this, yeah?”
“What?” Jiwon pouts. “I was going to ask her first. But oh well. After you’re done with her then.”
“Okay, is no one gonna ask me what I want?” Minjeong’s eyes widen.
Minjeong is promptly ignored as Yizhuo speaks up next, “Oh are we all staking claims now?” she stands up and tugs Jimin closer to her by the hood of her jacket, almost choking her.
“Then Jimin is mine tonight!” Yizhuo announces.
“H-hey, can you chill?” Jimin pleads.
“Yo, diaper girl!” Yeji throws a used tissue at Aeri who’s busy scrolling on her phone, startling her. “You, me, first floor balcony later?”
“Hmm...” Aeri contemplates briefly, tapping her chin. “Should I bring a condom?”
The corners of Yeji’s mouth turns upwards as she shrugs and says, “Sure, why not?”
Meanwhile, Jennie is going live on TikTok with her fried chicken mukbang, not giving a flying fuck about whatever that’s happening around her.
Yizhuo wastes no time to drag a helpless Jimin up the staircase as Minjeong curses herself inwardly for not being fast enough to grab Jimin for a chat. She should have known better! Did she learn nothing from the 1001 dating shows she has watched?!
First floor common area - Jimin & Yizhuo
Yizhuo and Jimin each take a beanbag as they start their conversation.
“Are you nervous, Jimin? Am I scaring you?” Yizhuo asks, gazing intently into Jimin’s eyes.
“Yes.” Jimin swallows hard, and Yizhuo chuckles, only pausing when Jimin maintains a hardened expression on her face.
“Wait, you’re serious?” Yizhuo asks, scooting closer to Jimin on her beanbag. “Jimin, don’t feel pressured, okay? I’m a super chill, super cash person. We can totally start with small talks and see where they take us.”
“Small talks?” Jimin repeats, clearly unconvinced, “Okay, you start.”
“Hmm, what’s your least favourite food?”
Jimin thinks for a moment before answering, “Cilantro. Can’t stand ‘em. Yours?”
Yizhuo chuckles, “Will you believe me if I say I dislike chocolates?”
Jimin’s eyes widen slightly in disbelief but she tries not to overreact, “I believe you. Next question?”
Yizhuo’s eyes flit momentarily to Jimin’s crotch.
“What’s your shoe size?”
Backyard - Minjeong & Ryujin
“And then, he said it was cat fur!” Ryujin is doubling over, laughing at her own lame joke as Minjeong forces a chortle out of her mouth.
“That is so funny.” Minjeong says dryly. “You should do stand-up comedy!”
Ryujin’s eyes darken.
“Are you fucking serious right now?”
Minjeong panics slightly but maintains her composure.
“Uhm, fuck yes? Did you even listen to yourself?” she coughs and takes a sip of water, unsure of what she’s saying as she continues muttering, “Just bangers after bangers.”
“Minjeong.” Ryujin looks like she’s about to cry. “You’re a real one!”
“You’re welcome.” Minjeong smiles.
“You seem like someone I can trust, Minjeong.” Ryujin continues. “Can I confide in you?”
“Sure…?”
“First impressions wise, I hope you don’t take offense, Minjeong.” Ryujin pauses, then adds, “But that Hwang Yeji? Those sexy cat-like eyes? Totally took my breath away.”
“Really?” Minjeong’s smile falters. “Then why did you ask to talk to me?”
“I was too shy to ask her, and because you have that face.” Ryujin says seriously. “That normal, boring, reliable girl-next-door face that tells me I can tell you anything.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Minjeong sighs, feeling a mixture of offense and relief. “But you will talk to her soon, right? We only have a month here. You’ll never know who will get to her first.”
“Minjeong.” Ryujin says. “You’re the smartest, most dull-looking woman I’ve ever met. And I say that with love. I appreciate the pep talk.”
“Y-you’re welcome?” Minjeong says. “But I’m curious. Do you like her purely for her looks?”
There’s a faraway look in Ryujin’s eyes as she deliberates Minjeong’s question.
“You probably won’t get it. But the moment she walked into the house, I just knew she’s the one. It’s like, the gray clouds hovering above me just magically floated away and there she was... the sunshine after the rain.”
Minjeong nods, listening attentively. She does get it. It’s how she feels the very first time she set her eyes on Yu Jimin, the elusive jobless nerd, but a lot less dramatic.
“That’s actually super sweet, Ryujin.”
Ryujin beams at Minjeong but her smile suddenly disappears as she groans and rubs her tummy.
“I’m fucking starving! Maybe I should’ve finished my chicken before I dragged you out here. Fuck! My fingers smell delicious.” she brings her right hand to Minjeong’s face. “Think it’s garlic? Smells wonderful, doesn’t it?”
Minjeong grimaces as she avoids Ryujin’s hand.
“Okay. Sweet moment ruined. Can you fucking stop it, Ryujin?!”
First floor balcony - Aeri & Yeji
Yeji and Aeri are making out at the balcony. Aeri pulls away first, breathless as she looks at Yeji and says, “Do you wanna…?”
Yeji nods eagerly as they quickly remove their clothes.
The camera cuts.
First floor balcony - Aeri & Yeji
Fifteen minutes later, Yeji is seen buttoning up her shorts and saying goodbye to Aeri who’s leaning against the balcony, having a smoke.
“So, see you around, Yeri?” Yeji says with a sheepish smile.
“Sure.” Aeri grins. “See you around… I wanna say, Yebin? Yerim?”
Yeji laughs and waves at Aeri one final time before turning around and disappearing into the house.
Backyard - Minjeong
Minjeong is seen sitting alone on a long, wooden bench, tapping on her phone as she plays Candy Crush. Ryujin has just left minutes ago to go exercise in the gym room because ‘routine is everything, Minjeong’.
Just two more candy matches and she’ll finally beat level 78. Fucking. Finally. After two weeks.
But at that very moment, Yu Jimin steps out into the backyard, Minjeong loses focus, and the words Level 78 failed appears on screen.
“Sorry, did I interrupt you?” Jimin asks, smiling sheepishly as her eyes land on Minjeong’s phone, which Minjeong quickly shoves into her pocket.
“N-no! Not at all!” Minjeong stammers, gesturing at the spot next to hers. “Feel free! To park your butt here! Fuck! I mean, to s-sit here!”
Jimin smiles amusingly as she settles on the spot next to Minjeong, lighting up a cigarette.
For a moment, neither of them says a word, settling into a comfortable silence as they enjoy the chilly breeze of the night.
“Interesting bunch, huh?” Jimin starts, puffing out smoke.
“Sorry, but can you not smoke around me, right now?” Minjeong says shyly.
“Oh. Oh! Sorry!” Jimin hurries over to the grassy area and tosses the cigarette on the ground, snubbing it out with her shoe.
She turns around to face Minjeong, her arms raised above her head.
“I shouldn’t have assumed. That was out of line.”
“It’s okay, Jimin. It’s not that serious.” Minjeong shoots her a small smile, then adds, “It’s just that... my ex used to smoke a lot. I’m sensitive about the things that remind me of her.”
“Your ex, huh?” Jimin says, a weird smile forming on her face as she returns to her seat next to Minjeong. “Was she hot?”
Minjeong looks at Jimin, wide-eyed. Is she drunk?
“Did you drink, Jimin?”
Jimin takes a deep breath and flashes a crooked smile at Minjeong.
“I had to. Yizhuo asked me my shoe size.”
Minjeong laughs so hard at that. Of course Yizhuo would ask Jimin that. Of course.
“What did you answer?”
“About?”
“Your shoe size.”
The smile slips from Jimin’s face, and she just… stares at Minjeong.
Then, she leans in, eyes glinting.
“How about I just show you?”