Chapter 1 — She Is the Show Host

It was late autumn, the mornings and evenings growing crisp with chill, when an unfamiliar number rang through Sang-soo’s phone.

"Yeah... This is Jang Sang-soo."

"Sang-soo? It's me... Seok-kyo... Yoon Seok-kyo."

"What? Seok-kyo? Man, it's been ages..."

"Yeah... We haven't seen each other since you went into the military."

"That's right... So where are you living now?"

"Cheonho-dong. You're in OO New Town, right? We should meet up for drinks sometime..."

"Sure thing. Just name the date."

"How about this weekend?"

"Works for me."

"Then can you come over here Saturday evening? I'll treat you to a nice dinner."

"Tch, idiot. I should be treating you, not the other way around."

"Who pays doesn't matter. Either way, let's see each other then."

"Alright... Let's meet at ★★BAR around 6. You know the place?"

"Of course. It's practically next door. See you then."

"See you."

After hanging up, Sang-soo felt a warm sense of anticipation. He hadn't seen Seok-kyo in years—the boy who'd lived next door since before elementary school, a year younger, like a little brother. He remembered even following him to boot camp during summer break, just to say goodbye.

On the day of their meeting, Seok-kyo was already waiting outside the bar.

"Long time no see... You look great. You haven't changed a bit."

"Same here... Really has been too long. You haven't changed either."

They sat down, poured drinks, and unraveled years of silence. Seok-kyo had graduated high school, received a medical exemption from military service, studied abroad in Canada, and returned last year to work at a job he seemed satisfied with.

"I should've reached out sooner, but you know how it is—our old neighborhood got redeveloped. Almost unrecognizable now."

"Yeah. Turned into nothing but apartments."

"This summer I passed by on business and ran into Jung-woo. Got your number from him..."

"Jung-woo? Huh. Now that I think of it, I haven't seen him in a while either."

"Anyway, sorry it took so long to contact you."

"Don't worry about it. Life gets busy. It's fine."

"So what do you do these days?"

Sang-soo explained his job and handed over a business card. Seok-kyo pulled out his own—printed with the title Planning Manager, △△ Home Shopping.

Given Seok-kyo's uncle held influence at the company, it wasn't surprising he'd climbed so high.

They talked deep into the night, eventually moving to Seok-kyo's officetel, drinking until dawn. The next morning, Sang-soo woke well past noon, looked around, and realized he was in a spacious, high-end 20-pyeong unit.

He had plans to meet Ji-hye in the afternoon, so after saying he'd see Seok-kyo again soon, they parted ways.

Two weeks later, Seok-kyo texted: Let me treat you this time. Got some free time?

Coincidentally, Ji-hye had to travel to the countryside for her grandfather's memorial service that weekend, freeing up Sang-soo's schedule. They agreed to meet at the same bar.

Again, they drank all night, crashed at the officetel, and woke up together. After sharing hangover soup for breakfast, they headed back when Seok-kyo mentioned his toaster seemed broken.

"Let me take a look," Sang-soo offered.

As he disassembled it, tracing a broken coil connection, Seok-kyo's phone rang. He spoke for a long time before approaching Sang-soo.

"Done?"

"Yeah. Nothing serious. Should work fine now."

"Then… um…"

Seok-kyo hesitated.

"...someone's supposed to come here around four."

"So? I'll leave before then."

"No… that's why I need to ask you something."

Sang-soo tilted his head, confused.

"What kind of favor?"

Seok-kyo finally spilled it.

"The person coming… she's our company's live shopping host. Her name's Hong Ju-ah. She's under exclusive contract."

"Slow down. What exactly do you want me to do?"

Ju-ah had been a host for two and a half years—not outstanding, but consistently hitting average sales. Last year, she nearly didn't get renewed, but Seok-kyo intervened, assigning her to promote popular items, helping her scrape by and secure the contract. His uncle's position made it possible.

"Honestly, I only got in because of that connection too… But anyway… Ju-ah is my sex partner."

"What? Seriously?"

"Yeah… And she's getting married next spring."

Sang-soo wasn't particularly shocked. Things like this happened.

"Then just call her and tell her not to come today."

"That's the thing… Yesterday, before I met you, I drove her home. On the way to the bar, I realized I left my phone in the car. Since she was coming today anyway, I told her to bring it by."

"You don't have another number? Her home phone?"

"All her family goes to church on Sundays. She comes straight here from there."

"Then I'll stay, hand her the phone, and tell her you're gone."

"She'll call me if I'm not here."

"Just tell her then."

"But the girl I'm meeting now… I just started dating her recently. I really like her, want to make it work. If my phone rings while we're together, it'll be awkward…"

"Just turn your phone off."

"We're meeting while moving around. Can't keep it off."

"I get it… Look, I'm free today. I'll stay here, give Ju-ah your phone, and make sure she doesn't call you."

"Thanks… And I'm sorry, so I'll give you a gift."

"Cut it out. We don't need that."

"No, listen… When Ju-ah comes, you should sleep with her."

"What? Are you crazy?"

"Ju-ah isn't my woman, not someone I love. You taking her once won't hurt anything…"

"Still… that's going too far."

"It'll guarantee she doesn't call. Trust me—you'll see. She's 27, but looks younger, cute, and has an amazing body. Better than most club girls."

"Tch… Even if I wanted to, do you really think she'd just strip for me?"

"There are ways… Don't worry about that."

Seok-kyo dialed Ju-ah's number. When it went unanswered, he recorded a voice message.

"Ju-ah… Something urgent came up at home. I won't be able to make it today. But there's someone in my room right now—please take good care of them. They're important, not just to me, but especially to you. Treat them with full respect. Let's make this a big win. You know what I mean? And whatever you do, don't ask who they are or try to find out. I'll explain at work tomorrow. See you then."

He winked, ended the call, and Sang-soo stared blankly.

"Damn… You could be an actor. Smooth as hell."

"Actor? Whatever. Just do me this favor. And enjoy yourself. I won't be back before midnight. The door locks automatically when you leave—just close it behind you."

"Got it. Go already."

"Yeah… I'll call you later."

Seok-kyo changed clothes and left. Sang-soo still had plenty of time, so he showered, sat on the sofa, and turned on the TV.

A little past four, the video intercom buzzed. Ju-ah appeared on screen. Sang-soo answered naturally.

"Oh… I'm sorry. I think I got the wrong room..."

"No, this is Seok-kyo's room. Come in."

"Then… who are you? Where's Mr. Yoon?"

"Just come in, Ms. Hong Ju-ah."

"How do you know my name?"

"I've seen you on cable TV. Seok-kyo told me about you."

Sang-soo gently pulled her inside and closed the door.

"Where did the manager go?"

"He had an emergency. Asked me to give you his phone."

"Oh… yes."

She walked toward the desk, spotted the phone, and saw a new voice message. Instead of playing it, she tried to slip it into her pocket.

"Wait… Seok-kyo said you should definitely listen to the message when you arrived."

"He did? Right now?"

Sang-soo nodded. Ju-ah opened the message and listened. Her face flushed red, her body stiffening.

"What did it say?"

Sang-soo feigned ignorance.

"I… How do you know Mr. Yoon…?"

She stopped mid-sentence, remembering Seok-kyo's warning.

"I… What am I supposed to do…?"

"Why so nervous? What did Seok-kyo tell you?"

Sang-soo asked casually. Ju-ah mumbled almost to himself.

"He said… to serve an important guest well…"

"He said that?"

"Yes…"

"Hmph… That bastard… Ju-ah, do you want to keep being a show host long-term?"

"Yes… I want to keep working…"

"You're charming, just like he said. But if you don't feel like it, you can just leave."

"No… I just… I don't know what I'm supposed to do…"

Sang-soo had assumed she'd done this before, accepted Seok-kyo's arrangement—but now he sensed otherwise. She genuinely didn't know what to do.

He pulled her gently onto the sofa.

"Want a drink?"

"No… I'm fine."

"Relax… Just for a moment."

He brought two glasses of juice, set them on the table.

"It'll help you calm down. Don't overthink it… us."

At the word us, Ju-ah stared quietly at him, then gulped down her juice.

"After today, we probably won't see each other again."

Sang-soo moved beside her, sliding an arm around her waist. She flinched slightly but didn't pull away.

"Really 27? You look like a college freshman. Cute… yet sexy."

"Thank you…" she whispered, eyes lowered.

He understood neither the thanks nor her lingering tension.

Drawn to her, he leaned in for a kiss. She pulled back briefly, then looked at him—once—and kissed back.

Mmm… mmph… smack… smack…

He nibbled her upper lip, then lower, before slipping his tongue into her mouth. Their saliva mingled, tongues twisting, parting, reconnecting.

Slurp… mmm… mmf… uhn… mmph… smack… smack…

As the kiss deepened, his hand rose to her breast over her blouse. She moaned softly, pulling him closer by the neck.

His palm kneaded her breast, then slowly slid down, reaching her knee. She gasped, inhaling sharply, then exhaled in a shaky breath.

Mmm… mmph… h-ah… ah…

Her white stockings felt soft beneath his fingers. He caressed from knee to calf, then gradually slipped under the pale pink pleated skirt.

Her thighs were even softer. His hand crept higher, until his fingers lightly pressed against the slit between her thick pussy lips.

Ju-ah arched her back, legs tensing, letting out a sharp cry.

"Haaang… Ah… Heunn… Aaah… Aang…!"

Hearing her moan, Sang-soo found her even more beautiful. He pressed harder, rubbing steadily. Soon, her panties and stockings grew damp, soaking his fingers.

No longer needing to wait, he lifted her onto the bed, unbuttoning her blouse one by one.

He peeled it off easily, then unhooked her skirt, pulling it down. Only a pale yellow lace bra, matching panties, and sheer pantyhose remained, barely covering her luscious body.

His lips and tongue traced from her forehead down to her chest. He unclasped her bra, took both small, pale breasts into his mouth, sucking and gently biting her nipples.

"Small but firm… Mmm… Your nipples aren't small though… Good. And you're getting turned on, aren't you?"

He sucked each breast alternately, massaging them as Ju-ah clung tightly to his neck, moaning.

After lingering on her breasts, his lips traveled downward, reaching her navel. He sucked hard, and her hips bucked upward with a cry.

"Huaang… Haang… Heuk… Aang…!"

Looking up, pleased, he continued lower—not directly to her pussy, but first licking down her inner thigh to her knee, then up the other leg's calf.

When he reached the inner thigh, her moans grew louder.

"Euheuheung… Uuung… Ah… Aang… Aaahhaang…!"

He scraped the sensitive spot near her groin with his front teeth, then sucked hard. Ju-ah twisted her legs, crying out intensely.

"Ahhuk… Ahha… Ah… This feeling… it's strange…"

"Good? Getting excited?"

She nodded, gripping his hair, but he didn't stop. Her soaked panties and stockings had dampened her thighs, and now he began peeling them down.

Finally, her delicate lace panties and bare white legs were exposed.

He licked her bare skin, sucking deeply at her inner thigh again. Ju-ah clenched her legs tighter, reacting even more fiercely.

"Hahuk… Ahhk… Heuang… Aaahhak… Huuung…!"

This time, he used his elbow to push her legs apart, shifted her tiny panties aside, and plunged his tongue into her slit.

Predictably, her moans intensified. He probed deeper, searching for her most sensitive spot.

Each time his tongue brushed the area above her labia toward her clit, she writhed violently. When he finally sucked her clit into his mouth, she screamed as if possessed.

Simultaneously, her arousal gushed out. Keeping her in ecstasy, he removed her panties, spread her legs wide, and thrust his cock inside.

"Would've regretted missing this pussy… Pff-pff-pff…!"

Ju-ah raised her hands above her head, shaking her body, screaming as she took his cock. He crossed her legs over his shoulders, changing positions, pounding relentlessly.

"Manager, I'm dying… Ooohahk… Hahuk… Ah… Aang…!"

She mistook him for Seok-kyo, climaxing at peak intensity. Sang-soo neared his first orgasm.

He pulled her legs together, increased his pace, and as her screams peaked, he erupted inside her.

His cum splattered against her vaginal walls. Ju-ah pulled him close, trembling, absorbing every drop with her entire body.

Even after finishing, he kept his cock inside. She didn't release his waist.

He felt tiny spasms ripple through her pussy—until they faded, and he finally withdrew.

Cum dripped slowly from her slit. Ju-ah panted heavily.

"Haa… haa… haaang… Ah… So tiring… But so, so good… Aang…"

"That good? I thought so too… Hmph. Small body, but strong… Lasted pretty long. Very satisfying…"

Seeing she'd caught her breath slightly, Sang-soo guided his still-glistening cock into her mouth. Without hesitation, she sucked.

"You've been with many men? You're skilled at this…"

He asked, fondling her breasts.

She glanced at him—cock still in mouth—then shook her head slightly.

He found her adorable, her sexy body making her even more desirable. Now he fully understood why Seok-kyo had pushed so hard.

"Women who blend cuteness and maturity are rare… I really like you, Ju-ah."

"You were amazing too… I've never felt like this. Like I'm floating, losing myself…"

"Really? Hmph. Let's rest a bit… then give you another dreamlike experience."

She didn't answer, but showed no sign of refusal.

After sucking him for a while, she said she wanted to shower and disappeared into the bathroom. Sang-soo sat on the sofa, turning on the TV.

He acknowledged Seok-kyo had an incredible sex partner. Moments later, Ju-ah emerged wrapped in a towel.

He led her to the sofa, sat beside her, and stroked her shoulder and legs.

"Your skin is soft… like a baby's. Wet hair, pale body… so damn sexy."

"Really? Thank you…"

"Thank me… I'm the lucky one. Having a woman like you is a blessing."

He kissed her lips, savoring sweetness, hands roaming her breasts and ass, enjoying their firm, smooth texture.

Mmm… mmph… mmf… hmm…

She wrapped her arms around his neck, slowly heating up. Her hands slid from his hips down to his cock, then to her own pussy.

Already slick with arousal, her folds became slippery. His fingers naturally began rubbing her clit.

She arched her back, moaning.

"Hahuk… Ahha… Eueoheung… Aang… Ah…!"

He unwrapped her towel, sucked her breasts briefly, then knelt below, spreading her legs and burying his tongue in her wet pussy.

She stroked his head, legs twitching uncontrollably, moans rising.

Ignoring her sounds, he sucked and licked as if trying to devour her entirely—fiercely, obsessively.

Only after she climaxed twice did he lift his lips, gaze at her with satisfaction, lay her back on the sofa, and slide his cock inside.

"Still such a delicious pussy… The man who gets to marry you is jealous… I want to see you again…"

"I can't… The manager said only until marriage… Hyaak… Huk… Haang… We agreed… Hweeuk… Haa-haang…!"

She screamed wildly, refusing any future meetings.

Eventually, Sang-soo compromised—only if Seok-kyo agreed, he'd limit himself to pre-wedding encounters.

He made her kneel on the sofa, entered her from behind, and felt orgasm approaching fast. He thrust harder, deeper.

Her cries grew wilder, reaching climax. Together, they soared toward release.

"Uhh… I'm gonna cum. This time… I want it in your mouth. Okay?"

"Hahuk… I don't know… Aaah… Do what you want… Hweeuk…"

He pulled out, turned her around, shoved his cock into her mouth. After a few strokes, hot cum flooded her throat.

"Slurp… Mmm… Gulp… gulp… Haaam… Gulp… Mmm… Mm… Lick… suck… Uuum…!"

Even after he finished, she kept sucking, draining every last drop.

"You know exactly how to satisfy a man… Makes me even more jealous of your future husband…"

"I hate hearing that… I feel terrible toward him. After marriage, this will never happen again. The manager promised too… I love him, and I love my job…"

Sang-soo, having confirmed her resolve, asked for nothing more.

Yet, before her wedding, they met three or four more times—each encounter hotter than the last.

Afterward, he could only watch her on screen, wondering if she ever thought of him too.