Hidden Match: An Alpha-Omega Dating Reality Show - Chapter 4.1
“There was a problem with the cameras, so filming was delayed. We’ll resume shortly.”
When Sian went downstairs, the others had already gathered. The assistant director was explaining the situation to them.
“So everything’s been fixed now?”
Kim Kanghyun furrowed his brow, openly displaying his displeasure.
It seemed the welcome break hadn’t been welcomed by everyone.
“Yes, everything’s working normally now. You must’ve been bored waiting, right? We were originally planning to have everyone cook and eat together on the first day, but as an apology, the production team has decided to prepare a party for dinner tonight.”
“Oh! A party? That’s my favorite thing!”
When Ha Hyunsoo spoke playfully, the stiff atmosphere eased somewhat, and light laughter broke out.
“It’s the first day, so you’re still awkward around one another, right? We’ve prepared a pool party so you can get to know each other. Please come in your swimsuits this evening.”
“Wow!”
At the words ‘party’ and ‘swimsuits,’ the air instantly heated up.
A subtle air of seduction filled the room, one that could be sensed even without pheromones.
Sian unconsciously glanced toward Kang Juho. Kang Juho was grinning beside Ha Hyunsoo, as though he had something to be so happy about.
The sight made Sian’s insides boil.
That bastard Kang Juho was seriously…….
While silently cursing Kang Juho, his eyes met Ha Hyunsoo’s.
Sian flinched for a moment, but turned his head as though nothing had happened. The strange expression Ha Hyunsoo had been wearing somehow bothered him.
“Excuse me, but where’s the pool? Can we go take a look now?”
“Just walk a little way toward the garden. Filming starts in fifteen minutes, so make sure you’re back before then.”
“Yes!”
The moment Ryu Hwajin received permission from the assistant director, he sprang to his feet.
He looked like a puppy that loved water, and Sian unconsciously found the corners of his lips lifting.
“Hwajin-ssi, let’s go together.”
“Yes, come on!”
Sian headed outside with Ryu Hwajin.
He could hear Kang Juho and Ha Hyunsoo talking behind him.
“Juho-ssi, aren’t you going to check out the pool?”
“Ah, I’m very sensitive to the heat…….”
“Hmm. Alright, then I’ll stay with you for now and take a look later.”
“Haha, it’s an honor to have a beauty like Hyunsoo-ssi keep me company.”
Feeling as though he needed to wash out his ears, Sian quickened his pace.
He could easily imagine how greasy Kang Juho’s smile must look without even turning around to check.
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“……Wow.”
In truth, Sian wasn’t particularly interested in the pool. He didn’t know how to swim either. He had only come outside because he didn’t want to remain in the same place as Kang Juho.
But as he looked at the beautifully maintained garden and enormous swimming pool, he couldn’t help but marvel. Wooden chairs and tables where they could sit and rest had been arranged around the pool, along with an outdoor barbecue set.
“I didn’t expect it to be this impressive.”
Sian walked over to Ryu Hwajin, who looked ready to jump in at any moment.
“You must really like swimming, Hwajin-ssi.”
“Yes, I love it. Whether it’s the sea or a pool, I love all kinds of water. What about you, Sian-ssi? Do you like swimming too?”
“No. I’m actually afraid of water. I can’t swim either.”
“Huh? Really?”
Ryu Hwajin’s eyes widened as though the thought had never occurred to him.
“Actually, I fell into the water when I was young. I’ve been a little afraid of water ever since.”
“……Ah. There are a lot of people like that. When you work at a swimming pool— Ah!”
Ryu Hwajin suddenly startled in the middle of speaking and covered his mouth with his hand.
Talking about his occupation or personal circumstances without permission was against the rules.
“W-What should I do……? I made a mistake.”
Sian watched Ryu Hwajin panic, then casually glanced around. Fortunately, no one else was in sight.
“Hwajin-ssi.”
Sian looked at Hwajin and quietly placed a finger over his lips.
“Yes?”
“It’s alright. The cameras aren’t properly rolling yet, so let’s keep this a secret between the two of us.”
“Ah…!”
Ryu Hwajin stared blankly at Sian, then lowered his head with a reddened face.
“But…….”
“Everyone will find out later anyway. Come on, let’s head back inside. The others must be waiting.”
Sian deliberately raised his voice only when he suggested going inside, then took Ryu Hwajin’s hand and pulled him along.
When Ryu Hwajin stood beside him, Sian was inwardly surprised by how much taller and more solidly built he was than expected. He definitely had the body of someone who had been swimming for a long time.
“Sian-ssi. Would you like me to teach you how to swim? I’ll teach you really well so that you won’t be scared at all.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“Great! I’ll teach you until you learn to like the water! I’ll make sure to teach you properly!”
Ryu Hwajin looked so delighted that Sian burst into laughter.
“Thank you. I’ll treat you to something delicious in return later. Do you like things like pasta?”
“Wow, really? I’ll eat anything!”
Sian smiled once more at Hwajin’s response and continued walking.