Chapter Text
Gi-hun woke up to the sound of his phone buzzing insistently beside him. His head pounded like a drum, every beat making him regret last night and his body was tangled in a mess of sheets. The last thing he remembered was the sound of the music playing, the laughter he shared with his fellow models, a couple of drinks too many…
He rolled over— straight into a solid, warm figure sleeping beside him.
Oh.
He blinked, confused on how he ended up in this situation. He turned his head realizing his phone was still buzzing. Shit. The photoshoot. He’s running late.
Gi-hun scrambled down the bed that he fell, creating a loud thud but not enough to wake up the man sleeping on the bed. He winced, hoping the noise didn’t rouse the other man. Panicked, he roamed around the room, searching for his clothes.
He found his shirt stuck under a chair, tugging it on, grabbing his bag and his coat. Gi-hun grabbed his phone on the bedside table and flinched at the number of missed calls and messages he got from his manager, Hyun-ju.
He opened the first message, “ Where the hell are you, Gi-hun?”
And another. “I’m your manager, not your ex. So stop ghosting me and answer the damn phone.”
Gi-hun typed out a response but before he could send it, his phone buzzed. Hyun-ju is calling..
He stared at the screen, cursing under his breath. This is gonna be bad. He swallowed hard and reluctantly answered.
“If you’re at someone else’s apartment again, I swear to God, I’m sending you a one-way ticket to the unemployment line, ” Hyun-ju’s voice came through loud and clear, not missing a beat.
Gi-hun frantically shook his head, “No. no. no. Wait—” His eyes shifted to the man sleeping over his stomach, his back facing Gi-hun.
He can hear Hyun-ju sighed, “Get your ass here, Gi-hun. Now. ” she added.
“Yes! Yes, I know! I’m sorry. I’m on my way—- promise,” he stammered, now throwing on his shirt and fumbling with his bag and coat.
“You better be,” Hyun-ju snapped before ending the call.
Gi-hun slipped his shoes on while half running to the door.He scrambled around the unfamiliar apartment, trying to find the front door. The apartment was.. impressive . Awards, framed pictures, luxurious decor. His eyes fell on one picture, then another.
Cho Sang-woo.
Wait— Cho Sang-woo?
Gi-hun’s thoughts collided as he scanned the familiar trophies. The name clicked his brain. Sang-woo, the famous actor?
Did he… did he just sleep with Cho Sang-woo?
Cho Sang Woo, the A-list actor that everyone in the industry gushed about. The one whose name alone could turn a mediocre project into a box office hit. The guy who was the subject of every tabloid, the face of every ad campaign. He wasn’t just famous— he was unstoppable.
He’d known Cho Sang-woo for a while now, not just by name but by reputation. He was a well-known figure in the modeling industry too– polished, reserved, and fiercely competitive. Their paths had crossed before, but never quite like this. He’d heard the rumors before— whispers from fellow models that Sang-woo has a thing for him. Gi-hun laughed it off everytime, dismissing it as just another baseless industry rumor.
Not until now.
He snapped out of his thoughts and opened the door. Just get out before someone finds you here, Gi-hun. You’ll deal with that later! He told himself, put on his sunglasses and left the apartment in a rush. He reached the parking lot and looked for his car. Where is it?
He slid inside his car, throwing his bag to the passenger seat with no care. The day is sunny and bright, the traffic is a nightmare and Hyun-ju is one step of skinning him alive. The car revs beneath him as he accelerates down the street, weaving between vehicles. He’s late and his career is on the line— he doesn’t have time for this.
Then, the flashing red and blue lights behind him catch his attention. He curses under his breath.
“Not today,” Gi-hun slowly pulled over the side of the road, rolling his eyes as he muttered to himself. He knows exactly what’s coming. In the rearview mirror, he sees a tall figure approaching– he doesn’t look like a police officer, more like a detective. His posture straight, uniform is crisp and his face remains unreadable as he walks toward the car.
Gi-hun sighed loudly and calmed himself down. When the officer taps on the window, Gi-hun rolls it down and flashed his best beautiful smile, trying to charm his way out of this. “Hey, Officer. Is there a problem?” he asked, leaning slightly out of the window.
The officer doesn’t waste time. “License and registration, please.”
Gi-hun clicked his tongue, his smile still plastered on his face. “Uhm, Officer. I’d love to say something about how great you look today, but honestly, I’m running late and I don’t have time for this.”
“You were speeding. That’s against the law.”
The model sighed but still gave him his smile. “Tell me something I don’t know, Mr. Detective.” He glanced at the man's badge, clearly unimpressed.
“Couldn’t you let a guy off the hook just this once? I’m kind of a big deal and don’t want to waste my time on mouse and cat drama, you know.”
The detective's eyes narrow. “Doesn’t make you above the law. You’re just another person speeding through life without any consequences.”
“Consequences, right.” Gi-hun smirked, leaning back in his seat. “Like that ticket,” he says gesturing vaguely at the ticket the detective is holding. “The thing is, I’ve got a shoot and I’m already late, so maybe you can be a little less… detective-like and a little more reasonable.”
The detective doesn’t budge. “Me giving you a ticket is reasonable. You broke the law, now you pay the price.”
This guy is getting on his nerves. Why isn’t my charm working?! He thought.
Gi-hun scoffed “Come on, this is ridiculous. All this over a little speeding?” He opened the door of his car, stepping out as if he were ready to leave. “I’m not going to sit here and waste my time while you play ‘good cop’ on me.”
The other man stepped forward, his hand still holding the ticket out. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Gi-hun shot him an exasperated look. “Listen, my to-do list is long, and “Bickering with the Badge” is not making the cut.” He quoted with his fingers for extra effect, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Before he could even walk away, the detective's hand shot out, grabbing Gi-hun’s arm before he could move too far. “Not so fast. You’re not just walking away from this.”
Gi-hun froze, his body tensing at the touch. “What the hell are you doing?” He shook his arm, trying to pull free. “Let go of me.”
“You’re coming with me.” The detective’s voice was unyielding, his grip firm but not overly forceful. “You’re not going anywhere until we get this sorted out.”
“You’re really gonna arrest me for speeding? This is absurd!"
“It’s not just speeding. It's an obstruction. You’ve been ignoring my orders, treating me like a joke and trying to avoid responsibility.”
Gi-hun opened his mouth to protest, but his words faltered. He realized this was no longer just about a ticket. The detective was making a point to teach him a lesson.
“Let’s go,” The detective said, leaving no room for argument.
Gi-hun felt his frustration bubble up. “This is insane, I’m a famous model and I don’t want another scandal.” he muttered under his breath, but followed the detective toward the police car, unsure if he wanted to fight back or just get it over with.
The detective walked confidently, as they reached the squad car, he turned back toward Gi-hun. “Oh, you're a famous model? Great. Maybe you can pose for your mugshot. Now get in the car or should I carry you?"
The model clenched his jaw, biting back his anger. I’m going to miss my shoot for this?
The drive to the police station was short, but every second felt like an eternity to Gi-hun. As he followed the detective through the parking lot, he could feel his stomach knotting. Hyun-ju will kill him.
When they entered the station, the noise from the bustling office abruptly stopped. It was as if time itself had frozen. The moment Gi-hun stepped through the door, all heads turned in unison. Every pair of eyes in the room seemed to land on him, and the low hum of the station came to an immediate halt.
The weight of their gazes landing on him like a tangible thing, not that he minds it, he’s used to it by now. The hum of whispers spread like wildfire— quiet exchanges of murmurs and surprised glances between the officers. Some of them even leaned over to nudge their colleagues, eyes wide in disbelief.
The murmurs grew louder, almost like a chorus of hushed excitement. “Is that Seong Gi-hun?” one officer whispered to another. “It’s him, right? The model? Wow, he’s so handsome,”
“No way. He’s here? What’s he doing here?”
“I want his diet plan.” Gi-hun smirked at that particular comment. He turned slightly towards the officer, letting his gaze linger just enough to make the other one startle and blush.
He can’t blame him, though.
It wasn’t just that he was a regular person off the street; he was Seong Gi-hun, the model everyone knew. The one who graced magazine covers, the one who made headlines every time he walked out in public. His face was plastered on billboards, his name in every gossip column.
The silence stretched, every officer in the room studying him, his every move under the spotlight. Some were clearly trying to act normal, returning to their work, but they were failing miserably. Their eyes kept flicking back to him, barely able to hide the fascination on their faces.
However, the detective in front of him seemed to be unaware of the chaos that was unfolding in his wake.
Gi-hun’s smile widened, he didn’t even bother to hide his satisfaction at being the center of attention.
“Kang, take care of this one.” The detective called out the long haired guy with a bun. “Don’t let him make any calls. I’ll talk to him later.” He reminded his junior.
“I have to get this call first.” he gestured at his phone before walking towards his office.
Gi-hun took a moment to glance at the younger man, noting how flustered he seemed. He smirked, clearly enjoying the effect he was having. The detective looked like he was trying his best to hold it together but couldn’t hide his excitement. “Uh, I– I’m Kang Dae-ho.” he stammered, almost tripping over his words.
The model nodded in acknowledgement. He noticed that Dae-ho was staring at him, his mouth slightly open. It was almost comical. When he didn’t say anything, Gi-hun raised an eyebrow “So, uh? Is this the part where you invite me to sit down?” he teased, his voice smooth.
Dae-ho blinked a few times, clearly flustered, and scratched the back of his neck nervously. “Oh, sorry. I’m just starstrucked.” He smiled, his eyes sparkling. “Are you really Mr. Seong Gihun? The model?”
Gi-hun couldn’t help but chuckle, leaning back a bit in his seat. “You’re right,” he said smoothly, “That’s me.”
The young detective’s smile widened in awe and quickly opened a drawer to pull out a magazine with Gi-hun on the cover. “Oh, you got my latest, huh?” Gi-hun commented, impressed.
Dae-ho eagerly handed him the magazine and a marker, “Can I, uh, have your autograph? Please? I’m a huge fan. Actually, not just me, but my four sisters too,” he added.
Gi-hun’s raised a eyebrow in amusement, playing it up. “Oh, really? So I guess I should sign five times? One for each of you?” He gave a wink, the teasing tone laced with charm, and they both laughed.
He reached for the marker but then paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes when an idea struck him, “Can I call you Dae-ho?” he asked first, his voice dropping slightly..
The young man blinked, taken off guard but nodding enthusiastically, “Yes, of course, Mr. Seong.”
He waved off a dismissive hand, a confident grin speaking across his face. “No need for formalities. Call me Gi-hun.” he said, letting the name roll off his tongue. He could see the sparkle in Dae-ho’s eyes.
“So, Dae-ho, here’s the deal. I’ll sign every magazine you have, and I’ll even give you and your four sisters each a copy of the exclusive magazine cover I’m working on.” He let the words hang in the air, watching Dae-ho’s expression shift.
“Exclusive?” Dae-ho asked, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
“Yes, exclusive. The one that I shot in Paris a few weeks ago. It hasn’t been released to the public yet.” He leaned back casually, watching Dae-ho’s eyes widen in disbelief.
Dae-ho’s jaw nearly dropped. “Really?! Oh my– I’d love that!” He was practically jumping in his seat, giggling and clapping his hands in excitement.
Gi-hun’s smile widened as he watched Dae-ho’s reaction. Got him.
“But,” Gi-hun added, leaning in a little closer as if sharing a secret, “to get you that exclusive copy, I’d have to talk to my manager. She’s the one with access to it.” He pouted.
Dae-ho’s eyes sparkled with eagerness. “Of course, of course. Wait a minute.” He scrambled, clearly ready to do whatever it took to make it happen.
Gi-hun watched with amusement as Dae-ho reached for the phone, his excitement bubbling over. With a huge grin, he handed the phone to Gi-hun, his voice filled with excitement. “Here. Take your time.”
_______________________________________
“Detective Hwang, I need you here tomorrow morning. I have a new assignment for you.” The chief’s voice crackled over the phone, sounding serious as always.
In-ho leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples in exasperation. He could already tell this wasn’t going to be a simple task. “Can’t you just give me the details over email?” he asked, voice laced with frustration
The chief’s voice became even more serious. “This is exclusive. The client is a high-profile individual and we need to be discreet.”
In-ho internally rolled his eyes. “You sound like we’re talking about a VIP or something,” he chimed, earning a grumble from the Chief, probably shaking his head.
“I expect you to be here, Hwang,” the chief insisted, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
In-ho sighed dramatically, leaning forward on the table. His phone on his ear, “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be there. But if I end up chasing another model or babysitting, I swear I’m putting in for a transfer.”
The line went silent for a second, then the chief’s voice returned with a low voice. “Just get here, Hwang.”
The call ended, and In-ho slipped his phone into his pocket. With a sigh, he stood up from his desk and walked out of his office. He walked towards Dae-ho’s table and he immediately noticed the absence of the man earlier.
“Where is he?” In-ho asked, pointing at the empty seat where the man was sitting.
Dae-ho looked up, blinking in surprise. “I— uhh.. He left.”
“He— what?”
He quickly averted his gaze. “He called his manager and she came here. They apologized and paid for the fine...” Dae-ho answered in a murmur, already bracing for the impending lecture from his senior.
“You let him make a call?” In-ho asked, his voice raising slightly. His frustration was palpable
Dae-ho bowed his head, “I’m sorry, Captain. He already paid for the fine and wrote an apology letter…”
In-ho pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes closing in exasperation. He reached out a hand, his fingers tapping the desk as he waited for the rest of the report. Dae-ho grabbed the folder of the report.
“Uhm…” Dae-ho hesitated, then sheepishly handed In-ho a small piece of paper. “He also told me to give this to you."
In-ho took the paper, unfolding it with a sigh, expecting the worst.
Well, that was fun, but I don’t have time to stick around. Maybe next time? Oh.. too bad there won’t be one ;)
P.S. Dae-ho was adorable. I’ll be sending him his magazines tomorrow. Don’t be too jealous– yours will be on the way too. You’ve earned it. -SGH
In-ho’s jaw tightened as he finished reading, his grip on the paper tightening until it crumpled slightly. His frustration simmered— but beneath it, something else lingered.
Annoyance? Amusement? He wasn’t sure, and that irritated him even more.
“This guy…” He muttered under his breath, clearly not thrilled with Gi-hun’s playful approach to the situation.