SUGAR & SPICE | @lgcyein
rowon has it pretty much figured out: the character he’s going to play, the story he’s going to tell, his expressions, his every reaction. he had studied the couples from the previous season, read the netizen comments, watched their live reactions. what do people want? what sells? cute, foolish crushes. unrequited love. drama. at the end of the day, his intent isn’t to win his date’s heart, but rather, to win the audience over. he’ll make them root for him, for them. he can only hope his match has a similar mindset.
“ah, my bad.” rowon reaches over to steady the mixing bowl that had gotten knocked aside with a careless gesture. “this is more nervewrecking than auditioning for legacy.”
the instructor, a middle-aged woman who’s a little too eager to see everything unfold, gives him a few encouraging pats to his back. tells him, don’t worry, i’ll make sure you create something delicious to impress her with. a few minutes ago, production had presented him with a box of pastries from his pair. and seeing their date is at a baking class, rowon figures it’s someone who enjoys sweets. “i’m confident we’ll get along since i also have a sweet tooth.” … was what he said then. he’s an actor; lying is easy.
there’s movement. subtle. one of the cameras pans over to the door. it opens and — a smile slips the moment rowon catches a glimpse of who it is. he’s quick to conceal his reaction, though, so that it gives the impression that he’s pleased with his date but is trying not to be too obvious.
“ahn yein-ssi.” rowon gives a slight bow out of courtesy and shifts to the side to allow her more space at the counter. yein’s box of pastries sits open between them, half of them devoured. “i should’ve guessed,” he muses with a short laugh. “the strawberry cream one was really good. did you make these?”
