do you still have a ‘top 3′ ? is it the same or has it changed ? who do you most want to get to know ?
“It’s still the same for the most part, still interested in Romi and Naomi, which is kinda shitty because I know Jude is really into Romi.” They’re not exactly bros but they are bros. Bombshells gotta look out for other bombshells. “Oh, and I’m a bit interested in Callie? Like, she’s really cool and fun to talk to, maybe something could happen from that.” It might just be friendship but it’s only the second day, anything could happen. “But out of the three I want to get o know Naomi... Which means I really got put myself out there and let her know that I’m interested in her specifically.”
have any of the islanders surprised you ? in either a good or bad way.
“Not... really? Not individually at least but I was surprised to see the arguments and snide comments in person. So used to being an audience member and seeing it happen, now I’m seeing it happen in real life and it’s... weird.”
do you get along with any of your fellow bombshells ?
“Yeah, I do.” He’s smiling now. “They’re all great, especially Charlene. Love her a lot.”
how was the challenge for you ? what moment was most memorable ?
“The challenge as a whole was a lot of fun, even though we lost. But despite that, none of us took it to heart and were cracking jokes throughout it. It was a lot of fun, I hope that something like this happens again.” He then leaned into the couch, smile wide as he said, “And it’s obvious which part was the most memorable for me. That three way kiss... was amazing. Wouldn’t mind doing that again with Angel and Seb-- or anyone really.”
did you share a bed with anyone ? how did that go ? do you think you’ll share with them again ?
“I shared it with Rhys but not because I asked him to join me, just in a friendly type of way. As for sharing the bed with him... not sure. I mean, if he doesn’t flirt with Jenny again then sure, why not.”
do you think you’ll get chosen at the end of the week ?
“That’s the goal right?” But they’re not sure and it’s probably obvious to the crew watching them. “As of now, I’m not sure. Ask me again tomorrow and I’ll give you a proper answer.
“ IT’S THE BEST FRUIT FLAVOR, i will give you that, ” callie argues, “ but definitely not the best flavor. the best ice cream is… i don’t know. something with chocolate and peanut butter. ”
“Peanut butter?” He scrunched up his nose in disgust. “Okay, I’ll give you a pass with chocolate on its own but mixed with peanut butter? Now it’s my turn to look at you like you’re insane.”
“pretty sweet,” she agrees, trying to remember what it’d been like stepping through the doors. it’s insane how much has happened in… she wants to say less than two weeks, but isn’t entirely sure. feels more like months at this point. “oh damn, cutting right to the chase,” she whistles out an exhale, buying herself a little time to answer. not only doesn’t she know how she’s feeling, but she’s struggling enough to open up with her original squad, let alone a newbie. “yeah, it’s definitely weird. kind of just adjusting, you know, figuring out how to navigate it all. you all. has everyone been welcoming, i hope? i’ve been trying even though it’s like, weird. for all of us, i imagine.”
They shrugged. It was better to get straight to the point than to beat around the bush. “That’s fair, we did just randomly show up.” The producers barely gave the islanders a warning of the change, outside of the usual text messages but that barely counted in this situation. “Hopefully it won’t take you, and everyone else, long to adjust to us being here.” If not, then the producers would do something to force the OGs to get along with the bombshells. “Yeah, everyone has been really welcoming! Makes me happy to be here specifically.” In this villa versus the other one.
“They can’t sulk forever, you know?” She shrugs. They need to suck it up and not act like babies. “I’m buzzing. I’m so excited we’re finally here, you know? Have you talked to people… anyone you’re interested in?”
“Yeah, it is exciting.” They smiled because excitement was real! “I think I’ve talked to everyone, interested in a few people.” Zeke just won’t say who for the dramatics of it all. “Despite how the OGs are acting, they’re all really nice,” they said. “What about you?”
– NAOMI NODS ALONG WITH WHAT HE SAYS, finding it interesting that he presents it that way. it’s true that she did see those things, but she doesn’t think every city she’s been to is the same, even if they share certain commonalities. “ right, but there’s like … your own culture and your own way of life. like, there must be more to it than dirty buildings or old ruins. right ?” she offers. it’s not like naomi is an optimistic person, but when it comes to her view of the world, she’s fascinated by places ; she loves travel. naomi covers her mouth, laughing at his offense. her tone’s teasing as she replies, “ sorry, but i don’t know that ! just like you have no idea whether i’m a good dancer, ” grinning before she adds, “ i am, though. ” naomi rolls her eyes as zeke’s face lights up, quick to retort, “ i didn’t say that, ” a protest with a scoff, hesitating for a moment before she adds :“ though i guess you’re not bad. ” like he’s not over six feet tall and ripped. there’s a change in zeke’s body language almost immediately once the subject of dylan comes up. had to eventually, right ? “ well, thanks. we’re good-looking people, ” she responds before she turns away from the water, head tilting as she catches zeke’s gaze. one eyebrow arches as she calls him out, “ you sound disappointed. ”
Zeke only stared at her, blinking a few times. “... Yeah, yeah there is.” It wasn’t like he was trying to shit on his city, just wanting to be realistic about it. But Naomi ( i accidently typed out narumi here rip still in nl mode ) was right, that despite the ugly and dirty buildings and the old ruins, Athens was still beautiful. That it was still beautiful in its own little way without those two things. And honestly, Zeke should really appreciate it more! “And I’m a fantastic hairdresser! You just gotta trust me, the same way I trust that you’re a good dancer.” He playfully rolled his eyes at her confidence, though didn’t say anything against it. “Whoa! ‘Not bad’? You’re really hurting me over here.” Zeke placed a hand over his heart as if Naomi just shot an arrow straight threw it. Not like he was taking any of this to heart, it was all for show to get her to smile and laugh. However, with the topic switch, his hand and smile dropped, Zeke holding Naomi’s gaze for a few seconds before turning away. “I’m not disappointed.” Not really. “Just a little... envious.”
jude’s in the kitchen, catching his reflection in the metallic side of the toaster, hands scaling back through his curls like a b-tec version of danny zuko when zeke walks in. “ man like zeke. what’s good ? ” jude asks, as the other strides into the open-plan kitchen that looks over the villa’s garden. he’s not too sure on zeke’s vibe, other than the fact that they’re a hairdresser, which is pretty cool. “ d’you think i should bleach my hair again? or is the general consensus that white guys with bleached hair are cunty ? ” @zexhyr
“Hey, Jude, nothing really. What’s good with you?” This was their first time really talking to Jude, outside of the simple introductions before walking into the villa with the other bombshells. Zeke let out a short and soft laugh. “Cunty... I wasn’t aware of that, what,” they said. “When was the last time you bleached your hair?”
– “WELL, OF COURSE,” NAOMI AGREES. “ imagine, i’d been to athens and i skipped it ? ” she sighs, “ but it’s always nice when you can hear about a place from the locals, like … the real things about a place always come from the people that live there. as cool as some old ruins can be, ” she punctuates jokingly. still, greece is gorgeous. maybe that’s where she’ll go after this, hole up in a hotel on a cliffside, live like donna sheridan. “ what’s ugly about it ? ” now that has her curious. “ good answer, ” she coos her praises, although she is most definitely the type to lie. it’s a sweet offer, but there’s only one person naomi trusts with her hair and that’s her stylist back home. she can’t even browse zeke’s instagram ! “ maybe i’ll hold you to that, ” she grins, looking at him over her shoulder as theirs brush together briefly, “ if you’re any good. ” could get some solid brand deals out of being a hairdresser on this show, though, that’s for damn sure. if they last more than four days. she laughs at his request, “ oh, you’re cute when you beg, ” a ravening grin graces her lips. “ alright. i’ll consider it. ” their next questions is less fun, of course. “ well, how can anyone be sure ? it doesn’t help that i’ve known people in here pretty briefly, so … i’m still figuring it all out. but with dylan it’s been promising, we get on really well. ”
“I guess that is fair.” Honestly, he would’ve judged her if she hadn’t visited said historical site, Zeke just hoped that she saw more of his country than just that. He shrugged. “It’s just like any other country, or city if we just look at Athens. Dirty streets, graffitied walls, ugly buildings, the typical stuff.” You know, just a city looking exactly like a city! Not like something out of a storybook like what many seem to think. Zeke scoffed at her reply. “If?” He repeated, offended just a tiny bit. “Excuse you, I’m an excellent hairdresser!” Was it possible for him to show Naomi his work on someone else’s phone? Maybe have a producer pop up and let Zeke search his name on Instagram or something. He would’ve continued to pout or whatever until Naomi called him cute, eyes twinkling at the somewhat compliment. “So you think I’m cute, huh?” He asked. To be fair, she said he was cute when he begged, not all the time. But that was still a win for Zeke Baek. However, the fun soon left their body as the topic switched into something more serious, Zeke sitting up straight and listening closely to what she had to say. Which wasn’t a lot really. “True, it hasn’t been that long since you all have started this adventure.” It was day twenty-eight after all, just now reaching a month. How was someone expected to bond and find their special someone in a month, or however many days this season was to last. “That’s good to know that the two of you are... getting on well,” he said. “You two look... good together.” Hopefully he wasn’t frowning as he said that.
– “YEAH, I WAS THERE LAST SUMMER,” she says. “ all the touristy places that you probably avoid, though. you’re so lucky to live there, it’s beautiful. what do you do ? ” this is the most small talk that she’s had to make her way through in a while, especially when she didn’t wake up feeling her most charming. “ c’mon, ” wolfish grin in response as she meets their eyes, “ you think i’d lie to you so early in our relationship, zeke ? ” her tone is teasing. eyebrows arch at the audacity, “ for free ? shit. acting like i’m your dance instructor when we’ve just met, ” she laughs. “ i don’t know. maybe if you asked really nicely and were a really good listener, ” naomi emphasizes, playing a bit coy. still, they probably wouldn’t want her as a teacher, because while she loves to boss people around, it’s not like naomi santos has ever been lauded for her patience. any time she’s tried to teach, she’s always reminded that she’s a better showman. “ i’m not sure. ”
“Ah, so you checked out The Acropolis then.” Tourists loved to check out the ancient ruins, which wasn’t always a bad thing. Zeke just believed that there was more to Athens than just some crumbling rocks but he didn’t say anymore about the situation. “It is beautiful, though, it’s just like any other city. It has its ugly side too,” he said. “I work as a hairdresser at a local hair salon.” Zeke laughed a bit loudly but gently at her words. “I don’t think so, you don’t look like the type to lie.” At this point Zeke was really trying to butter her up, or at least be on her good side. A very important thing to do if Zeke wanted to stay on the show with everyone. “Not for free, I can do your hair for you. Whatever you want, I can do it,” he suggested before bumping his shoulder with hers. “Please, Naomi, teach me how to dance? I’ll be the perfect little student for you. I promise.” It was all fun and games really, not so putting on the act for the camera but more for the woman sitting beside him. “How come you’re not sure?”
“ Y’KNOW, FAIR ENOUGH, ” she laughs, appreciating the honesty. “ what ? there’s no way strawberry is the best flavor. it’s good, but is it the best ? ” the look on her face shows she doesn’t believe it.
“It is the best! Nothing else can compete.” That wasn’t true but he was a big strawberry ice cream advocate. “What do you see as the best then?”
“No, you’re right. Some of them are surprised seeing us. They’ll get used to it, though. How are you feeling so far?”
“Let’s hope that they do.” It was only the first day, of course it was going to be rough! Everything will be fine. “I’m feeling alright, happy to be here and with everyone. What about you?”
she wants to reply back with their name, mimicked in their same tone, but doesn’t remember it. the “ah!” ends up falling a bit short, saved only by a toothy smile as she abruptly switches paths, a redirect from the kitchen to the bean bag chairs. “welcome to our home,” her voice hitches as she plops into the seat next to him, slightly lower than she expected. “oof. remind me of your name again? it always takes me like, two tries for some reason. ‘ll remember your face though.”
“It’s Zeke and thanks for welcoming me, you guys got a nice place here,” he said, smiling at her. “How are you feeling? You know, with all of us being here and not having Josh?”
ZEKE BAEK (nonbinary, he/they, kim mingyu) is 25 and a HAIRDRESSER from ATHENS, but now they can be found in MAIN VILLA. they are known as THE AESTHETE because they are PATIENT, but if things kick off, they can be a bit NAIVE. they’re BISEXUAL and are most interested in grafting NAOMI & ROMI. one thing they want to accomplish in casa amor is SOMEONE WHO WILL GENUIELY CHERISH HIM. (stickered covered apple max headphones, melodic laughter that fills an entire space, hushed whispers and soft giggles, and metallic shears resting on a towel.)
BIO!
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Zeke lives there with his grandmother. His mother passed giving birth to him and his father had passed away when he was five. A bit rough for him but it’s alright because Zeke has his grandmother who loves him dearly.
Because it was only the two of them, Zeke was always found at his grandmother’s side. If she went to the grocery store, he was pushing the cart for her. If she was visiting a friend, he was sitting at the table eating whatever cookies they gave him. And if she was working, he would be there too, and that was his favorite place to be.
His grandmother worked as a hairdresser at their local hair salon and it easily became Zeke’s favorite place to be. While dominated by women, he never felt like an outsider, they never made Zeke feel like an outsider. Instead of doing his homework, he would sit in his designated seat and watch everyone work. It always amazed him how they did everything so effortlessly and continue to gossip about everything happening in their lives. For a little kid, it was magical to watch it all happen.
Zeke’s fascination never left as he grew older, he simply pushed him down the road of becoming a hairdresser. Many tried to push him towards becoming a barber ( bc Men ) but he would always shake his head no, a barbershop wasn’t his home, it was a hair salon.
Every day after school he would go to the hair salon. Everyone knew his name and face, hell, he even worked there as a receptionist and cleaned up for everyone. Lowkey was used to bring in younger customers because of his looks,,,,, the same could be said now.
By the time they graduated from high school, Zeke went off to cosmetology school. They walked out as a licensed hairdresser and worked at the same place as their grandmother. And everyone loved it, happy to see Zeke everyday now as the young adult worked beside them. And once again, Zeke brought in a lot of customers for them because they look like a literal Greek God.
And it’s fun, they’re doing something they love! Their career is great but that’s... about it. Zeke doesn’t have any friends his age, all of his friends are married women in their 40s and up, some even being widows. While he made friends at school, none of them really stuck around for long. The same could be said about their love life.
No one really stays for long, both platonically and romantically and it sucks, ya’ know. Zeke begins to think that he’s gonna be left with older women his entire life until they women at his job talk about Love Island. And they’re all telling him that he has to go onto the show because it’ll be fun and maybe he’ll meet the love of his life. It sounded silly at first until he’s like hahha UNLESS...?
So boom, he arrives during Casa and he’s like “ I want love blah blah blah “. Idk I GIVE UP NO MORE INTRO MEET ZEKE BAEK CLAP YOUR HANDS.
QUICK FACTS!
Has a pet dog named Atlas! Atlas will be turning four in February.
Has yet to tell their grandmother this but Zeke does want to move out but doesn’t want to leave her alone.
Traveled to California once with friends, enjoyed the state for the most part. Considered moving there once.
Realizing now that Zeke does in fact know three languages! Korean, English, and Greek <3
Yes he can do your muses hair, he brought his little kit if anyone wants a drastic hair change.
“Oh, it’s a strange combination of excitement and nervousness. Because we’re not entering this place like regular bombshells, everyone is split up so people are going to feel a type of way. Which is exciting, it’s different but it also makes me really nervous.”
who are you most interested in getting to know and why?
“Romi and Naomi for sure. Ever since the first episode, the two of them caught my eye. At first, I was rooting for them with their respective partners, well, more of Romi and Marcus than Naomi and Josh,” Zeke says. “As a viewer, I wanted them to win but also... I think they deserve better. Naomi does, that’s for sure.” A pause before they continue. “But I still want to meet the others, I might be interested in those two but who knows, maybe I’ll have a better connection with someone else.”
which couples seem the most solid to you? least solid?
“Maybe Dylan and Naomi but that’s a hard maybe!” He laughs gently. “As for least solid... Jenny and Josh, and Maddox and Seb. But those two aren’t really a couple, just bros.”
what people do you see yourself getting along with?
“Callie and Rhys. They just seem like cool people who I can easily talk and hang with.”
what people do you see yourself not getting along with?
“Maybe Seb? Only because of how he’s been in previous episodes but who knows, maybe he’ll change and act different during Casa!”
casa amor is a unique time to enter love island. what do you hope to get out of the experience?
“If I’m unable to get a relationship out of this, I hope that I get solid friendships out of this. People who I can text or call even when this show is over, that’s what I want.”
ZEKE’S WORDS MAKE A PANG IN HER CHEST, one she hadn’t expected. he’s surprisingly genuine, making her feel bad for assuming the worst. “ thanks, zeke. i hope you find love while being here, ” she tells them, sincerely. a smile tugs at her lips at their surprise, but mostly how they roll with it. “ why a pine tree ? ” the real answer is in the explanation, after all. “ rocky road, ” callie nods decisively, needing no time to think of her answer. “ you ? ”
“I don’t know, it was the first thing that came to mind.” And he laughed, a bit embarrassed that there wasn’t an actual reason behind his answer. “Good choice,” he said. “I would be strawberry because it’s the best flavor.”
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