Chapter Text
INT. NOELLE ART STUDIO - MIDDAY
He didn't recognize the voice, or the face, but something feels familiar, confusion clearly shows on his face, yet he’s hesitant to ask.
MAN
I can't shake the feeling that we met already. Have we?
Raising an eyebrow, with a small grin and a teasing tone.
WOMAN
I guess I didn't leave that big of an impact if you can't remember where.
His eyes grew big, while she laughed at the blush that creeps his face. He's missing something.
INT. SEOK-HYUNG'S BASEMENT - MIDNIGHT
It's New Year's Eve. What better way to celebrate than to be with those who are dear to you. As per tradition Jeong-won is welcoming the new year with his friends. Except this year he felt like he should've spent it alone instead. Arms cross, eyebrows meeting, and a frown that seems like a permanent part of his face. Letting out a long sigh, and rolling his eyes. Emphasizing every word.
JEONG-WON
It was not a date.
Jun-wan replied, a bit muffled by his full mouth, yet sarcasm still flowed through.
JUN-WAN
Okay not a date. Then enlighten us, O Great One. How is having dinner, and going to the movies, and driving said women home not a date.
JEONG-WON
It's called manners. You should try it sometimes.
Jun-wan gave Jeong-won the side eye. While the other three at the table snickered at the burn. Ik-jun poked Jeong-won's arm, making the latter turn his head towards the offender.
IK-JUN
It's not illegal to date your staff
JEONG-WON
I'm not saying it is.
IK-JUN
Then why are you implying as if it's a bad thing?
JEONG-WON
(sigh)
I'm just saying it wasn't a date. And if I really want it to be a date, I could go on one!
Jeong-won picks his forgotten beer can and takes a swing. Ik-jun looked at him with squinting eyes, putting down his chopsticks, and rubbing his hands, before shrugging his shoulders and giving Seok-hyung, who's sitting across him a small nod. Seok-hyung understands the signal, picks his phone up and walks away from the table. Ik-jun looks back at Jeong-won, who is not angrily stuffing his mouth food.
IK-JUN
Then prove it Andrea.
Jeong-won looked defeated, rubbed forehead, willing the headache from the conversation to go away.
JEONG-WON
I don't have to prove anything.
Song-hwa sitting on Ik-jun's left, touched his arm. Noticing the remnants of sauce on her lips, Ik-jun handed her a tissue.
SONG-HWA
Stop pressuring him. If he doesn't want to date then so be it.
Ik-jun and Jun-wan looked at her in disbelief, they were all supposed to be on one side. While Jeong-won looked at him with gratitude. Song-hwa took a drink, reclined back on her chair, and shrugged her shoulders.
SONG-HWA
(sarcastic)
It's not like he's 35 and always complaining about why everyone around him is dating.
Ik-jun and Jun-wan let out a full belly laugh. While Jeong-won's face turned from grateful to betrayed. Jeong-won crossed his arms again, leaned back on his chair, the frown back on his face. Seok-hyung walked back, tapping Jeong-won's shoulders before taking his seat.
SEOK-HYUNG
Date is set for next Saturday, Jeong-won. At the Island, 7PM. Reservation's under Arthur Yang.
Jeong-won's eyes went wide. Putting both hands on the table in surprise.
JEONG-WON
I didn't agree to this! I'm not going.
A snicker came from Jun-wan. Ik-jun places his hand on Jeong-won's shoulder, and gives him a nod once they make eye contact.
IK-JUN
You'll come. You're too much of a gentleman to leave a girl waiting.
Jeong-won covered his face with both hands in defeat, letting go of whines that could rival a kid, while his so-called friends just laughed.
EXT. THE ISLAND - EVENING
Jeong-won looks dreadfully at the neon sign of the restaurant. He exhaled the breath he didn't know he was holding.
JEONG-WON
Let's get this over with.
He walks towards the door, and a staff member, seeing him approach, opens the door for him, welcoming him inside.
INT. THE ISLAND - EVENING
Jeong-won walks towards the staff by the register, Seol - based on her nametag, who greeted him with a smile.
SEOL
Welcome Sir. May I know the name on the reservation?
JEONG-WON
Hello, Under Arthur Yang please.
SEOL
Arthur Yang… please give me a minute sir, I would also be needing your ID.
Jeong-won nodded, handing his ID over. He proceeds to regulate his breathing. He's nervous for sure. It's not because it's his first blind date or anything, he's been to a lot of those courtesy of his mother, it's just that he prefers to do things his way. He can go on dates if he wants to. He's not too bad in the eyes, has some money in his name, has a stable career, and a true gentleman. Who wouldn't want him? And yet, deep down he knows why his friends are pushing him forward. It's because of that one thing that makes him hesitate. The staff speaks again, breaking Jeong-won's internal panic.
SEOL
(smiles)
Oh! Here it is, table for two for Arthur Yang. Your company seems to have arrived as well.
Jeong-won looks at his watch in surprise, he's 10 minutes early for the reservation, yet his company arrived before him. A male staff approached his side, Seol must've called him.
SEOL
Sir, this is Chan, he would be your waiter for tonight.
CHAN
Good evening sir, if you would follow me, I'll be assisting you to your table.
Jeong-won gave Seol a bow, before proceeding to follow Chan towards the direction of a black curtain. Both men stop in front of the curtain.
CHAN
Before I assist you inside, there are a few things you need to know. First, I have to ask sir, are you aware that this is a black out dining experience?
Jeong-won nodded. He heard of The Island's reputation,though he never really had the chance to visit until now.
CHAN
Great! With that said. There's a button at the end of the table, you could press that if you need anything, orders, water refill, or even assistance to go towards the bathroom. Please don't try to find your way around so that we could avoid accidents. Also, all belongings should be left at the lockers, you could leave your phone with me if you wish, otherwise please leave it in your locker as well. And please, even if it's pitch black, there are cameras around, so don't do anything illegal.
Jeong-won nodded and gave Chan a smile, relaying that he understood the rules.Chan gestured towards the lockers beside the curtain, and Jeong-won proceeded to place his things inside. He returns to where Chan is waiting, who then pulls the curtain aside, gesturing for Jeong-won to pass through,before closing the curtain behind both of them, engulfing them in complete darkness. Jeong-won blinks his eyes, trying to adjust to the darkness while he felt Chan move in front
of him.
CHAN
I'm standing in front of you sir, please hold my shoulders.
Jeong-won did as he's told, after which they were walking forward. They passed another curtain, and with Chan's guidance they reached the table safely. After showing him the location of the button, Chan left.
Maybe it's the darkness, but all of Jeong-won's other senses feel very alive. Clashing of utensils, laughter from time to time, murmurs of conversations. And the scent of peaches and mint, that he pinpoints, could only be coming from the person sitting across him.
Jeong-won cleared his throat to break the silence. He then tried to extend his hands for a handshake, which he realized is a bad idea since the person in front of him cannot see him, and he only managed to knock his glass over, which he tried to straighten up fast. His companion emits a chuckle.
JEONG-WON
Sorry about that.
WOMAN
No worries.
JEONG-WON
So uh... You look great! Which I just realized sounds scripted because I can't actually see you… But I'm not saying you don't! I'm sure you do!
Jeong-won slapped his hands over his face in embarrassment over his clumsiness, and an embarrassing words vomit, thanking the gods that she couldn't see him. She, on the other hand, just laughed, and said with a hint of teasing.
WOMAN
I would actually say the same if we're in a different setting. Though I think you trust so easily, how sure are you that I'm wearing something other than, let's say, a carrot onesie?
Jeong-won chuckled at this, thankful that she tried to break the awkwardness. The tension on Jeong-won's shoulder started to fade.
JEONG-WON
I don't see anything wrong with that, I'm wearing a giraffe onesie myself. They both laugh, tension truly broken.
JEONG-WON
Nice to meet you Ms...?
He senses the woman lean forward, the table tilting a little, and her peaches and mint scent invades his nose better.
WOMAN
Hmmm... Let's see how the night goes before I drop my name. Don't you think that's the thrill of this blind date?
Jeong-won chuckled at this, shaking his head. He replied in an old Englishman accent.
JEONG-WON
Well. I shall work hard to prove that I'm worthy of such knowledge, My Lady.
WOMAN
Oh. Such a noble man!
JEONG-WON
Indeed! Shall we proceed with our meal?
WOMAN
We shall!
Jeong-won presses the button to signal for Chan, who appeared after a minute. Chan proceeds to dictate the menu to them, given that they couldn't read it. Still keeping up with the old English act.
JEONG-WON
All of them sounds wonderful Mr. Chan, thank you. What would you be having, My Lady?
WOMAN
Oh, how could I possibly decide!
They both elicit a laugh and Jeong-won swears he heard Chan, trying to suppress his chuckle as well. Dropping the act a little bit, she asks with a hint of seriousness.
WOMAN
Kind Sir, would you prefer a pretentious order, or would it be a concern if I eat to my heart's content?
Jeong-won smiles a little, understanding where her concern is coming from. But in Jeong-won's perspective, it's foolish that anyone needs to pretend when they're on a date.
JEONG-WON
I would feel extremely guilty if this night ends up starving you. Please, I would very much love it if you eat to your heart's content.
WOMAN
(gasp)
A true gentleman! Check.
JEONG-WON
Was that a test?
WOMAN
Maybe…
JEONG-WON
(laugh)
You don't see it. But I'm squinting.
She laughs at his reply. How he wishes he could record it and listen to it on repeat. They placed their order, and Jeong-won is grateful that she didn't hold back. Chan left to relay their order to the chefs, and they engaged in small talks.
JEONG-WON
So. If I may ask, what do you do?
WOMAN
I capture things...
JEONG-WON
Like a cop?
WOMAN
Maybe. Maybe not...
JEONG-WON
(gasp)
Ahhh. The mystery continues I see. I should've expected anything less!
Her reply, laced with concern, made Jeong-won wish she could see the sincerity in his face.
WOMAN
Is that okay? I just think, personal things would be far more appropriate when we could see each other.
JEONG-WON
I understand. It is hard to judge the reaction of someone when you can't see them. Let's save it for the second date.
WOMAN
(laugh)
Our meal hasn't arrived yet, and you're already optimistic that there would be another one?
JEONG-WON
(laugh)
I have a feeling. And I’ll definitely work hard to earn another date.
WOMAN
(scoff)
Jeong-won rubbed his neck, embarrassed as to where his confident words came from. If only she could see him, the dark is truly deceiving. Chan arrived at the perfect time, laying their food down, guiding them where the plate is and where the utensils are. After a few more guidelines, he left. And Jeong-won was right, it is a wonderful dinner
indeed. The conversation flows smoothly between the two, exchanging stories, getting to know each other --- and yet not really.
As their conversation deepens, their food dwindles, and the night draws to a close. Jeong-won washed down his last bite with some wine, trying to calm his nerves. When he felt that she's almost done with her meal, he spoke again.
JEONG-WON
Thank you for the wonderful evening.
WOMAN
I would say the same. It is indeed great.
JEONG-WON
(clear throat)
So…
WOMAN
Go on.
JEONG-WON
Would it be safe to assume that I've proven myself worthy of your name?
WOMAN
(chuckle)
I think you've passed every test. I'm extending my hand now for a handshake.
Jeong-won smiled at this and carefully searched the dark for her hand. When he found them and held them, all he could think about was how soft it felt.
JEONG-WON
Nice to meet you I'm ---
Before he could finish his sentence, Chan appears startling both of them, causing them to retract their hands.
CHAN
Excuse me Ma’am, Sir. I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's an urgent phone call for you.
JEONG-WON
Oh. Of course. Would it be okay if I step out for a bit, My Lady?
WOMAN
(chuckle)
Sure, go ahead, I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere.
JEONG-WON
(chuckle)
Thank you. I’ll try to be quick.
Chan guided Jeong-won outside, his eyes squinting from light. Seol was waiting by the register, holding the phone towards him.
JEONG-WON
Hello, Ahn Jeong-won speaking.
Ik-jun's drunk voice came through the receiver, making Jeong-won pull the receiver away from his ear a bit.
IK-JUN
An-dreeee-aaaa! I'm so drunk!
JEONG-WON
(scoff)
I could tell.
IK-JUN
Pfft. So cold - Kim Jun-wan, leave Andrea's body! Oh! Jun-wan! Jun-waan is more drunk.
JEONG-WON
(sigh)
Knowing where this conversation was going, Jeong-won told Ik-jun that he would call him in 10 minutes. He proceeds to retrieve his belongings in the locker, then settles the bill. Just as he was about to leave a calling card to Chan, and ask him to pass it over to his date, along with an explanation, a phone call interrupted his thoughts --- Ik-jun's asking him to come immediately because Jun-wan is about to get in some major trouble. In his panic, he said his thanks to Seol, asking Chan to relay his apologies, and left the restaurant in a hurry.
INT. INSIDE A CAB - EVENING
Only when he settled inside the cab did he realise that he was still holding his calling card. Disappointment paints his face, which then morphed to irritation, he wasn't even able to get her name. The only clue he has: peaches and mint.