《The Christmas Wish》Chapter 2
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"So Mr. Kim, our viewers want to know why you risked your life to save Mrs. Choo and her one year old son. The newscaster pushes her microphone closer.
"Because they needed help and were in danger, Madame." I maintain a gentle smile masking my annoyance with her question. After my fifth interview this week you'd think I'd be more tolerant comfortable, but I'm not.
"Well Mr. Kim, you are quite the phenomenon. And your video has had over 50 million views on social media and growing. What do you think about that?"
"Well, the fact that so many people have wished me well and thanked me for rescuing Mrs. Choo and her son is wonderful. I'm just grateful I was there when the accident occurred and that I could be of service. I hope that others will be encouraged to act when someone is in need. It's just the right thing to do.
The reporter smiles and turns to the camera. "There you have it. Mr. Kim Taehyung, a simple man doing what he calls 'the right thing to do' and encouraging others to do the same."
The reporter turns to me and smiles." Okay, we're done. Thank you, Mr. Kim, for doing this interview."
"You're welcome."
By the time I get back to my little hotel I'm starving and head right to the dining room for dinner. A week ago, I was just a small town farmer coming to the big city on business.
Boy, this city's full of wonders. Things are loud and bright here and that's just the people. I utter a hushed laugh.
I'm looking forward to returning home to a simple and quieter life tomorrow. The food has been okay but I'd like a good old-fashioned home cooked meal. I go for a short walk under the gorgeous oceanfront moonlight and return to my room.
It's late but I'm not sleepy so I grab the remote and flip through the channels. I sigh with nothing being of interest to me, and then I see it. My favorite show with my secret crush.
There are three episodes available of Kooking with Kookie. Joy sweeps through me like a kid on Christmas day. Unfortunately, my little town station only carries one episode a week. He's the best. And, I've tried most of his delicious recipes.
His garlic crusted lamb chops are to die for. Not to mention my favorite views of him in those tight-ass pants pulling a rump roast out of the oven. Nice rump, I think and I'm not talking about the roast.
Smart marketing, I think and blow a laugh from my nose. Whoever thought of packaging cooking and sex? I'm most certainly not complaining.
God, I'd love to settle down with a man like Kookie. A man that can cook and keep a nice home. I can just see it: our beautiful home with a gourmet kitchen; with our 10 little ones running around, Uno underfoot and hot nights of passionate love making. Sigh.
A laugh comes full and free. Even a simple man like me is allowed to have a dream and a fantasy.
A famous man like Kookie wouldn't give me a second thought. However, I will enjoy his wonderful recipes. Let's see what Kookie is cooking today.
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Oh my God, roasted chicken with apples and herbs. I scramble out of bed to grab pen and paper. Look at that a cherry, Gorgonzola and Arugula Salad. And, for dessert Ultimate Apple Pie.
I'm just too excited. I settle in and watch all three episodes. And without disappointment there are several shots of Kookie bending over, wiping sweat off his brow and rolling up his sleeves. As the Kitchen heats up, so do I.
I wake to the sound of my phone vibrating with a hum. It's 8:00 am. This is late for me. On the farm, I'm working by 6:00 a.m. It's definitely time to get back home after a few weeks in the big city. I scramble and retrieve my phone.
"Hello." My voice is heavy and raspy.
"Good morning! Is this Mr. Kim Taehyung?" The males voice is quite cheerful for so early in the morning.
"Yes, it is? How can I help you?"
"My name is Jiwan and I book guests for a television show and-"
"Let me stop you right there Jiwan. I appreciate the offer, however, I'm leaving for home today."
"Mr. Kim, I know it's been a whirlwind week for you. But, your heroism was amazing and we'd like to give you our guest spot on our show that we will be taping at 3:00 p.m. today. Sorry for the short notice but I left several message yesterday." His voice is lower as he pleads.
"Jiwan, thank you but no thanks. I'm just a normal guy. I have to get back to my life. Thanks again for the offer." Before I can hang up he quickly speaks again.
"I'm sure Mr. Jeon Jungkook will be disappointed to hear and..." I speed to interrupt.
"Wait. What? Did you say Mr. Jeon Jungkook as in Kooking with Kookie?!" I shoot straight up at full attention.
"Oh, I most certainly did. Are you familiar with our show, Mr. Kim?" fuck, is he kidding.
"I most certainly am." I quickly adjust to a sitting position on the edge of my bed. "Uh, Jiwan, I guess if Mr. Jeon Jungkook wants me... I mean is offering me an appearance on his show. I-I couldn't reject that. Uh, what time did you say? 3:00 p.m.?" I can barely hold onto my phone as my hand shakes with excitement.
"Yes, Sir, Mr. Kim! That would be splendid. If you will tell me your hotel I'll send a car for you. We want to get you here at 1:30 p.m. to get you prepared. Mr. Jeon will be very excited!"
Certainly, not as excited as me.
"Why, again, is my guest for the day this farmer?" I ask reviewing today's script in my dressing room with Jin.
"Kookie, didn't you watch the video I sent you?!" Damnit, Kookie, it's just 12 minutes." Jin says with a heightened tone of frustration. "Look, this guy is ratings gold."
"Oh, I knew I was supposed to do something last night. Look, I was going over a first draft of the new cookbook and then texting half the evening with my brother." I rolling my eyes. "After eating my microwave pizza I fell asleep in bed and woke up with crumbs everywhere." My throat resonated with a low chuckle.
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"Kookie, two things." Jin rests his clipboard on the table in front of him.
"Sure, what that Jin?"
"First, how is Jimin doing?" I roll my eyes again at the topic at hand.
"Don't even ask. Well, since you asked. His ass is crazy as ever, more men trouble. I'll tell him you asked."
"Thanks Kookie, Please tell his crazy ass I said hello." Jin's lips slightly curve upward.
"Okay Jin, what is the other thing?" His smile now flattens out.
"As head of your marketing and publicity, please never again tell anyone you were eating frozen pizza in bed and woke covered in crumbs. You're the sexiest eligible bachelor in South Korea. You have the top rated television show in all of Asia and in many markets throughout the world. Your fans imagine you snuggled up with some hot hunk of a man and waking up beautiful. Not eating frozen pizza and waking up alone with goddamn crumbs!"
"Jin say that again, because that's the version of my life I want. You know, the hot hunk of a man part. Unfortunately it's not real. But, I'd certainly like it to be." I says smiling at him, however he's not feeling my humor and pulls in his bottom lip and bites down.
"Kookie, image is everything in this business. How many times do I have to tell you this." He releases an audible sigh. "Anyway, you need to watch this video now. You're on in 20 minutes and your guest is in makeup."
There's a knock at the door.
"Come in!"
"Mr. Jeon, here's your fatty burger with extra cheese, three strips of bacon and extra Mayo. Just the way you like it."
"Oh, Thanks, Minyoung."
The young intern smiles, puts down the bag and quickly leaves. I open the bag and pull out a burger so huge it takes two hands to hold it. Jin's eyes appear as if they're about to pop out of his head as his mouth is fully open.
"Kookie! You're not going to eat that are you?" Jin shrieks in horror.
"No, Jin, I'm just going to admire it and think about how good it must taste. Of course, I'm going to eat it! Now leave me alone!" Jin shrieks.
"Kookie! You're the host of a world-renowned television show where you cook gourmet delicacies. You can't be seen eating crappy food like that! Plus, you need to fit into those pants."
"Okay, so don't watch!" I take a huge delicious sloppy bite as fat drips down my chin. "Mmm, that's good. I grab a napkin and dab my chin as Jin stands by in horror.
"What the fuck am I going to do with you? Okay, just ask this guy about his rescue, please? Let him talk. He's very genuine. It's only a fifteen minute segment. How bad can it be? I'll be in your earpiece. Just follow my lead." I can only nod as I fill my mouth with another deliciously fatty bite.
Jin shakes his head in disgust as the door wings open abruptly as Namjoon rushes into the room. "Jin, you're the best!"
Namjoon billows out a laugh. Kookie, did you see that video? I had to watch it 5 times, it's so good. Jin, this time you did it! Everyone is going to love this guy. He'll give us just what we need to kick off the Kooking with Kookie Holiday Extravaganza! This is going to be great. Our numbers are going to be off the chart." Namjoon is nearly dancing a jig and I'm frozen in mid air with my greasy cheeseburger.
"This guy will give us the bump we need and then you do your Holiday magic and we're secure in our number one spot again." Namjoon beams with a satisfying dimpled grin as Jin glows. I take another bite and place my burger down and start wiping my hands.
"Don't forget we renew our contract with the network after the New Year. That means more money." Namjoon adds as if to sweeten the pot.
"Namjoon, I've been doing this for three years and we've been on top. I don't know. Maybe it's time to do something else. I'm not sure I want to renew my contract." I rub my hands together and lower my eyes. "I just feel-"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Namjoon lifts a single eyebrow and slightly cocking his head to the left. "Have you forgotten that you're the highest paid television host in this country? Also, your highly anticipated new holiday cookbook is on the bestseller list. What more do you want?" He scoffs as if I'm being selfish. That's okay. Namjoon a bully and I refuse to be backed off.
"Namjoon, I have more money than I'll spend in a lifetime. How many homes and cars can one man have? What more do I want? How about a life? How about a...partner?" I probe. "Look, I don't enjoy any of it because I'm always working. This used to be fun but it's not anymore. I'm not looking forward to Christmas. I love Christmas but this year, I'm not feeling it. I sell a fantasy. This is not real."
"You can come do the holidays with me and Jin. You know that." Namjoon says looks over to a nodding Jin.
"That's not what I'm talking about and you know it!" I spout clenching my jaw.
"Kookie, you won't be doing this forever. You know for your image you need to give the appearance of being a bit of a playboy. Anyway, you can date. We can set you up with one of these K-Pop stars and-"
"Namjoon, really! That's all publicity. Weren't you listening to me? The last thing I want is a relationship with some dull, pea-brain Superstar. I long for a simpler life. My life is not my own. That's more of what I'm saying. Developing a relationship is something that will take time. I'd just like the option. I don't want to worry about paparazzi and someone writing embarrassing stories. Anyway, we have a show to do."
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8 199Incarnation of Ice and Fire
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