・❥ interview room.

# ♡ ﹐ question.  mind telling us how you met some of these participants? (the same snippets continue to play on screen)

── (she lets the question settle in her mind for a few seconds, gathering her thoughts and reframing some statements to keep the information shared at surface level) juyeon, i would say, is a respected colleague and a good friend. we go a long way back, and i have been under his care and will continue to be, provided that we don't get on each other's nerves while on the show. he's like a reliable big brother to me. on some days, i beg to differ and cry for help. (the pit of her stomach starts to form tight knots, causing her to internally steady herself through a mental exercise at the white lies being declared on television)

# ♡ ﹐ question.  really? from the bonfire, it looked like there was something else going on. care to elaborate? (snippets from their bonfire encounter play on screen)

── (she curses herself inwardly for being rather reckless and carefree during the bonfire, reminding herself that the cameras surrounding her are in no way different from the prying eyes of her peers) well, i'd be surprised if we weren't comfortable with one another after years of being in each other's presence. then again, an outsider's point of view will always be different, and that's something beyond my control. i'm just as surprised as he is that we saw each other on the show. call it a moment of catching up, i suppose. though i'm not opposed to saying that it's reassuring to have him around. i can't speak for him, though.

# ♡ ﹐ question.  right, sure. what about mouse (joohyuk)? you used an endearment on him.

── force of habit. (she shrugs, shaking her head in mild amusement) my private chef is his mentor, and at some point, he was dragged as my plus one for an event. the endearment's used in jest, nothing more. i'm sorry to disappoint. ('not', she leaves the word out in her head)

# ♡ ﹐ question.  interesting. one more thing, what's your story with blobfish (eunwoo)?

── (her gaze softens, and her hands settled on her lap now find themselves encased on her knee) he's... my bookmark. (she ponders, looking for the right words to say) i was not expecting to see him, but to put things into perspective, there are some pages in a book that you would re-read over and over, and every time you do, you learn something new. eunwoo is exactly that. (the production staff waits for her to say anything more, but she simply blinks and raises an eyebrow at them, gesturing that she was done speaking)

# ♡ ﹐ question.  we've noticed that you don't talk so much with the female participants. why is that? are you not interested in befriending people?

── let's just say things happened in the past that led to this observation, as you'd call it. i don't mind making friends, but i do mind keeping the right ones. compared to other participants, i prefer keeping my circle small. (she nods briefly, releasing her hold from her knee)

# ♡ ﹐ question.  is that why you're sticking to interacting with fox (younjung) lately?

── for the record, it's her that's doing the sticking. (she raises a finger to emphasize her point, taken aback and flustered by the question given) she's an oddball. if she heard this question, i will never hear or see the end of it. (she sighs, recalling the figure of the woman being talked about who kept following her in the sharehouse and smiling at her at any given moment) please do not feed her delusions any further.

# ♡ ﹐ question.  you seem to be acquainted with a lot of participants. does it come with your reputation?

── (knocking her head to the side, she blinks, eyes riddled with disinterest) you tell me. it sounds like you answered your own question, 'no?

# ♡ ﹐ question.  right, sorry about that. well, some are curious about your reason for joining the show. have you had enough of arranged marriages? networking parties?

── that's a rather bold assumption and an unwarranted generalization of how things are. (she offers a small smile, clearly unimpressed by the assigned staff member questioning her) to say that i've had enough is missing the point, especially when i've got nothing to lose. there are standards to be met, and none of those exist in the functions mentioned. allow me to use a phrase being thrown my way by impolite strangers, i'm simply going 'out of my bubble.' satisfied? (this time, the corners of her lips curve further upwards, yet her hollow orbs remain emotionless)

# ♡ ﹐ question.  i see. do you think those standards will be fulfilled by some participants on the show? maybe by men you already know? (snippets of eunwoo, juyeon, and joohyuk play in front of her)

── the standards are there to simply exist. it's never a matter of (me) searching who fits them; it's the other way around. you work to fit the standards. (she crosses a leg over the other, letting out a soft sigh) i'm not here to force them on whoever. if it happens, it happens. if it doesn't, it doesn't. the world won't stop moving forward whatever happens.

[ question: how did you feel when you saw mingyu (geoduck)? ]

younjung: (her eyes are unfocused; gaze faltering downwards from the camera. she remains quiet for a bit, then speaks). nothing. i felt nothing. (her face is expressionless).

[question: it looked like he was trying to give you his coat? ]

younjung: he did. i don't know why, it's not like my onesie wasn't already thick enough.

[ question: perhaps he was trying to help you; make you feel less embarrassed about your outfit? ]

younjung: help me? (raises an eyebrow in revolt). that's not like him.

[ question: w-why did you break up with mingyu? ]

younjung: for a lot of reasons.

[ question: do you have the hots for sana? ]

eunwoo: the hots? what is that. (he smiles cheekily, flashing his '^__^' looking cryptic eyesmile). she's the closest to my ideal type. i think that's why i'm inclined to her.

[ question: did you run into someone you know? who is it, and how do you know them? ]

eunwoo: i did. i ran into gayoung (lamb). i know her from a few years ago, through work. ... (production team waits for him to say something more, but eunwoo remains quiet. they then ask if he's sure he doesn't anyone else. he blinks twice, a neutral expression upon his face). no, i don't know anyone else. (the production team then mentions lisa). lisa? (tiger). wait. lisa manoban? (tiger's full legal name). (his eyes widen with complete astonishment). is she really on this show as well??? (the production team shows him footage of her at the bonfire, hugging chungha. his lips curve into a smile, watching). i had a feeling this was the moment that she was present, because i was going over last night in my mind, and i remembered that there was only one female contestant i only saw the back side of. small world. (he chuckles). i'm actually not too surprised that she's on the show.

[ question: so once again, how do you know her? ]

eunwoo: initially, she was—keyword; /was/, a patient of mine. (he put his hands up in defense). i did not do anything illegal, by this time, we were no longer classified as a patient-healthcare professional relationship. to all viewers; as a patient, please do not engage in any other type of relationships other than professional and therapeutic ones with your healthcare professionals. (he warns sternly, eyes looking right at the camera, as if he's going to burn holes through the lens). i met her on a trip to thailand. we happened to sit next to each other on the plane. she recognized and remembered me, greeting me. we progressed to a conversation from there. coincidentally, we found out that we were both headed to the same area in bangkok. lisa generously offered to be my tour guide. with her being a native local, i thought it would be beneficial for me, as well, that her presence would make the trip that much more amazing. and it did—she did; made it memorable and lots of fun. (he finishes the sentence with a happy, content smile).

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[ question: were there any appearances that surprised you the most? who are they and why? ]

(visibly distracted at the mere thought, she’s quietly chewing on her bottom lip for some time before letting out a soft sigh and burying her face in her hands where she can only peek at the camera through the space between her fingers) i guess there’s no hiding it. blob- no. eunwoo.. and dohyun? i mean, i knew i was bound to see them again someday but i wasn’t expecting it to be right here, and right now. we kinda just go way back is all. you know, things happened and.. yeah? (with her face unraveled once more, she gives off a slow shrug as the semblance of a rather awkward smile tugs itself across her lips) the rest is just history.

[ question: why did you react the way you did when you saw younjung (fox)? ]

- (closes his eyes and sighs at the question before dropping his head). next question (he laughs awkwardly). she's my ex. we didn't quite leave on good terms. i really didn't expect to see her here... really... (his brows scrunch up to repress his emotions).

[ question: (shows a video of mingyu's reaction to lisa and dohyun) what happened here? ]

- wah. these questions are getting more intense, huh? (takes a breath in). it's probably nothing, but i can't figure out his vibes. i don't like that.

# ♡ ﹐ question.  what are your thoughts about chaewon spilling her drink all over chungha?

── (she blinks, seemingly clueless about what transpired. the staff members were perceiving soojung in a new light, noticing she was taking more than usual to respond. there was no doubt about her feeling remorse and resentment towards the universe for having a good friend involved with the snake. yet at the thought of the latter's unexpected suffering, soojung was slowly losing her composure. the corners of subtly trembling as she fought the urge to laugh at the whole situation after recalling the events that followed. it was nothing short of amusing, but she wasn't prepared to express that in public.) hm... (she clasps her hands to her chest, a halfhearted grin gracing her visage. her eyes glazed with a mesh of confusion and amusement.) i would like to say, God bless us all, our families, and our friends because that night made me realize the true importance of a zookeeper. my grandchildren will definitely hear about this as one of herstory's greatest battles ever told. (she then rests her cheek against the back of her hand.) jokes aside, i hope apologies are in order for both parties, most especially towards chungha who sported her own wet look. she slayed despite it all, but i wish it doesn't happen again to her or anyone. unless? (soojung smiles sweetly in jest, bursting into a fit of laughter before waving a hand to dismiss her thought.)

[ question: what was going through your mind when you first saw him? have any of those thoughts changed lately? ]

(with the shake of her head, she’s cheekily fanning her face as the sheepish smile spread across her visage simply spoke louder than words ever could) i swear, at that moment i was thinking this had to be an actual joke. like where did you guys even find a man like this, because i don’t remember giving anyone any pointers to what the man of my dreams looked like? he was so unreal to me, i was almost scared i was going to wake up, and he wasn’t going to be there until.. he held me and i just. (she sighs softly) wow, i wanted that moment to last forever. until now he’s still giving me butterflies, actually? i wanna do nothing more but to keep him by my side, and provide him with the best i know he deserves. from happy memories, to blessings, everything!

[ question: now what were you thinking when chaewon spilled her drink all over chungha? ]

(she freezes in place, her practically stripped of color as if she’d just seen a ghost) ooo, yeah. that wasn’t a pretty sight. we were all having a moment too! i finally got to see gyu, my girls, and everyone that’s become almost like family to me? but that.. (habitually scrunches up her nose a tad, her gaze slowly averting to the side as she recalls the situation once again) sorry.. bit of a vibe killer, accident or not. i can’t remember if she apologised, but that would’ve been the best thing to do and just let bygones be bygones!

˚₊· ͟͟͞➳❥ optional interview prompt :

6. what was your reaction to seeing at least one contestant? did someone catch your attention with their good looks? or did you run into someone you know? is there someone you’re avoiding? (
note: if you’re throwing shade at someone, please let the other party know first ooc!

[ q: is there someone you've felt a greater connection with? is there someone you want to propose to? who are you most excited to see? how do you feel about revealing your identities soon? are there any fears? hopes? ]

answer: there is. (he smiles coyly). i think i need more time to get to know people, before i propose. i'm excited to see everyone for sure, but only due to frequent exposure; bat, dove, elephant, tiger, hawk and raven are the ones i'm slightly more curious about. but this is currently, things always change. (he chuckles about the next question, as the timeline of the show is now ahead). i guess i can talk about this in retrospect. i felt indifferent. it's not something i was more focused on. it was simply progression of the show's timeline. fears, no i don't think so. hopes? just someone i'll be physically attracted to. it's not a key aspect and certainly not a core value of mine, but i do think there needs to be a baseline of physical attraction.

[post deleted by owner]

[ q: what made you want to go into your current job / occupation? what are your next career aspirations? please briefly explain or show us with a schedule, what a day at work would be like. ]

answer: (she hums). i-i think i never really thought about it.. i think it just n-naturally happened? (tilts head to her left, ever-so-slightly). both of my parents work in the arts & music field, so i was always exposed t-to music in some way. my n-next career aspiration is to compose or record a classical soundtrack for a film. (she shifts her weight in her seat). if i'm not preparing for a c-concert, whenever i w-wake up i practice for a few h-hours. sometimes i give private l-lessons. i eat and t-take naps in between.. i live a pretty boring livelihood.. (she laughs shyly, covering with her hand). at night, i sleep. (caption: fox follows scripts exactly; no more no less. she's 'too' good at following instructions exactly ^_^" the production team had to ask more f/u questions on set to give our sweet fox more screen time).

producer: [ q: what made you choose the cello, out of all the other instruments? ]

answer: i started learning the piano when i was two. at the t-time, both my parents were very busy with work, so my grandmother looked after me. h-however, one day, my grandmother couldn't babysit me. s-so my mom had to bring me to her workplace. she was conducting a strings e-ensemble at the time. i started exploring the studio while my mom had been preoccupied. i saw someone's cello on a bench in a dressing room, still in its case. (she motions with her hands, demonstrating how big the case was). not having seen one before, i thought it was j-just a big guitar. my dad plays the guitar, so i used to watch him play all the time. i started plucking at the strings.. one of the ensemble musicians saw me, and asked if i wanted to see her play it. i s-said yes. (she nods along at this). as soon as i heard it, i was like 'wah, this is it'.

producer: [ q: please show off to us your mad skills. ]

answer: (scratches the side of her head sheepishly). i w-wouldn't c-call them mad skills.. maybe i-intermediately good? (she's handed her cello case). d-do i have to.. can't i s-show them next time, pd-nim.. (she softly asks, with pleading eyes. the producer teases her, to stop putting on an act, that he's overheard her practicing already). i'm not a-acting!~ (she whines). i'm still c-considered an amateur—( the screen cuts to her holding her cello.). i'll b-be playing a tiny snippet from antonio vivaldi's winter, the first movement, cello version! (the set quiets, to which fox's face changes; her face is sharp with focus. she begins to play, starting at the infamous build up of the song. the next few seconds show off the sheer talent of her skills; the bow of her cello moving immensely fast, her fingers and hand flying, as she succesfully nails every single trill and flurry of notes that soon follow after. at the final note, she slumps, exhaling in relief). t-that was r-really hard... t-thank you for listening! (she gives a bow).

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[ question: welcome to blinded! are you nervous? what are your first impressions? ]

not nervous at. all. why would i be? i just need to be my most true and authentic self, right? hopefully i find my one and only here, but if i don't and i happen to walk away alone, that's okay, too. i have myself. i have my friends and family. so no. I'm not nervous. everyone has been nice so far. I'm still trying to feel out the vibes of some of them... i think one of them is a businessman? he keeps trying to sell us things. that or we have a scam artist in our mix. very interesting group of bachelors and bachelorettes.

[ question: what made you want to go into your current job / occupation? what are your next career aspirations? please briefly explain or show us with a schedule, what a day at work would be like. ]

(laughs) I was just talking to pan pan earlier about this. My attention span tends to shift to whatever interests me at the moment. I wasn’t bad at anything, but I wasn’t great either. But one thing that I was always good at was cooking. And just the reactions and being able to share something I created myself with others— being able to make a dish that feels like home or a dish that makes people melt. I always found joy in even when I was younger. So now I’m a private chef. The family I work for loves everything I make, I get free meals and I’m doing what I love. Eventually I want to run my own restaurant. If you’re watching, please support me. (chuckles softly). Working as a private chef is very lax very chill. I cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for the family I work for 4 days a week. Between those times, I’m free to do whatever I’d like so there is definitely a lot of freedom when it comes to my job. I get to eat whatever I make, so that’s also a plus!

[ q: what made you want to go into your current job / occupation? what are your next career aspirations? please briefly explain or show us with a schedule, what a day at work would be like. ]

(looks up, his face deep in thought, trying to remember something in the past). i think it was in my 3rd year of residency? probably around then, that i got to be a resident on the plastics team. i've always wanted to be a doctor in general since high school, but i just didn't know what area i'd be specializing into. (smiles softly). i found my calling when i joined plastics. i loved seeing a diversity of clients; young to old, all different walks of life. i've seen patients in the intensive care unit with severe burns, needing huge skin grafting surgeries, as well as professional athletes and artists, needing special operations on their upper extremities—most of the time, their hands, as their careers and livelihoods depended on it. seeing all of these patients and being a part of the processes and journeys to recovery, you hear, see and gain insight on many aspects to life... (nods once, the looks on his face becoming more pensive and serious).

my next aspirations would to become an independent surgeon on my own, at some point i would consider opening my own clinic, but my interest does not lie within aesthetic plastic surgeries. i know that's what most people think when i tell them i'm a plastic surgeon, but at this time, i think i'd like to see to it that i work in the hospital or acute care setting for a longer time. regarding my schedule... (he holds up the planner that was on the side table next to him). my handy-dandy planner. i never go anywhere without it. (he opens it up, showing a random week from a previous month, a screenshot of it being put on the screen alongside, at the same time). so this would be a better day from my job, because i wouldn't be on-call. not everyday goes accordingly, sometimes i stick right to schedule or i'm even ahead or early, but other days, everything gets delayed. (he shrugs). just how it goes sometimes.

• 5:30-6:00am : morning run
• 6:00-6:15am : shower
• 6:15-6:25am : get coffee from local cafe
• 6:20-6:35am : commute to work
• 6:35-7:00am : respond to any overnight voicemails, emails, faxed prescription renewals or referrals
• 7:00-7:30am : receive handover from overnight on-call resident
• 7:30-8:30am : review patient charts
• 8:30-9:30am : patient rounds (*seeing each patient on list)
• 9:30-10:30am : discuss patient issues / plans for treatment with head physician
• 10:30-12:30pm : clinical teaching rounds
• 12:30-12:45pm : lunch
• 12:45-3:45pm : outpatient clinic hours
• 3:45-4:45pm : chart on outpatients
• 4:45-6:00pm : catch up time (*finishing up on anything outstanding)
• 6:00-6:30pm : dinner
• 6:30-9:00pm : study
• 9:00-10:00pm: gym / exercise
• 10:00-10:15pm : shower / brush teeth / skin care routine
• 10:15-10:30pm : prepare tomorrow's lunch
• 10:30pm : sleep

[ question : what was going through your mind when you saw her ]

(Is looking away as he covers his face) she’s gorgeous. she’s literally going to be the death of me.

[ question: who are you most excited to see? how do you feel about revealing your identities soon? are there any fears? hopes? ]

well of course i'm excited to see dove and tiger, who i've become good friends with throughout this. i'm excited to see geoduck and mouse as well, both of whom have been flirtatious with me. and panda, we have good conversations together when we are able to chat. but i think i'm excited to see everybody, even those i didn't make as strong of a connection with. i really think we could all be good friends, at least that's my hope.

as for revealing my identity, i'm...a little scared. i'm very versatile as a drag performer - i have to be, to completely change the way i look and perform depending on what i'm wearing or what makeup i've got on. but who i am underneath all of that...it's just bat. just a tattooed girl who wants to fall in love, and it's a little daunting knowing that i'm not going to be hiding behind a screen or a cute animal icon anymore - people are going to see my face, see who i am as a person, and that's a lot of pressure.

i don't think i have any fears, besides maybe running into someone i've seen before? goodness, if it was someone who's seen me perform? that would be terrifying, actually. that's a fear - meeting someone who recognises me outside of drag from having performed in front of them before.

[Question: is there someone you've felt a greater connection with? is there someone you want to propose to?]

Ahahaha.... there is someone but as for who, I wont reveal it now. Let it be a mystery for now.

[Question: who are you most excited to see? how do you feel about revealing your identities soon? are there any fears? hopes?]

//scratches my chin as I playfully ponder about the question//
I am excited to meet everyone of course! To see who is who is very exciting. I just hope when they see me they wont run away in fear? But I have to say, I am glad to be in this show. To be connected with everyone despite being not knowing the real face under these aliases. I hope our friendship can continue even after the show ends.

[ question: who are you most excited to see? how do you feel about revealing your identities soon? are there any fears? hopes? ]

answer: i'm excited to see everyone. this experience has made me grown so much as a person and i have this experiment and all the people involved to thank for that. i'm super nervous, actually- about revealing our identities...? it just felt very safe and real when people were able to just get to know me as me without knowing who i am or what my past was. so i'm definitely nervous. but i hope that we can all get along and maybe potentially form connections outside of the pods whether it be as friends or as partners.

one fear of mine is running into someone i know... but that's impossible right?

˚₊· ͟͟͞➳❥ optional spotlight question(s):

4. is there someone you've felt a greater connection with? is there someone you want to propose to?
5. who are you most excited to see? how do you feel about revealing your identities soon? are there any fears? hopes?

# ✖ ﹐ question.  what made you want to go into your current job? what are your next career aspirations?

── (she starts by running a hand through her locks, releasing a heavy sigh soon after) the reason why i had to change careers was because of my daughter. even if the world were to end tomorrow, i could never blame her for the rollercoaster that is my life. (her tongue runs lightly on her lower lip before she continues) my years as a child protective investigator were fulfilling despite the emotional turmoil that came with them. i guess, my sense of justice fueled my determination to power through mentally taxing days because those children who were left behind by their protectors and nurturers by default reminded me of my childhood and the current state of my little girl. (she stays still for a few seconds then shrugs in response to her current confession) it is what it is. i couldn't sit still and miss her growth. i've always thought it was steady, but it's true when they say that in the blink of an eye—everything could change, and i don't want her to reach her life's milestones without me by her side.

(the woman crosses a leg over the other, swaying her hanging foot from side to side) and that was it. with the help of some colleagues and my degree in social welfare, i was able to land a job in one of the elderly homes in the capital. hours are flexible, on some days i could work remotely while looking after my baby, and being surrounded by old souls comforts me. (the corner of her lips subtly curves into a bittersweet smile) on some days, i wonder if my late parents would share the same thirst for life as with the ahjummas and ahjussis i look after.

honestly, at this point, (she hums in thought, clasping her hands over her knee) i've no desire to pursue another demanding job or even explore corporate. i simply want to earn and save enough to start my own business, make things work from there, and build the future my daughter deserves with me never leaving her side. (she nods, letting out a sigh to control herself from breaking in front of the cameras) my dreams would have to continue waiting for a while.

˚₊· ͟͟͞➳❥ optional spotlight question:

3. what made you want to go into your current job / occupation? what are your next career aspirations? please briefly explain or show us with a schedule, what a day at work would be like.

[ question: how do you define love? ]

answer: to me, love is a journey. of course, it’s a one-way trip that almost everyone wants and can only dream of experiencing. but sometimes? sugarcoating aside— it’s just not going to be as perfect as you want it to be. through all the amazing memories and times made while being in love, you’re going to run into a couple of obstacles, especially with your plus one. and sometimes, those obstacles will be moments that can either make or break the two of you.

the way i see it though? it’s the balance of both the good and the bad including all the big and small things about a relationship that really come together to show just how worth it everything is. just one of many reasons why we fall back on love, and what more love can mean to so many of us even if it might seem so complex. it’s the same way some partners complete each other like puzzle pieces. nobody’s going to know that they’re the perfect fit right off the bat but all it takes is a leap of faith, and to try things out. actually.. put in the effort to make things work.

so, yes, this journey might be a lot less than perfect as we come to realize over time— because then again, perfection doesn’t exist. although through trials and tribulations, i think it’s that faith that two people share not just in each other, but love itself that truly allows every single one of us to shape up our rendition of a perfectly imperfect type of love. and there’s a sort of beauty in it that i wanna see through, and hopefully.. learn to unconditionally cherish one day (with my special someone)!

[ Q: how do you define love? ]

Love is an adventure. You don't know with who or how would you fall for someone but when you finally do, nothing else matters. Every day is like a brand-new day, you might start looking forward waking up every morning just to see the person you're in love with. Even though there might be an uncertainty in love, the scary part of maybe in one-sided love... it all a chance for us to grow as a person, I think.

[ question: how do you define love? ]

Love is scary. I’ve been in a handful of relationships where love just wasn’t enough? Or what I thought was enough wasn’t enough which gave my exes enough reason to kiss other men. (goes silent for a moment as the camera remains on him). so yeah… i don’t quite know what love is anymore and I hope I can rediscover what love is through this experience.

[ question: how do you define love? ]

Love is really complex and people love in different ways, so it’s hard to box the concept of love into one container. Mmm… I guess for me, love is when I’m happy that they’re happy. And I get this sudden urge to do everything in my will power to see them happy. Love is warm even when it’s below freezing outside. Love is warm even after our biggest fights. Love is the light even when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Love is me putting my best foot forward even if it’s the only foot I have.

[ question: why’s your face so red? ]

answer: is it? (instantly palms at her cheeks tinged in the most vibrant hues of crimson, her eyebrows instantly quirking upright from the evidently warm expanse of skin) woah, no kidding.. i guess- i mean- i think we’ve gotta check on the air conditioning? it’s probably a little faulty here or something? (clears , lips pressed into a firm line as a fairly obvious attempt to refrain from smiling too much) uhm, yeah.. that has to be it.

[ production: You’re smiling a lot. ]

(covers his smile with the back of his hand) am I? wonder why that is?