Tempted My Hot Bodyguard

The Jamsil Olympic Stadium (Seoul - South Korea)...

The atmosphere inside the building appeared bustling, with every Event Organizer (EO) crew busy checking preparations for tonight's concert. The final concert in the world tour held in 26 cities worldwide. A truly exhausting world tour. A tour that took more than three months! The tour that made them work like crazy!

Aura Gracesyella Park, 25 years old soloist of mixed blood Indonesian Korean, was singing in a room specially provided for her. Ensuring that her vocals were in prime condition. Aura wanted to deliver her best performance, the performance one that her fans would not forget as the conclusion of the world tour she had been holding for the past few months. Aura desires perfection for this world tour's closing concert.

And after this concert is over, Aura wants to take a short vacation. To unwind from all the crazy concert preparations that seemed endless. Not to mention the vocal and choreography rehearsals that drained her energy, making Aura is really exhausting. No wonder Aura wants this concert to end quickly!

"Miss, the preparations for the rehearsal are complete. I will escort you to the stage area," said Max, one of Aura's trusted bodyguards who had been accompanying her everywhere for the past four years. A reliable bodyguard in every situations.

"Okay!"

Aura walked decisively, following Max's steps towards the stage area, where she would be holding the concert tonight. Aura looked around, realizing the choking busyness, not only she who felt the pressure, but all the crew involved in the concert also had their own burdens. Burdens that could not be taken lightly.

The burden on Aura is only one, which is to satisfy fans with her vocal and dance performance, unlike the crews who are bustling around, they have to ensure many things that are undoubtedly much heavier and equally important!

Aura shook her head, trying to concentrate. Aura wanted to present her best performance at her closing concert today. She didn't want to disappoint fans who had willingly spent money to watch her concert. Who had patiently waited in line to enter this stadium. Who had patiently waited until today.

"This is your microphone, Miss."

"Thanks, Max!"

Aura cleared her throat, ensuring her vocal cords were ready to start singing, signaling the musicians and background dancers to start the rehearsal that would determine the success of tonight's concert!

Two hours later...

Aura sat in one of the chairs, letting the makeup artist apply a thin layer of makeup on her face. A flawless, natural, and fresh Korean look to make her look younger, the makeup Aura liked. Subtle makeup.

Since the beginning, Aura didn't like using heavy makeup, for some reason. She preferred to appear with a bare face / without makeup, actually, but because this was for the concert, she had to compromise and let the makeup artist work as needed. Aura just needed to sit still, like a doll.

"Here's your drink, Miss."

Aura smiled, accepting the warm drink of lime juice mixed with honey offered by Max. Aura's favorite drink. A beverage that soothes Aura's throat, no wonder she immediately sips it until nothing is left!

"You really know what I need just before the concert, Max."

"That's because I've been working with you for four years, Miss."

"Yes, that's true. That's why it's unfortunate because after this, you have to leave me, Max. I don't know if there's a more reliable bodyguard than you or not," Aura complained, making Max grimace, feeling uneasy.

"I'm sorry, Miss. But you know the reasons that led me to leave this job," Max replied made Aura nodded.

"Yeah, I know. Because your wife doesn't like this risky job, not to mention the often unpredictable working hours. But still, I will feel the loss."

"Sorry, Miss."

Only that can be said by Max, there is nothing else. Aura waved her hand, not wanting to hear apologies full of guilt again from her trusted bodyguard all this time.

"Never mind, don't apologize again. I'm not blaming you either. I just feel sad because I will lose a bodyguard and a good friend like you."

"We can still meet occasionally in your free time, Miss. And I will also bring my wife to be introduced to you. You know that my wife is one of your quite fanatic fans," Max chuckled. Aura nodded, agreeing with the Max's idea.

Yes, even though Max is no longer her bodyguard, it doesn't mean their communication has been completely severed, right? They can still maintain a good relationship by occasionally meeting. Moreover, Aura already considers Max like her own sibling, a brother who has always protected her since her debut in the entertainment world!

"Yes, that's a good idea. I've been wanting to meet your wife for a long time. Since then, that plan has always failed because both of us are too busy!" regretted Aura.

"Alright, I will let my wife know to make time to have a meet with you."

Aura nodded enthusiastically. It was a good idea to fill her holiday time, but now, of course, Aura had to focus on her concert tonight!

***

Axel Xavier, a handsome 28 years old man, was waiting for someone at a renowned restaurant. It didn't take long for the person he was waiting for to appear with a wide smile. Clay Clinton, a long-lost friend.

"Hey, Bro, have you been waiting long?"

"Not really, just 10 minutes."

"Sorry, I didn't expect Seoul to be congested too, even though not as bad as Jakarta!" Clay chuckled, blaming the unpredictable traffic.

"It's okay. So, about the favor I asked yesterday, can you help me?" Axel avoided small talk and went straight to the heart of the matter that made him willing to take the time to meet Clay this night.

"Of course! What can't I do? Nothing! Everything's under control!" Clay proudly replied. Proud of himself. Proud of his ability.

Axel smiled, not in vain to ask for Clay's help this time, the man had many connections even though his presence here was only for vacation! Truly, his friend was extraordinary. Clay reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out a name tag or ID card, and handed it to Axel.

"Starting the day after tomorrow, you can go to work. Just come directly to the location. I have informed them about you."

Axel took the ID card with a satisfied expression.

"Thanks, Bro! I'll process what I promised yesterday right away tonight."

"Okay, take it easy! Besides, I'm still on vacation here until next week!"

After that, there was only casual conversation between them while enjoying dinner. Discussing political and governmental issues in their home country, Jakarta. Yes, even though they were in Seoul now, but their blood was still Indonesian, will never change!

Clay was on a three-week vacation in the land of ginseng, while Axel decided to settle in Seoul, not knowing until when. Maybe until he got bored? Moreover, Axel had just landed a new job. A job that was very different from his educational background, but it didn't matter, this was what Axel wanted!

Apart from Clay's help, Axel had no difficulties because he mastered many languages. He could fluently speak Indonesian, English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean! Perhaps his globetrotting experiences honed his language skills by practicing them firsthand, not just theoretically!

"So, where do you want to go next after this?" Clay asked after they finished dinner and were now in the lobby, waiting for the valet parking attendants to bring their respective cars.

"I don't know, maybe have some fun before dealing with the job waiting for me tomorrow?" Axel replied hesitantly, unsure of his plans.

Honestly, Axel doesn't know what to do next. Axel doesn't want to prepare all sorts of plans that could make him dizzy. Moreover, if planned, isn't it more likely to fail? So it's better to act spontaneously, that's much more enjoyable for him! Axel prefers a spontaneous and free-spirited life! No need to be tied down to anything!

Axel's answer made Clay burst into laughter.

"I don't think your job will be stressful, but who knows. Just see what Monday brings!"

Axel just shrugged and waved as it turned out Clay's car appeared first.

"I'm off!"

"Okay. Thanks, Bro!"

"No worries!" Clay replied casually and zoomed away, leaving Axel still faithfully waiting for his car.

Axel glanced at the expensive watch on his wrist. Still 10 p.m., yet Seoul city still appeared lively, full of activities. Like Jakarta. Finally, Axel decided to go to a bar, enjoying his leisure time before getting busy with his new job. Unaware that his life would change after this!

The roar of the concert atmosphere felt extraordinary, as if it could shake the world. The screams and cheers from the fans were like an additional energy for Aura.

"Encore! Encore! Encore! More! We want more!" the fans shouted tirelessly, hoping their request would be granted.

Seeing the fans, who tirelessly gave her encouragement and repeatedly shouted her name, almost brought tears to Aura's eyes. A sense of emotion overwhelmed her. This was what Aura had hoped for when she first decided to dive into the music world, and God granted it. Finally, Aura could entertain many people with her songs.

Although it was difficult at first, but now Aura could prove that she succeeded! Her dreams were achieved despite going through a lot. Things that are not easy.

The fans' wild requests left Aura with no other choice but to decide to sing an additional song, without dance, which was welcomed so enthusiastically. Despite being tired, but Aura was satisfied because she had presented her best performance tonight. A performance that could make her fans laugh with joy.

Right after the last lyrics were sung, Aura expressed her heartfelt thanks to the fans and left the stage. The concert tonight has concluded!

Swear, her body was tired, her voice was starting to fade because she had sung more than 10 songs. Without lip-sync. So cool!

"Please have a drink first, Miss," Max promptly said, which was immediately accepted by Aura, and she even gulped it down until it was empty! Like someone who had been living in a desert and had just found an oasis. Seriously, Aura felt her throat was dry.

"Thanks, Max," Aura said while returning the empty bottle to Max, who was always ready nearby. Guarding and watching over her from unwanted things.

"Phew! Finally, the exhausting world tour is over! After this, I will have a long vacation!" Aura exclaimed while rubbing her hands together, eager for her seemingly enjoyable plans. She couldn't wait to laze around occasionally! Can't wait to relax without having to worry about concert issues.

Aura changed her costume and removed her makeup as quickly as possible, not wanting to delay it even for a moment. She was about to return to the hotel. Bathing and sleeping were her main goals for now, but unfortunately, her plans had to be disrupted when the manager entered the dressing room and spoke loudly like a booming announcement,

"Tonight we will party to celebrate the successful end of the world tour! I will treat you all! And you, Aura, as the star of tonight's event, must join, okay?" the manager said with a pleading expression, making Aura unable to refuse and reluctantly agree even though her body felt bruised!

"Okay, but I can't promise to stay until the end, is it okay? I feel like I want to rest early," Aura replied with a thin smile, asking for understanding.

"It's okay, as long as you're present!" replied the manager, aware that Aura wanted to rest, as much as she can.

"Okay. How about we celebrate at the bar in the hotel lobby where I'm staying?" Aura suggested, hoping that this way she could escape faster and more easily! No need to deal with traffic on the road. More efficient for her, right?

"Sounds good!" they replied in unison, still sounding enthusiastic.

"Okay, let's go!" Aura invited, making cheers sound loud. The entire crew, mostly of Korean nationality, seemed enthusiastic, not looking tired like Aura! Although they both have worked hard!

And now they were here, in one of the bars inside the five-star hotel, renting the largest private room. Aura didn't want to be swarmed by her fans again, not for now. Especially since tonight's event was to celebrate the end of the exhausting world tour! Aura needed privacy to calm herself.

Aura looked at everyone around her, the people who helped make the concert successful in 26 cities over a span of three months, not a short time. Without them, Aura wouldn't have been able to come this far. Seriously.

"After this, where will you go on vacation, Miss?" Max interrupted Aura's reverie.

"I don't know, I haven't had time to think about it," Aura replied tiredly, reluctant to think. Aura wants to give her mind a break, not wanting to think about anything for a while. Now, the only thing in her mind is one word, which is rest.

"After this, will you stay in Seoul? Or go back to Jakarta?" Max inquired.

"It seems for a while I prefer to stay in Seoul, it feels like I need a new atmosphere. Who knows, this way I might get inspiration and create more songs? Moreover, I've been away from this country for quite a long time, and now I miss it again," Aura chuckled after being silent for a moment.

Yes, as an Indonesian Korean mix, where her mother was of Indonesian descent and her father was of Korean descent, it was not surprising that Aura sometimes missed the country she left when she was still a child. A country that filled her childhood with laughter. A happy childhood.

"Do your parents not mind? Are they not worried?" Max probed.

"It seems not, you know that I'm free to do anything as long as I can take responsibility for it, right?" Aura replied confidently.

"Yes, I know. You're lucky to have parents like that, at least your life is not constrained, and you can do what you like," Max replied with a small smile.

"Let's not talk about my life anymore. Now, it's better for you to join the fun, have a little alcohol, and join them! Don't just keep watching over me continuously, besides, this is to celebrate my success!" Aura said.

"I dare not do that, Miss. What if there are fans bothering you?" Max quickly refused, not wanting to take any risks. Not wanting to deviate from his main duty.

"It's impossible! Especially in this hotel where I stay. I'm sure it's safe, Max," Aura replied, as her location was not known to the fans for security reasons. Her agency did not want to take any risks and kept Aura's accommodation a secret.

"No, Miss. Especially since all the bodyguards have been sent home, I dare not take the risk," Max stubbornly refused. Aware that his artist was so popular!

"Oh, come on, Max! I also want you to have fun like the others. Moreover, this is your last day guarding me! Tomorrow is our farewell, so don't make me feel guilty for telling you to work continuously. Occasionally, you have to have fun, please?" Aura requested, making Max surrender, unable to refuse anymore.

"Okay, I'll have a little drink," Max replied reluctantly to his boss's wish.

"Drink as much as you want! I don't mind! Don't worry about anything, Max! Nothing will happen. Trust me, okay?" Aura said, making Max want to protest.

"But, Miss..." Max's objection had to be abandoned because Aura was unwilling to be contradicted again!

Aura glared playfully, pretending to be angry, making Max raise his hands, surrendering to the stubbornness of his boss. Max reluctantly joined the others, leaving Aura alone on the sofa, busy playing with her phone while occasionally sipping her drink. Relaxing in her solitude.

Honestly, this is what Aura likes. Tranquility in solitude. Something hard to come by after diving into the world of entertainment. For Aura, solitude and tranquility are luxuries that are hard to come by.

Aura didn't realize that her actions gave someone who had always hated her since the beginning an opportunity to harm her! Moreover, that person is nearby, always lurking Aura at a close distance. Like right now!

Aura walked towards the restroom with a slightly swaying body due to alcohol, though not severe. She intended to wash her hands after devouring the oily french fries.

Actually as a singer, Aura should avoid all kinds of fried food to maintain the quality of her voice. But because it was time for vacation, Aura thought it wouldn't hurt to break her habits occasionally. After all, she was only going to eat a little!

Meanwhile, inside, everyone was still engrossed in chatting, playing truth and dare while sipping alcohol, including Max, who initially only wanted to drink a little but always lost in the game until the man was almost collapsing!

Seriously, Aura just found out that her bodyguard's drinking skills are terrible!

Aura could only laugh seeing the usually tough bodyguard struggling to handle alcohol! Who would have thought that a burly man like Max is actually not strong when it comes to drinking alcohol? And almost passing out! Oh my gosh!

Aura dried her hands and was about to return to the room when someone bumped into her. The collision that occurred wasn't indeed severe, but for Aura, who was already tired and slightly intoxicated from alcohol, it still almost caused her to fall.

Luckily, the person quickly supported her body as fast as she could! If not, Aura would have kissed the floor! Aura couldn't bear to imagine how embarrassing it would be if that happened, right?

"Sorry! I'm so sorry!" the person said, bowing and feeling uneasy.

"It's okay. I also apologize for being a little unfocused," Aura said, bowing as well.

Right now, she was in Korea, so it was normal thing to do. Moreover, Aura had to hide her face to avoid being recognized! Aura doesn't want to be gossiped about as a singer who enjoys getting drunk. Such gossip like that would not be good for her reputation.

"Once again I'm so sorry," the person said, receiving a nod from Aura.

After that, Aura returned to the room where everyone was still having a wild time, singing off-key, and continuously devouring the food served. Aura shook her head gently while smiling, sipping the remaining of her drink. Even though the amount of alcohol she consumed wasn't much, for some reason, Aura felt almost tipsy!

Could it be because she was too tired? Maybe!

'After this, I'll go back to my room to rest,' Aura decided.

After finishing her drink, Aura immediately approached Kang Ji Hwan, her manager, and spoke a little loudly so her voice could be heard amidst the increasingly crazy noise. As if everyone in the room were deaf!

"I'm going back to my room first. The bill will be charged to my room, okay?" Aura said, answered by Ji Hwan's smiling nod. Originally, tonight, he wanted to party using the company's money, but who would have thought that Aura would generously pay for it herself? Treating all of them! Great! This artist has been loyal from the beginning! Never stingy when it comes to talking about money!

Aura approached Max, who turned out to be unconscious! Totally out! Sleeping soundly! Alcohol indeed made her bodyguard collapse!

'I'll say goodbye and thank you to Max tomorrow afternoon because it's useless now, the man is already passed out!' Aura thought with a small smile.

Aura left the room with a slightly wobbly body. She realized she was a bit drunk, so she decided to leave the room, not wanting to faint completely inside. It could be gossip material later! The hot gossip that could harm her career as a singer, even though Aura achieved this success with great effort! By sacrificing her youth!

Moreover, Max couldn't guard her now because it was Aura's own request to let the man join the party! Aura shook her head, hoping that her consciousness would recover soon. But instead of recovering, Aura felt even more unsteady! Alcohol had taken over her consciousness, even if only halfway.

Aura took the room card from her jacket pocket and struggled to see her room number, the effect of her increasingly blurred vision. At the moment, Aura doesn't want anything else except to sleep.

Seriously, Aura was sleepy, tired, and added to the effect of alcohol, complete!

Aura entered the elevator and pressed the floor number. Right in front of the door, Aura attached the access card, and the sound of the door opening made Aura sigh in relief, a sign that she didn't enter the wrong room. But Aura didn't expect was that there was already a man standing upright in front of the window in her room, as if waiting for her! However, Aura didn't know who that man was. Her increasingly blurred and shadowed vision prevented her from seeing clearly!

A few moments ago...

Lazily, Axel sipped on the alcohol in his hand. Currently, he was in a bar at a five-star hotel, enjoying the alcohol alone. Without friends. Without women. He looked sad and lonely! Despite Axel's initial intention to have a good time, why did things turn out the opposite? What happened was beyond his expectations! Damn!

"Why do I look pathetic like this?" Axel complained and downed the whiskey in his hand in one gulp.

'I'd rather have fun with a woman than be alone like this!' Axel decided, and he immediately walked out of the bar. His long strides took him to the hotel receptionist, where he rented a suite room for some enjoyment.

After obtaining the room key, Axel contacted someone on the other side, whoever it was, and said briefly,

"I want you to send a woman to my room tonight! At hotel X, room number 2522," Axel requested, his tone sounding very commanding.

"Okay, I'll send her as soon as possible."

The call ended, and the person Axel had just contacted called someone else.

"I have a good news for you. Good opportunity. I have a client at the same hotel as the woman you want to get rid of."

"Oh, really? Give me his room number, and I'll send that damn woman into the lion's den!" a woman said, her face full of hatred, staring fiercely in Aura's direction as if she were a mortal enemy.

"Room 2522, registered under Axel Xavier."

"Okay! I'll send the woman to 2522, let her be devoured by the crocodile all night long! I want to see her crushed in the blink of an eye!" she said sadistically.

"Don't forget, you have to give me a commission because I provided you with this crucial information, okay?"

"Deal! Now I'll get a duplicate key for 2522 from the receptionist."

"Can you? Shouldn't there be direct confirmation from the room owner? I don't want you to make my client suspicious!"

"Don't worry, I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve!"

"It's up to you, but remember, don't cause any trouble, okay? I don't want to lose loyal client because of you!" the madam warned sternly, remembering the most important thing for her. She didn't want to take risks.

After all, wouldn't it be a loss if she lost loyal and royal customers like Axel?

"Yeah, I promise not to harm you."

"Fine, I'll hold you to your promise!"

"Good. After all, haven't I always kept my promises so far? No wonder our 'business' relationship has lasted this long! So don't worry, okay?"

"Okay!"

The call ended, and the woman hurriedly set her plan in motion before her target returned to the room. She had to find a way to slip the key to room 2522 into Aura's pocket without raising suspicion, no matter what!

A moment later, a pair of spiteful eyes stared at Aura heading towards the restroom. A good opportunity! In her hands was a duplicate key for room 2522, a key she had just obtained from the receptionist.

With her cunning mind, it wasn't difficult for her to get the duplicate key. She just needed to tell a little lie to receptionist, saying she left her key inside her room, preventing her from entering the room. In the blink of an eye, the duplicate key was in her hands! Clever, isn't it?

Moreover, she knew the room owner's name! Axel Xavier, a name like a mantra. No wonder the hotel staff easily gave it to her without many questions!

And now she just needed to stalk her target to execute her plan. From the slightly swaying walk of the woman, she was confident that her target was starting to get drunk, although still conscious.

"Good! It'll be easier for me to slip this room key into her jacket pocket!" the cunning woman thought and executed her plan! A plan to bring down the woman she despises!