Stuck In My Drama Fantasy

"Harder," I moaned in my sleep, arms stretching out, blindly reaching for Michael's face—only for a sudden bump to jar me awake. I shifted, groaning, turning onto my side as the movement of the boat rocked me slightly.

My body felt heavy with exhaustion, my head throbbing as I peeled my eyes open. The dim glow of lanterns flickered across the water, painting distorted golden ripples that swayed with the tide. Blinking sluggishly, I pushed myself upright, wincing at the stiffness in my neck.

"What the hell?" I cursed under my breath, rubbing the side of my head. My legs were folded awkwardly beneath me, stiff from sleeping in such an uncomfortable position. The rhythmic lapping of water against the boat echoed in my ears, but something was different—the gentle rocking had stopped.

We had docked.

I rubbed my face, trying to shake off the grogginess, before turning my attention to the scene before me.

A towering building loomed ahead, its wooden beams painted a deep crimson, glowing under the warm hues of red lanterns that swayed gently in the evening breeze.

Gold-trimmed banners cascaded from the second floor, their embroidered patterns shimmering faintly in the dim light. The entrance was wide and inviting, its doors left ajar, revealing glimpses of a lively interior—silk curtains swayed lazily, occasionally parting to expose the hazy silhouettes of people moving within.

Perfume and alcohol lingered thick in the air, blending with the sweet, smoky scent of burning incense. Laughter and music drifted through the night—soft, feminine giggles entwined with the delicate plucking of a gayageum, the melody slow and sultry. Women dressed in lavish silk hanboks lounged by the entrance, their painted lips curling into seductive smiles as they whispered to passing men. A few customers staggered drunkenly along the wooden walkway, some disappearing into the shadows with courtesans draped over their arms.

A brothel.

My stomach twisted slightly. Why had we stopped here?

"What is going on?" I turned toward my driver, frowning.

He barely spared me a glance as he adjusted his grip on the wooden oar. "This is where I was told to drop you off. Now get off my boat."

I flinched at his tone—sharp, irritated, as if he couldn't be rid of me fast enough.

I hesitated. "But—"

"Off," he snapped, his patience clearly worn thin.

I swallowed, quickly scrambling to my feet. My limbs wobbled slightly as I stepped onto the dock, the solid ground beneath me feeling strangely unfamiliar after being on the water for so long. I turned back to look at the driver, but he only stared at me expectantly, as if waiting for me to leave completely.

Awkwardly, I bowed slightly.

Oh my days, did I just do that? Naturally?

Face burning, I quickly straightened and turned away, blending into the crowd before my embarrassment could deepen.

The streets were bustling, people moving in clusters as they whispered, laughed, and drank freely. My stomach growled loudly, an uncomfortable reminder of my hunger. I wrapped my arms around my torso, sighing.

"Why couldn't I have gotten transported into a food world instead?" I muttered.

I wandered aimlessly, my gaze darting from one stall to another, searching for anything remotely edible. That was when I spotted a woman—a courtesan, by the look of her. Her silk robes clung to her figure, her makeup expertly applied to enhance her features. If anyone knew where to get food in this place, it would be her.

"Excuse me!" I called out, hurrying after her.

She turned, her sharp gaze flicking over me. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

I chuckled nervously, shifting on my feet. "My very good friend instructed me to come here."

She hummed, unconvinced. Her eyes briefly flickered beyond my shoulder, toward the boatman, before returning to me. "Come with me, then."

I grinned. Finally, food.

As we weaved through the brothel's entrance, the air grew warmer, filled with the mingling scents of incense and perfume. Silken drapes fluttered from the ceiling, obscuring alcoves where courtesans lounged, entertaining their patrons with soft laughter and teasing whispers. The lighting was dim, the flickering lanterns casting elongated shadows against the walls.

I followed closely, my stomach twisting in anticipation. "Uhh… where do I get food?"

"You need to get changed first," she replied, wrinkling her nose as she eyed me. She pinched her fingers over her nostrils, clearly unimpressed.

Before I could protest, she led me into a separate chamber—a dressing room filled with women.

"Greetings, ladies. Help her get cleaned and dressed," she instructed.

"Yes," they responded in unison, moving with practiced efficiency.

I barely had a moment to react before I was ushered forward. Hands tugged at my clothes, fabric peeling away before warm water was poured over me. I was scrubbed down, perfumed, and wrapped in silk—my protests drowned out by the chatter of the women around me.

Finally, when they had deemed me sufficiently presentable, the first courtesan returned. I straightened expectantly, my gaze darting past her, hoping to see a tray of food.

She carried nothing.

Instead, she crouched beside me, gently patting my back. "When I was new, I was also distressed. But you'll get used to it soon."

My stomach dropped. Wait. What?

A sinking feeling curled in my chest. 'Did my driver… sell me?'

"What are you talking about? Get used to what?" I demanded.

Before she could respond, another woman entered.

The moment she stepped in, the air shifted. Her presence was commanding, exuding authority.

Instinctively, I dropped to my knees. "Spare me! I am but a young woman! Spare my life!" I cried dramatically, pressing my forehead to the floor.

The woman barely reacted. She tilted my chin up, her sharp eyes scanning my features.

"You're not particularly beautiful, nor do you have a pleasant voice," she mused. "But your slender body will do."

I froze. It was hopeless.

My face contorted in frustration. "What in the world is going on? What sin did I commit?" I muttered. "First, I get transported to 1538, then I get arrested, almost killed, and now what? I'm being sold?"

The older woman dismissed my words with a wave of her hand. "Apply more makeup."

***

I looked like my problems.

Soon after, I was led outside, where the courtesan from earlier introduced herself. "My name is Eun-Jin. Lee Eun-Jin."

She spoke at length, explaining things I only half-processed. That was, until she mentioned a name that sent a chill down my spine.

"Seung-Woo."

I stiffened. My head snapped toward her. "What did you just say?"

She blinked. "He's here. Lee Seung-Woo."

My stomach dropped.

"What? The f—"