A small hanok cafe in Bukchon. Sunlight filtered warmly through the grass and stone walls.
Enbin sat on the wooden floor getting his makeup done. Beside him, his manager checked his watch with a troubled expression.
"Hyung, why are you so fidgety?"
"I'm just worried if we'll make the evening flight."
"It's barely lunchtime."
"What if it overlaps with rush hour?"
Concert rehearsals, web dramas, even overseas pictorial shoots! His days were packed, squeezing every minute out of twenty-four hours. And now, squeezing in a modeling gig for some unheard-of clothing brand?
"Relax. Can't you see everyone's on edge because of you?"
Besides, the pay didn't match—even a rookie would have turned it down. Exclusive modeling for pocket change? It was only half a year, but from the agency's perspective, it was understandably frustrating.
"Would you like something cool to drink?"
"No, I'm good."
But what could they do? If the artist wanted to, who could stop him? Especially since it was a request from Moo-young—practically an act of God. They knew what that friend's help meant to Enbin.
"Once makeup's done, we'll jump right into the shoot. Here's the concept board we showed you— a beautiful harmony of modern and classic—"
"Hmm. This is pretty. Is this what you're wearing today?"
"Yes. Like it? We can give you one if you want."
Thanks to that, the atmosphere on set revolved entirely around Enbin. It was basically free promotion for the brand.
"I'm good. Hyung? Want one?"
"Me? Sure, if they're giving it away."
"Please do."
Enbin flipped through the concept board and outfits, raising an eyebrow. BornToRe: an unfamiliar brand. It looked like this was practically their launch.
Overall, it's pretty sleek.
It was fresher than expected. Stylists brought dozens of pieces a day, and he'd seen it all—but these oddly caught his eye.
Wonder how they'll actually look on.
Enbin sipped his water and turned the page. Just then, the sound of the gate opening and a familiar voice rang out.
"Drinks and snacks are here—!"
"Snacks are bread and rice cakes."
Moo-young and his friend. Jun-ho, was it? Enbin, mid-makeup, could only glance sideways. Moo-young handed out food to the staff, then grinned and waved broadly.
"Hey! Bin-ah! Want some?"
"Nah, after the shoot."
"This is my friend Jun-ho. Jun-ho, this is Enbin."
"Hello. Thank you so much for the shoot today."
Moo-young had just meant to introduce them casually. A friend's friend is a friend, right? But Jun-ho responded with unexpected seriousness. Enbin drew a light line in return.
"No big deal. I'm getting paid."
"The CEO will be here soon to support the shoot. Let us know if anything's uncomfortable. Looking forward to working with you today."
Even bridged by Moo-young, it was business. Especially since Jun-ho and BornToRe were the ones receiving the favor. Enbin nodded lightly and closed his eyes. Dark shadow layered over his eyelids.
"Jun-ho-ssi!"
"Yes! Coming!"
Staff called, and Jun-ho handed his drinks to Moo-young before dashing off. Watching his back, Moo-young felt a strange pang.
We're not those nineteen-year-olds anymore.
Moo-young was still on the student path via university, but Jun-ho was out in the real world. The cutthroat fashion industry, no less.
"What's up?"
"Huh? Nothing. Manager hyung, have some of this."
Enbin had agreed readily, but Moo-young knew the agency hated it. His hyung's face was too sour. Moo-young smiled and expressed his thanks again.
"Weather feels like spring now. Thanks for helping out today. Bin-ah, really appreciate you too."
"That's the fifth time. I told you to quit it. That kid's your high school buddy, and the CEO's cousin, right?"
"Yeah. He was crying on the way over, saying you saved his life."
"Bull. Did he design the clothes too?"
That would be impressive. For a fresh-out-of-high-school designer, the skill was outstanding—unique, even. Moo-young cracked open a drink and shook his head.
"Nah, CEO does the designs. Jun-ho's the newbie, that's why he's running around."
"Oh ho. Gotcha."
"Anyway, you're heading straight to the airport after?"
"Yeah. Skip the web drama wrap party for me. I've got a schedule then. Have fun without me."
"Aw, man. Sucks."
"...Thought about an agency yet?"
Enbin's question perked up the manager's ears too. The YouTube first episode had hit 5.97 million views in half a month. It'd only climb higher.
"Yeah. But nothing pulls me in. Wonder if I even need one."
"Not gonna promote?"
"If I could just act, a theater troupe might work. After midterms, I'll look."
Enbin opened his eyes and shot him a look. Is this idiot serious? But Moo-young was 100% earnest, just smiling like why?
Our agency would be perfect.
SN Entertainment—one of Korea's big three agencies. Only downside: singers, not actors.
Right then—
"Hello. Enbin-ssi."
A man in a sleek suit and rimless glasses approached. First time for Moo-young, but Enbin recognized him from a meeting: Jun-ho's cousin, BornToRe's CEO.
"Sorry I'm late."
"No, I've just been doing makeup."
"Almost done? Outfit's prepped in the side room. Kim shijang!"
"Yes!"
Enbin finished makeup and followed the staffer. As he vanished with the stylist, the CEO turned to Moo-young.
"Hello?"
His sharp gaze felt almost cold, overly polished. He stared down at Moo-young, then suddenly softened, eyes welling up.
"You're Moo-young!"
And whispers. Careful not to reach Enbin, he grabbed Moo-young's hand and sobbed quietly.
"Thank you so much. For that rascal Jun-ho to have a friend like you... I've lived this long and now I owe him everything."
Looks deceptive—he was a total softie. Moo-young smiled and shook hands too.
"Jun-ho's helped me tons too."
"Man, you're even better in person. Loved the YouTube vid. When Jun-ho said one of his friends was solid, let's use him as a model—I was like, you kidding?"
His eyes sparkled behind the lenses. Huh? Moo-young blinked, thinking it was sunlight reflecting.
"Should've checked you out properly then. You're acting now, right? Next project?"
"Not set yet. Exams soon."
"Ah, right. Seoyeondae University! No one like you out there. Need clothes? Wait, you do SNS?"
If SNS, he'd formalize a sponsorship deal. The web drama's first episode impact was huge—communities were buzzing, unknown to Moo-young.
"Ready—"
Enbin emerged in the outfit, prop in hand. The CEO's face switched to business mode.
"Looks good."
"The clothes are."
"Let's prep the shoot. This way."
That's the working adult double personality. The hazy vibe vanished; a pro designer appeared.
"Shoot starting!"
Enbin conferred briefly with the photographer and took position. Then—
Click! Click!
"Perfect!"
Click!
"Enbin-ssi, head a bit left!"
Charisma flowed from natural poses. Top-idol experience shone. His body moved fluidly with each shutter.
"What'd hyung say?"
Jun-ho sidled up to Moo-young.
"Thanks, clothes if you want."
"Take 'em when offered. These are pricey."
Moo-young smiled, eyeing Enbin and the scene.
What was that earlier?
That sparkle talking to Jun-ho's hyung. Flower pollen? Jun-ho's hyung chatted with staff behind the photographer.
"Huh?"
Flower pollen settling among them. Cherry blossoms swirled on the wind around the set. The serene hanok vibe. Clear blue sky. Special effects exploding around posing Enbin. Moo-young gasped unwittingly.
"Whoa. Cool."
Enbin smirked wide, thinking it was for him.
"Duh. Pricey clothes rack."
Feeling great, Enbin struck playful poses, laughing. The camera caught it.
Click!
"That was gold! Perfect!"
The photographer gushed nonstop.
Moo-young whispered to Jun-ho.
"Hey. Your hyung got some good news?"
"Good news? This is it. Rookie rates for Enbin as model—what's better?"
"Or coming soon?"
The pollen was thick. Outdoors amplifying it, like first spotting BV Academy—everything brighter. Jun-ho leaned in, murmuring.
"Hyung seems spacey, but ambitions to here. Says he'll be world's top designer nonstop. Good launch, and it'll take shape."
Business meant risks every try. Jun-ho grinned at his applauding hyung.
"Oh, and hyung never forgets a favor. Gotta milk the sweet rewards once it blows up!"
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