episode_0028

It’s tough.

Physically, it’s not particularly hard, but mentally exhausting.

Smiling brightly in front of the camera is practically impossible.

Keeping a straight face was somewhat easier, but no fashion magazine would wrap things up after shooting just one look.

Of course, we had to shoot multiple variations.

And while striking those poses wasn’t particularly difficult, repeatedly doing something unfamiliar took a toll on my mind.

So, right now, I was blankly watching Seo-ah do her shoot.

But…… she seems weirdly natural at this, doesn’t she? She looks way more comfortable than I ever did.

Even the photographer kept smiling with satisfaction.

“Wow, this is no joke! Are you sure this is your first time? How can you highlight your strengths so naturally?”

“R-Really? I guess… I’ve just flipped through a lot of fashion magazines before, so maybe it rubbed off on me……”

“No, no. This isn’t something you pick up just from looking at magazines. This is pure talent. Instantly knowing the angle of the camera and finding the perfect pose to emphasize your best features—that’s not easy.”

Under such high praise, my sister was at a loss for how to react.

……She has THAT kind of talent?

I never imagined I’d witness someone unexpectedly gifted right in front of me.

According to Jinha, this photographer has worked with countless models.

Of course, since I don’t know much about the industry, I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference… but it didn’t seem like mere lip service.

By the way, this couch is ridiculously comfortable. Folding my wings and lying down feels like pure bliss.

It’s apparently here so models can relax comfortably between shoots…… Honestly, it’s doing wonders for my mental exhaustion.

Throughout the shoot, all the photographer did was shower Seo-ah with compliments. For a beginner, you’d think there’d be something to critique, but apparently, she managed not to irritate this professional’s eyes at all.

Isn’t she actually talented?

As I stared thoughtfully at my sister, who had briefly come over to rest, her face turned bright red.

Huh?

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No reason… just surprised.”

“Surprised? About what?”

“The fact that my sister, who I thought had absolutely zero connection to modeling, actually has talent?”

At those words, Seo-ah scoffed.

“Talent, my foot… They’re just being nice.”

“You think? Doesn’t feel that way to me.”

“What do you know? You’re always busy criticizing me.”

“Well… honestly, what older brother sees his younger sister in a good light? It’s the same the other way around. You’ve always been insufferable toward me too. It’s just… primal sibling resentment, y’know? Can’t help it.”

“……Really?”

“That’s unrelated to this. I’m kinda fascinated too. ‘Yoon Seo-ah has modeling talent’… The world might as well be ending.”

“Ah, seriously! You’re just gonna keep teasing me?”

Even so, she looked pretty pleased.

If she likes it this much, maybe she should just switch to fashion design.

It’s not like Korea University doesn’t have a textiles department.

Honestly, if I stripped away my instinctive sibling resentment, objectively speaking, she’s got a strikingly pretty face.

Our parents were both quite good-looking in their youth, and I’ve thought more than once that all those genes must’ve pooled into her.

And now… she seemed to be putting that face to good use.

Well, if I wanted an honest opinion on Seo-ah, I’d have to hear it from the photographer or Jinha, but judging by the staff’s expressions, they weren’t just being polite. It must be genuine.

Under all that praise, the corners of her mouth kept twitching up.

Thrilled to death, huh?

After a long while, Seo-ah’s shoot finally ended. We started around noon, but before I knew it, it was past 7 PM.

By then, I was curious about how the photos would turn out.

Even if this was just for some free clothes, who wouldn’t wonder how their first time modeling would look?

The staff and photographer, still full of energy, were chatting enthusiastically with Jinha.

“Seriously, Jinha, how do you keep finding gems like this? Seohyun just naturally fits the vibe, and Seo-ah seems born to model.”

“Right? I was shocked too!”

……This is kinda embarrassing. Feels like eavesdropping.

“At this rate, we could easily demand the magazine make one of them the cover model. Any publisher would agree after seeing the results.”

“Originally, the deal was that mutant-related features always get the cover. But Seo-ah’s shots are easily cover-worthy too… That’s a shame.”

“Well, Seohyun’s the main feature. Still, it’s gonna stir up some buzz.”

“Definitely. Honestly… feels like I struck gold where I least expected.”

“Exactly. Both of them followed directions perfectly, so shooting was a breeze. You won’t be disappointed with today’s results.”

“As always, thank you for agreeing so readily. It’s not easy.”

“Haha, no need. We enjoyed it too. Good work deserves good pay, and you always take care of us, so we give it our all.”

What followed was a heartwarming exchange of gratitude. They must’ve been really pleased with today’s work.

“Alright, we’re pretty much wrapped up… How about we grab dinner? Maybe some steak?”

“Not a bad idea. Though usually, we just hit a barbecue joint. Feeling fancy today?”

“Special occasion. Wouldn’t it be a waste to toast with just beer or soju? Or should we go all out with fine dining?”

“That’s fine too, but… I’m really craving meat today.”

Jinha chuckled. Either way, free food getting upgraded is always a win.

And so, Seo-ah and I stepped into a restaurant whose sign and interior screamed ludicrously expensive, gawking like country bumpkins.

I’ve been to high-end places before, but never one this luxurious.

The sheer opulence was dazzling enough to make your eyes spin.

Just how much did they spend on the interior?

“……First time in a place like this.”

“Oh, really?”

“Same.”

“Thought you might’ve been to one since you’re in college.”

“I’ve been to some fancy places, but nothing on this level. Thank you, really.”

“Hehe, today’s results were possible because of you two, so don’t hold back. Order whatever—price is no object. Tonight’s a celebration. Ah, what’s your alcohol tolerance?”

“Mine’s basically infinite post-mutation, but Seo-ah’s underage. Better not serve her.”

“Ahaha! Got it. Then, just a soft drink for Seo-ah. Seohyun, how about wine?”

“I’ve got a sweet tooth.”

“Then we’ll go with that. Photographer, the usual for you?”

“Sounds good. Man, it’s been a while since I’ve been here. The food’s incredible.”

“You’ve earned it.”

“Didn’t feel like work at all. These two made it so easy.”

“Haha… Still, I hope we didn’t cause too much trouble as first-timers.”

At that, the photographer burst into laughter.

“HAHA! This was hardly any trouble. If anything, we wrapped up way faster than usual. Normally, we’d be scarfing down takeout and shooting till dawn.”

“That bad?”

“Yep. So don’t worry. Both of you were fantastic—actually, you could dive straight into this industry if you wanted. And no, that’s not just flattery.”

“……Thank you for the kindness.”

“In all my years shooting mutants and models… today was one of the most relaxed and enjoyable shoots ever. Call me if you ever need another session—I’ll come running.”

“Doubt that’ll happen, though?”

The photographer just smiled at my response.

“Who knows? Life’s full of surprises. When the magazine comes out, you might be shocked seeing yourselves in a whole new light.”

“You think?”

“Definitely. Most models feel proud seeing their published work. I’m sure you will too. If you ever think about dipping into SNS, give it a shot. I guarantee you’d amass followers overnight.”

“Ahaha……”

“I agree with the photographer. Honestly, it’d be a waste otherwise. Both Seohyun and Seo-ah clearly have the talent—feel free to drop by again if you’re interested.”

With Jinha joining in, the sudden flood of praise left me at a loss. My sister seemed equally flustered.

Watching her lips twitch upward, I wouldn’t be surprised if she snagged Jinha or the photographer’s contact info before the night was over.

Well… whatever she chooses, it’s her call. Not my place to interfere.

Let her chase what makes her happy. Not like money’s an issue for me anymore.

“Interested, huh?”

“Huh? N-No.”

“Liar. It’s written all over your face.”

“……That obvious?”

“Very.”

“Ahaha! Adorable. Should I give you my number? If you’re serious, I can hook you up with some top models.”

“I, I should probably talk to my parents first.”

“Of course. It’s a big decision—think it over, have an honest chat, then reach out. Someone like you, Seo-ah, would be worth nurturing. Ah, Seohyun, not interested?”

“Graduation’s my priority for now. If nothing else comes up after, maybe I’ll give you a call.”

“Perfect. Oh, and if you ever need more clothes, just say the word. I’ll make whatever you want.”

“……Yes!”

The warm atmosphere carried through the entire meal, right until the end.

And all the way home, Seo-ah kept grinning at her phone.

Seemed like an unexpected new path had just opened up for her.